Capital Ups and Downs: Week 12
by J.P. on Dec 21, 2009 11:00 AM EST
in Capital Ups and Downs
453 comments
Our weekly look at individual Washington Capitals' ups and downs:
| Goalies | Trend | Notes |
| Michal Neuvirth |  |
Quietly solid in a huge bounce-back win in Edmonton. |
| Jose Theodore | |
A good game and a not-as-good game, but just two even strength goals against and 1-1-0/2.02/.917 week are solid numbers. |
| Semyon Varlamov |  |
Sounded close to returning before a hopefully minor setback. |
| Defensemen | ||
| Karl Alzner |  |
Plus-two for the week and victimized by a bad bounce in Edmonton, Alzner's development should continue to benefit from being paired with the likes of John Erskine and Tyler Sloan. Ahem. |
| John Erskine | |
A monster night in Colorado (assist, plus-three rating and 17 penalty minutes earned for sticking up for Mike Green), tougher time in Vancouver and a scratch in Edmonton. |
| Mike Green |  |
Just one assist and six shots on goal for the week. Of course, he did miss half of the Colorado game because he forced David Koci to skate halfway across the ice and board him. Bad Greenie. |
| Milan Jurcina | |
Scratched twice, looked hungrier against Edmonton, leading the team in hits. |
| Shaone Morrisonn | |
Missed most of the Colorado game, returned to lead the team in hits against Vancouver, back out of the lineup Saturday night. Hmm... |
| Brian Pothier | |
Despite seven points from blueliners this week, the Caps miss his puck-moving ability on the back-end. |
| Tom Poti | |
Three games, plus-three rating, but a whopping four third period penalties (at least one in each game), including an inexcusable unsportsmanlike in Vancouver. |
| Jeff Schultz | |
Want a microcosm of Schultz's career? Look no further than this week - a couple of memorable bloopers but a great job shutting down the Sedins and a positive plus-minus (though it should be noted that he was on the ice for four of the six goals the Caps allowed in the three games). |
| Swingman | ||
| Tyler Sloan | |
Scratched twice, returned and notched an assist on the insurance tally Saturday night, but let's be honest - his NHL time is running out. |
| Forwards | ||
| Nicklas Backstrom | |
A couple of goals, an assist, a plus-one rating and nine shots on goal and 57% in the dot are all nice, but he's got to take some of the blame for a power play that was just 1-for-9 on the week. |
| Matt Bradley | |
A goal, an assist and a plus-two rating in Colorado highlight the week for a guy who's two-thirds of the way to tying his single-season best in goals. |
| Chris Clark | |
A Gordie Howe Hat Trick (ok, it took him three games to get it), an extra assist and a plus-three rating. Good stuff, Cap. |
| Eric Fehr | |
A couple of helpers and a plus-three rating for the week are nice, but Fehr has gone six games without a goal and only had five shots on goal for the week. Go to the net, young man. |
| Tomas Fleischmann | |
Three goals on the week (including Saturday night's game-winner), but a bad penalty in Edmonton and being on the ice for half of the goals the team allowed in the three games take a bit of the shine off. |
| Boyd Gordon | |
On a conditioning assignment in Hershey, Gordo's return looks imminent. |
| Mike Knuble | |
With a goal and an assist, Knuble seems to be getting his timing back. |
| Brooks Laich | |
Another week passes without Laich finding the net, something he's only done once in his last 15 games (and his assist in Vancouver is his only point in his last seven games). |
| Quintin Laing | |
Q ate a steak this week and played an NHL game - he gets an up arrow. |
| Brendan Morrison | |
Just one assist on the week, his only point in the last seven games (oddly coinciding with Alex Ovechkin's return to the lineup). |
| Alex Ovechkin | |
Every now and then (weekly, usually), you're reminded why AO is the best player in the game. Saturday night's third period was one such reminder. |
| Alexander Semin | |
Beat Roberto Luongo on a knuckler from near Whistler on Friday night, but was stuffed on a penalty shot later in the game and didn't find his way onto the score sheet for the rest of the week (despite being on the ice for all three goals the top line scored on Saturday night). |
| David Steckel | |
A goal, plus-three rating and 7:59 of short-handed ice time without being on for a goal against. Can't ask for much more from the guy, can you? |
| Kyle Wilson | |
Made his NHL debut on his 25th birthday with two assists and a strong all-around game. Wasn't as good in Vancouver, was scratched in Edmonton, then reassigned to Hershey, but he looks like yet another fine fill-in. He'll be back. |
3 recs |
453 comments
|
Email
Print
Comments
Ryan Lambert at Puck Daddy notes that Flash now has as many goals as Sasha, in fewer games.
ALEX, FЯEE
Not to take anything away from Flash, but he also has a 27.5 shooting percentage. That ain’t gonna last.
by David M. Getz on Dec 21, 2009 11:06 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I disagree with that; I think this is going to be a great year for Fleischmann, provided he can stay healthy.
by IRockTheRed on Dec 21, 2009 11:14 AM EST up reply actions
How can you disagree that is shooting percentage is going to stay at around 27%? I hope he continues to play well and score but there is no way he does it at that clip.
Hockey players aren't like other people. Witt after being hit by a car:
I’m okay. No big deal...I’ve got to go play some hockey. I’m a hockey player.
No, I mean I agree that the 27.5% will stay – I disagree that it ain’t gonna last. He picks his shots well, is what I am saying.
by IRockTheRed on Dec 21, 2009 11:20 AM EST up reply actions
OK; last season’s best S% was 21%… there are several players this year at that or better. Maybe 27.5% is unreal, but I think he’ll still finish better than most.
by IRockTheRed on Dec 21, 2009 11:22 AM EST up reply actions
27.5 is unreal. It’d be 16% better than the existing record. Not gonna happen.
by David M. Getz on Dec 21, 2009 11:25 AM EST up reply actions
So Mike Ribiero’s 25.2% in 2007-08 wasn’t a record?
by IRockTheRed on Dec 21, 2009 11:26 AM EST up reply actions
Yep, look on the wrong page.
Still, 27.5 would be historically great in terms of shooting percentage, and I won’t think Fleischmann has that in him.
by David M. Getz on Dec 21, 2009 11:32 AM EST up reply actions
In the same vein, my vote for “comeback player of the second half?”
Alex Tanguay. The guy’s essentially a 20% shooter over his career, and he’s shooting 12.5%. The puck will start to fall for him, and soon.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
There was an interesting note on Tanguay somewhere this weekend, can’t remember where I saw it – and I should say, I point this out as a Tanguay fan who hopes he turns it around.
Basically an NHL GM said (anonymously) that Tanguay’s slump right now isn’t surprising, that he slows the game down too much to be effective anymore.
