Tuesday Caps Clips: Caps @ Avalanche Game Day
by J.P. on Dec 15, 2009 6:42 AM EST
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PrintYour savory breakfast links:
- Go west, young men! (And you too, Knuble.) Previews of Jose Theodore's return to Colorado from Vogs, Peerless and NHL.com, and be sure to check out our SB Nation partner (and another personal fave) Mile High Hockey for coverage from the other side of tonight's match up.
- The Avs are likely to be without Milan Hejduk and Marek Svatos tonight. [@adater]
- Avs frosh Matt Duchene is looking forward to playing against the two-time reigning MVP. [Denver Post]
- The Caps will spend this week trying to represent the Eastern Conference, which is getting its brains beaten in in inter-Conference play. [From The Rink]
- When the Caps get to Vancouver, they'd better be ready to try to shutdown the League's hottest line. [Orland Kurtenblog]
- Further coverage of the Michael Nylander transfer from the WTimes, the WaPo, the WashEx and OFB.
- "You notice when you watch games on TV, certain guys show up game in and game out and that’s the kind of guy I want to be." - Karl Alzner. [CSN Washington, with more on Alzner at Washington Examiner]
- Being in first place is pretty sweet... and pretty rare in these parts. [D.C. Sports Bog]
- Fresh power rankings, with the Caps holding at second at Sporting News, down one to second at The Hockey News, up two (huh?) to second at ESPN, down one to seventh at CBS Sports, and down seven (look out below!) to eighth at TSN.
- Some interesting Caps nuggets in Elliotte Friedman's weekly must-read. [CBC]
- Bob McKenzie has Stefan Della Rovere and Cody Eakin making Team Canada for the WJCs. [TSN]
- Eakin likes the role of checker, and has a heck of a good attitude. [Regina Leader-Post]
- SI's All-Decade page-view generator is in full swing, and there's plenty of Alex Ovechkin all over it, including in the All-Decade Team, the decade's signature moments, the decade's signature play and most colorful player. (Surprisingly, he got edged out at SI for "biggest villain.")
- Jeff Schultz may not hit opponents often, but when he does, they tend to be shorter than him (duh). [Behind the Net]
- BREAKING: Ted Leonsis supports Ovechkin. [The Hockey News]
- Speaking of The Boss, he's "more than satisfied" with Kettler Capitals Iceplex. No kidding. [Sun Gazette]
- Caps fans know how to use the Internet. [D.C. Sports Bog]
- Boyd Gordon actually practiced yesterday. Nice. [Washington Examiner]
- From the "It's an honor just to be nominated" file, Mike Green is not your Rogers Sportsnet Canadian Athlete of the Year. [Edmonton Sun]
- More Nylander-related rejoicing. [Fight For Old DC]
- Bear Tracks! [LDN]
- Vote or die. [NHL Arena]
- Finally, happy 25th birthday to Kyle Wilson, who is likely to make his NHL debut tonight.
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From Elliotte Friedman…
20. One GM told me that if you’re going to sign a player to a long-term, big-money deal, he’d better be three things: critical to your success, consistently healthy and, most importantly, extremely self-motivated. Backstrom (who has not missed a game in three years) fits that profile.
21. Serious question Capitals must ask themselves – does Alexander Semin?
It’s the difference between a ten-year deal and a three year offer.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Hey, stop with the personal attacks!
/had to be said
"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 7:26 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Didn’t your mother teach you any better?
"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 7:44 AM EST up reply actions
Even the most ardent Semin booster would have to concede on the second of Friedman’s criteria.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
canada’s 2002 olympic gold medal was one of the NHL’s 10 signature moments of the decade? if SI says so, i guess.
although props to SI for this:
WORST INNOVATION: The loser point
Along with four-on-four overtime and the shootout came the consolation prize. You do win for losing in the NHL, as long as you have evened the score after the regulation 60 minutes. Not only has the loser point sucked the life out of many games that are tied late in the third period, it has skewed standings with three-point games. (This season Toronto had twice as many points in October from losses than wins.) The current standings — with headings W, L, OTL, SL, PTS — aren’t read as much as decoded. A simple W, L (and maybe a GB, like baseball) would make four-on-four and the shootout more than a sop to fans and add much needed transparency.
by Natty Bumppo on Dec 15, 2009 7:19 AM EST up reply actions
They lost me when they said the shootout was the best innovation of the decade.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 15, 2009 7:43 AM EST up reply actions
“All Decade page-view generator”. LOL. Good one.
Regarding Semin, I think it’s safe to say that the fire or competition does not rage within him.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
I don’t think that’s safe to say, actually.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Evidence?
Or do you just not like my upbringing?
Seriously, Semin obviously lacks focus and discipline; how else can you account for the wildly inconsistent play?
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
“Seriously, Semin” either sounds like a sit com or a dirty movie….
"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 7:57 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Focus and discipline, yes. Fire and competition, no. For example, it looks to me like many of his HHT penalties are from his competitive-as-hell attitude. Remember that trip-up of Alfie on a VS game last season @ OTT (the one Brandon Bell won on the resulting PP) ? Seems like a good explanation.
by red army line on Dec 15, 2009 7:59 AM EST up reply actions
Agree. Most seem to be either retaliatory in nature or redemptive — someone did him wrong and it wasn’t called or he committed a giveaway (yes, I admit he does it sometimes) and wants it back badly, too badly, thereby committing that “stupid penalty” at times, other times actually getting it back.
Yea, part of his problem is hooking. He has great skills so he can take away pucks, but done wrong, penalty.
They laughed at Columbus, they laughed at Fulton, they laughed at the Wright brothers. But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown.
He can stick lift your stick from right next to your wrists, and tries to sometimes, but if he misses, arm up, hooking.
by red army line on Dec 15, 2009 4:36 PM EST up reply actions
I’d agree that he lacks consistent focus (similar to 52 in that respect) and discipline at times (FWIW, he’s committed one penalty since November 7), but I wouldn’t question his overall competitiveness or drive, because when he needs to, he competes – he’s often been at his best in the playoffs, Worlds, etc. The “when he needs to” part is the frustrating part.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
For me, truly competitive guys are the ones who bring it consistently. Not just when the stakes are high.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
by fat_daddyo on Dec 15, 2009 8:07 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
That’s a fine definition. I think another acceptable definition would be a guy who recognizes the situation and raises his game when it matters.
