Wednesday Caps Clips: Rocky Mountain Rout
by J.P. on Dec 16, 2009 6:42 AM EST
in Caps Clips
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PrintYour savory breakfast links:
- Recaps and other assorted musings on last night's win from Corey (blog, article), Tarik (blog, article), Vogs, Joe B., CSN Washington, WashEx, Ed Frankovic, Fight for Old DC, Denver Post (gamer and blog) and Mile High Hockey (rather succinct).
- On the David Koci hit. [FanHouse]
- Seems a good time to revisit this post on team toughness from a few weeks back.
- At some point you start to wonder whether sheer ignorance will cost Semyon Varlamov Calder votes. [FanHouse]
- Some more new power rankings are out, with the Caps up one to third at CBC.
- Another interesting look at the crapshoot that is drafting goalies. [TSN]
- Stephen Peat vs. P.J. Stock: your NHL fight of the decade. [Puck Daddy]
- A rare Michael Nylander AHL rookie card unearthed. [FanPost]
- These third jersey mock-ups look awful to me. I mean, an "A" on the #28 sweater? Ewww. [Rock The Red.net]
- John Erskine has a new nickname (and no, it's not Fourskine). [Fight For Old DC]
- Maybe no one will win the Cup this year. [Orland Kurtenblog]
- If Cody Eakin ends up not making Team Canada this winter, there's still a chance (gasp!) that he might become a decent hockey player. [CBC]
- Another "Gabby" review. [Sky Sports]
- Speaking of Gabby, per the HHoF, on this date back in 1977, "Bruce Boudreau scored the only hat trick of his NHL career, and Borje Salming added five assists as the Toronto Maple Leafs won 8-5 against the North Stars, at Minnesota."
- Finally, again per the HHoF, on this date back in 2003, "Washington rookie Maxim Ouellet, playiing in his first NHL game in three seasons, made 37 saves to record his first career shutout, and Robert Lang scored twice and added two assists as the Capitals won 5-0 against the Thrashers at Atlanta." And by "first," they mean "only."
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Erskine’s new nickname + Mile High Hockey’s poetic recap. Coincidence?
I could have been equipment manager, but nooooo!
1 assist and a +3, fights a big guy for boarding Mike Green. Waive him now.
But Brawndo's got what plants crave. It's got electrolytes.
Lost in Erskine’s thuglife-esque line was the third period work of 3 (stupid DoG aside), 27 and 55, all of whom skated a ton in altitude.
"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 16, 2009 8:39 AM EST up reply actions
I believe Alzner said “now I know what Mike Green feels like playing all those minutes.”
Also, Poti played 11 of the 18 minutes in the 3rd for which he wasn’t in the box.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
And he didn’t cost the Caps the game, huh..
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I didn’t see a single blown clearing attempt on the PK. Might have been one at even strength, but we’re not looking for those.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
So where is the Tom Poti PK Clearing Attempt Tracker? I expect it to be posted soon.
"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 16, 2009 9:46 AM EST up reply actions
Hasn’t been a problem this year, not gonna sweat it yet.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Fuck that! Some asshole punched me in the head 3 times and I didn’t retaliate and still got a matching MINOR! Fuck that. But he was their best player and we were defending a 2 goal lead so everyone on the team complimented me for my “good PIM.” Fuck that. If I knew I was getting 2 I would have sucker punched that guy in his fucking chin. Asshole.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
I scored a SHG among my customary two or three points per game on Monday. But your PIMs, yeah.. those are.. big contribution.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
C league right? Maybe I’ll come slum it and teach you a thing or two.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
There was at least one awful one on an early PK. But he was a trooper last night, for sure.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Better yet, sign him to a long-term extension based on one statistically solid game.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Better yet, sign him to a long-term extension based on one statisticallysolidlucky game.
Is better now.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
Sigh.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
Can’t think of hot pockets without thinking of Jim Gaffigan.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
I take it you already looked at the “Fight for Old DC” link above. That picture is hilarious.
by mechanicsville on Dec 16, 2009 12:46 PM EST up reply actions
Nice. I hadn’t checked that link. But MMH also had a hot pocket comment in their recap so I was wondering if I missed something from the GDTs. Serves me right for not doing the reading.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
There’s content above the comments?
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Dec 16, 2009 12:53 PM EST up reply actions
At MHH Liles = hot pocket.
Now drink with me deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Dec 16, 2009 2:41 PM EST up reply actions
A little over the top, yes? He’s a solid, reliable #5 or #6 on this team. He’s on the books for one more year at $1.25M and that’s just about right with the talent coming up from Hershey.
But Brawndo's got what plants crave. It's got electrolytes.
He’s asolid, reliable#5 or #6#7 on this team, with the talent coming up from Hershey.
A little copy-editing.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
by D'ohboy on Dec 16, 2009 9:58 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Yeah, I might be able to buy this. #5 or #6? No way. Reliable? Nyet.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Wow, +11 gets you nothing here. Good thing BB thinks otherwise.
But Brawndo's got what plants crave. It's got electrolytes.