Great timing, asshole
Just dropped him on one of my fantasy teams. But I picked up Backes, who promptly got 2G including GWG. I’ll take Backes for a bigger second half break out than Tanguay. I’m invested on this one.
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 21, 2009 3:46 PM EST up reply actions
Cool it. You’re going to get nothing but abuse from these guys and it’s going to devolve into something utterly stupid.
Unleash the Alex!
You’re going to make an ass out of u and me.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I’m not assuming. The person involved is one of my closest friends in RL. Trust me. This will not end well if it continues.
Unleash the Alex!
She’s right, too. I do have a stubborn streak, and I’m an unabashed Flash supporter. :-)
I will only point out that I never meant career. I mean this season it’s possible he could finish better than 25% S%. That is all. :-)
by IRockTheRed on Dec 21, 2009 12:35 PM EST up reply actions
Admit it’s not likely. Admit it!
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Dude, all I said was “possible.” :-)
It’s also “possible” that the Carolina Hurricanes will win all their remaining games and take home the Stanley Cup this season. Highly unlikely, but POSSIBLE.
by IRockTheRed on Dec 21, 2009 12:39 PM EST up reply actions
There’s optimism, and then there’s obstinate refusal to accept reality. Claiming that Flash will maintain a shooting percentage that would be the best in the NHL for a decade – a full two points higher than Mike Ribeiro’s unbelievably lucky 2007-8 (which is currently the best season-long shooting % over the last decade) – is the latter, rather than the former.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
Wow. Saying it’s unlikely and saying it’s impossible are two different things. I agree that it’s unlikely, but I don’t agree that it’s impossible – I would have laughed at you if you told me that Karlis Skrastins would score two goals in one night, including the GWG, too, but he did. Crazy stuff happens in this league and guys you would never have guessed had it in them can surprise you.
Unless of course you want me to send this comment to him to give him a little inspiration?
Unleash the Alex!
Crazy stuff happens in ones and twos. It doesn’t usually happen in eighty-twos.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
From a guy with a history of not playing 82 with any consistency.
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 21, 2009 12:01 PM EST up reply actions
I hope you’re talking about Flash and not Skratch. Skratch had the league’s Ironman streak for a while. :)
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
C’mon now. That was just an excuse to drop that Skratch knowledge, wasn’t it?
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 21, 2009 12:04 PM EST up reply actions
I would have laughed at you if you told me that Karlis Skrastins would score two goals in one night, including the GWG, too, but he did. Crazy stuff happens in this league and guys you would never have guessed had it in them can surprise you.
One one night, yeah, anything can happen, but over time is a different story. Shawn Green can go 6-6 and hit four home runs in one game, but he was never going to hit .400 or hit 65 home runs. Jeff Schultz can have a three point night, but he’s not going to rack up 65 over the course of a season. Alex Semin can best Marc Staal in a fight, but he’s not going to become the team’s enforcer. The Capitals can score ten goals in one night, but they’re not going to average five all year.
by David M. Getz on Dec 21, 2009 11:52 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Again, you’re probably right. The chances are very slim. But I’m not arrogant enough to come out and say that there’s no way it can happen.
Unleash the Alex!
I don’t know if you’re implying that my post was arrogant or not but, personally, I don’t find probability to be arrogant. It just is. You can either accept the principle or not.
I didn’t say that there’s no way. I just implied that it would require an absolutely tremendous, nay miraculous, performance. A performance that I, quite frankly, don’t see forthcoming. I hope I’m wrong and Flash scores 40. It would be sweet, but I don’t have my hopes up.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
I think that you and I ultimately agree and we’re arguing semantics at this point. :)
What it comes down to is that you called my best friend high and I didn’t and still don’t appreciate it. I don’t agree with her, but nobody calls my best friend high or insane without a challenge from me, especially not when you’re dealing in the realm of unlikely but not impossible.
Unleash the Alex!
See, I don’t think calling someone “high” is all that bad. To me, it means that in this particular instance, they’re not thinking clearly, whereas calling someone insane means that they’re fundamentally incapable of forming a rational thought.
Still, it’s semantics. I just don’t want you, or her, to think that I’m denigrating her intelligence in general, I just vigorously disagreed with the comment. :)
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
Yeah, I got jealous.
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 21, 2009 12:55 PM EST up reply actions
You're high!!!
Well you’re drunk!!!
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
by D'ohboy on Dec 21, 2009 1:08 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
They had it on G4 for a while. Don’t know what happened there, but I’ve got all the episodes on DVD, and I’d gladly buy them 1000x over, since they’re about the funniest and most re-watchable things ever. They’re funnier the 100th time, which is just insane.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
Arrested Development. If you’ve never seen it, stop whatever you’re doing right now and go to Hulu.com and watch a couple of episodes. You won’t regret it, trust me.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
Thanks. (Gotta be more amusing than CNBC, although Maria Bartiromo does have quite the sense of humor!)
by mechanicsville on Dec 21, 2009 4:31 PM EST up reply actions
And I'm fresh out of my last final
So I’m soon to be both!
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 21, 2009 3:46 PM EST up reply actions
The only way Flash keeps that shooting percentage is if he goes down with a season ending injury tomorrow.
Hockey players aren't like other people. Witt after being hit by a car:
I’m okay. No big deal...I’ve got to go play some hockey. I’m a hockey player.
by zephyr on Dec 21, 2009 12:22 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah, I did, too. Ribeiro’s is the best single-season shooting % this decade. I’d love it if Flash went out and made me eat my words. I still don’t think it’ll happen. I hope he’s “turned a corner” and that his confidence has finally caught up with his considerable skills. However, given his history, I think he’s got a massive goal-scoring drought ahead of him at some time in the season.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
by D'ohboy on Dec 21, 2009 12:38 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Perspective
Barring injury, Flash will get 20 goals this season, but he likely won’t hit 30. Here’s why
Flash’s line thus far: 25gp, 14g, on 51 shots for a 27.5% We can see that he averages a little over two shots/game. (Unsurprisingly, this tends to go up when one of the Alex-es is out of the lineup, because it increases his PP time, so that’s another factor that could possibly work in his favor.) He’s on pace for right around 145 shots (71 possible games times 2.04 shots/game). If Flash could keep shooting at the same pace with the same accuracy, he’d score just around 40 goals, but that’s not going to happen.
Now, Flash’s shooting percentage last year was pretty darn good for him – 14.5%. He put up much lower totals in his previous two years, but he put up 17+ % one year in Hershey, so he’s likely got the skill. I’ll be optimistic and let him shoot 15% over the rest of the year – rounding up gets him 14 more goals, for a still-respectable 28. If we’re less charitable, however, we could note that his first two years in the league, he shot around 10%. If he shoots that over the remainder of the season, he’ll score around 9 more goals, for a still-decent 23 goals.
