Coach vs. Koci
by Becca H on Dec 18, 2009 10:30 AM EST
343 comments
David Koci’s hit on Mike Green Tuesday night drew plenty of buzz amongst media and fans alike, and rightly so. At the very least it was seen as an unnecessary boarding penalty in a game that was already out of reach, and for many it was deserving of a suspension (though none would be forthcoming).
Garnering just as much attention these days, however, is the less than kind review of Koci’s "skills" by Washington head coach Bruce Boudreau:
"Please, the guy [Koci] has one goal in six years. He couldn't play in the American League. I've faced David Koci a lot. He might be a nice guy -- I have no idea. I'm glad he's making a living. Let's be honest if this was any [other] game he gets on the ice in the first three minutes, gets into his fight and then he sits at the end of the bench, so what good is he?
It shows what we have to get rid of to have a good game. The guys that are sitting at the end of the bench and they come out and hit a guy for the sake of 'I've got to run around like an idiot or I'll never play again' — those are the guys we've got to get rid of."
It's not the first time this year that Boudreau has called out an opposing team's player - or even the first time this month - and it probably won't be the last. For some, Boudreau's criticism came across as being far too harsh, labeled "mean-spirited" by former Edmonton coach Craig MacTavish. It's somewhat understandable to believe that - after all, singling out one's own players in the media is the norm; going after guys on other teams, not so much.
What's not understandable are those suddenly calling Boudreau a hypocrite for criticizing Koci's presence on the ice. That's the stance being taken by Penguins Insider, a Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins blog that seeks to point out said hypocrisy by providing a laundry list of tough guys who have played for Boudreau during his coaching career. Names like Kip Brennan, George Parros and Donald Brashear are thrown around as a way of proving that Boudreau only wants that aspect out of the game when it comes against his teams:
You don’t like that a role player hit your best defenseman. You’re sticking up for your guy. We get it. But walk the walk if you’re going to talk like that. This is a guy who wrote the names "Robitaille" and "Brennan" on his lineup card night after night in Hershey. Spare me the pontificating.
Ah, touché, good sir.
It's an interesting cast of characters presented - it's also both misleading and not at all proof of any hypocrisy. First of all, it ignores the fact that the NHL is vastly different than the AHL and the other minor leagues. Fighting is more commonplace in the minors, penalty minutes more frequent. Case in point - there are currently nine AHLers with 100+ penalty minutes already this season (some of whom have played as few as 18 games); in the NHL, there's only one.
At no point in his anti-Koci rant did Boudreau suggest that the two leagues were comparable in skill level or alike in their use of "goons"; in fact, he makes the point that Koci's skills (and "skills") would barely cut it in the AHL. Even if he hadn't made that distinction, the fact is that Boudreau coached the way he needed to coach to win, and he did so with what he had.
And George Parros still managed to score 17 goals in Manchester under Boudreau's watch.
So what about that one Washington Capital on the list, Monsieur Brashear? We all remember big, bad Brash and his big, bad fists - and the big, bad penalty minutes that came with them. The Caps certainly had an enforcer on their roster during Boudreau's tenure here.
And yet Brashear was never used the way Koci has been and continues to be used. For all his fighting ability, Brash still earned a decent chunk of ice time because he could play hockey. In his three years here his ice time was consistent with that of a fourth-liner, averaging 7:58 his first season, 7:51 during the 2007-08 season and 8:14 a night last year. Many nights his ice time would go into double-digits (and this from a guy who was consistently in the 13-minute range before father time started to catch up with him).
He also had more points in each of those three seasons than Koci has in his entire NHL career so far.
Koci, on the other hand, has never averaged more than six minutes a night - and his ice time the last two seasons has been closer to four-and-a-half minutes a night. Not exactly a go-to guy, or even a guy who serves any sort of purpose beyond patrolling the ice for 270 seconds and spending nearly that much time in the penalty box for his troubles - for his career, he's averaging 4:27 of ice time and 3:43 penalty minutes per game.
Just a game before meeting the Caps, Koci played exactly two seconds... just long enough to do what he does (albeit not so well some times), namely getting into a fight, sitting in the box for five minutes and spending the rest of the evening on the bench.
It's a living, breathing example of what Boudreau was getting at - and to call him a hypocrite is to miss his point completely. He's saying that the NHL doesn't need players who do little more than fill a roster spot and a seat on the bench. It doesn't need guys who skate 3 minutes of a 60 minute game, and maybe draw an early fight, or worse, injure an opponent (especially given the potential long-term effects of head shots) In short, it doesn't need guys like Koci.
And that's a point that's hard to argue with.
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Excellent post Becca. I couldn’t have said it any better myself.
On a personal level, I loved Brash, but didn’t think he contributed that much when he was on the ice. It’s interesting to see his numbers with the Caps compared to other enforcers around the league.
Merci :)
And I felt the same way about Brash. He really didn’t contribute that much – I was always excited for him when he scored a goal or when his line had a good shift, though.
I dunno, I always thought that he was one of better Caps at cycling the puck deep. It didn’t matter who was on the line with him, they were always wreaking havoc in the corners. Points rarely came of it, but cycling and hard fore-checking has a way of tiring out opposing players.
by Yoshietree on Dec 18, 2009 10:55 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
He wasn’t bad with the cycle because he was a big body who could put the pressure on the other guys and knew his way around a scrum. But you could definitely tell he was a lot slower than the other guys on the ice with him, and, at least to me, he seemed to turnover the puck often.
I thought he did a good job of grinding and hitting in limited time, but not so much in terms of “enforcing” since he only fought heavyweights and not the opponents that needed a lesson. He was also a bit too expensive for what he brought to the team.
That being said I made I bought 2 Brashear t shirt jerseys for $8 each in a clearance sale after the playoffs. I respect what he’s accomplished and how far he’s come. That Mike Wise article from last spring was enlightening.
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 18, 2009 11:11 AM EST up reply actions
You’re right. And the bottom line is that comparing Brashear to Koci, like that blog did, is just ridiculous. Brashear will go down as one of the legendary enforcers in NHL history. Koci can’t carry his jock when it comes to longevity and statistics.
i seem to recall Brash winning a vote among players of enforcers with the most skills
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 18, 2009 11:23 AM EST up reply actions
I’m hearing that Brash won a vote among players of enforcers with the most skills
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
No, not at all. I was just riffin’.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I’m hearing that there’s a problem with redundancy in posts, I’m hearing.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 18, 2009 1:21 PM EST up reply actions
yeah, my favorite line after he scored a goal was “if brashear scores against you, you know you’re in trouble” haha
"No Brooks Laich, no win. Know Brooks Laich, know win."
by kellobellow on Dec 18, 2009 10:56 AM EST up reply actions
Haha same here! Remember the poll they used they do at VC about who would score the first goal of the game? My sister used to text ‘other’ all the time and after the graphic flashed up, she would yell, “BRASH!” as loud as she could.