Wow, +11 gets you nothing here.
Plus minus is a pretty mediocre stat, and it really isn’t indicative of reliability/consistency. Semin led the team in +/- last year, and I don’t think anyone would call him consistent.
Good thing BB thinks otherwise.
Boudreau plays Erskine less than any other defenseman, doesn’t play him with a man down very often, and carefully manages his opponents. I’m not sure Boudreau sees him as a 5-6 in the NHL. Seven who can play regularly, sure. A sixth, maybe. But anything more than that…I haven’t seen any indication Boudreau feels that way, and it’s not like the Capitals have a stable of stud defensemen taking away his ice time.
Plus minus is a pretty mediocre stat, and it really isn’t indicative of reliability/consistency.
Yet, this is the first stat most Jeff Schultz fans point to. (Oh snap.)
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
It gains validity over time, in my opinion. But I think a lot of that has to do with the fact that most people who come up with "Schultz sucks!!!!1 don’t want to hear about any statistics beyond what’s in a standard stat line.
A quick question – do you actually, like, watch the games? Because it’s fairly clear from watching that Erskine just shouldn’t be an NHL regular.
Yes, Erskine is +11. In 2006-2007, he was -13 in only 29 games played, which is impressive, given that the worst minus rating on the team that year was Zubrus at -16, and he played in twice as many games.
What’s the difference here? In 2006-2007, the Caps sucked and frequently got outscored by their opponent. In 2009-10 (thus far) not so much. I’ll give you a guess as to how much marginal difference Erskine has made between the 06-07 and 09-10 squad. The guy happens to be on the ice when we score – that’s it. He is +11 and only has 3 assists. How do you think that happens? Does he have some magical skill that allows him to will things into happening?
If that doesn’t convince you: Semin was +25 last year and Aucoin was +5. Steckel was +2 and Laich was -1. If you were killing a penalty in the last minute of a playoff game, which pair would you want on the ice?
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
depends. are we losing?
I might stick Sascha out there in place of Laich (I’m counting on Stecks to do the FO.) Jizz can hold his own on the PK. Not my first choice on the PK by all the means, but compared to Laich he’s not a bad alternative.
(fwiw, I completely agree with you that +/- is a stupidly misleading stat.)
“Because it’s fairly clear from watching that Erskine just shouldn’t be an NHL regular.”
Quick, alert BB and GMGM, they must not be watching!
Just shoot me.
Erskine has been in this league for the better part of 9 seasons, and he’s never played more than 52 games for either the Stars, Isles or Caps. In the case of both the Isles and Caps, some of those years were pretty barren talent-wise. Now I know what you’re going to say: Erskine has been injured a lot. And you’d be right. But he’s also a healthy scratch a lot, because the people running the franchises that he plays for have realized that he’s not an everyday NHL defenseman. GMGM and Boudreau both know this.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
Plus/minus doesn’t factor penalty minutes, so that’s a moot point. The answer, however, is I’d put Semin and Steckel out there, provided Semin wasn’t the guy in the box.
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 think you’re misunderstanding the meaning of “moot,” since what I said had nothing to do with taking penalties. The example was meant to demonstrate how silly it is to use +/- as a statistic denoting defensive capability, since the Caps’ best +/- players tend to be offensive players such as Ovie and Semin.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
You missed my point entirely.
Semin was +25 last year and Aucoin was +5. Steckel was +2 and Laich was -1. If you were killing a penalty in the last minute of a playoff game, which pair would you want on the ice?
Playing on the PK never adversely affects your plus minus, so why should we use it to determine who should be out there on a penalty kill? Irrelevant is the term I was looking for.
Regardless, Erskine is not an offensive dynamo, nor is he out there to penalty kill, so that’s a silly argument. At best for the team, his job is to be a 6/7 D-man, and now that Alzner is up for good, he should be. If injuries hadn’t taken Mo out of the game, he’s not even paired with Green.
+/- isn’t a great stat, but it’s not one you can completely toss out of the window. I look at it as “Lucky, good, or for whatever reason, good or bad things happen with this guy on the ice.”
If Erskine is +11, that means something more than “he’s out there with good players.” You don’t like the guy, I get it.
It’s fairly clear, from my watching, that Erskine should not be out against top line talent, but against third and fourth liners (And Sean Avery) he’s more than capable.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
And you missed mine entirely. At what point in a game would you put our your best defensive players, the guys you trust to keep the puck out of the net come hell or high water? During a penalty kill. How could you make that more extreme? Have it be in the last minute of a playoff game. . .
I was setting up a silly and extreme example in order to prove a point, namely that +/- isn’t really a defensive statistic. If it were, you’d want Ovie, Schultz, BMo and Green (Caps top four in +/-) out there during the most defensively demanding point in the game. While you could certainly do worse than that foursome, you could also do a lot better if you just ignore +/-.
I’ll use another, historical example. Harry Sinden used to compare Bobby Orr and Ray Bourque by saying that he’d put Orr out if he were down by a goal in the last minute and Bourque out if he were up by a goal in the last minute – with the implication being that Orr was more offensively capable and Bourque was more defensively capable. Orr’s career +/- was +597!!! (Holy Living Hell!!!) Bourque’s +528 (in 10 more seasons) was somewhat lame by comparison.