I think he ends up with around 25 goals this year barring further injury and ends the season with a shooting percentage around 17.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
Your services may be needed for the inevitable arb hearing.
"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 21, 2009 12:06 PM EST up reply actions
Of course that’s still 10 more goals than you predicted with a similar rant before the season started.
by Yoshietree on Dec 21, 2009 12:15 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Did you see Alex and Alex both missing significant time? Did you think Flash would shoot a full 13 percentage points better than he did last year?
If he scores 25 goals, based on his current performance, anywhere from 8-10 of those goals will be power play goals. Remember during my rants how I said that Flash would live and die by how much PP time he got? How getting PP time on a team this good is like getting goals hand-delivered to you by the coach? (OK, I might not have put it like that, but still, the point remains.)
Also, I’m basing 25 on the idea that he doesn’t miss any time from here on out. Do you think that’s totally realistic, either?
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
Did you think Flash would shoot a full 13 percentage points better than he did last year?
No. I expect him to be consistently around 15%.
Also, I’m basing 25 on the idea that he doesn’t miss any time from here on out. Do you think that’s totally realistic, either?
It’s impossible to predict injuries. But IMO his added weight combined with the “new conditioning” that was mentioned right after he came back has made him more durable.
Of course that’s still 10 more goals than you predicted with a similar rant before the season started.
Nicely Bumppoed!
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 21, 2009 2:06 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
color me impressed. a link would’ve been a nice touch, though.
by Natty Bumppo on Dec 21, 2009 4:16 PM EST up reply actions
kudos either way. people that comment a lot around here run the risk of being re-introduced to their earlier opinions. keeps everyone sharp!
by Natty Bumppo on Dec 21, 2009 6:24 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
this is why I’m perfectly 100% consistent in everything I say. There are literally no examples of me ever contradicting myself, ever.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 21, 2009 6:33 PM EST up reply actions
…….i don’t have time to look into this right now. :)
by Natty Bumppo on Dec 21, 2009 11:30 PM EST up reply actions
So now would be a good time to “short” Flash. Or, at least, take the short-term gain and offset it against other myriad losses sustained over the past few years.
by mechanicsville on Dec 21, 2009 1:03 PM EST up reply actions
My fear is that Flash is a ticking contractual timebomb. I fear that he’ll put up his 25 goals this year, and that Flash will win his arbitration hearing or finagle a contract extension out of GMGM at something around $3m/season – before you say that’s ludicrous, that seems to be the going rate for that level of production, based on the Versteeg contract.
Then, the next season, Flash comes back to earth and puts up a more-realistic 13% shooting percentage – et voilá, he’s a sub-20 goal scorer again, except this time, he’s making $3m/year, rather than $725k and he goes from being a bargain to being a bit of a salary albatross. Essentially, I look at Flash and I see the potential for him to end up as a slightly cheaper Mike Ribeiro and it makes me shudder.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
His regular season numbers I don’t fear. My guess is he’ll get 20-30 yearly. It’s his playoffs one or lack thereof that I fear.
A man gotta have a code
The problem is that the difference between 20 and 30 is enormous. Last year, there were 39 players who scored 30 or more goals, but 120 who scored 20. Going back two years, there were 28 players who scored 30 goals, but 102 who scored 20 in 2007-8, and going back three years, there were 42 who scored 30 and again, 120 who scored 20.
In total, that makes 109 30 goal-scorers over a three-year period, versus 342 who scored 20. If Flash just scrapes his way to 20, he’s eminently replaceable. If he’s putting up 30 consistently, he’s much, much more valuable.
In other words, $3m/year for a 30-goal scorer is a pretty good deal. $3m/year for a 20-goal scorer, not so much.
This makes me long for the equivalent of Wins Above Replacement (WAR) and WAR/$ like there is in baseball. It might be easier to create something like Goals Above Average, then extrapolate that into Goals Above Average/$.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
by D'ohboy on Dec 21, 2009 3:42 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Rec’d for great stuff. Definitely tucking that 20 v. 30 goal nugget safely in my dome.
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 21, 2009 3:49 PM EST up reply actions
Nice stats. Like I said above my concern is the 0-1 goals in the playoffs and getting knocked off every puck in playoffs.
I like Flash, but if he can’t deal with the physical play come springtime then he could score 40 during the regular season and I wouldn’t care.
A man gotta have a code
I agree with you, but it’s hard to come up with good statistical analysis of the playoffs, given the sample sizes involved. We could point to Flash’s disappearance last year, but we could also cite his 32 points in 21 games leading the Bears to the Calder Cup. The AHL playoffs are every bit as physical as the NHL, if not more so, given the 1-referee system.
I want Flash to play the way he’s capable of, but I also fear that if he does, we might not be able to afford him going forward.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
I don’t even think Flash will be as good as Ribeiro. And I hate Ribeiro. So you see a Big Buff situation from Flash?
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 21, 2009 3:48 PM EST up reply actions
Ribeiro will always put up heftier stat totals than Flash, because he gets much more PP TOI/game. And Ribeiro is inherently more valuable because he’s a center. Still, I’d rather have Flash at $1.5m/year than Ribeiro at $5m/year.
As far as Byfuglien’s concerned, I think Chicago is overpaying him for things he does other than scoring, such as bringing a physical presence – sort of similar to how Boston values Lucic. The issue with Buff is that he’s never had much track record of scoring at any level, and $3m/year is an awful lot of money to pay for a winger who probably maxes out at slightly more than 20g/season.
I think there’s more going on here as well, and that’s that an additional marginal goal is not equally valuable to all 30 teams. The Caps and ‘Hawks, for example, are less pressed for goals than say, the Bruins. Similarly, there’s a concentration issue as well – Ovie’s a bargain at $150k/goal, but Byfuglien isn’t, because you can’t find another guy out there who can score 60 goals/year. Technically, two guys each making $3m/year and scoring 25 goals each would offer a better goal/$ return than Ovie, but they’d take up two roster spots and 40 minutes of ice time to do it.
The relative value of goals is definitely something I need to ruminate on somewhat.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
Also, GOOD LORD does Ribeiro suck at faceoffs. Like, 45% suck. He’d be better off just closing his eyes and swinging his stick wildly.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
Speaking of 30 goals...
Just noticed that Backis is 2nd in goals among the NHL’s top 10 points leaders (only Sedin has more).
I wonder how many 19 ends the season with (sic)? 28 goals sounds like a good # to me.
by mechanicsville on Dec 21, 2009 4:27 PM EST up reply actions
I think you mean 2nd in goals among the NHL’s assists leaders.
I see no reason for him not to continue his current pace (both shots and shooting % are not far off of career “norms”), so 28 is well within reach.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
I predict Backstrom has a better season than Eric Staal.
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 21, 2009 5:32 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Can we copy and paste for the benefit of your friends at Canes Country?
by mechanicsville on Dec 21, 2009 5:34 PM EST up reply actions
They know exactly where I stand, and I think even acquiesced.