Also noteworthy is Brash’s primary assist on the Caps first goal against the Flyers in Game 3. Some sweet stickhandling from behind the goal, dished it out front, slammed home by someone (too lazy to look up box score).
Box score here. I was at this game. Also noteworthy, which I had forgotten, Green’s first and only NHL fight against Scotty Upshall. Upshall knocked him down with a meh punch to the side of the head, yet the Wachovia arena dudes constantly kept playing the replay on the Jumbotron the rest of the game, as well as a dozen other Flyers fights from the past 30 years.
There’s something ironic in the fact that we both pulled the ESPN box score…
That fight was pretty forgettable – but I loved it because it was organic. I hate those planned, staged fights agreed upon ahead of time. Give me the spontaneity of Greenie trying to throw down vs the Flyers, or Pettinger pulling J. Staal’s hair, or Semin playing the bongos on M. Staal over two “heavyweights” any day.
I’m not as anti-ESPN as some folks around here. Probably because I’m into other sports that they do well (NFL, NCAAF, MLB). They are my go-to site for daily boxscore checks.
I’m not anti-ESPN in general – I think they do a fine job of reporting other sports. Hockey, however, is a four-letter word for that network.
I just thought it was entertaining that neither of us went to NHL.com or Yahoo! for our boxscore needs ;)
I think they do a fine job of reporting other sports
Do you get the same ESPN that I do? I’m not going to bring down this thread with a serious ESPN rant…but I will say that there have been several semi-controversal stories they’ve avoided (to put it gently) over the last six-nine months.
As I’ve said lord knows how many times…I hope Comcast or some other mega-company can come up with legitimate compeition for the world wide leader as it would hopefully put their ethics and decision making under a spotlight.
They are what they are. I’m not going to let some questionable reporting decisions cloud the reality that ESPN’s programming and coverage of other major sports that I’m interested blow everyone else out of the water. ESPN channels are a little slice of heaven each Saturday September through November.
Don’t you find Comcast’s history of despicable customer service offensive and borderline unethical? I do, but I still watch every Caps game on their channels.
I hear nothing but bad things about Comcast as an ISP.
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Better than Cox, who ratted me out for (alleged) filesharing.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I’ve had no issues with Cox…and I file share on occasion. They keep giving us free stuff (probably the only people who still use them)
I’ve negotiated my bill from $120 to $66 with Comcast, just by asking.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
How’d you manage to do THAT? That’s impressive! I have Center Ice and NHL Network, both of which get expensive…
I chatted with online support about the internet, just said “I don’t think the service I’m getting is worth what I’m paying, and I can get it cheaper with another company.” So they gave me a promo rate for a year.
Then I called about my HD service and said I don’t really watch TV enough to warrant how high the price is, so I was going to cancel. They gave me a promo rate for a year.
Tried getting them to give me Center Ice as a free trial, but they looked (for a long time) and said it wasn’t possible in my area code. I’m going to try and get NHL network tonight.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Nice. I usually just hear the stories about how a tech will knock on the door and walk away before you can answer it or they’ll say they need to go to the car to get a screwdriver and drive off without finishing the job.
I had Cox when I lived in Las Vegas, and aside from them erroneously trying to fuck my credit rating I had no problems with them. Certainly nothing like I have with Comcast.
In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 18, 2009 5:38 PM EST up reply actions
And how was the Cox? That you had?
Have you ever had problems with Cox?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 19, 2009 12:57 AM EST up reply actions
Never had a problem with my own Cox but sometimes when I went to my friends’ place their Cox would be a little more difficult to work with.
In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 19, 2009 2:32 PM EST up reply actions
Comparing ESPN to Comcast’s customer service is apples to oranges.
Personally, I’d love to see Comcast dump some money into Versus…or atleast initiate some new programming…a la Sportscenter.
I
It’s apples and oranges to you, but to me it’s comparing one ethically questionable situation (ESPN, as perceived by you) to another (Comcast, as perceived by me).
I got the sense from your first post on this topic that the problem you have with ESPN leads you to boycott the entire range of products they provide. I may be wrong about that.
And thank you for not throwing debate team terms like “strawman” and “ad hominem” at me :)
ESPN sucks for hockey coverage but I do go to ESPN for boxscores and the scoreboard. That’s more of an indictment of the NHL’s website than a compliment to ESPN.
In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 18, 2009 5:37 PM EST up reply actions
When I browse for scores from my cell, espn.com via VZW is closer to realtime than nhl.com.
I also like their live gametracker when I’m watching games at home. It’s more visually pleasing and updates fairly quickly compared to other sites I’ve used in the past.
Agreed on Brash, though I was always impressed with the Caps’ checking line those seasons, between him, Gordo, and Brads. Brash was never too nimble with his feet or his hands, but he still played relatively smart for a bona fide enforcer, and I’ll never forget the team’s first goal of the 2008 Playoffs…
Picture caption: “Errrrrrrrrrppp. Ah. Take that Erskine.”
Sorry, Friday before a snow storm. A little punchy.
I thought the original caption was “Avalanche forward David Koci leaps from the ice to avoid accidentally hitting Capitals defenseman John Erskine in the chest.”
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Oh, wait…you’re right, that was it.
Or was it “Avalanche forward David Koci leaps from the ice to avoid what would almost certainly be a dirty hit from Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin (not pictured).”
by Becca H on Dec 18, 2009 11:05 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Their article was just a bunch of Cled Pled.
"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 18, 2009 10:48 AM EST up reply actions
PI = Piss with ink?
"It's like water. You want to drink it. You will drink it."
by Steck It Out on Dec 18, 2009 5:39 PM EST up reply actions
I really wish I had a searchable version of Boudreau’s book. Like a PDF or something. Discussions around Bruce always remind me of a certain parts in the book, but I never have it on hand to quote from. I’m pretty sure he mentions something along the lines of the above quote somewhere in there. It’s an established part of his philosophy.
"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 18, 2009 10:45 AM EST reply actions
Right on. Brash was a decent fourth liner/spare part in his first two years on the caps. His actual skills were declining, and they parted ways when it was apparent we had better, and younger options. Bruce is an asset to the NHL and hockey. AYHSBBB.