What’s my point? Plus/minus by itself is an unbelievably misleading statistic, particularly when people use it as a proxy for defensive responsibility, as the person above has been doing with regard to Erskine. A high plus/minus can mean that a player’s just so good offensively that his pluses outweigh his minuses. Or it can mean that a player never plays against the opposition’s best players. Or, in the case of Erskine, it can mean that a guy is just plain lucky to be on the ice when his teammates score, and his teammates happen to score a lot.
But perhaps I’m being too theoretical, so I’ll give you a good, and recent concrete example. In 2006-2007, Brian Campbell of the Buffalo Sabres scored 6 goals had 42 assists was +28. In 2005-2006, he had 12 goals and 32 assists, yet was a minus 14. Both seasons, he put up around 45 points, and yet there’s a 42 point swing in his plus/minus. Why? Here’s why: in 2005-6, the Sabres were collectively an even team, whereas in 2006-7, they were plus 61. Removing 2006-7, Campbell is -13 on his career. Given that data, and what you’ve seen of Brian Campbell when he plays, which do you think is more likely:
A) Brian Campbell is a defensively responsible player who happened to have one bad year;
B) Brian Campbell is a horrible defensive player who “stepped it up” for one year;
C) Brian Campbell has always been roughly the same player – a talented offensive defenseman who’s prone to defensive lapses and ill-timed turnovers, but in 2006-7, the team around him was so good that it inflated his +/-;
D) Plus/minus is a bogus stat in isolation;
E) I’m grumpy and belligerent today; or
F) C through E.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
As a guy that just took a multiple choice test of A-M answers
All I have to say is fuck you.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
As a guy who’s wicked grumpy for some reason (probably because today is my rest day off the bike, and with no exercise, I get aggro), I have this to say:
Video definitely NSFW.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
If any of us are still at work, it’s time to go home.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 16, 2009 11:26 PM EST up reply actions
that Erskine link is pretty funny. I can get behind the new nickname.
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 16, 2009 7:43 AM EST up reply actions
I think I woke up my dad ‘cause I was laughing so hard at the video. I don’t think I’ll ever look at Erskine without having to sing the Hot Pockets jingle in my head now.
♫ Hot Pockets~ ♫
If baseball has the Hot Corner, hockey can have a Hot Pocket.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 16, 2009 9:15 AM EST up reply actions
From Mile High Hockey
DVR’d it. Saw the box score. FFWD to Koci incident. Smile. FFWD to Galliardi Goal. Delete.
Can’t tell if it’s MG52 hate or Koci love.
But Brawndo's got what plants crave. It's got electrolytes.
either way its ridiculous.
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 16, 2009 7:43 AM EST up reply actions
It’s one of the few good points in the game for the Avs fans, honestly. But no, there’s no love for Koci on there.
Unleash the Alex!
Boudreau is so wrong about Koci — dude has TWO goals in six years.
by patred48 on Dec 16, 2009 8:37 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Thats just because it is news. I would do the same thing only stopping for all of the goals that Caps scored.
"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’s worth adding that the commenter in question, “Pinchy the Lobster”, has this as a sig:
I am so clever that sometimes I don’t understand a single word of what I am saying.
I wouldn’t think too hard about this stupid comment. The Mile High Hosts including Mike are far more representative, I think.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 16, 2009 9:18 AM EST up reply actions
One stupider commentor says nothing about the quality of the blog on which s/he’s commenting. At least, I sure as hell hope not.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 16, 2009 9:27 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
agreed. hotdog88gt, you can’t post that quote without attributing it to a commenter. i would never have bothered to click through and assumed the blog author/editor had written it.
by Natty Bumppo on Dec 16, 2009 9:33 AM EST up reply actions
I spent the 2nd and third period between here and MHH, and that post definitely isn’t representative.
Now drink with me deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Dec 16, 2009 9:59 AM EST up reply actions
No, they’ve got a great community over there.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Most certainly do.
Now drink with me deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Dec 16, 2009 10:11 AM EST up reply actions
And that “All Things Avs” blog link is outstanding. Really good stuff on Jose.
by mechanicsville on Dec 16, 2009 12:55 PM EST up reply actions
This comment is NOT indicative of the editorial stance of MHH nor the general consensus of MHH members. Read the updated recap of the game and the comments below.
Mile High Hockey: Hoping for the best, expecting the worst, hating the Wings.
No worries Joe. I’m actually an Avs fan in my spare time and I wander over to your parts pretty frequently. I should probably comment some, but I’m already stretched over here and I just got Gamecenter Live this year.
Out of curiosity, what the hell was with all the empty seats last night? I know attendance at the Can has been rough (I was at the Nashville game before Thanksgiving), but that was pretty pathetic. The Avs have shown their start wasn’t a total fluke, and the Caps are the most exciting team in the league with the best player in the world??? Do you think the Nugs’ and Rox’s relative success is siphoning money away?