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 21, 2009 5:43 PM EST up reply actions
But if Staal heats up, the Canes might overtake the Flyers for 14th place in the East!
(I really enjoyed writing that “sentence”.)
by mechanicsville on Dec 21, 2009 6:09 PM EST up reply actions
And of course, that assumes the Flyers will continue to play horribly this year.
Lottery pick team — the Flyers. Except they traded their #1 choice for Pronger. So Anaheim will get the lottery pick in its stead.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Anaheim could have two lottery picks in that scenario.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Dec 21, 2009 10:34 PM EST up reply actions
Thanks for the correction. Suffice it to say that it’ll be enjoyable to watch the progress.
by mechanicsville on Dec 21, 2009 5:33 PM EST up reply actions
That’s a good #. I got some money that says GMGM hopes you’re figuring high.
by mechanicsville on Dec 21, 2009 5:35 PM EST up reply actions
At his current pace, he gets 28, rounding up. He’s either got to up his shot total by .4/game, or he’s got to up his shooting percentage to 17.4% for the rest of the year in order to hit 32.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
Or more shots. Or like 3-4 more good bounces than bad bounces (which would reflect in the 17.4% so you’re still 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 21, 2009 5:44 PM EST up reply actions
Ha
I’ve been drinking for 2.25 hours.
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 21, 2009 5:48 PM EST up reply actions
At your current rate of alcohol consumption, to get truly shitfaced, you’ll either have to increase the alcohol content of your beverages by 3.5% by volume, or you’ll have to extend your drinking time by 4.37 hours.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
Well I’m already drinking like I’m a free man, and the alcohol percentage stuff would depend on what I was already working with, no?
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 21, 2009 5:52 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah. I was just pulling that out of my butt as a form of self-mockery after the nature of my posts today.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
I’m still with you. That probably means I should pick up the pace, but I got the continuity.
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 21, 2009 5:58 PM EST up reply actions
The other .7% is when you’re disagreeing with 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 21, 2009 6:27 PM EST up reply actions
I got some money that says GMGM hopes you’re figuring high.
Suspect GMGM would tell you that great performances are never a bad thing, and that he hopes Backstrom scores 50.
This being December, I bet he even actually does feel that way.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 21, 2009 5:49 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
As I wrote, I was thinking the same thing. Backstrom’s inherent value to the team goes well beyond a handful of goals, and it’s doubtful that 28 g or 35 g changes contract negotiations.
by mechanicsville on Dec 21, 2009 5:54 PM EST up reply actions
I disagree, and I can bet you that his agent disagrees as well. At 22-25 goals (25 being around what he’d get if his shooting percentage drops down toward his career average), GMGM could argue that he’s a great disher, but not much of a finisher, and that his production depends in no small part on playing with Ovechkin and Semin.
However, if he puts up 35 goals and, say, 65 assists, then he puts himself into the same statistical and salary realm as guys like Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Kane, Toews, etc (although I think the Blackhawks are overpaying for Kane and Toews). At 25G and 65A, I think GMGM could keep him in the Marc Savard salary range (current contract, not his new deal). Essentially, another 10 goals could be the difference between Backstrom making $6m+/year, and ~$5m/year.
As I pointed out above, the difference between scoring 30+ goals in the NHL and 20+ goals is substantial, and I’m sure that Backstrom’s agents know this as well. (FWIW, there were 15 players who scored 35+ last year, vs. 69 who scored 25+.)
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
Oh, and by the way, go ahead and bet on it. But I’ve heard tell it’s a bad idea to play poker with the man.
by mechanicsville on Dec 21, 2009 5:57 PM EST up reply actions
Knew you would weigh in on 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 21, 2009 11:59 AM EST up reply actions
Flash, but another topic
There is no doubt he is playing well and has not disappointed. He is due for a raise….
I’m thinking he falls somewhere around $1.25-1.75M. I’m hoping no more than $1.5M…
Yeah, it’s about time for him to make that Erskine money.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
But he’ll never be more than a third-liner at best. Bruce just has an unholy love affair with him.
Unleash the Alex!
Not sure if you're snarking, but:
Flash’s game doesn’t lend itself to a typical third line style. Dude is either on a scoring line or in the A or KHL
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Dec 21, 2009 2:10 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Mad Ginger Baller
If he keeps playing like this, I’m sure someone will show him the money, but we had better not see anything like this from GingerLife14:
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
So Laing is back and Gordo’s set to return soon. I’m thinking Sloan is put on waivers after the holiday roster freeze.
"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 21, 2009 11:07 AM EST reply actions
Hmm. Maybe a little longer than that. The Bears only play two games between now and the 27th. Not a very long conditioning stint for Gordon.
"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 21, 2009 11:10 AM EST up reply actions
He should have three games… the 26th vs. the Crunch, and the 27th vs. the Admirals… The Bears then play again on the 29th. I think he was supposed to play last night vs. the Toronto Marlies; I expect the NHL will be nice because of travel issues…
by IRockTheRed on Dec 21, 2009 11:19 AM EST up reply actions
Worth noting – Pothier was skating on his own, fairly hard, on Sunday morning. Discovered this while I was waiting for pro shop to open so I could pick up my brother’s Christmas gift.
Unleash the Alex!
Last week, 6 up arrows and 12 down. This week, 9 up and 5 down. Way to break out of the skid..or maybe the grader is just in the Xmas spirit.
The former. This was a much better week than last.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Dec 21, 2009 12:51 PM EST up reply actions
If everyone is already down, there’s only one way for them to go.
"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."
Worth noting that two of those green arrows are for goaltenders. That’s always a good sign with this team.
"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 21, 2009 11:27 AM EST up reply actions
but none for D
"Baseball is drama with an endless run and an ever-changing cast." - Joe Garagiola
Chowdah Chatter - an outlet for my random thoughts and such.
by crabchowdah on Dec 21, 2009 12:21 PM EST up reply actions
Alzner’s development should continue to benefit from being paired with the likes of John Erskine and Tyler Sloan.
I thought a big reason for bringing Karl up was so he could play with a higher level of player?
I think that line was a joke.
Hockey players aren't like other people. Witt after being hit by a car:
I’m okay. No big deal...I’ve got to go play some hockey. I’m a hockey player.
Don’t know about anyone else, but I got 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."
I thought they were the same joke, just with differing delivery.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
No you don’t.
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 21, 2009 4:09 PM EST up reply actions
No, you don’t. People just need to use theircritical reading skillsIlludium Q-36 Explosive Snark Modulator.
Unleash the Alex!
Someone with better computer skills than I must add a pic of the martian immediately!
by mechanicsville on Dec 21, 2009 4:56 PM EST up reply actions
This makes me very, very angry indeed.