A guy like AO probably doesn’t even like losing a game of Connect Four to a kid, but just because someone doesn’t turn every moment into a win or lose situation doesn’t necessarily mean he doesn’t want to win what’s important any less.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 15, 2009 8:11 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Ok, fair enough…now to the big question:
Would you give Alex Semin a 12-year contract, lock him up until he’s in his later 30’s?
I would not, for the record.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
To expand a bit, I think you can only go all in on a few guys, and they have on two with a third pending. Of those three, they’ve got the scorer, the playmaker and the blueliner. Maybe the goalie works himself into that foundational group, but I’d have a hard time committing to another skater, especially one who may not be particularly durable, clearly doesn’t have an ideal relationship with the coach, and hasn’t proven himself to be irreplaceable.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
(And by “all in,” here, I mean six years or so, not a dozen-year mega-deal.)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I’d be all for splitting the difference and work toward a 3-4 year deal. That ought to be do-able, right?
by mechanicsville on Dec 15, 2009 9:15 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Would find 4 yrs. for Semin reasonable and 6 for Backs, reviewing around age 30. Not a fan at all of the super-long contracts. Did not care for the length of Ovi’s. I have an 11-year-old — he’ll be out of college by the time it’s up. Seems like a very long time.
Those seem like acceptable numbers to me. I don’t mind the long deals for Ovie and Backstrom, so I’d be comfortable doing more years for Backs, but there doesn’t seem like a lot of incentive to do so, financial or otherwise, since he’s so young. I wouldn’t do a super-long deal for any other current Cap, though – those two are special.
I’d expect a Toews-like deal for Nicky, the market is pretty established there (though his agent should push for a little more based on stats). Semin though, who knows.
I’d like to see Backstrom sewn up for as long as we have Ovechkin, personally. Those two are too good together to split up – sortof like peanut butter and chocolate!
by IRockTheRed on Dec 15, 2009 3:52 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Maybe though make Backstrom’s contract expire a season later. Can you spell “two headed monster”? AO and Backstrom in the same season?
by red army line on Dec 15, 2009 4:37 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
’Twould be insane.
"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 8:16 AM EST up reply actions
Nope. I don’t like those long term deals anyway except in really, really extraordinary circumstances (like the Caps with Alex). There’s too much of a risk of ending up with a DiPietro situation (or an Alexei Yashin situation, whom the Islanders will be paying out for the next 5 years…its amazing to me that after Streit and Tavares, the two highest cap hits on the Isles are Yashin and DiPietro)
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 15, 2009 8:24 AM EST up reply actions
Well, Tavares is still on his ELC, so he’s going to be a relatively low cap hit, but the over-arching point’s valid.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Don’t know how accurate it is, but according to NHLnumbers.com JT’s cap hit is 3.75. I guess that has something to do with the 2.85 bonus he’s getting?
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 15, 2009 8:32 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah, that’s exactly right. By “relatively low” I meant that there are plenty of higher-paid, less-productive players floating around the League on UFA and RFA deals.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Gotcha. So its more of a reference to how low his base hit is?
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 15, 2009 8:39 AM EST up reply actions
Just saying that comparing an ELC to UFA deals is dicey. It’s like saying Backstrom is one of the best bargains in hockey. I mean, he is from a points-per-dollar standpoint, but given that there wasn’t much in the way of negotiating that could’ve been done on his current deal, there wasn’t any “bargaining” at all.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Well, same logic applies, IMO – he’s very good, lottery picks should be very good, and GMs can neither pat themselves on the back nor flog themselves for the terms of the deals to which they players are signed. I’d leave ELCs out of such conversations entirely, personally.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
A guy like AO probably doesn’t even like losing a game of Connect Four to a kid, but just because someone doesn’t turn every moment into a win or lose situation doesn’t necessarily mean he doesn’t want to win what’s important any less.
This is a great analogy and probably has a lot of truth specific to Semin. A lot of athletes\people don’t consider every waking second win or lose.
(Put me in the AO camp of not wanting to even lose at Connect Four)
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.
its never acceptable to lose Connect Four. NEVER. which may go a long way to explain why my brothers wouldn’t play games with me. Sissies.
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
(when two adults are playing, can anyone ever lose at connect four?)
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 15, 2009 10:59 AM EST up reply actions
I haven’t played connect 4 since I was 12, actually.
Trivial Pursuit, however, gets pretty nasty between me and Mr. Bird. We’re way too competitive.
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
I’m the same way with SceneIt.
"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 12:19 PM EST up reply actions
Me too. I get very stabby when i lose Trivial Pursuit. Fortunately, that doesn’t happen very often.
I could have been equipment manager, but nooooo!
I suck at Connect Four, but I don’t lose often at Trivial Pursuit. When last I played, I wiped the floor with a friend who had been previously undefeated over a 7 year period (never having faced me.)
Can you handle Tic Tac Toe?
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
I’m a bigger fan of Tic Tac Dough
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 15, 2009 11:08 AM EST up reply actions
I dunno….it just becomes a little sketchy when you question what motivates a player or how motivated he is. That’s not really something within the realm of public knowledge.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 15, 2009 8:02 AM EST up reply actions
Building on the competitiveness thing, spending time here in San Francisco I can tell you that Barry Bonds was one of the most competitive players I’ve ever seen. But he would take entire games off (including games he was playing in) because he knew they made no difference in the big picture. It’s almost as though he was frustrated to be wasting his time with a meaningless ballgame when he could be doing everything (legal or not) that he could to win it all.
I see that in Semin. I think he loses focus sometimes precisely because he knows the game he’s playing in doesn’t mean jack.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 15, 2009 9:04 AM EST up reply actions
I keep thinking back to one of the interviews he did in the first few games of the season, where people were criticizing the team for not playing hard for 60 full minutes. He said something to the effect of “I dunno, should we be upset? We’ll be fine in the end.” So I think you may be right about this.