All you haters suck Bruce’s big belly? :)
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
by D'ohboy on Dec 18, 2009 11:08 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Well atleast next time OVI does something questionable ( not serious), We can all say, “Hey if Koci only got a fine for a clear head hunting shot, so should Ovi”.
That’s the worst part. His play, at least in terms of what you can judge as intent, was way dirtier than Ovie’s vs. Gleason (you can argue about boarding vs. kneeing, of course, and there is an issue with that but given that neither resulted in injuries to the players that seems somewhat secondary). That Ovie gets two and Koci gets nothing doesn’t sit right with me.
I think Ovi got suspended more because of the lynching mob more then his questionable hit. Since Ovi is a Superstar everyone says superstars wont get suspended no matter how bad the hit, they wanted to prove a point so they suspended him. Now they will not have to suspend him again and if they do i say there being biased because he’s a superstar.
by CAPFan4Life on Dec 18, 2009 11:39 AM EST up reply actions
Fighting fire with water
Also, I’d like to mention that the reason why Boudreau needed Brash and assumedly other enforcers in the past, and also why there is still a debate to this day about whether we need an enforcer right now — which btw, we don’t have one!!! Another example of practicing what he preaches — is to protect the team against thugs like Koci. I think Boudreau and GMGM have simply had enough, and instead of fighting-fire-with-fire and keeping one around for protection against the other teams’ lack of ethically and financially sound judgment are just simply boycotting this thuggery and tom-foolery and in the process leaving ourselves vulnerable. Doesn’t sound like hypocrisy to me at all. It sounds like having the courage to stand-up for what you feel is right, and in the process sending a message to other teams and he league. Sounds more like leading by example, the opposite of hypocrisy.
How would having Brashear in the lineup have stopped Koci from running Green?
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by J.P. on Dec 18, 2009 11:32 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Maybe he’d have already fought Brash at that point in the game, so he’d have been glued to the bench already? Only explanation.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Good point…. and I think that might actually be why he’s not here. In other words it doesn’t do anything except compound the problem, and ultimately sending the wrong message of acceptance. That would be hypocritical. And that is my whole point, we don’t have him now, which is what Boudreau is saying, and ultimately trying to make a point… You know, the whole “eye-for-an-eye makes the whole world blind” idea
didn’t realize this was JP…. Thanks for reading my post and commenting, man…I love this site, thanks for creating it. I come here twice a day….at least….
Well, we have to go home from work..
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
How would having Brashear in the lineup have stopped Koci from running Green?
Pree-friggin-cisely.
With Brash in the lineup, Koci runs Green, gets sent to the box, does his time and resumes his seat at the end of the bench, where he spends the rest of the game.
Brash then does not fight any of the Avs players.
We spend the next morning wondering what the utility of Brash in the lineup is.
The League dropped the ball on this one (shocker, I know). But I have no issues with the way teh Caps are approaching this thing.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
by fat_daddyo on Dec 18, 2009 11:43 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
Is the answer Jesus?
In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 18, 2009 5:40 PM EST up reply actions
REPLY FAIL – boo on me. This was meant for fat_daddyo
by vt caps fan on Dec 18, 2009 11:51 AM EST up reply actions
To Penguins Insider:
The gauntlets have been thrown down.
by renstar on Dec 18, 2009 12:05 PM EST reply actions 5 recs
Another point re: Bruce and Brash – Boudreau inherited him and Brashear was resigned for last season relatively early on in Gabby’s tenure. At the time, Bruce had this to say:
“It’s pretty nice to have the biggest dog on the block on your team,” Coach Bruce Boudreau said. “And I think we do. He’s been a great contributor, other than just a physical presence. In the room and on the ice, I couln’t have asked for more from Donald. It’s a great reward and a deserved reward.” Emphasis added
If Brash wasn’t a “great contributor, other than just a physical presence,” one wonders whether he’d have been re-upped under the new regime.
In other words… Boudreau was and is perfectly consistent on this point.
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by J.P. on Dec 18, 2009 12:29 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
In other words… Boudreau was and is perfectly consistent on this point.
On the point of Brashear, I agree. He was an enforcer and a decent all-around 4th liner.
I think Bombulie has a point in calling this Boudreau quote a little hypocritical: "I’ve got to run around like an idiot or I’ll never play again’ — those are the guys we’ve got to get rid of."
Dude had Louis Robitaille and Kip Brennan. Come on, son.
You come at the king, you best not miss.
And I haven’t taken a look at shift charts or ice time, but from the few Hershey games I’ve seen guys like Robitaille and Brennan probably got more than 2-3 minutes a game – and had/have more skill and hockey ability than Koci does.
Regardless of ice time, they run around and endanger other. Is there that big of difference is they play 30 seconds, 3 minutes or 6 minutes? I don’t think so (not that I’ve seen/know the shift charts either).
You come at the king, you best not miss.
Well, regardless, he’s saying we need to get rid of it at the NHL level. See the comment by OverTheBoards below for a really good reasoning as to why guys like Robitaille and Brennan are needed and used in the AHL.
I pointed this out in the post, too, but come on – we all know that the AHL is a different animal, with higher PIMs and more of a need for that kind of player. The Bears have guys like that, the Baby Pens are certainly not exempt from it, and just about every other team in the league can be mentioned there, too.
I don’t consider using people like Robitaille in the minors to be even close to having a guy like Koci playing clearly out of his league in the NHL. Every name on that list is a poor comparison.
by Becca H on Dec 18, 2009 1:53 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
None in the hiring, but he played them nearly every night, didn’t he?
You come at the king, you best not miss.
Yes, yes he did. Now, if those were guys whose only and sole job was to take cheap shots and get into fights, you’d have a point.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
Thanks. I think I do. Boudreau’s played players that don’t have the skill to be in the AHL level, beyond that natural need for more enforcers in the minors.
You come at the king, you best not miss.
But therein lies the difference as has already been said. The minors and majors fighting culture is different.
In the case of an AHL fighter and an NHL fighter, it’s apples-oranges.
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 18, 2009 1:58 PM EST up reply actions
Well, here’s where we part company.
Robitaille has been a decent AHL player. He clearly does not fall into the category of a guy who’s level of play is so substandard that his only potential contribution is to cheap shot or fight.
Simply put, you’re wrong. Bruce played tough guys, but tough guys that could play the game as well as enforce.
No hypocrisy here.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
Simply put, you’re wrong. Bruce played tough guys, but tough guys that could play the game as well as enforce.
No hypocrisy here.
If that’s how you see it, fine. That’s one perspective. I don’t share it.
You come at the king, you best not miss.
Yes, but I have, you know, actual stats to back up my position.