But I shall do it for you anyway.
<img src=" http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f234/stormkitten/marvin.gif"/>
Unleash the Alex!
Ha!
He said computer skills! This is so hysterical to me. (Title fail on the successful link also.)
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 21, 2009 4:59 PM EST up reply actions
Been getting my kids into Looney Tunes recently. Not only were they always great, but it reminds me of what crap they’re coming out with these days. I swear part of the reason I like classical music is b/c of the background music in so many of the cartoons I watched as a kid.
by mechanicsville on Dec 21, 2009 5:00 PM EST up reply actions
Well I think Jeff Schultz is a joke.
/Cled
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 21, 2009 2:08 PM EST up reply actions
Wait fof him to have a good game, or season, or shift, or whatever, then trade him for a 5th round pick.
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 21, 2009 3:50 PM EST up reply actions
- 55 made the “front page” of NHL.com’s +/- leaders. I hope it doesn’t go to his head!
by mechanicsville on Dec 21, 2009 4:36 PM EST up reply actions
Clark did have a good game in EDM, Peerless summed it up nicely.
Chris Clark doesn’t get the ice time he once did for this club, but he makes what he gets eventful. His crashing the net and getting into Deslauriers’ face seemed to get the goalie a bit off his game for a time.
Lobbies: Green, Carlson
Clark has been really good this year
from somebody who wrote him off last season, i’ve been impressed
by DonnieKnutts on Dec 21, 2009 12:59 PM EST up reply actions
I think “this year” might be stretching it on Clarkie, but he’s definitely skating much better the last few games.
by mechanicsville on Dec 21, 2009 1:15 PM EST up reply actions
I definitely wrote Clark off too and was waiting for his salary to come off the books, but every now and then he has those super productive games during his 10 min. that remind me why he’s perfect for the 3rd or 4th line (aside from the leadership he provides too – ex: his fight last week was, well, weak but we all new someone had to do that to spark the team).
went to practice this morning with a friend who’s only marginally into hockey (only really watches b/c of me, haha) – the one thing she said she noticed the most was that clark had a huge smile on his face the entire time.
"No Brooks Laich, no win. Know Brooks Laich, know win."
I like Clark a lot. He seems nice.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I never had a sense of him until I watched that Junior Seau show — the player whose personality shone most in that episode was Clark. I could finally see why everyone says what they say about him being a leader in the room.
He’s another person whose value doesn’t always show up on the scoresheet (even though it sort of did this week). Finally I get it.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Dec 21, 2009 3:17 PM EST up reply actions
He’s the Hines Ward of hockey. Leads the league in smiles. Fewer cheap shots though.
"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 21, 2009 2:39 PM EST up reply actions
Oh fuck off. If he had half of Hines Ward’s production he wouldn’t be relegated to the fourth line. How many teams go into a game putting their best D against Chris Clark? Nobody. Hines Ward is going to the HoF, Chris Clark… not so much.
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 21, 2009 3:52 PM EST up reply actions
Ha. I knew you’d bite on that one. The comparison was not meant to go beyond their smiles. Both of them are atop the leader boards in that statistic.
"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 21, 2009 3:56 PM EST up reply actions
Cut that cheap shots stuff then. You’re just pissed that he made Ed Reed his bitch. I guess you’d love him if he killed a man, 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 21, 2009 4:11 PM EST up reply actions
Heh. Now who’s taking cheap shots, eh? And yes I would love him if he were on my team. I would also forgive him if charges against him were dropped and he was only convicted of obstruction of justice and had an outstanding record of behavior and community service ever since.
"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 21, 2009 4:18 PM EST up reply actions
By “community service” do you mean a) court ordered or b) supporting the entire community he calls his “children.”
/you started it
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 21, 2009 4:23 PM EST up reply actions
It was a joke, dude. And I mean c) none of the above. Lewis’ charity work is well know. It’s been almost 10 years since that event and he continues to be active in the community.
"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 21, 2009 4:28 PM EST up reply actions
I know it was a joke. I’m busting balls back. Don’t start hating on Hines if you’re not ready for me to start throwing poop back at you. Ray Lewis is such an easy target there should be Zero Ravens fans talking shit.
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 21, 2009 4:30 PM EST up reply actions
Plenty of targets on the Steelers too. James Harrison comes to mind.
"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 21, 2009 4:33 PM EST up reply actions
Right. They are NFL players. But you were the one that brought Hines Ward into this. And James Harrison still isn’t that bad by league standards.
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 21, 2009 4:34 PM EST up reply actions
Hines Ward was brought in on a positive note. But being a Ravens fan, the net result had to be a wash, so I needed throw in the standard cheap shot reference.
"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 21, 2009 4:36 PM EST up reply actions
I know, I got ya. But you gotta realize throwing that cheap shot claim out there with Hines is no different (to me) than the people that say AO is a cheap shot artist. I’m coming back with a vengeance.
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 21, 2009 4:37 PM EST up reply actions
So I threw out the cliche Hines Ward cheap shot reference, you threw out the cliche Ray Lewis killed a man reference. We’re even I guess.
"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 21, 2009 4:40 PM EST up reply actions
Right. But you sound more pissed than I am. I threw out the murder thing for a taste of your own medicine. Irony, you know. I’m sure you’ve noticed that I don’t just trash the Ravens unprovoked. Except Joe Flacco.
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 21, 2009 4:43 PM EST up reply actions
I’m not pissed at all. I’ve had a smirk on my face the entire time.
"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 21, 2009 4:45 PM EST up reply actions
Cool. We’ll just smooth it out over those five beers you owe 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 21, 2009 4:47 PM EST up reply actions
Be careful – easy enough to buy a guy all the beers he wants, drink him under the table, then steal his wallet.
Unleash the Alex!
Ha. I don’t carry anything on me when I’m hanging out with miscreants like LioLi.
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 21, 2009 4:51 PM EST up reply actions
I’ll buy us Irish Car Bombs and then make you look silly when I finish it 5 seconds ahead of you.
"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 21, 2009 4:53 PM EST up reply actions
Oh you are on
I dominate car bombs. I sickened my family with my skills. You are toast.
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 21, 2009 4:54 PM EST up reply actions
I was complimented by the bartender in an Irish pub in New York. This could be an interesting dual.
"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 21, 2009 4:56 PM EST up reply actions
Sure will. But I’m not doing this right before the pick up game. I’ll have a couple beers before that game, but I want to still be able to dominate stand on my skates.
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 21, 2009 4:56 PM EST up reply actions
And by “dual” I mean “duel.” I’ve been doing that shit all weekend.
"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 21, 2009 5:06 PM EST up reply actions
I just thought you were on a role.
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 21, 2009 5:07 PM EST up reply actions
I can’t lye, it’s what I due.