How many world series did Bonds’ teams win?
That’s the big picture, and “flipping the switch” for big picture games (espcially when you have to play two months of them in hockey in the spring) is a myth. No one is expecting any player to be “on” for all 162 games in baseball or all 82 in hockey. Things happen — bumps and bruises, travel issues, just feeling out of sorts. But if one’s attitude is, “oh, it’s just the Nats” or “it’s just the Maple Leafs (oops),” that kind of thing has a way of coming back to haunt you in the end when you do try to turn it on.
If you've read this far...seek help.
How many world series did Bonds’ teams win?
Let me just assure you, and put this to rest for ever, that Barry Bonds was not the problem — at least not past his 5th season (he was a punk before that). He played for some pretty lousy teams, and he dragged one of them kicking and screaming into the World Series. If you want to have some fun someday, go to baseball reference and look at the names of the other two outfielders that were out there with him most nights through the 2000s and late 1990s…
But if one’s attitude is, "oh, it’s just the Nats" or "it’s just the Maple Leafs (oops)," that kind of thing has a way of coming back to haunt you in the end when you do try to turn it on.
Agree 100%, and I think this is particularly true for hockey.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 15, 2009 9:20 AM EST up reply actions
Here’s that world series-losing Giants team. If you put your thumb over Bonds on the list, the rest of that team has got to be one of the worst squads ever to make it to the world series. And that’s one of the best teams that SF managed to put together around him.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 15, 2009 9:27 AM EST up reply actions
I tried, but could only cover part of Barry’s enormous mellon with my thumb.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Its a lot of fun to go back and read how ridiculous Barry Bonds’ numbers were during that time. My personal fave is his 2003 year with the 1.422 OPS, the 263 OPS+, the 120 intentional walks, and the .403 EqA. As insane as the.403 EqA is, he also put up a .438 EqA in 2004, and a .428 EqA in 2001. His combined WARP3 for the years 2001-2004 is 48.6, which a lot of guys don’t put up in a CAREER.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 15, 2009 9:40 AM EST up reply actions
Could have been worse; he could have drank Mr. Burns’ dreaded nerve tonic.
"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 9:45 AM EST up reply actions
Gigantism!!!
Mattingly!!! Cut those sideburns!!
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 15, 2009 9:48 AM EST up reply actions
Brilliant episode. Somewhere, Ozzie Smith continues to drift…
Don’t go in there!
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
Is it ever. Has to be in the top 10, if only for the “Talkin’ Softball” song, which I could sing all day from memory.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 15, 2009 10:47 AM EST up reply actions
Softball, Scorpio, the trip to Japan, dental plan, Beer Baron, air show, food critic, monorail, Mr. X, and short-films about Springfield.
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
Any episode involving a Troy McClure film is golden in my mind.
A man gotta have a code
by Carl Putnam on Dec 15, 2009 11:03 AM EST up reply actions
Or a Troy McClure play…
I hate every ape I see…from Chimpan-A to Chimpan-Z
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 15, 2009 11:04 AM EST up reply actions
Dr. Zaius Dr. Zaius. Dr. Zaius Dr. Zaius, woooaaaah Dr. Zaius!
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 15, 2009 1:33 PM EST up reply actions
“Can I play the piano any-more?”
“Well of course you can!”
“Well I couldn’t before!”
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 15, 2009 2:34 PM EST up reply actions
Please don’t forget King Size Homer and the episode starring Mojo the helper monkey.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Some of Homer’s best moments came in “The Summer of 4ft 2” episode, where they went to the Flanders’ Summer house in Little Pwagmattasquarmsettport.
Between the transaction with the Kwik E Mart guy trying to buy fireworks, blowing up the garbage disposal, and pointing out how Milhouse looks like the “dud” in Mystery Date (“He looks just like you Poindexter!!”), there are few better Homer moments.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 15, 2009 11:11 AM EST up reply actions
And how could I forget from that episode…
SWEET MERCIFUL CRAP!!! MY CAR!
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 15, 2009 11:20 AM EST up reply actions
And of course….
PITT THE ELDER!!
LORD PALMERSTON!!!
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 15, 2009 10:49 AM EST up reply actions
You watch too many movies, Saxy Boy!
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 15, 2009 1:35 PM EST up reply actions
How many world series did Bonds’ teams win?
Baseball and hockey are team games.
But if one’s attitude is, "oh, it’s just the Nats" or "it’s just the Maple Leafs (oops)," that kind of thing has a way of coming back to haunt you in the end when you do try to turn it on.
I think this is much more applicable on a macro, team level than on an individual level. It wasn’t “one’s attitude” Saturday night, but about “fifteen’s attitudes.”
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Baseball and hockey are team games.
I would argue that baseball is less of a team game than hockey, though. Just to play devil’s advocate.
"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 9:30 AM EST up reply actions
I would argue that any single position player in baseball has less impact on a game than a first liner or first pairing hockey player. Starting pitchers only play once every five games, and closers only one inning out of 20 or so. It’s just harder for a superstar to have as much of an impact in baseball.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 15, 2009 9:34 AM EST up reply actions
A player up to bat is a single man effort, though. It’s the pitcher vs. the batter. Add the catcher calling the pitches in there too. Others can impact the outcome, but only if a batter can put the ball in play and no one else is helping him do that.
Excise the Gimmick from hockey and you have five skaters and a goalie working in tandem for 60 minutes (less with PK, but whatever). Hockey is more of a cooperative effort is all I’m saying.