Your position: Bruce Boudreau played the functional equivalent of David Koci during his AHL coaching days. Therefore, he should not lament the fact that David Koci tried to injure one of his stars in the NHL. You adduce as evidence the fact that Robitaille and Brennan dressed for him.
My position: Robitaille and Brennan are not the functional equivalent of Koci. Their stats bear this out.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
Actual stats? What they score 4-5 goals a year shows they’re not Koci-esque 2 minutes a game players?
If anything, as D’ohboy posts below, I think the stats favor my stance that they’re all playing above levels they should be at.
You come at the king, you best not miss.
I don’t know where saying “Bruce is a hypocrite!” gets us though. Is the implication here that Bruce secretly loves that type of player and is lying just to get everyone to feel sorry for Mike Green? Do you agree with his statement that there is no place in the game for guys like Koci or not?
Is the implication here that Bruce secretly loves that type of player and is lying just to get everyone to feel sorry for Mike Green?
No, it’s don’t cry about it when your guy goes down when you’ve iced comparable players for years.
You come at the king, you best not miss.
So by extension every recent AHL-promoted coach should clam up when it comes to NHL discipline?
"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 18, 2009 1:56 PM EST up reply actions
In a different league where the rules and style of play are different. And I’m not buying that any of the guys on that list “don’t have the skill to play at the AHL level” – you’re actually saying Brennan and Robitaille don’t have that skill, despite the fact that both have had pretty decent AHL careers? You think they’re the David Koci of the AHL? I think that’s a bit of a stretch.
You are correct, Ms H.
Check out Brennan’s stats with Hershey: he was a useful player in terms of his production, apart from any enforcement he may have done.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
Huh. Congrats, Mr. Koci – you are a perfectly capable AHLer. Now please kindly remove your elbow from the back of Mike Green’s head.
(Also, how did I miss that Koci used to be a Baby Pen??)
They all suck. But minor league GMs don’t sign them to play. They sign them to fight so that mouth breathing hicks with guts bigger than the grille on their F-250 minor league hockey fans will come swill $5 beer to watch them fight.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
by D'ohboy on Dec 18, 2009 2:16 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
This
He was on the fucking Admirals.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Disagree.
Koci, in 266 AHL games, has 3 goals and 23 assists. That’s .098 points per game.
Brennan has 9 goals and 10 assists in 137 games. That’s .14 points per game.
That’s a 43% increase in production on a PPG basis.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
Neither of them are real hockey players though. They’re goons on ice.
You come at the king, you best not miss.
Right. And one’s played 15 NHL games since the lockout, while one is running around endangering the world’s best players.
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If you've read this far...seek help.
You just took the thought right out of my head…
"It's like water. You want to drink it. You will drink it."
by Steck It Out on Dec 18, 2009 5:42 PM EST up reply actions
I guess my issue is that the article reeks of a guy trying to dig up dirt on Boudreau while completely sidestepping the issue at hand. The real issue is whether these guys belong in today’s NHL. Penguins Insider, a blog that covers the Caps’ arch rival, is turning it into an Anti-Bruce campaign.
I don’t see it as an attack as much as a guy bugged by comments he heard. Not everyone blindly follows/agrees/loves Boudreau’s every word. (Not saying you do, just sayin).
You come at the king, you best not miss.
I guess what bothers us – or at least bothers me, I can’t speak for the Rink Rats here – is that he’s trying to use “facts” to back up his annoyance. By doing so he’s comparing AHL/ECHL/IHL players and the style of game they play to show that complaining about it in the best league in the world is somehow out of line.
Not everyone blindly follows/agrees/loves Boudreau’s every word.
Those who don’t, especially Penguins Insider, can kindly fuck off! :-)
Russian Machine very rarely breaks.
Disagree. Civil disagreement is what makes this place great. I have absolutely no patience for the “love it or leave it” attitude in any of its manifestations.
In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 18, 2009 5:57 PM EST up reply actions
What about the “laich it or lump it” attitude in any of its manifestations?
"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 18, 2009 6:15 PM EST up reply actions
Laich it or lump it gets a pass. It’s funny and tolerant.
In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 18, 2009 6:30 PM EST up reply actions
lol how can he say those things about koci when he was in slap shot the movie???? lol hypercrite
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Fuck
I literally read this just moments after posting my sarcastic comment below. You asshole.
In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 18, 2009 5:57 PM EST up reply actions
In fairness, I think it’s a blog that covers the Caps’ arch rival’s farm team (the WBS Pens)… couldn’t you tell that the writing and analysis was minor league quality? Zing!
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Look, J.P.
They’re just trying to go out there and finish their checks and get noticed. Maybe one day get called up to the big leagues and the commensurate pay raise. Guys gotta make a living right?
In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 18, 2009 5:58 PM EST up reply actions
Let’s see…
Kip Brennan – I assume you are speaking of the 2006-07 season, because Boudreau did not coach the Bears in 2008-09… in the 2006-07 season, Brennan played in 26 games for the Bears. I’m still looking for exactly when he joined the team that season – last year, he joined back up with the Bears in January, and played 22 games, but that has nothing to do with Boudreau.
Louis Robitaille played in 67 games of an 80-game season in 2006-07.
Bruce’ point is not that there is no role for enforcers. His point is that there is no role for guys who don’t have the skill to play, and whose only role is to injure and/or fight.
Are you saying that Robitaille and Brennan are the second type of player?
Because I disagree, if that’s what you’re saying.
See also the notes below about the differences between the A and the big leagues.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
You’re missing the point, um, dad. Those guys played for Bruce in the American League. This is the National League. It’s an entirely different game.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
So we only need to “get rid of” guys that run around at the NHL level and no where else that they don’t belong?
You come at the king, you best not miss.
Huh?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 18, 2009 2:20 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
If minor league GMs want to keep these guys around so that they can slug each other in what is a socially acceptable form of bear-baiting, I’m fine with that. It’s when these ogres migrate to the bright lights of the NHL and start whacking the guys with actual skill that we ought to draw the line.
Out of curiosity, would you feel the same with if this were Gonchar on the receiving end and it were Bylsma making these comments?
I’m just glad that Boudreau had the balls to tell it like it really is.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
The point is that you coach to the league you’re in and having different philosophies in different leagues doesn’t make you a hypocrite.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
(And if the point is that those guys have a skill level commensurate with a lower league, and BB played them in a lower league, then he’s really just playing them where he said they belong in the first place.)
In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 18, 2009 5:59 PM EST up reply actions
There’s also a huge difference in AHL and NHL play, and everyone knows that, especially someone that writes an AHL blog. Yes, Becca points that out, just want to reiterate. Not an apples to apples analysis.