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
Funny you mention being an Avs fan. I was a closet Avs fan for awhile too. It started when Keith Jones was traded there back in the day, then Kono, then Hunter.
I have a Patrick Roy Avs jersey among my collection that I enjoy wearing. I may pull it out again later this week for the hell of it.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 16, 2009 1:15 PM EST up reply actions
Ticket prices are astronomical at The Can compared to the product on the ice. Even with some outstanding young talent, the team is poorly promoted in general. Without Sakic, Forsberg and Roy, there’s no big star draw to get butts in seats. Stastny is a superstar in the making, but he’s not there yet, and he doesn’t have the charisma or the mystique that past Avalanche centers have had. He still comes across like a little kid.
Also, with the economy being what it is and Denver having three other pro teams (three of which are currently playing), hockey has fallen off of people’s list of things to do.
There’s lots of factors, but mostly the awful season last year, the lack of big names on the team and the high cost of attendance is keeping fans at home.
Mile High Hockey: Hoping for the best, expecting the worst, hating the Wings.
I like how you guys call it “The Can”. Makes it sound like a Gentleman’s Club.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 16, 2009 1:37 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, that’s mostly what I figured. Still, disappointed that they couldn’t turn out for the Caps.
The night I was there, I saw some guy wearing a Wings jersey. I really wanted to punch him. I can’t help it.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
I used to be pretty much indifferent to the Wings, but spending a few minutes on Abel to Yzerman made me DESPISE them. If there was ever a fanbase that needed a reality check, and a comeuppance, its that one.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 16, 2009 1:43 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, Abel to Yzerman is crazy. Also, the Wings fans I know in real life are like them.
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 guess everyone in Denver still things the Avs are the same sucky team they were last year. It takes fans a little while to get convinced that a turnaround has taken place. (If they’re still near the top when Feb rolls around, the fans should start getting more convinced. Of course, by then, there won’t be any more football.)
Rocking the Red since 1975
I think it has more to do with the Nugs and Rox being so good and the economy being so bad, rather than football. The Broncos consistently sell out regardless, so the Avs are competing with the Nugs and Rox for sports dollars.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
Still when football season’s over, there will be one less thing competing for entertainment dollars in Denver, so that should improve the odds for the Avs to draw fans.
(If not, the fans in Quebec City can lobby to buy the Avs and return the Nordiques back to their original home.)
Rocking the Red since 1975
The only thing more outrageous than that hit? Lisa Hillary’s holiday sweater on the CSN broadcast.
/Blackwell’d
"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 16, 2009 7:34 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
What was worse, in my estimation, was Michael Jernkin’s complete inability to come up with some witty remarks about her sweater. You could tell he was trying his hardest, but the snark just wasn’t rolling off the tongue like it should have been. It was pretty late though, to be fair.
"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 16, 2009 8:06 AM EST up reply actions
As far as enjoying the CSN holiday party goes, I’m guessing one of them might have been in second or third gear.
"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 16, 2009 8:18 AM EST up reply actions
You mean his comment “my eyes hurt” wasn’t clever enough for you? hah!
Only funny part about that sweater situation was her embarrassment as they closed the broadcast with a 20-second extreme close-up of her chest.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Did you mug a homeless guy for that rag?
So, how’s that knitting class you’re taking coming along?
Let me guess… you lost a bet with Koken.
That was stylish… in 1974
You need to have a long talk with your “Secret Santa”
If you've read this far...seek help.
I didn’t see it, but it sounds like it was just a terrible sweater. Are we talking something Coogi-esque?
Or Andy Willaims-esque?
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 16, 2009 8:37 AM EST up reply actions
-Williams….spell fail.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 16, 2009 8:37 AM EST up reply actions
Subject line fail too. We need some way to hide those sweaters. I guess I’ll just turn down the brightness on my laptop screen.
"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 16, 2009 8:42 AM EST up reply actions
Like Ted Nugent’s pecs, they should be enjoyed in their full glory
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 16, 2009 8:44 AM EST up reply actions
Get me a picture of Cosby in a sweater and some zubaz pants holding a guitar and a cross bow. Then I’m sold.
"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 16, 2009 8:48 AM EST up reply actions
Oh how I wish I knew photoshop.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 16, 2009 8:58 AM EST up reply actions
Heh. I could do it if I weren’t at work. Although, I think the sheer awesomeness of that image would cause my computer to crash, so it would be risky.
"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 16, 2009 9:00 AM EST up reply actions
More like the Williams sweater. I was only half watching and getting ready to turn out the light for sleep, so I didn’t really see it in all it’s glory. But I got the gist of it.
"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."
Well…I like that one if only because it seems like they lose every time they wear it. That Avs third jersey is hideous though, and it’s obvious no thought went into it whatsoever. I enjoyed the Konwalchuk-era Avs third jersey.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 16, 2009 8:43 AM EST up reply actions
Looks like Michael Jackson behind that mask.
But Brawndo's got what plants crave. It's got electrolytes.