"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 9:41 AM EST up reply actions
Strikeouts are boring and besides that, they’re fascist. Throw some ground balls. They’re more democratic.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 15, 2009 9:43 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
rec’d for the excellent sports movie reference!
by HeartbreakRidge on Dec 15, 2009 9:46 AM EST up reply actions
Semin’s got a Porsh already, with a quadrophonic Blaupunk.
by redlineblue on Dec 15, 2009 11:01 AM EST up reply actions
Oh I don’t disagree about the battle between individuals that is an at-bat. At that moment, it’s just you and the pitcher. I was reacting more to the question of how much Barry Bonds had to do with his team’s success. Less than Ovechkin, I’d argue.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 15, 2009 10:16 AM EST up reply actions
In terms of WARP3, which is a way to tell how many “wins” a player contributed to his team relative to a replacement level player, Bonds from 2001-2004 was worth about 48 of them by himself, so that averages out to his production adding roughly 12 wins a year to SF during that time, which is a pretty gigantic number.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 15, 2009 10:21 AM EST up reply actions
Interesting stuff. Where did you find that metric?
"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 10:28 AM EST up reply actions
Baseball Prospectus
There’s a WARP1 that accounts for Wins Above Replacement Player for that particular season, but I tend to favor WARP3 because it covers all-time.
FireJoeMorgan’s definition is pretty simple
WARP (Wins Above Replacement Player)
Sort of like VORP, but with a defensive component, as well. And it’s calculated in terms of wins. It uses VORP and FRAA and all of those things to figure out how many wins a player is worth to his team, by himself, from all phases of his game. There are also WARP-2 and WARP-3, which adjust for various historical factors and stuff like that.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 15, 2009 10:34 AM EST up reply actions
Thanks. I was gonna guess Baseball Prospectus. I’m trying to learn more about sabermetrics and the like.
"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 10:37 AM EST up reply actions
Its actually really fun to learn about. Looking at stats and comparisons and stuff, particularly in baseball, where the game really hasn’t changed as much as the other sports have, so you can compare all different eras, is always entertaining on some level.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 15, 2009 10:38 AM EST up reply actions
You have any other helpful baseball stat sites that you frequent?
"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 10:40 AM EST up reply actions
I just use BP and Baseball Reference most of the time. Fangraphs.com is good too.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 15, 2009 10:46 AM EST up reply actions
Thanks. I’ve looked at all three of those, but not extensively.
"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 10:48 AM EST up reply actions
But if your best player is the one giving 80 on a semi-regular basis (games that aren’t “big picture” games), that has a way of percolating throughout the squad. And while Bonds wasn’t the problem (talent-wise) on any team on which he played, I imagine you’d go pretty far before you found a teammate who would bust a gut on his behalf, which is why — baseball (and hockey) being team sports — it matters if your best player is that calculating when it comes to games he’s going to go all out for and others he doesn’t.
If you've read this far...seek help.
I agree with that, but don’t think it applies here (i.e. to the Caps), given that their best player gives 110% on most nights and there’s enough leadership (theoretically) to keep most everyone in line.
If Alex Semin’s effort level on some regular season nights was this team’s biggest problem, they’d be in fantastic shape.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I’m not so sure it’s enough. There is one statistic that comes screaming off the page at me when I think of how this team is preparing itself for the rest of the season and games that do matter:
.583
That is the Caps’ winning percentage in games in which they score first (i.e., start fast). It might not seem like much, but that is good for 23rd in the league. There is not another playoff team — top-eight — below them at the moment (CBJ, TBL, NYI, STL, FLA, ANA, CAR). In fact, the next lowest ranked playoff team in this statistic is the team they play tonight.
This kid of thing — an almost nonchalance in games they should bury teams in — will, in my opinion, kil this team in the spring when they won’t have the luxury of playing teams that can’t come back because of the skill deficit.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Dec 15, 2009 9:44 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
But how many games have they scored first in? Most of them, right?
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I’d rather score last and win 70% (or whatever it is) than score first and win 58%. However, in the postseason the competition will be tougher. Expect that 70% to go down the drain and that 58% to decrease as well. Not a formula for success.
by red army line on Dec 15, 2009 2:07 PM EST up reply actions
Oh, I agree completely, my point being that Alex Semin’s effort level isn’t the team’s biggest problem and that there’s a more systemic problem which is what you’re getting at.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
On that, I’d certainly agree. Alexander Semin is not the cause, nor is he a reason for that result. It is more systemic.
If you've read this far...seek help.
… which would force me to point a finger, if I had to, behind the bench.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 15, 2009 9:51 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Well, certainly the “bad cop” needs to be identified on this team. The person who will hold others accountable, either by virtue of authority (the coach) or by being a bad-ass who just won’t tolerate that sort of thing by his peers (I’m not seeing that personality on this roster at the moment). In answer to the question below, is it something that can be “fixed” via trade, I think it can be addressed, but “fixed?” For that we might need to see more “bad cop” from the coaching staff as well.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Dec 15, 2009 10:01 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I wouldn’t even hesitate to point my finger behind the bench. BB brings a lot of great things to the Caps, but one thing he seems to consistently lack as a coach is his ability to focus on making smart coaching moves during games – aside from the occasional brilliant line change. In particular, I think he’s one of the worst coaches with respect to knowing when to wake the team up when they start to slide.
Just some examples of his complete failure to use the time out and/or make a change in net: last game against TO – the Caps have a 2 goal lead, TO scores a goal… no response from BB. TO scores again… no response from BB. When the netminder looked shaky (at best) for the entire second period – no response from BB. It seems like he’s busy waiting for the team to come back on their own and doesn’t realize he’s the guy who needs to break the momentum the other team is gaining by calling a time out and straightening out the club and/or making a change in net. You can use every one of those examples in the Jersey game that started out 2-0 and even last year’s brutal game 7 against the Penguins as well… where was BB when the team needed that game-changing momentum breaking talk/coaching change?
The team has held the lead in the second period in all but two games this year. The bench needs to find a way to get through to the team that you can’t lose as many as they have when you are in that position. BB seems to think there are only two good uses for the time out – a rest from PK/icing and the late push last minute time out to discuss set plays.
On that point I was wondering if BB belongs in the weekly trends figure
by renstar on Dec 15, 2009 12:44 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
To Alexander Semin!
The cause of, and solution to, all of life’s problems!
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 15, 2009 9:51 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I imagine you’d go pretty far before you found a teammate who would bust a gut on his behalf,
I find that the opposite was true. The teams were very loyal to Barry, and he made them play better. He was a bit of a player-coach in that locker room (speaking particularly of the 2000s, when I was already out here). And his fire and competitiveness would spread through the locker room.