Personally, there’s only one Penguins blog I even care about, and there are zero WBS blogs I care about. Their opinion is entirely irrelevant to me.
In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 18, 2009 5:51 PM EST up reply actions
Same. I just found that to be an interesting take on things and it seemed to warrant a response. Also just wandered over there to leave my own comment among our fellow Rink-dwellers who did the same – calmly and respectfully, of course – but I probably shouldn’t have. It needs no more attention than I’ve already given it.
It’s all good, you took ‘em down and made the point. I’m more surprised that you even found their response because why would anyone here care to look at what WBS thinks about anything except being shut out in games 6 and 7 last year.
In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 18, 2009 6:32 PM EST up reply actions
Goon and Thugs versus Enforcers and Tough Guys
My friends who aren’t as into hockey as me sometimes don’t get the difference between goons and thugs on the one hand, and enforcers and tough guys on the other. To me, the comparison of Koci and Brashear makes the divide crystal clear.
Goons/thugs exist to do nothing other than fight or play dirty until someone fights them.
Enforcers/tough guys skate regular minutes and fight as necessary to protect their teammates.
Koci is a goon. Brash is an enforcer.
Yes, Brash walked a fine line, and his hit on Betts last year during the playoffs was across the line. But the mere fact that Brash was actually on the ice during a key point of a critical playoff game is, in itself, a demonstration of the difference between an enforcer and a goon.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
I think Brash is/was done after he got “enforced” by Belak last year.
Also, Brash did do some pretty dumb things from time to time…see the infamous Triple Minor Game.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 18, 2009 12:49 PM EST up reply actions
I openly questioned how much he deterring he was diong before then, but the runs on Caps skill players do seem to have increased.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
runs on Caps skill players do seem to have increased
Interesting. My thoughts (to myself) were that they’ve been level.
I agreed with the analysis that questioned the deterrent effect of Brashear. Specifically, I thought he didn’t have any. Kunitz’s slash to Varly’s throat in the playoffs cemented that impression for me. If there was ever a time for payback, that was it, and it didn’t happen. If I sat down and thought about it, I’m sure I could come up with plenty more.
If you’re going to fight fire with fire, you need a Phaneuf, or a Wendel Clark, guys that are skilled and productive, but also mean. The Caps really don’t have that guy. But a Brashear type of player doesn’t help out much at all, imo.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
I think they’ve been on the rise BUT I think that they’ve been on the rise League-wide. Or maybe we’re just more sensitive to it these days. Or maybe we remember every questionable hit now but only recall the really bad ones from a year ago.
I wonder if Chris Simon c. 1999-2000 is available…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I mentioned this in the Caps Clips thread late last night, but what about Aaron Voros? He’s stapled to the bench in NYC. They could use a defenseman. How about a straight-up swap of Erskine for Voros? As enforcers go, he can skate a regular shift without embarrassing himself, and it would take one of Bruce’s toys away. Two birds, one stone. I could also go with a ShaMo for Voros trade.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
You were looking for Dale Hunter yesterday right? I’m game for that.
"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."
Dale Hunter is a unique specimen. He is the sole member of his illustrious club, and I don’t see anyone coming close to joining him anytime soon. By virtue of that I’d put him in the HoF.
In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 18, 2009 6:02 PM EST up reply actions
Chris Simon of that era would also be a good option. You’ll note how quickly his utility in that role went away, of course.
I’d like to know more about whether the stars are run more this year compared to the prior year or two, but I can’t think of a good way to evaluate it objectively.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
Easy – look at the number and length of suspensions year-over-year and compare the two. No, wait, you can’t do that because there’s no consistency whatsoever in how the League hands them out. Nevermind.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
You might be able to do that by looking at man-games lost to injury by the top five point producers on each team year over year.
Unleash the Alex!
coughcoughGaborikcough
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 19, 2009 12:45 AM EST up reply actions
I’m not really sure what you’re implying. . .
Anyhow, I was as frustrated as anyone that Brash got as much ice time as he did last year, particularly when he wasn’t fighting. However, there’s no denying that he’s a fundamentally different hockey player than Koci.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
It depends… what are you inferring?
I guess I was just looking for a spot to drop in an awesomely researched comment documenting the numerous times we were (or at least I was) disappointed with Brash in the enforcer role, and your comment was at the bottom of the page and I figured it was close enough. But I totally agree with your comment. 110%.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Hey…apparently he did enough to get a 2 year, 2.8 million dollar contract from the Rangers!
/so happy i’m not a Rangers fan
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 18, 2009 1:42 PM EST up reply actions
We’re also looking at Brash at the tail end of his career. In his prime he was a decent player (and the fighting role was much more important in the league). Koci should theoretically be in his “prime” and he still sucks.
In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 18, 2009 6:01 PM EST up reply actions
4th line fantasy
Were the Ducks to fall out of it and Parros could be had, I think that decision would be an easy one for the Caps. Would anyone care if he scored nary a goal for us?
Support your local bakery!
Mustachioed truculence is always welcome
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 18, 2009 1:35 PM EST up reply actions
J-F Jacques! J-F Jacques! J-F Jacques!
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
It would be funny if his daughter married Scott Stapp, and became “Jacques-Stapp”
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 18, 2009 1:38 PM EST up reply actions
I have a feeling that Jean-Francois wouldn’t let any daughter of his marry Scott Stapp.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I’m also waiting for Scott Stapp’s daughter to marry a guy named Fred Infection, so she can be “Stapp-Infection”
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 18, 2009 1:42 PM EST up reply actions
Or a guy named “By-Stapp” so she could be “Stapp-By-Stapp” and inspire people to break out in the New Kids on the Block song of the same name
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 18, 2009 1:45 PM EST up reply actions
Now I have Jacob’s Ladder in my head.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 19, 2009 12:46 AM EST up reply actions
There are so many factors that go into CC's decision to suspend or not to suspend...
but it is really hard to convince me that this result of no suspension is best for The Game of Hockey.
For the NHL, as a league, maybe.
Not to get all crazy with conspiracy theories, but, like most things in life, it all boils down to money. There is more than a fleeting outcry against Ovie for his dirty play (warranted or not, it exists) and CC had to take that into consideration. He can’t make it seem like the Caps are getting favorable treatment, especially on the heels of Gabby’s abrasive (yet completely warranted) commentary on the situation.
This is basically a make up call to appease the rest of the league. A declaration the clearly the NHL front office is doing any favors for Ovie and his crew.