Well…Jose has had to look at the man in the mirror a lot recently
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 16, 2009 9:35 AM EST up reply actions
And here…we…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 16, 2009 9:36 AM EST up reply actions
I just can’t stop till I get enough :)
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 16, 2009 9:38 AM EST up reply actions
BP wishes we would all just beat it and head to a fanpost or something.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I never thought he was entertaining. Shoo.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
On the contrary, I enjoy it. It’s Human Nature.
"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 16, 2009 9:56 AM EST up reply actions
WM secretly loves making puns. He’s just In The Closet.
"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 16, 2009 10:01 AM EST up reply actions
I don’t even get two of the last three.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Dec 16, 2009 10:02 AM EST up reply actions
Hey now, Why You Wanna Trip On [Ovechwin]?
"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 16, 2009 10:06 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah, too bad we lost one of our Pretty Young Things to injury and another was held scoreless.
The artist formerly known as thehoagster07
by what Juneau about that? on Dec 16, 2009 10:36 AM EST up reply actions
Worst sweater ever? Depends on whether or not any of those proposed Caps 3rd sweaters are adopted.
Just say no to 3rd sweaters. I can live with a ‘throwback’ uni that comes out once in a while, and I’m not talking about throwing back to any of those hideous mid-90s incarnations.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks.
The barber shops are awesome in still shots or live, but awful on television (and radio).
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Dec 16, 2009 12:39 PM EST up reply actions
I wonder why Lisa Hillary was wearing this Ducks jersey last night?
"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."
From the era when all things brutal and grownup — hockey, Las Vegas — were temporarily turned cartoonish and family-friendly. (And I say this as someone whose second team is Anaheim.)
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Dec 16, 2009 1:35 PM EST up reply actions
Or this...(teeth on gorilla should be clenched here)
But Brawndo's got what plants crave. It's got electrolytes.
Exactly. “Al Gorilla” to be exact. My wife has been going to games with me for several years and she always thought it was the Abominable Snowman.
But Brawndo's got what plants crave. It's got electrolytes.
It might be the worst logo in the league, and that’s saying something.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Pretty much far and away worst in the AHL… but in the ECHL, we have:
the Victoria Salmon Kings!
by IRockTheRed on Dec 16, 2009 10:49 PM EST up reply actions
I like this one because I hate all things Black and Gold.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Dec 16, 2009 12:41 PM EST up reply actions
As a UMCP alum, that kinda hurts…
Maryland, We’re all behind you,
Raise high the Black and Gold.
For there is nothing quite so glorious,
As to see our team victorious.
We got the team boys,
We got the steam boys.
So keep on fighting – don’t give in.
M A R Y L A N D
Maryland, will Win.
Caps fan in Minnesota
Yeah, you guys have fun fight songs. We had one we were using illegally with “Buzz Buzz Buzz! Here come the hornets! Sting sting sting! Watch out the Hornets!”
Now it’s
Down in the valley
You can hear a mighty buzz
All our rivals fear us
and we know this fact because
We are Shenandoah
and with our Red and Blue
We’ll fight for alma mater
And for Hornet Vict’ry too.
I don’t even remember the words to the Alma Mater, but I know it opens with “We are the Portals, noble inspiring, Champions of our youth.”
Yeah, no thanks.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
The Maryland victory song is pretty bad ass. This is true.
"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 16, 2009 2:11 PM EST up reply actions
Exactly, he worked some week attempts in there, but nothing inspired. I was looking for something like:
“This was a statement game, and the only thing louder than the Capitals’ statement tonight is Lisa’s sweater.”
“Craig Anderson had a pretty ugly game out there. The only thing uglier that I have seen recently is that sweater Lisa is wearing.”
“Kyle Wilson might have a bright future in this league. It’s too bad his performance was eclipsed by the glare off Lisa’s sweater.”
"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 16, 2009 8:38 AM EST up reply actions
He could have at least made some sort of “sweater puppies” joke.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 16, 2009 8:45 AM EST up reply actions
It was Lisa Hillary.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
by jordanDC on Dec 16, 2009 8:52 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
“If you put that sweater on ice girls it would make for a very effective Craig Anderson deterrent.”
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Dec 16, 2009 9:15 AM EST up reply actions
Some folks think poretty highly of all Lisa’s sweaters but that one is/was pretty ridiculous…
by markbona-capsfan99 on Dec 16, 2009 11:37 AM EST up reply actions
Speaking of Erksine, I find it funny that after many people (including myself) have complained all season long about how the caps never stand up for their teammates (and it always seems to be green) after dirty hits, nobody really seemed to laud Erskine for stepping in there for his downed teammate. I think he played a solid game on the whole too.
While I do agree that having a guy like Erskine (or another “real” enforcer) on the team isn’t going to strike fear in dirty players minds, it will allow the goons such as Koci to “contribute their part” by scrapping with another goon therefore preventing a hit like this. I think the most famous example can be seen in the Todd Brettuzi/Steve Moore debacle. Bretuzzi had no one to fight to express his anger and took it out on Moore.
Resign Semin so I don't have to buy yet another new jersey.