"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 21, 2009 5:10 PM EST up reply actions
Also Hines Ward is 26th or so in career receiving yards; Chris Clark…um, not that high on the all time scoring list.
by David M. Getz on Dec 21, 2009 4:37 PM EST up reply actions
This could go on and on. Hines leads the Steelers franchise in receptions, yards, TD Receptions (I think), etc. That’s a franchise that already has 2 HoF WRs and a ton of longevity.
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 21, 2009 4:39 PM EST up reply actions
Plus he lives in Atlanta, so you know he’s cool.
by David M. Getz on Dec 21, 2009 4:40 PM EST up reply actions
That’s what drew you in…
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 21, 2009 4:44 PM EST up reply actions
I meant they both smile a lot. Nothing more. Nothing less.
"So much on my mind I just can't recline. Blastin' holes in the night 'til she bled sunshine."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Dec 21, 2009 4:39 PM EST up reply actions
Almost makes you regret commenting, huh?
by mechanicsville on Dec 21, 2009 4:44 PM EST up reply actions
He knew what he was doing. He was baiting me from the start.
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 21, 2009 4:48 PM EST up reply actions
Guilty.
"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 21, 2009 4:49 PM EST up reply actions
Any thoughts on that over-rated front four of the Steelers back in the 70’s?
by mechanicsville on Dec 21, 2009 4:54 PM EST up reply actions
I also think the trap is good for hockey, Juice is better than ShaMo, root for Canada over USA in Olympic hockey, and think Donald Fehr is a true American hero.
"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 21, 2009 4:59 PM EST up reply actions
Now you owe me a brewery. Ass.
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 21, 2009 5:01 PM EST up reply actions
I’ve already dug the hole so deep, I might as well try to reach China.
"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 21, 2009 5:03 PM EST up reply actions
And thus, the conversation ends. Well done.
by mechanicsville on Dec 21, 2009 5:09 PM EST up reply actions
Meh, not really. It was a throw away comment. I don’t take anything too personally.
"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 21, 2009 4:48 PM EST up reply actions
Leads the league in smiles.
Robert Lang would like a word.
“Smiley” and me and friends affectionately called him during his time in DC smiled more often than an player (and damned near any person) I’ve ever seen. I miss that guy.
DC, where Hockey is a baffling ordeal.
by Chris meet Alex on Dec 22, 2009 11:56 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Clark always looks so happy to be playing… Laich, too, and Knuble. Those three, you can always count on a big grin. You can tell they love to play. :-)
Sasha’s smiles are great, too – when he pulls one out, it’s like a big ray of sunshine lighting up the rink. :-)
(irockthered now puts on her flame-retardant underwear!)
I have to say, despite Schutlz’s two blunders this weekend, I feel like I’m completely off the simple minded “Schutlz sucks” bandwagon. He’s definitely been an underrated bright spot all year.
"Alex Ovechkin makes Chad Johnson look like he's reading the paper."
On the contrary, I’m surprised Jeff Cinco Cinco doesn’t get a down arrow this week. Being the primary reason for two key goals against this week doesn’t exactly get me off the “simple minded ‘Schultz Sucks’ bandwagon.”
"My face is my mask."
by jakeshapiro on Dec 21, 2009 12:41 PM EST up reply actions
Hoping the second line can get its mojo back. Though the configuration of Flash-BMo-Knuble looked okay in EDM, and Brooks was respectable @ 3C.
And King Karl needs better defensemates, but I think that had more to do with BB trying to get #52 into the ’Lympics on that Western Canadian swing, and if Potsy is getting better, that would be a plus.
ALEX, FЯEE
Brooks was respectable @ 3C
Agreed…though did anyone else hear during then game when Laughlin said he thought Flash would be a better center? Did I hear that wrong?
/laughed out loud
Yeah, only heard it about 5 different times, though.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Yeah, I was wishing I had went to the bar for that game instead of the Vancouver game.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
But then, JoeB refers to Locker’s “thingie” not working and all is forgiven.
by mechanicsville on Dec 21, 2009 1:17 PM EST up reply actions
I think Brooks proving he’s a legit #3C (and that was a good line as they all looked good) was reason enough to send the Kyle Wilson’s of the world down. … Funny how Laich was a C most of his career and the past year+ he was a wing so I totally forgot about his skills in the circle. With Steckel struggling and Gordon out, i think we found our replacement in Laich. It also, imo, gives us fuller lines. … on a side note – does anyone else think Laich and Clark look like twins?
It’s well established that Laich and Clark are twins separated at birth and reunited through hockey. It’s the premise of a new sit com airing on Versus.
"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 21, 2009 2:28 PM EST up reply actions
Unfortunately, I think Green’s time has run out. Unless there’s a miracle, he won’t be on the Olympic team this go round IMHO. EVERY D has had ups & downs on this team (including King Karl & Greenie) …. same goes for the offense (including Ovie & Semin). Defensemen playing more time with the top line or the PP, obviously are going to have more points & better +/-, but watching every game and how each player performs ultimately is the best way to judge overall. Alzner has been fairly consistent getting the puck out of the zone & also takes every opportunity to shoot, but he is still not strong along the boards and doesn’t hit much … all of which do not depend on who he’s partnered with. For playing more games at forward and not playing for several games, I thought Sloan performed very well with one assist & +1. He actually would have been a +2 had the puck not gone off Alzner’s skate into the net. PP definitely needs some work. Since the PP unit chose not to skate today … perhaps BB will have them practice the PP tomorrow and we’ll see results on Wed.
Going back to what I said about Flash and shooting percentage above, the same thing applies to Green, only in reverse. He’s shooting 6.2% right now, which is below his career average, and substantially below what he put up last year. He’s taking 2.77 SOGs/game right now. Over 81 games (the max he could play in), that comes to about 14 goals on 224 shots at his current shooting percentage. But what if he shoots nearer his career average of 9%? He’ll end up with 17 goals. What if he shoots like he did last year over the remainder of the season? He’ll end up with about 22 goals and a season shooting % of around 10.
Bottom line, he should get 20+ goals and be in the running for the Norris again. Personally, I hope he takes the two weeks off, gets some rest and gets pissed off because they didn’t take him and comes out like he did last year after the All-Star break with 10 goals in 8 games.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
One thing that is going on with Green is that the back door play on the PP is almost never open now. It took a while, but the opposition has figured out they need to stop it, and there’s almost always a stick in the way now. If the Caps can exploit the attention given to Greenie, and score either at the near or the far post, eventually that will open up Green’s back door gambit.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
This is definitely true, which is one reason he’ll be hard-pressed to repeat his 30-goal feat. Still, I think 22 goals, 62 assist and 84 points would have to put him near the top of Norris voting.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
At present, my impression is that a lot of the Caps PP attack goes through the high slot – they try to get the opponent out of position with passes around the umbrella, and then make a quick pass through the slot to an open Green or AO, for an unobstructed shot.