Sadly, the end result is that a no talent loser like Koci skates another game, endangering everyone on the ice, and letting down his team in process. I was in Colorado for the 06-07 season, and this team is only getting better. I can’t wait for them to ditch this guy.
by Bushwood Bushwhacker on Dec 18, 2009 1:40 PM EST reply actions
To Jonathan at Pens Insider
As a Hershey fan, I’m used to your one-sided finger pointing. However – you need to look at facts.
For every Koci-like guy in the NHL – there’s tons more in the AHL. Since you cover the Baby Pens, I’m sure you’re familiar with the AHL style of game. Enforcers are needed more there than the NHL. Protection of your prospects in necessary.
Here’s my argument against you: Yes, Boudreau dressed Brennan and Louie a lot in Hershey. Now, after having read your blog for years – I know you and the other Baby Pens fans are the first to point out that Louie is nothing but a pest – he jaws a lot, makes the other guy drop his gloves, then turtles. So your point on Robitaille is moot, to say the least.
Secondly, Brennan. I agree – he’s as tough as you can get and can be a bit of a beast. But, in a game run by only ONE referee, where guys constantly hang back behind the play, wait till the ref is ahead, and then take liberties with guys wearing the opposing sweaters – you need the toughness.
Surely, you’ve seen some pretty out-of-hand games result from the one ref system in the AHL in your tenure with the Citizens Voice. So why try to compare that style to the two-ref style in the NHL?
by OverTheBoards on Dec 18, 2009 1:44 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
Actually...
…I think it’s “mute.”
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Nice retort. I can’t speak for him, but he’s saying it’s hypocritical to cry about it when your guy gets hit after you’ve been playing much the same players doing much the same things for years.
You come at the king, you best not miss.
Or pull him out of an exam.
"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 18, 2009 3:17 PM EST up reply actions
I'm here
What’d I miss?!?
In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 18, 2009 6:10 PM EST up reply actions
Agreed, but the larger point is that the AHL and the NHL are completely different animals. Calling an NHL coach a hypocrite becuase of what he did in the minors, where fighting is oft-times a means of getting fans in the seats, isn’t really a valid criticism.
For example, I think we’d all agree that Peter Laviolette is an “anti-fighting” coach. He’s made this stance clear throughout his NHL career (and has now, in the ultimate irony, signed on as coach of the Broad Street Bullies). Prior to arriving in the NHL, though, he coached the Providence P-Bruins to the Calder Cup in 1998-99. One of his players that year? Aaron Downey, who collected a healthy 401 Penalty Minutes. Something tells me those weren’t all hooking penalties, either.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
I understand it’s different animals. I get it. I do.
The point of playing guys who served no purpose (i.e. not a guy like Brashear, I don’t agree with that) extends beyond the NHL. Or it should, if you’re gonna cry about a bad hit when you’re record shows a history of using similiar guys over their level in terms of skill.
You come at the king, you best not miss.
In theory, Marge. In theory. In theory, communism works. In theory.
In theory, it should extend beyond the NHL. In theory. In theory, every fan who walks through a turnstile into a hockey arena, whether that arena is in Moose Jaw, or Gwinnet, or Montreal should be there just to watch the beautiful game of hockey. But they’re not. In many non-traditional and minor-league markets, physical play and fighting are more than a deterrent or protection, they’re a means of putting fans in the seats. The players that fulfill that role, guys like Brennan and John Mirasty are usually there at the behest of the local GM, as opposed to the parent club. Most of them don’t even have NHL contracts.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
This just in: Colorado needs to put butts in seats too.
Not saying ANYONE buys a ticket to see David Koci, but if the casual fan sees him fighting a lot it’s the same argument as you make.
You come at the king, you best not miss.
I agree with fighting filling the seats in the minors – but Hershey has had the best attendance in the AHL for four years running (and they’re leading by a margin now at almost 9,000 per game – so we can almost say 5). The majority of folks coming to see the Bears are not there for the fights – they’re there to see a Championship team.
Jon Mirasty doesn’t fill seats. Syracuse averages around 4,000 a game. Kip Brennan doesn’t fill seats – Springfield (his current team) averages around 3,000 a game.
I’m not trying to contradict you, I just wanted to put that out there in case any of the “Boudreau is a hypocrite” guys try to use your point as their ammo.
Gabby didn’t dress tough guys to fill seats. Gabby won games to fill seats.
by OverTheBoards on Dec 18, 2009 2:23 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Point taken. I was talking more about the GMs of these franchises, the guys that are responsible for filling in around the parent club’s talent.
Also, Hershey’s a bit of an anomaly as a minor-league town. They’ve got more hockey tradition than 95% of all NHL cities. Syracuse and Springfield may not draw as well, but that doesn’t mean that guys like Mirasty and Brennan don’t bring out the Friday Night SMAKEDOWN!!! crowd.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
by D'ohboy on Dec 18, 2009 2:30 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Hershey is awesome, and thanks again for the booze-sneaking tip. Everything worked out great.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I asked if I’d be able to get away with sneaking little bottles in, and I got the green light.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Its touch and go though. Sometimes we’re able to get in with cans of soda, sometimes the actually look through my wife’s bag at the door.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 18, 2009 2:45 PM EST up reply actions
I just put three airplane bottles in my pocket and my girlfriend had some in an oversized sunglasses case. Perfection.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Go to a door with an older man guarding it. They tend to look more superficially than the women do. I’ve walked right in carrying a digital SLR with a 75-300mm lens on it under my sweater, and they just plain don’t notice, even when it’s obviously there.
doors with very young security guys are the best. they just shine a light in your bag – they’re too afraid of offending women.
by OverTheBoards on Dec 18, 2009 2:52 PM EST up reply actions
Cameras at the Booth?
I’ve never tried to bring my kit, but d-mn I see lots of lenses in there. Are they all smugglers, or does Ted just know he can’t confiscate every cell phone so There Will Be Pictures?
No – the booth is OK.
You just can’t take anything longer than a 75-300mm lens. Anything bigger is considered professional.
Thanks!
You just gave me a nice pic of Mean Lars Barckstrom for Christmas (300mm from 109 should get it done).
Much obliged.
If you want full-sized, or without the lettering, e-mail me at my handle {at} gmail {dot} com. I’ll toss you a copy from home – and I do have others. This one’s just the one I have access to right this minute…
If anybody wants to send me some hi-res player images, I’d be happy to make some nice wallpaper for the Rats.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I’ve always wondered about using camelbak bladders for beer ops. Anyone ever try that?
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
Like a goatskin? Hahahaha….why is the idea of someone sneaking in wine in a goatskin hilarious to me?
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 18, 2009 2:48 PM EST up reply actions
I think this is what you’re after.