I thought the Bertuzzi-Moore incident was started because of a play in an earlier game where Moore knocked out a Canucks player (Markus Naslund maybe?). I think some have said that the Canucks coach at the time put a “bounty” on Moore’s head. So it wasn’t that Bertuzzi was looking for anyone to take his anger out on, per se, he was looking specifically for Moore.
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Dec 16, 2009 9:04 AM EST up reply actions
Fair enough there was a lot more going on in the Bretuzzi incident (I was kinda trying to make an extreme example), but I think its reasonable to assume, given what’s happened so far this season, that there are some players who are specifically targeting the caps young guns, kind of like Bertuzzi was going after Moore (again, acknowledging that there is a vast difference between this situation and that). I’m just proposing that if we “entertain” the goons with a good round of fisticuffs early on, they’re far less likely to go headhunting later on in the game.
Resign Semin so I don't have to buy yet another new jersey.
I did see a bit in the GDT, but I feel as though it was still much lower than it would have been if say, Bradely, Clark, or Laich had stepped in. And as for the recap, I see mentions of Erskine, but don’t feel as though any of it was really that positive.
Resign Semin so I don't have to buy yet another new jersey.
That’s more a factor of a) it being really late when said recap was written and b) having just ten bullet points to discuss the game.
But yes, I was very proud of Erskine for stepping in and taking care of business. In my mind, he’s all the enforcer we need on nights like this – and he had a decent game, especially considering the shortened bench by the end. I’m probably not as much of an Erskine-hater as some others around here, though, so I find less of a reason to single him out on a regular basis, good or bad ;)
I’ll also praise Erskine here. Look, I am not a believer that having a goon can prevent this stuff, but someone needs to do something when a hit like that happens to anyone on the team, much less a young gun. Erskine did his job right there, and if he had wilted in that moment (especially given that Koci is a true heavyweight), I would have questioned his role on this team, solid play last night aside. Erskine knows his job, and I tip my hat to him for doing it well. Some things are worth an instigator, and that was one of them.
That play didn’t “deserve” an instigator, but it did deserve a fight.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
Is that right? The rule may be dumb, but that seemed like an instigating situation to me. Then again, I haven’t seen a replay to see when Koci’s gloves come off. Whether it was one or not, it was worth 2 minutes. Frankly, Erskine could have taken more than 2 mins of the PP and I’d still be in favor of it. His actions may not deter anyone, but they’re essential for the locker room.
nobody really seemed to laud Erskine for stepping in there for his downed teammate
I saw plenty of love going Hot Pocket’s way for that. GDT, Recap, etc. Or do you mean “nobody outside the Rink”?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 16, 2009 9:21 AM EST up reply actions
I did see a bit in the GDT, but I feel as though it was still much lower than it would have been if say, Bradely, Clark, or Laich had stepped in. And as for the recap, I see mentions of Erskine, but don’t feel as though any of it was really that positive.
Resign Semin so I don't have to buy yet another new jersey.
I think most of us went quickly through “good on you Oisk” to the need for a suspension, and to the hole that left in the Caps’ lineup the rest of the night (only 3 defensemen while Oisk served his 10 minute misconduct). To some extent we expect that out of Erskine. I also think people didn’t dwell on it because, well, he lost the fight.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 16, 2009 9:34 AM EST up reply actions
Losses or wins don’t really change whether you stood up for your guy. If you lose, Green still goes into that locker room, sees you with a swollen nose, and knows you’re willing to do what it takes to demand accountability. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work that way.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Dec 16, 2009 10:01 AM EST up reply actions
I just don’t see Erskine losing a fight to Koci as providing much accountability for Koci. If Erskine had beat the snot out of him, sure. But this result doesn’t strike me as much of a deterrent.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 16, 2009 10:33 AM EST up reply actions
Good on Erskine for stepping up for Green, especially given the size and pugilistic skill of the guy he took on. Koci pretty much handed Hot Pocket his lunch there, but he stood and took it like a pastry stuffed with grade D meat.
The problem with your “real enforcer” hypothesis is that, in this type of game, the fight between the two goons probably wouldn’t have happened anyhow, because the Caps went up so quickly. Midway through the 2nd (I believe), he tried to go with Brads and Brads turned him down. Brash likely would have done the same thing. The game’s pretty much over by that point. Koci’s behavior wouldn’t have been affected by the presence of a goon one way or the other – the guy is a cementhead.
