If the Caps need an enforcer, who can it be?
Here, we (Collectively) often talk about the need for an enforcer, or more grit. We discuss whether or not the aspect of an enforcer is necessary in today's game, among other things. We also get into the discussions of how this player isn't acceptable (John Erskine isn't good enough, Donald Brashear fights teenagers, Matt Cooke knees people, etc).
The problem with this mindset is that most gritty guys or enforcers have done some dirty crap. Grit and dirt in the NHL are separated by such a thin line that it's often crossed, and often unintentionally.
There are some players who can contribute solidly to the physical game and score, like Jarome Iginla. The only problem is, those players who can do that aren't going to move.
Who, then, should the Caps use to add this element that the team seems to be missing(outside of Matt Bradley)?
We all love Matt Bradley, but his paper-thin-skin keeps him from really being effective against guys like Koci. He's perfect for his role - 4RW. Benching him for an enforcer would obviously be a mistake.
Erskine is the next choice, obviously, since he is already on the team, but it's clear that the guy is a 7D. He is slow on his feet, and often makes poor puck decisions. In an ideal world, he's riding pine unless we're playing the Flyers or the Hurricanes (or now, the Avalanche, I guess). 1.25 million is a lot to have on a guy who rides pine, but he's not the worst d-man in the league, and he does what he can, even though what he's asked right now is beyond his skill set.
Sugden is out, due to his jump to the KHL.
Oscar Osala seems to rack up penalties in Hershey, while still providing on the offensive end of the ice. I've only seen him play once, but he seemed to have some fire.
Pinner in Hershey seemed to have that element as well.
Della Rovere seems to be what everyone wants. The only issue with that is time.
Or do we not wait, and do we look outside the organization? Do we have enough internal grit already that we don't have to look externally? It's a tough argument.
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I think Delly
But he’s for the furture sadly
by washfan29 on Dec 16, 2009 10:02 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Delly is more in the pest mold than enforcer. Think Sean Avery, Steve Ott, or Matt Cooke – his job is to get chippy and draw penalties, not necessarily to fight.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Dec 16, 2009 10:10 AM EST up reply actions
The term Enforcer in the subject header is lumping grit in with it, I should probably have changed that.
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 10:15 AM EST up reply actions
While we’re talking about scooping Niedermayer, why not grab Parros, too? =)
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You going to tell him he can’t play for a Cup contender?

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Krys Barch gets a much unwanted mustache ride.
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 10:37 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I’d like that but Ducks would ask too much. That would not go over well with Ducks fans and the front office knows it.
A man gotta have a code
by Carl Putnam on Dec 16, 2009 10:43 AM EST up reply actions
I say make a move for Rick Rypien.
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 10:34 AM EST reply actions
Look at Rypien go, fighting the good fight. =)

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This picture is amazing. You can almost see the caption. “Nighty night, Danny.”

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Also, those blue-and-green Canucks jerseys are really growing on me. Hmm. I do need a blue for house league..
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Plus, his cousin Mark was pretty solid here. He’ll get the Skins fans out.

Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 16, 2009 1:54 PM EST up reply actions
Is he related to Hugh Jassman?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 18, 2009 12:57 AM EST up reply actions
How About...
…Joe Finley? He’ll make sure that the opponent’s lawn mowers, dishes, etc. are handled.
If there are any questions about his credentials, you can as the Wisconsin Badgers’ mascot…
Let's go Caps!
I read on OFB that he is a good playar.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
..and better than Schultz
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 16, 2009 1:55 PM EST up reply actions
DJ King for the Blues is a scary mofo on the ice.
He’s listed as 6’3" but he was the biggest man by far out there when I saw him live from row 5 in Dallas two seasons ago. He had the Dallas players all looking over their shoulder the whole game with wide shifting eyes.
But two kind of important things:
1. he doesn’t seem to score much
2. he’s out for the season after having played just one game for the second season in a row.
The guy can skate and isn’t stone hands, he’s just young. Being out for two seasons I’m sure is killing his development. This time he’s out with a dislocated right hand. So unless he’s a southpaw, that could hurt his effectiveness when he needs to actively deter. And he’s not going to help any team this season sitting at home.
…But I should also point out he plays for the Blues – who are basically tied for least # goals in the league and who don’t have anyone in double-digit goal scoring. This is a common sort of stat for this team in recent years so it’s not like he’s got anyone to help his point totals since he’s been in the NHL.
I’m generally against thinking outside the organization. Osala looks great, obviously Brads gets the job done, and even the Captain has been contributing to the sandpaper this season. Really, I think we’ve got the men we need. They just need to take action more often.
And then there’s always 28, in case we need some bongos.

"My face is my mask."

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