Unfortunately, those players just weren’t that good. How many guys left the Giants and became stars elsewhere? I can’t think of any.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 15, 2009 9:37 AM EST up reply actions
Jeff Kent was already an All-Star caliber player and remained so for a few years after leaving SF. But there was some serious head-butting going on with he and Bonds, right? You probably know more about the background on that. Kent seemed to rub a lot of teammates the wrong way wherever he went.
Yup. To be blunt, I personally lay more of that on Kent, but neither of them were exactly angels.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 15, 2009 3:46 PM EST up reply actions
Some of his (rare) comments last Spring indicated as much. All that matters is the playoffs.
by mechanicsville on Dec 15, 2009 9:24 AM EST up reply actions
SO TRUE!!!
NON-SPORTS THOUGHT OF THE WEEK
“Don’t know how many of you watch Dexter, but the last scene Sunday night was one of the greatest season-ending plot twists ever. Right up there with the first year of 24.”
Way off hockey topic.. but had to share.. This downright pissed me off!
I assume he was going for the most expensive seats for each team. The Moose play in what used to be an NHL arena; while it probably pre-dates luxury suites, there must be something that justifies the cost.
"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."
Actually they play new arena, MTS Centre, that was built after the Jets left.
A man gotta have a code
by Carl Putnam on Dec 15, 2009 11:16 AM EST up reply actions
Really? I just assumed it was where the Jets played. It’s been described as too small for a contemporary NHL team (seats about 15,000, if I recall from the Calder Cup stories). But it’s clearly too large for the average AHL team.
"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."
It was built with the hope of attracting an NHL team, but yes, the seating capacity is not as high as existing NHL arenas and that is often cited as an issue when talks surface about bringing in an NHL team (along with corporate support, etc.)
The old Winnipeg Arena is no more.
"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."
And aside from the arena, the main problem with giving Winnipeg a team is sponsorships. They’d have no problem selilng games out (what else is there to do in Manitoba?) but corporate sponsorships would be a major challenge for them.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 15, 2009 3:49 PM EST up reply actions
Hey, we can combine Caps hockey with Dexter by pointing out that Mr. Leonsis blogged about it!
by HeartbreakRidge on Dec 15, 2009 11:00 AM EST up reply actions
I love playing WC teams, but hate the 9:30 weekday start. I’ll do my best to stay up for as much as I can, but the alarm goes off mighty early…
I could have been equipment manager, but nooooo!
Amen to that. At least it’s only one weekday late game (and two weekenders).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
That certainly helps… I can’t wait to play the Nuckety Nucks.
I could have been equipment manager, but nooooo!
I can stay up for the first, but that’s about it. It should be fun to play the Mothernuckers on friday. It almost has a sleepover/slumber party feel to it.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 15, 2009 7:52 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Let’s pull an all-nighter with Nucks Misconduct. I’ll go get the Red Bull.
"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 7:55 AM EST up reply actions
Only if we can reenact the one from Animal House.
rowr.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 15, 2009 8:02 AM EST up reply actions
And it should also include pajamas with feet.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 15, 2009 8:04 AM EST up reply actions
And ears…
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Dec 15, 2009 9:11 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Is CSN handling the whole trip, or is Saturday the second half of HNIC?
"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 7:59 AM EST up reply actions
Both, I believe (CSN locally, HNiC for the rest of planet earth).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Plus? Haven’t checked yet, but wouldn’t be surprised.
"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 haven’t checked. Sure hope not.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Maybe we’ll be tired enough that it won’t make a difference?
"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 8:05 AM EST up reply actions
I checked. Wiz are on HD at 9:00. They’re also out west this week. Stinks.
"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."
It most certainly does, especially since their games the 16th and the 18th are also being picked up by ESPN. Does that black out ESPN locally when that happens?
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 15, 2009 8:45 AM EST up reply actions
Not sure. I can remember one night there was a Wiz game on both, and neither was blacked out. Why can’t we get that with the Caps? It wouldn’t matter this week, anyway, because NHLN stopped carrying the late HNIC games this year.
"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."
Bizarrely, no, you can watch the Wiz on ESPN or CSN when that happens. The CSN feed is on a shorter delay too, makes for weird channel surfing.
"No TV and no beer make Homer go something something."
So I can hear Buckhantz yell “DAG-!” on one channel, and then flip back and hear “-GER” on t’other.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 15, 2009 9:02 AM EST up reply actions
I would much rather watch the HNIC feeds than the CSN feeds.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 15, 2009 8:04 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I kinda like the new theme now with the bag pipes. The old one is still the best, but the new one has grown on me.
Their production pieces at CBC are really epic. Great, great stuff. I still watch the intro from Game 7 last year against the Pens (set to the Silversun Pickups’ “Lazy Eye”) all the time.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 15, 2009 8:09 AM EST up reply actions
Yep, CSN+. FML.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 15, 2009 8:06 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Take your anger out on the Wizards who inconceivably still outdraw the Caps in ratings.
"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 8:13 AM EST up reply actions
I can proudly say I haven’t watched the Wizards this year, so I’m doing my part. What a pathetic bunch.
I haven’t watched them ever. You’ve got a lot of catching up to do.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Same here. I’m a lifer.
"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 8:52 AM EST up reply actions
Depends. Bmore Bullets or Washington?
"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 8:59 AM EST up reply actions
Well, there was that year and a half or so stretch where Arenas was actually, you know, good. That was reasonably fun. The Caps were still a painful watch then.
Hershey has a good, fun arena. I visited it over the weekend.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
And it smells like chocolate!
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 15, 2009 9:03 AM EST up reply actions
I originally thought the start tonight was at 9:00 and figured I might make it to watch the whole game, That extra half an hour is just enough to be annoying. However, it’s as if the schedulers did Caps fans a favor with the West Coast trips, with most of the games on the weekends.
"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."
One of the biggest advantages to living out West is sports viewing. I don’t miss staying up to ridiculous hours watching prime time or west coast games.