What last night did demonstrate, however, is why it’s problematic to have a defenseman as your enforcer. True, the situation was extreme, with both Green and ShaMo out with injuries, but shit happens. The Caps were left with 3 defenseman, and only 2 once Poti took his penalty.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
by D'ohboy on Dec 16, 2009 9:29 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
BB really nails it in the press conference in basically saying that the root of the problem is that guys like Koci are allowed to play in the NHL in the first place. They contribute nothing at all to the quality of the game. It’s absurd that the Caps should even have to consider replacing a well-rounded fourth-line forward or third line center just to account for guys like Koci. But here we are…
I was actually thinking of doing a fanpost on this later, but work might intervene. Essentially, I think the NHL needs to fine/suspend guys like Koci out of the league. I don’t want to get rid of fighting, or tough guys, but I think that worse than marginal NHL players like Koci need to be held to different (more stringent) standards of conduct, because they essentially contribute nothing on the ice. Brashear could at least skate a regular shift – Koci can’t even manage that. He serves no function other than to fight and to pull crap like last night. However, because of his size and the fact that he’s only on the ice for 4 minutes per night, the only guys he ever fights are other guys like him. Enforcers in the age of the instigator rule and the “staged fight” have become self-licking ice cream cones that occasionally dole out lickings to guys like Green.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
He serves no function other than to fight and to pull crap like last night
We just did a recent history of Koci… You’re comment is pretty much spot on.
If you've read this far...seek help.
I like it. To that end, a 10-game suspension for Koci would be a nice start in sending a message to the rest of the goons that this kind of thing is going to be rooted out.
Using the Ovechkin suspension logic; Koci’s a repeat offender, he deliberately and maliciously ran an unsuspecting guy from behind into the boards and it resulted in an injury. If Ovie gets two games for his hit on Gleason then Koci deserves 2-3 times that.
Can’t remember if I said it before on this thread or elsewhere, but that hit looked an awful lot like the one that got that kid kicked out of juniors forever.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 16, 2009 10:34 AM EST up reply actions
Actually worse. But I have a huge problem with analogizing NHL discipline to amateur discipline.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
Oh, I agree. I don’t think Koci should be thrown out of the league. But both hits were dirty for the same reasons.
(I think Koci shouldn’t get signed by any team in the offseason because he’s useless, but that’s another story)
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 16, 2009 4:19 PM EST up reply actions
Oh, I agree. I don’t think Koci should be thrown out of the league. But both hits were dirty for the same reasons.
(I think Koci shouldn’t get signed by any team in the offseason because he’s useless, but that’s another story)
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 16, 2009 4:19 PM EST up reply actions
If he wants to do that garbage, he can go play in the LNAH.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Dec 16, 2009 10:10 AM EST up reply actions
Couldn’t agree more with you. We don’t need an enforcer.
But I do like JP’s notion of reopening the debate on team toughness. I didn’t catch all of the game and obviously it was a great result for the Caps, but what I did see was an aggressive Colorado team that finished its checks and banged Ovie and other skilled players every chance they got. Our fourth line and Ovie (though not so much last night) finish checks, and Shamo and Jurcina I guess on the back line, but we really don’t have enough moderately skilled grit. As has been brought up in the “Spend Leonsis’ Money” fanpost, having a couple of guys like Jackman and Nolan I think would do wonders for this team. Guys who play their positions pretty well, but have grit, finish their checks hard and will drop ’em if necessary. #needsmoreedge IMHO
Jeebus, I wish we had a player like Chris Stewart. That kid’s a stud. Mabye Osala in a year or so? Fingers crossed.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
by D'ohboy on Dec 16, 2009 11:20 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I’ve never see Osala play in Hershey so don’t have an impression on his edge/toughness. But looks like his PIMs are up this year, maybe he’s gaining that side of his game. And he’s a Fin — those guys are generally pretty scrappy.
With you on Stewart.
Stewie’s weird, because he wasn’t supposed to be as good as his older brother, but thus far he’s much better.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
To me that’s more of a condemnation of one brother than a compliment for the other. But yeah, good for the younger guy.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
Actually, Ian Schultz is a Blues prospect.
"It's like water. You want to drink it. You will drink it."
by Steck It Out on Dec 16, 2009 3:12 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
But I can’t judge him, as I have never seen him play.
"It's like water. You want to drink it. You will drink it."
by Steck It Out on Dec 16, 2009 3:12 PM EST up reply actions
Mine either, but Jeff and Ian are.
And, if they were …
Jeff Schultz: 1-6-7, +14, 12 PIM, 9.1 relative Corsi @ 5v5
Nick Schultz: 1-4-5, -7, 12 PIM, -5.5 relative Corsi @ 5v5
Things that make you go hmmm….
Unleash the Alex!
One of these two guys plays on a good team. (I’ll give you a hint: it’s not Schultz.)
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
My opinion on it was Good on Erskine for stepping up for Green, bad for Boudreau to have Green and Erskine on the ice at the same time.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
The d pairings were hosed from the first period onward due to Morrisonn’s injury. He was basically going with a 5-man rotation with no set pairs, hence Green-Pocket.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
As much as I absolutely hate that pairing….
Green-Pocketwill live on in my mind for eternity.
by HateOffSeason on Dec 16, 2009 9:44 AM EST up reply actions
Does that make Pothier “Pocket Green”?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 16, 2009 10:34 AM EST up reply actions
Valid point, I guess a vetran enforce (Brash, Larque, etc.) would turn that fight down as to not risk losing any momentum, but I don’t think Brads was really going to unless it was 100% necessary given the results of his last two fights. I think the answer here would be to occasionally call up a guy from the AHL, a guy that will fight because he “has something to prove”, as needed. It would be a tiny cap hit, and he would be far more willing to go in routs.