"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 18, 2009 3:23 PM EST up reply actions
I’ve had a freaking blast every time I’ve been up there for a game. Great atmosphere and (relatively) cheap tickets and beer. Hard to beat.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
good thing its the stand near the nacho bar – so sour cream is not out of reach as a topping :)
by OverTheBoards on Dec 18, 2009 2:47 PM EST up reply actions
Mirasty will be in Hershey the day after Christmas…
by OverTheBoards on Dec 18, 2009 2:50 PM EST up reply actions
doing much the same things
Classic spin-term. There’s a pretty easy distinction to be made between ‘a Brashear’ and ‘a Koci’, just as it’s not that hard to see systemic differences between the NHL and the AHL. Only by refusing to acknowledge these not-so-subtleties can you call Boudreau/Caps out.
As I’ve said several times, I don’t agree with the Brashear inclusion. As I’ve said more than multiple times, I get it. Different leagues, different styes. But if a guy doesn’t belong, he doesn’t belong.
I used that general term because I don’t know the specifics of how many minutes a night they were getting under Boudreau (if he were playing them 4 shifts a night, it would further my claims they’re in the lineup over skill level).
You come at the king, you best not miss.
But you can belong in the AHL because of the lower skill and different skill, but not belong in the NHL because of the differences. I don’t think it makes it inconsistent. I also think the one-ref/two-ref distinction is really good insight, and while I haven’t finished getting through these comments, I haven’t seen you address it. At the NHL level there is a higher responsibility for the refs to protect the players; two refs helps accomplish this. Hockey has always accepted the fact that at some point teams and players have to protect themselves, and I think there is a much higher role for that in the AHL.
In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 18, 2009 6:17 PM EST up reply actions
Look, Robitaille was a pest and a semi-civilized (barely) version of Daniel Carcillo, but there is a huge difference between Robitaille and David Koci. They are not remotely the same specie of player. Robitaille, for all his abilities to get under the skin of opponents and play, well, dirty, was a competent player at the AHL level of play. In his last three full seasons of AHL play, he scored in double digits (his high-water mark came in a year in which Hershey won a championship). That doesn’t sound like a lot, even for a fourth liner at that level, but he was a guy who played.
David Koci is a one trick pony, and one trick only. He is there to cause 200 seconds of mayhem and then stay off the damned ice, because his is a liability for any team he plays for when his skate blades touch the ice. In nine professional seasons of hockey, Koci has hit the ten-point mark (combined, all teams for which he played) twice (barely, ten points each time).
We looked at four games in Koci’s most recent eight-game stretch in which he skated an average of 2:33 in ice time for the game (one game spending two seconds on the ice). The fourth game in that stretch — the one against the Caps — he lasted into the third period only because the Caps don’t have an enforcer with whom he could waltz (and thus get his fight out of the way and retire to the bench for the duration).
Boudreau’s description of Koci was spot on, but the bigger problem is guys like Koci and Jarkku Ruutu (and his shoulder-to-the-jaw hit on Patrick Kaleta) – and their coaches — not being held accountable for the head shots the league claims (not credibly) to want out of the game. As for Koci, Joe Sacco has to bear a price for sending him out there game after game with this MO.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Dec 18, 2009 5:07 PM EST up reply actions 5 recs
Glad someone pointed out Sacco’s responsibility in this.
In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 18, 2009 6:23 PM EST up reply actions
What I think has been missed in all this is that while Bruce was definitely taking a shot at Koci, it was a much bigger shot at Sacco.
Last time I checked, players on any team don’t decide their role, and determine when they are going to be on the ice. That is the coach’s job. If he is sending this guy out to start fights, to send messages, and to get 2 seconds of playtime, that is all on Sacco.
When Bruce says that that kind of player isn’t needed in the NHL, he is really saying that bush league coaching isn’t needed either.
by HateOffSeason on Dec 18, 2009 2:10 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Btw, I think we’re going to have to start referring to any post that mentions “Pittsburgh” or “Penguins” as “Hooks Bait.”
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 18, 2009 2:31 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
And hillbillies wanna be called sons of the soil…..but it ain’t gonna happen.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 18, 2009 2:38 PM EST up reply actions
Oh no, we’re talking about hillbillies, not rednecks. Rednecks have teeth and wear shoes (well, work boots).
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
We should give him his own section here with that name.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 18, 2009 2:35 PM EST up reply actions
Since he has retired from the field, I believe I will declare a collective victory for the Forces of Light in this one,
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
YEAAAAAAAH!!! GO FLYERRRRRRRRZZZZZZZZ!!!!!!!
Now I’m going to blow-dry my feathered mullet, pull on my velour tracksuit and jump in my 1989 IROC Camaro and blast some Night Ranger.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
CROSBY SUCKS!!
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 18, 2009 2:41 PM EST up reply actions
Ugh. Saw how well that worked for the Flyers last night…scored a goal and the shootout winner, of course.
Yeah…The Kid is living right, because that shootout winner was way ugly. Potentially only surpassed by the way Boucher “defended” Letang’s effort.
Regardless, Crosby clearly does not suck, so it’s a stupid chant.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
You’d think they would have figured it out by now, considering Crosby’s used that team as his personal chew toy since he started in the NHL – pigeons learn faster than the Wach. Center organist.
Maybe they just need Bruce the Organist to play in the rafters like Phantom of the Opera and wave awkwardly to the fans?
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 18, 2009 2:52 PM EST up reply actions
I dunno
With lips like that, he’s giving more than just little pecks.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
by D'ohboy on Dec 18, 2009 2:48 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Slightly off-topic, but I have very shameful love for Kris Letang. I can’t explain it. But I was torn between cheering and groaning when he scored that goal…
Last night was tough all-around. Who do you root for in that game? I think my hatred for Philly slightly outweighs my hatred for Pitt.
My wife’s originally from Pittsburgh, so its fun to mess with her when Philly does something good with an exaggerated “Yay! I mean…boo!”
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 18, 2009 2:55 PM EST up reply actions
I hated every minute of it, but I’m in full-blown standings watching mode right now…and Philly is just too far down for me to care about them so I had to go with the Flyers.
Naturally they blew it. Twice, last night and Thursday. AND they still got a point last night. That was probably the most annoying of all possible outcomes last night, complete w/ the horrific shootout and Sid getting the winner and….argh. I quit hockey.
I don’t know what it is with the Pens, but I don’t think i’ve EVER seen so many things go “right” for one team. Its like nothing bad ever happens to them, and when something happens like them losing 4 or 5 defensemen, they just keep on rolling.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 18, 2009 2:57 PM EST up reply actions
They do have unholy luck…
Maybe their coach has some really ugly portrait somewhere in his attic or something… no, wait. Can’t get much uglier… ;-)
unholy luck does not last all season. They will come back to earth. It will not be pretty for Pittsburgh, but I’m pretty sure the rest of the country is gonna love it.