A man gotta have a code
No kidding. I would LOVE to have all my sports viewing done on Sundays by 5:00, or be able to tune into the Caps right after I get home from work.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 15, 2009 8:47 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah, but aren’t you still at work when most Caps games start?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I definitely am. It sucks. Tonight will be fun for me.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 15, 2009 9:08 AM EST up reply actions
It used to depend on the day of the week. Lately that unfortunately has not been an issue. Also since I am MST much of the season the games start at 5pm local time for me as opposed to 4pm. It’s nice to be able to watch to watch 2 sets of games and be in bed by 10:30pm at latest. The weekends are where its even better. I can roll out of bed and football is on already.
A man gotta have a code
by Carl Putnam on Dec 15, 2009 10:36 AM EST up reply actions
West Coast viewing sucks when you care about east coast teams. Sitting at a bar at 9am to get a seat to watch the Skins, listening to internet radio a 4 during the work day also sucked. I don’t miss that at all.
"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 have a friend who is STH for Caps. Used to live in LA. He says he misses early game times. I guess it depends on how you look at it.
A man gotta have a code
by Carl Putnam on Dec 15, 2009 10:38 AM EST up reply actions
I agree. Living in Vegas, it sucked having to make it to the nearest sports book before 9 am to make football bets.
Actually works out great for me. I’ll get to catch the tail end after my game at Kettler. I’ll buy a beer for whoever shows at Bailey’s for the third. ($2 drafts FTW)
"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 right. Tonight you battle. Godspeed, gentlemen.
I could have been equipment manager, but nooooo!
I want a post-game recap for this.
"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 12:22 PM EST up reply actions
Of course. If you are able to show your face.
"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."
Just checked my fantasy team stats from last night
I basically have a bunch of zeros plus a nice juicy 18 next to Kimmo Timonen.
Hilarious Curmudgeonly Article
about the good old days.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
Sincerely,
S. Fischler
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 15, 2009 8:10 AM EST up reply actions
So the annual FBI vs. Secret Service hockey game is being played at Kettler on Jan. 2, the same day as the Japers’ pickup game. Anyone think that will cause a conflict?
"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 8:22 AM EST reply actions
Only if you plan on showing up armed.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Of course I am. I’m like Ted Nugent on skates.
"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 8:28 AM EST up reply actions
Nice. I’m assuming, then, a compound bow rather than a firearm?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
My goal celebration during a pickup game:
"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 8:33 AM EST up reply actions
Hope you don’t end up battling a bad case of cat scratch fever.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 15, 2009 8:34 AM EST up reply actions
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 15, 2009 8:37 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Now that’s a goal celebration. Ovechkin, eat your heart out.
"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 8:38 AM EST up reply actions
Makes me miss zubaz pants
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 15, 2009 8:39 AM EST up reply actions
With suspenders no less.
"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 8:41 AM EST up reply actions
My bad, though in my defense, no eyes should be permitted to avoid that picture.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Indeed. That picture’s got me in a stranglehold, baby.
"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 8:44 AM EST up reply actions
I’d be remiss if I didn’t take this opportunity to segue from Nuge song references to the brilliantly delicious Wango Tango BBQ Sauce from Dinosaur BBQ.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Well played, sir.
"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 8:52 AM EST up reply actions
Wango Tango sounds too much like Cabo Wabo for my taste. I can’t deal with anything Hagar.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 15, 2009 9:03 AM EST up reply actions
I actually enjoy his tequila infinitely more than his music.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I hear that if you drink too much Cabo Wabo, it becomes impossible to drive 55.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 15, 2009 9:25 AM EST up reply actions
Hahaha, good one
But seriously, kids, drunk driving is no laughing matter. We’d all sure like to see you around here some more, and driving after drinking is an easy way to take that offramp to Hades. So if you’re going to partake in the ole ’Wabo. Do it responsibly. And stay in school
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 15, 2009 9:30 AM EST up reply actions
/Snooki Punch Reaction’d
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 15, 2009 9:42 AM EST up reply actions
Only if you plan on showing up armed.
Why would that be a problem?
Virginia is an open carry state and Concealed Carry Permits aren’t too hard to get.
Now D.C.. and the People’s Republic of Maryland….
Ted Leonsis Used to Recommend: http://capsnut.blogspot.com/
Everybody Wang Chung......
Please load brain before shooting off mouth.™
Often times you’re not allowed in sports arenas and public building even if you have a permit. And concealed carry permits are really hard to get in MD. You have to have a death threat upon you. Way too hard, many years of Democratic control and the always high Baltimore crime rate make it so.
But People’s Republic of Maryland? Ugh, I’ve heard so many conservative nutjobs that the title makes me cringe.
“DEMOCRATS AND DESTROYING AMERICA!”
Uhh, the republicans control the house, the senate, and the presidency. Run this by me again?
This was of course a few years ago. Now with the presidency and congress controlled by the democrats, it’s easier to justify. But I tend to lump in those people of old with the Flyer fans, and the Schultz haters. Avoid if possible
They laughed at Columbus, they laughed at Fulton, they laughed at the Wright brothers. But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown.
Uh, Kettler is in Virginia (Facist Commonwealth of Virginia if that makes you happier…) not the PRMD.
And as noted, Virginia is an open carry state the only prohibitions are restaraunts, bars, and clubs that are licensed to sell alcohol, on private property where the owner has explicited posted a prohibition, churches or other places of worship, courthouses, schools, and airports.
There are some minor exceptions (such as having the proper permission from the proper people/owners to carry in a bar, club, restaraunt, or house of worship and school ingresses and egresses) but even then, should somebody be “violating” the carry provisions, it wouldn’t be the jurisdiction of the FBI or Secret Service.
And finally, the GOP only had “total control” of the U.S. Government from 2003-2006.
Ted Leonsis Used to Recommend: http://capsnut.blogspot.com/
Everybody Wang Chung......
Please load brain before shooting off mouth.™
that anyone considers Maryland a “People’s republic” makes me laugh. Hardly a socialist state.