Resign Semin so I don't have to buy yet another new jersey.
Or we could just sign Iginla…now there’s a guy who can win fights and still contribute.
Resign Semin so I don't have to buy yet another new jersey.
I wish. I’ve had a hockey crush on Jarome for years. he’s why I watch Flames games. If he played in NY or Toronto he’d be a sports deity.
A man gotta have a code
by Carl Putnam on Dec 16, 2009 10:05 AM EST up reply actions
Toronto = yes
NY (Rags or Isles) = no
A man gotta have a code
by Carl Putnam on Dec 16, 2009 10:08 AM EST up reply actions
You put Iggy on either of those rosters and it adds a scoring punch either could use to be more consistent. Brings some vet leadership as well. I hate both teams, but he’d make them both playoff squads, especially the Rags.
A man gotta have a code
by Carl Putnam on Dec 16, 2009 10:14 AM EST up reply actions
I think we’d have a better chance at acquiring Iggy Wiggum
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 16, 2009 10:19 AM EST up reply actions
Hence my “I wish” reply above.
A man gotta have a code
by Carl Putnam on Dec 16, 2009 10:21 AM EST up reply actions
Based last year, Brash wouldn’t have done anything besides get knocked out by Wade Belak and just kind of skated around for a few shifts like the rotting hulk of an aging battle ship
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 16, 2009 9:36 AM EST up reply actions
We already have someone on the NHL roster who is a healthy scratch most nights, sees some time on the 4th line and has something to prove. He wears #89. He might wanna think about developing that edge to his game.
’Tis a shame Brads turned him down — could have had a Gordie!
"Let the rest be scared of us." - Emo Bunny Sasha Semin
by Scott in Shaw on Dec 16, 2009 4:08 PM EST up reply actions
Those third jerseys are remarkable! I love the squashed Pickelhaube logo. Nothing says “USA” like a Prussian helmet.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 16, 2009 9:24 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Awwwwwww
Swift Current’s Cody Eakin (Washington) has been released by Team Canada.
"And next year it will be ours."
Well, we all know about that chip on the shoulder….
"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."
Thanks for following this so closely, as clearly I am only reading the reports. That will unfortunately seal your fate in a situation like that, I guess.
"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."
Paul Simon Eakin
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 16, 2009 11:44 AM EST up reply actions
I’m sure theRussiansAmericans can’t wait to see him again
"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."
Sorry, I was just remembering a bad move he made last year. I’m sure something like that doesn’t happen again.
"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 was referring to the game in the semis where he got a bit out of control.
A man gotta have a code
by Carl Putnam on Dec 16, 2009 10:12 AM EST up reply actions
Didn’t he take out JVR? I remember that, vaguely…I was quite proud of our little Delly for being so scrappy.
There were a few games where he got out of control.
The Caps need that kind of paper, the shit-stirrer.
Now drink with me deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Dec 16, 2009 11:03 AM EST up reply actions
Player*
Now drink with me deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Dec 16, 2009 11:05 AM EST up reply actions
They need his grit just not the out of control thing. SDR himself has commented that he needs to watch the penalties.
A man gotta have a code
by Carl Putnam on Dec 16, 2009 11:09 AM EST up reply actions
Which makes me like him all the more. I’d be more worried if he weren’t conscious of the penalties and the effect they can have on a team. He knows his role and understands he also has to limit himself.
Now drink with me deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Dec 16, 2009 11:24 AM EST up reply actions
Same here. You’ll find no bigger fan of his than me.
Caps fans who haven’t seen him play may be surprised with his skill with the puck. Most times when his name here it is mentioned in relation to his grit/toughness.
A man gotta have a code
by Carl Putnam on Dec 16, 2009 11:33 AM EST up reply actions
I forget, were you the Rink Rat who was telling me they’ve seen him play in Barrie frequently? I thought you were in PHX…
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
No, that wasn’t me. You are right, I live in the Phoenix area.
A man gotta have a code
by Carl Putnam on Dec 16, 2009 11:41 AM EST up reply actions
Huh. I remember having a convo with someone about SDR last year regarding his pugilistic skills. Or something like that.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
Not sure who that was. Those pugilistic skills are well documented online. Gotta be a dozen or so videos of his fights over the last couple of years floating around.
A man gotta have a code
by Carl Putnam on Dec 16, 2009 11:44 AM EST up reply actions
If you search for SDR on YouTube you’ll get a ton of fights. As well as his hits on Shattenkirk and JVR.
Now drink with me deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Dec 16, 2009 11:46 AM EST up reply actions
Lost in all of this is that Alzner played a great game, I feel.
In addition (two totally separate thoughts) I find it kind of ironic how we feel about enforcers/grit as a community. We want more grit, and some of us want an enforcer, but John Erskine’s not good enough, Donald Brashear fights teenagers, Matt Cooke knees people. If we look at more players we could acquire, there seems to be an excuse for why we don’t want that player due to something he’s done. I dunno, it just kind of bugged me.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.