Boy, do they depend heavily on Crosby this season. If he were to be injured, eeeeeeeeeek. Maybe everyone else would step up, dunno.
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
His groin will explode eventually.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
A couple observations:
1) I’m incredibly impressed with the Pens’ ability to pin teams in their own zone and wear out the defense. They did it against us in the playoffs and they did it last night.
2) What a let down the 3-on-3 in OT was. Both teams elected to use 2 D and 1 F and bog down what could have been an extremely exciting display of skill. I hate OT/shootout so much.
We were trying to analyze the right bodies the Caps would put on the ice for a 3 on 3. While the natural inclination seemed to be to go for the offense (Ovie, Nicky/Semin and Green), I felt that was way too much defensive risk. I’d put Green out there for sure, but then you’d really need a stay-at-home defenseman as the support. That effectively gives you 1-1/2 of each.
"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."
Naturally, and the press is making a huge to-do over how he’s “perfect” at the shootout this year, 5:5… :-p
Bleargh.
The NHL wants Crosby to be the big hero, and Ovechkin to be his villain.
Too bad it doesn’t really work that way. :-p I noticed Crosby’s trying out a “bad boy” image of late… heh. He looks very silly.
Yup. I got nothing but respect for the guy. I don’t think ANYONE takes more crap than he does, but he just goes out and does his thing. Doesn’t mean I want to beat him any less, but I can’t rip the guy for no reason.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 18, 2009 2:47 PM EST up reply actions
I have a reason: He’s a stinking Penguin. BOOOOOOOOOOOO CROSBY!
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I was saying Boo-urns!
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 18, 2009 2:50 PM EST up reply actions
Warning: The following link may horrify.
http://larryfire.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/hans_moleman_untooned_by_mataleonerj.jpg
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
Has he grown in his Evil Sid facial fluff?
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Saw 87 leap to glass after a goal t’other night. Some people like that and some people don’t. Personally, I don’t like it.
by redlineblue on Dec 18, 2009 2:48 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Yeah, but like it or lump it, that’s just how he is.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
by D'ohboy on Dec 18, 2009 2:49 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah, butlikelaich it or lump it, that’s just how he is.
Fixed.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 18, 2009 2:50 PM EST up reply actions
But but Crosby was just showing a little emotion out there. He was being a good captain and firing up his team.
I’m wondering where all the “Crosby is selfish for scoring goals instead of assists” blather is. You know, when it was Ovechkin leading the league in goals, that’s all we heard, AMIRITE?
+ 1 Malkin fist pump
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 18, 2009 2:49 PM EST reply actions
bleh…reply fail.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 18, 2009 2:49 PM EST up reply actions
+1 Tom Poti spastic-on-bench blink
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
+ 1 Tom Poti high puck clearing percentage point
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 18, 2009 2:53 PM EST up reply actions
Aww, this went from a Sid-bashing to a Poti bashing WAY too quickly! :P Be nice to the man for whom my car is named…
Maybe she pronounces it “Potty”
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 18, 2009 2:58 PM EST up reply actions
…ha :P
But yes, I did. Tom Poti the Car, to be exact. Because like Tom Poti the Man, my car is eternally banged up, I’m convinced it’s allergic to everything…but I shamelessly love it with no basis behind my love.
by Becca H on Dec 18, 2009 2:59 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I really like Poti. His weird little Poti-isms are very endearing and I think he’s a much better player than he gets credit for.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I love that you used the word “Poti-isms” because I always say he just has an innate Poti-ness about him that I love. And I agree, I think he’s much better than people think he is.
I could do without him sliding to block a shot 10 minutes before the shot is even taken…and the deflections into his own net…and the way he screens his own goalie from time to time…but still. Every player has flaws.
Yeah, you’re not alone. I think it was the double black eyes that sealed it for me, somehow.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Dec 18, 2009 3:28 PM EST up reply actions
He’s saying that the NHL doesn’t need players who do little more than fill a roster spot and a seat on the bench
Does the name Nylander mean anything… Hypocrit!
DC, where Hockey is a baffling ordeal.
by Chris meet Alex on Dec 18, 2009 2:53 PM EST reply actions
I guess he didn’t even sit on the bench. Self Fail!
DC, where Hockey is a baffling ordeal.
by Chris meet Alex on Dec 18, 2009 2:55 PM EST up reply actions
Y’know, the more I think about it, Becca could’ve saved a lot of pixels by simply noting that the author of the offending piece could go eat a fucking porcupine.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 18, 2009 3:23 PM EST reply actions 7 recs
So...like this?
"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 18, 2009 3:35 PM EST up reply actions
He looks sad.
Because he’s not fucking.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
What?? And run the risk of saying something in five words instead of 500? Surely you jest.
But I will say it in the comments – all those who wish to refer to Bruce as a hypocrite, please form an orderly line along the righthand side of the Rink, so we may serve you your fucking porcupine. No substitutions allowed.
(Dude, do you see? I can’t even just say “eat a fucking porcupine” in the comments!!)
by Becca H on Dec 18, 2009 5:14 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
At no point in his anti-Koci rant did Boudreau suggest that the two leagues were comparable in skill level or alike in their use of “goons”; in fact, he makes the point that Koci’s skills (and “skills”) would barely cut it in the AHL.
I award you NO points and may God have mercy on your soul!
by wittcap79 on Dec 18, 2009 5:37 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
…oh my god. Brilliant. How did I not notice I was quoting Billy Madison word for word?? Next up: Spaceballs.
I know right! I was scrolling down the comments just LOOKING for someone to make the reference and there wasn’t a single one. I. WAS. SHOCKED.
You're all missing the obvious point
BB was in Slapshot. Slapshot, people. How can he possibly say anything about violence after implicitly condoning that conduct by being a part of a movie that glorifies hockey violence. This is hypocrisy of the highest degree.
In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 18, 2009 5:56 PM EST reply actions
No you.
In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 18, 2009 7:03 PM EST up reply actions
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Washington
|
82 | 54 | 15 | 13 | 121 |
|
Atlanta
|
82 | 35 | 34 | 13 | 83 |
|
Carolina
|
82 | 35 | 37 | 10 | 80 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
82 | 34 | 36 | 12 | 80 |
|
Florida
|
82 | 32 | 37 | 13 | 77 |
(updated 4.12.2010 at 9:21 AM EDT)
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