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
Literally? No. Metaphorically, as a short hand for very liberal? Yes.
by HeartbreakRidge on Dec 15, 2009 5:41 PM EST up reply actions
Btw, a lot to chew on in today’s 11:00 post.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
A lot to chew on? Does this somehow involve Jay Beagle?
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 15, 2009 8:34 AM EST up reply actions 5 recs
Quintin Laing looks forward to it.
"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 8:34 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Ha. Beat me to the punchline.
"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 8:35 AM EST up reply actions
Btw, a lot to chew on in today’s 11:00 post.
Huh?…
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Dec 15, 2009 10:38 AM EST up reply actions
The hits thing at Behind the Net was the least interesting stat I’ve ever seen over there. Hawerchuck must have been really bored one day.
A man gotta have a code
He consistently serves up quality content though. That’s like criticizing Jesus for only feeding 500 instead of 5000…. maybe that’s exaggerating a bit.
"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 8:50 AM EST up reply actions
I thought he fed the 5,000 with the loaves and fishes?
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 15, 2009 9:05 AM EST up reply actions
Nope. Biblical mistranslation. He actually fed them hockey food-for-thought via blog article.
"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 9:07 AM EST up reply actions
I’d say it’s like picking a worst Beatles song – despite more brilliance than one could reasonably catalog, the occasional stinker slips through.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
So Gabe must have channeled his inner-Ringo when he wrote that article?
"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 8:59 AM EST up reply actions
“Don’t Pass Me By” >>>>>>>>>>>> “I Need You”. And “Octopus’s Garden” > most Beatles songs
by sixsevenfiftysix on Dec 15, 2009 2:43 PM EST up reply actions
Octopus’s Garden" > most Beatles songs
I strongly, yet respectably disagree.
"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 7:46 PM EST up reply actions
I agree with the disagreement
They laughed at Columbus, they laughed at Fulton, they laughed at the Wright brothers. But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown.
He went out tiger hunting with his elephant and gun
In case of accidents he always took his mom
He`s the all American bullet-headed saxon mother`s son.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 15, 2009 9:14 AM EST up reply actions
Speak ill thee not of the epic Bungalow Bill lest you be in the market for a smakedown.
"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 9:19 AM EST up reply actions
Everyone has an off day. I was just saying that stat was his. I’ve praised him plenty in the past. Call it as I see it. You want hugs go watch/listen a Blues game.
A man gotta have a code
by Carl Putnam on Dec 15, 2009 10:29 AM EST up reply actions
down one to seventh at CBS Sports, and down seven (look out below!) to eighth at TSN.
Not that it matters, but I’d love to know the last time a team that’s first overall in points is ranked as low as eighth.
While I get a little kick out of the rankings, they’re really kind of useless. Every evaluator uses a different standard. If you’re only looking at the games the Caps played last week, I can see TSN’s argument. But that’s kind of looking at it in a vacuum.
"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."
The most interesting thing about the TSN ranking is that apparently Varly is worth a full seven slots. By himself.
Get well soon, Hoss.
There is a definite drop in quality between the pipes when the Caps are forced to go with Jose Theodore or Michal Neuvirth in the absence of Semyon Varlamov, who has just one regulation loss in 19 career regular season starts.
ALEX, FЯEE
Not just that. The Caps played crappy hockey against the bottom two teams in the East. Not #1 worthy.
by red army line on Dec 15, 2009 9:34 AM EST up reply actions
From Mile High Hockey:
Capitals goalie Semyon Varlamov has been outstanding this year. But, he’s injured and it’s likely that the Avalanche will face old friend Jose Theodore in what will be his first game in Denver since leaving via free agency. This would be the point where you start chuckling and getting all confident and stuff. This would also be the point where I would punch you in the arm and remind you that we were shut out this year by Andrew Raycroft.
I know Theo’s been struggling again, but this would be the time to turn it around. Especially as last year when Colorado came here, he didn’t.
"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."
Agreed,
Not that these are " must-wins" or anything. But this trip is pretty huge for JT in the eyes of the fans and the team. After Neuvy in T.O, we are really looking at Theo to string some nice starts together.
I can tell you if he has a rough time this week in net, it’s going to pretty much be game over for him as the starter. Maybe I’m premature on that or maybe I’m even late but to me this is his real last shot to stay in starter contention.
" 60 percent of the time...it works everytime"
I would think the ship has sailed on him getting anything close to as much playing time as Varlamov when both are healthy by now. Unless Varly has a complete meltdown then Theo is firmly entrenched as the #2.
If he keeps playing badly he’ll be described as #2 on a lot of lists.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 15, 2009 9:06 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
You are in what the kids call a zone this morning.
"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 9:11 AM EST up reply actions
If I were McPhee I’d be losing sleep over the Caps goaltending picture. When Varly is healthy, everything’s roses, but if his injury lingers, Theo and now Neuvirth have shown no evidence of being #1 starters. 6-5 games could start becoming the norm.
As long as the Caps have the 6, it’s okay for the short term (like a month or so).
"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."
When it comes to the Caps longterm goaltending picture, I think you’re may have to break some eggs to make the omelette.
"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 9:18 AM EST up reply actions
and one of those eggs will be named Braden Holtby.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 15, 2009 9:21 AM EST up reply actions
Break not Holtby. Trade Neuvy sooner.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
If he lays more eggs like in Toronto, he won’t be tradeable. This weekend is a bad time to need a bounce back game.
"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 guess he can’t be the cock of the walk every game.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 15, 2009 9:30 AM EST up reply actions
Hmmmm, Calder Cup MVP or one bad game on HNIC. If I’m an NHL GM, I know which one matters more to me…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 15, 2009 9:32 AM EST up reply actions
I think that given his age and resume-to-date, an NHL egg or two at this point isn’t impacting his value much.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
No, but we seem to be in a “what have you done for me lately” world. One stinker doesn’t affect anything. But he wasn’t very good in his other appearance here this year, either. Now, if I remember correctly, when he was up last year, he was pretty good at first. I’m sure it will come back. He really has been the hard luck goalie in the organization, with the way he got shuttled around last year, and not really having a chance in training camp when he got hurt.