There are a lot of sticks in the high slot right now, guarding against that final pass.
I’d like to see them switch AO to the half-wall, and attack the corners of the crease.
Regarding Green’s Norris potential, he’ll get his votes, but I don’t think he’ll win it. When he screws up, he screws up noticeably. This feeds the “Green’s defense sucks” narrative, which is alreayd well entrenched in the public mind. I think that will hold him back. But I do think his time will come.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
The issue is, who’s his competition this year? Last year, Chara offered up a direct contrast, and his defensive dominance plus his offensive contributions were enough to offset Green’s absurd stats. This year, Green may not put up the same absurd goal totals, but his overall points total will, barring injury, likely be higher than last year. Furthermore, even though you and I know that +/- is a joke, he may end up near the top of the league.
In terms of points right now, his competition seems to be Kaberle, Boyle and Keith. Of those three, Kaberle and Boyle are worse defensively than Green, and I don’t think Keith comes close enough in points to nip Green for the Norris.
As for the other guys: Lidstrom’s having an off-year and so are Pronger and Chara. Weber’s amazing, but his stats won’t likely impress enough to get voters to notice him, given that he plays in hockey’s media black hole. Maybe Ehrhoff will slip in there – playing in Canada can’t hurt, but there’s the East Coast Bias thing going on – if something happens after everyone on Eastern Time goes to bed, has it really happened?
I could legitimately see Green not making Team Canada, yet still walking away with the Norris. How crazy is that?
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
Ehrhoff has to be a joke. No way that guy gets in the running. Norris is heavily tilted toward past-performance and unless you blow the doors off you aren’t breaking that club. Ehrhoff won’t blow the doors off.
I’m going with Keith right now. He’s getting that “lifetime achievement” recognition, new K, second amazing season in a row, and will be a stud on Team Canada (don’t pretend that the voters won’t consider that).
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 21, 2009 3:58 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t think Ehrhoff deserves it, but if his play continues like this, it’ll be hard to ignore him. The guy is +17 on a team where the next highest is +8. Yeah, you and I know that +/- is silly, but tell that to the morons that vote on the awards.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
He’s also very inconsistent, maybe this year he puts it together but I doubt it. Mike Green led D in scoring the previous year and go no attention. It wasn’t until his second great year, one that was historically great, that he got that attention. I just don’t think Ehrhoff has that in him.
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 21, 2009 4:31 PM EST up reply actions
It certainly doesn’t hurt that he plays in Canada’s second-biggest media market.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
Nope, doesn’t hurt. But I’ll be absolutely sunned if he finishes top 10 in Norris voting.
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 21, 2009 4:37 PM EST up reply actions
Unconscionable
That’s how I describe it. Our two biggest PP threats are on the point, and yet the opposition is able to shut both of them down. That doesn’t make sense at all, and is only possible because of a crap dog PP.
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 21, 2009 3:55 PM EST up reply actions
For your next Fanpost, you could break down PP now vs. PP a year ago, or something.
Or how to attack the trap might be a good alternative.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
I guess I’ll do the trap at some point because people want to see it. But I hate watching trap hockey so it’s going to be under protest. The problem with the PP stuff is that I don’t have footage from last year (though I may be able to hunt some down).
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 21, 2009 4:12 PM EST up reply actions
I hear you. Beating the trap is pretty basic: dump it and forecheck like hell.
Re. the PP, I only say last year because I feel like the coverage this year is geared specifically to stopping Green.
I also feel like the concentration on Green has left some other areas that could be attacked, but have not been (at least in the past few games).
You could always do a “when the PP is good, here’s what happens and when it’s bad, here’s why” kind of analysis. It starts with moving the fricking feet, if I can say that without stealing your thunder.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
Yeah that’s basically the key. Moving players around to make the PK unit get out of their comfort zone. I’m done with school for a couple weeks so I’ll keep my eyes open and see if I can put something together.
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 21, 2009 4:32 PM EST up reply actions
I think the way to start opening up Green again is to move the goalie-screening forward up into the high slot when the puck is down low. Since the D near the puck will have to slide over to take the puck, that’ll leave the puck-side point man to pinch down, or it will require the off-side D to slide up. If that D slides up, there’s nobody left to block the backside passing lane.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
I think his play will improve once Team Canada gets announced. If he makes it, relief will come and he’ll relax. If he doesn’t make it he’ll be pissed and that would also help. It’s win-win come the new year IMO.
A man gotta have a code
Agreed. He does look like he’s pressing. I think he could also benefit from a slight reduction in playing time and a consistent partner. I think that Green-Alzner could have the potential to be outstanding, but we’ve seen from the past that he benefits from having someone consistent that he trusts – even if that guy is ShaMo.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
I would agree. I made a similar observation a week or two ago. I thought Schultz played great when paired with Green, its Green who looked unsure. I’d slow down on Alzner though. I don’t want him having that much responsibility right now. Though given his past two pairings maybe that is less responsibility.
In future years I’d love to see Green/Alzner & Schultz/Carlson as the top 2 pairings.
A man gotta have a code
Green/Alzner, FTW. He needs not just a stay at home guy on his back, but a guy that can skate. Schultz showed this weekend why he’s not ideal to be Green’s wingman. He’s going to be put in a lot of tough spots that his skating isn’t good enough to handle. I’m a big Schultz fan, but not when he’s out on an island, as Green’s partner is prone to.
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 21, 2009 3:59 PM EST up reply actions
After everything I’ve seen this season and last, I’m ready to just throw Alzner in the deep end and pair him with Green. Transition may be rough for about 10 games, but after that I think this team is much better.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 21, 2009 4:16 PM EST up reply actions
The more I think about it you three are probably right. There is no other good option for Karl short term. Also, playing with an older guy can be overrated too.
Ok, so lets say its Green/Alzner. Is, when everyone is healthy, your #2 unit Poti/Schultz, and 3rd unit Pothier/ShaMo?
A man gotta have a code
I can live with that. Might swap Juice and ‘Mo if D’ohboy wasn’t in this thread.
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 21, 2009 4:24 PM EST up reply actions
Dunno, but I’m just sick of Poti. I can’t back it up with stats. I’m just sick of him.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
by D'ohboy on Dec 21, 2009 4:26 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
YES!!!
Welcome to the dark side.
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 21, 2009 4:32 PM EST up reply actions
His petulance during the Vancouver game just really pissed me off. I think the ref probably overstepped giving him the extra penalty, but it was just so poorly timed.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
How many years has he been in the league? How many times do you think he’s argued his way out of a PIM? Maybe a DOG once. He knows you can’t slam the penalty box door, everyone knows that. Sure, Burrows dive and the ref was a dick, but he still put himself in position to get called. Who the fuck does he think he is that he has that kind of leeway with the ref? And like you said, timing.