"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 think we may be ovary-acting on all this egg stuff.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 15, 2009 9:42 AM EST up reply actions
I’m always on board to shell a few out and crack some people up
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 15, 2009 9:45 AM EST up reply actions
You better slow down or you’ll end up with egg on your face.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
And then the yolk will be on you.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Puns are lame, especially when used in handles.
"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 9:48 AM EST up reply actions
I’ll end up having to scramble for cover.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 15, 2009 9:49 AM EST up reply actions
How callous; stop benedict.
"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 9:53 AM EST up reply actions
This is all very egg-regious. I won’t stand for it!
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 15, 2009 9:54 AM EST up reply actions
Please stop egging him on. Somenone’s going to get hurt!
by mechanicsville on Dec 15, 2009 9:56 AM EST up reply actions
Stay on the sunny side, he’s not the egg-ressor here.
"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 9:57 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah but once President Palmer figured out he what Tanaka meant by “marbles” he gasped “Huevos?!”
They don’t have a screencap of that unfortunately.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 15, 2009 10:29 AM EST up reply actions
Ah, gotcha.
Been a while. Great movie—even though it’s about a baseball team.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
The first two are great. The third one, to paraphrase Bill Simmons, never happened.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 15, 2009 10:36 AM EST up reply actions
From the Semin Discussion
Quote from J.P.:
If Alex Semin’s effort level on some regular season nights was this team’s biggest problem, they’d be in fantastic shape.
Which raises the question, what is the team’s biggest problem on most nights?
I would say focus and discipline, which manifests itself specifically in three key areas:
- Shift length;
- Forechecking pressure; and
- Defensive responsibility.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
On nights where they lose, I’d say goaltending and defensive breakdowns are the biggest issues. To me, some of that is tied to effort but most of it is related to the talent level of the players on the ice. That’s why Alzner being here and Varlamov emerging over Jose are so huge IMO.
We’ve seen though that great efforts on defense can cover for the lack of talent on the blueline. And that’s the issue imo, since if they’re not willing to cover for their defensemen…not good.
by red army line on Dec 15, 2009 2:11 PM EST up reply actions
Some silly observations in the pro shop window at Kettler yesterday:
There’s a blow up nutcracker-like doll wearing a Bradley t-shirt. The doll has band-aids on it’s face, at least one of which appears properly placed where he currently sports stitches.
There’s also a jersey with the name Santa and the number 25 on it. It’s cute, but is there some reason to choose 25 for St. Nick, or is it just random?
"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."
It should have “Claus” on the back, not “Santa”
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 15, 2009 10:31 AM EST up reply actions
“Klauslov”
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 15, 2009 11:52 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Von Bülow?
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 15, 2009 12:55 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Haha…it took me a while to find the special character for the Umlat in Word.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 15, 2009 1:17 PM EST up reply actions
I stared at that for a full minute last night and couldn’t figure it out. Duhhh!
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Because Viktor Kozlov distributes presents to children around the world on an annual basis. (Or because Christmas is on the 25th).
"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 10:31 AM EST up reply actions
Or maybe it was meant to be a “55” and reference Gonchar’s gift to Straka
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 15, 2009 10:37 AM EST up reply actions
There’s a blow up nutcracker-like doll wearing a Bradley t-shirt. The doll has band-aids on it’s face, at least one of which appears properly placed where he currently sports stitches.
Please, please, someone please take a picture of this and post it!
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
It may be gone by now. It was also in front of a sign that said “shopping days left”, (10 days left, I did get that one, although the math on the 14th didn’t really work for me, because I was including the current day, which would have made it eleven, unless the pro shop isn’t open on the 24th). So there’s probably something else there 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."
A bit surprised no one posted any clips from the last Caps game in Denver:
Ovechkin took out the glass by the penalty box checking Skrastins and Green scored a beauty
Random notes:
- First meeting with former Cap Sacco as Avs head coach
- Former Hershey Bear Matt Hendricks plays for the Avs
Let’s Go Caps!
by sk84fun_dc on Dec 15, 2009 10:38 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Any truth to the rumor that the Avs assistant coach is named Vanzetti?
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 15, 2009 10:40 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
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 15, 2009 10:49 AM EST up reply actions
Ditto. I’ll always rec a historical reference.
A man gotta have a code
by Carl Putnam on Dec 15, 2009 10:50 AM EST up reply actions
So does former Hershey Bear Peter Budaj.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Here‘s that Green goal – it’s definitely my “that’s when I fell in love” moment.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Rats isn’t gender-specific in my usage.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Rats
Am I the only one wondering why JP was upset about the new content?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 15, 2009 11:58 AM EST up reply actions
Elliote Friedman FTW
From Dexter to Baxter and everything in between that guy kills it. Great column (every week).
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
Hey, while you all are off voting (as you’re instructed to in the Clips), make sure to stop by the Leafs vote and pull the lever for PPP.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Random stat for the day: If Kyle Wilson plays tonight as expected, he won’t be the first Colgate alum to play for the Washington Capitals.
Other Colgate alums that I know of that are currently in the NHL: Andy McDonald (the first Colgate alum. with his name on the Stanley Cup as a player) and Jesse Winchester. Cory Murphy played some games for the Devils this season, but is currently in the AHL, as are some other alums.
currently debating a long nap so i can actually stay up to watch the game tonight and not die at 5:30am tomorrow…
"No Brooks Laich, no win. Know Brooks Laich, know win."
I’ve done that. Come home from school, nap until 10:30, watch a West coast Caps game (or even nap until 7 to watch the Caps), then finish my homework by like 2, and wake up at 7 again.
by red army line on Dec 15, 2009 4:38 PM EST up reply actions
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Florida
|
51 | 24 | 16 | 11 | 59 |
|
Washington
|
52 | 27 | 21 | 4 | 58 |
|
Winnipeg
|
54 | 24 | 24 | 6 | 54 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
51 | 23 | 23 | 5 | 51 |
|
Carolina
|
54 | 20 | 25 | 9 | 49 |
(updated 2.7.2012 at 3:17 AM EST)
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