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 21, 2009 4:36 PM EST up reply actions
I was a Poti fan back when he was with the Oil, but the more I’ve watched him with the Caps the more I’m moving to Rangers fans position. He makes too many dumb plays for a guy who has been in the league this long. The VAN thing was dumb, but it was heat of the moment. Doesn’t really factor in, at least for me. What does however is that he’s been very pedestrian offensively. If he was being paid like an average defensive d-man I’d be ok with that, but he is being paid in part because of his supposed offensive skill.
A man gotta have a code
Also, Poti’s performance declines the longer he is with a team. That wears on a fan base. I feel like he’s doing the same with the Caps. Really he should be forced to sign one year, two year max, contracts for the rest of his career.
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 21, 2009 4:45 PM EST up reply actions
Hadn’t thought about that. Must be why I liked him again so much after watching him play for the Isles.
A man gotta have a code
Probably was. And why he was a pleasant surprise for the Caps in his first season, despite bringing no offense.
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 21, 2009 4:52 PM EST up reply actions
Ok, so lets say its Green/Alzner. Is, when everyone is healthy, your #2 unit Poti/Schultz, and 3rd unit Pothier/ShaMo?
Alzner-Green
Schultz-Pothier
Poti-Jurcina/Morrisonn
by David M. Getz on Dec 21, 2009 4:39 PM EST up reply actions
Pothier’s getting 3rd pairing minutes, but in important situations and especially on the PP.
Alzner-Green
Schultz-Poti
Juice-Potsy
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 21, 2009 4:44 PM EST up reply actions
Pothier’s better when he’s getting 3rd pairing minutes…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 21, 2009 4:45 PM EST up reply actions
Schultz-Pothier
Poti-Jurcina/Morrisonn
Do you really think Poti is better than Pothier, or are you just taking a shot at Poti?
He deserves one, but I don’t think Pothier is better.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
In an ideal world, the Caps roll with:
Green – [Deadline Acquisition]
Schultz – Alzner
Poti – Pothier/Juice/Mo
Assuming that the deadline acquisition is a true first pairing guy.
Or you could go with:
Green – Alzner
Schultz – Deadline Acquisition
Poti – etc.
If Poti were legitimately bumped down to a third pairing, that would be great.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
If the deadline acquisition was Nieds I might go with your second grouping. That would be a major improvement come March. We’d finally have guys playing in pairing that matched their skill level.
A man gotta have a code
I gotta go with Green – Nieds in that situation. Both for the mentoring and the dominance. Can you imagine a team getting 26 minutes a night out of those two guys? That’s a hell of an advantage.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 21, 2009 5:55 PM EST up reply actions
And then you have the master watching Green’s back. Nieds can still skate but he can’t push the play and be the same offensive threat. If you let him just hang back and watch Green’s ass you’ll get high quality minutes, I’d bet. It’s one of the things Pronger does exceptionally well. I’m sure Nieds learned a thing or two about that. But that is going to be a steep price, and I don’t know that we can get it done without breaking up Carlznerson and I wouldn’t do that.
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 21, 2009 5:57 PM EST up reply actions
Dude.
Perreault, Finley and a 5th rounder.
Slam dunk.
/Cled
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
And if we are giving them Finley we can take back Parros cuz they don’t need a fighter!
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 21, 2009 6:02 PM EST up reply actions
No reason to put Alzner and Schultz on the same pair. Break them up and break up the Po-Po. If we really get a top pair guy at the deadline, play him with Green, then do Poti/Schultz and Potsy/Alzner. Then you have three solid ES pairs and you can just shaft Poti on the PK time and PP and keep his minutes under control that way.
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 21, 2009 5:34 PM EST up reply actions
Do you really think Poti is better than Pothier, or are you just taking a shot at Poti?
I like the idea of Schultz and Pothier together. I think they mitigate each others weaknesses.
by David M. Getz on Dec 21, 2009 10:15 PM EST up reply actions
Damn. Potsy on the second unit? When he’s good I agree, I just don’t like having a second pair D that needs to be benched to keep his head 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 21, 2009 4:45 PM EST up reply actions
Agreed. He’s already our best suited D for that job and he’ll get better by learning tough lessons.
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 21, 2009 4:23 PM EST up reply actions
The question is whether BB would be willing to stick with the pairing through those rough 10 games.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 21, 2009 4:49 PM EST up reply actions
I agree, although I’m still convinced that the sine qua non of playing with Green is brain power rather than power skating.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
True, brainpower is probably more important, but Alzner’s got that too.
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 21, 2009 4:25 PM EST up reply actions
Yes, he does, to go along with a healthy dose of OCD. Can’t say as I mind that combo in a d-man…really smart and half crazy.
by mechanicsville on Dec 21, 2009 4:41 PM EST up reply actions
And don’t overlook the fact that Alzner makes a sweet breakout. I like this because Alzner’s not an offensive zero.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 21, 2009 4:45 PM EST up reply actions
Agreed. I think once he gets comfortable playing D in the NHL, in 5 years or so, you’ll see his offensive game bloom. I don’t think he’ll ever be a 20 goal scorer but I think he could be a 40+ assist man, no problem. He moves the puck very well and definitely knows the game.
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 21, 2009 4:47 PM EST up reply actions
True, and it seems that he’s getting much better with his shot from the point (a damn sight better that Poti’s) as well as the timely pinch.
by mechanicsville on Dec 21, 2009 4:51 PM EST up reply actions
Edmonton Game:
Sorta wanted to put this in the recap/Caps Clips post, but it works here because it speaks to how the Caps could have 9 “ups” this week:
Yes, Ovie bailed the Caps out on Saturday. Yes, the PP sucked. But unlike the night before, the Caps were determined to go to the net to disturb the goalie. It was beautiful. Of their 4 goals, 3 came on rebounds and second chances around the net. They were running into, or over, Deslauriers all night. It was a team collectively realizing what was needed to win. It was a team collectively bouncing back from a subpar effort the night before. It was the kind of thing that great teams do in the playoffs. It was almost enough to bring tears to my eyes.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
by D'ohboy on Dec 21, 2009 12:35 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
They figured out Deslaurier was weak on the posts, too.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Speaking of which, I hope Neuvy learned a lesson on the Oil’s second goal – DON’T LEAVE YOUR POST!!! If he’s in position there, rather than anticipating the puck going behind the net, he easily stops that.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
He had to leave the post to cut the angle though. If he stays close enough to the post he leaves a lot of net to shoot at.
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 21, 2009 12:57 PM EST up reply actions
I literally got a little choked up watching the highlights of Ovie’s goals. He just suddenly got this look in his eyes like a leopard that sees a deer that can’t keep up with the herd…
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
I love that look. To my recollection, I can only think of a few people who get that look. In hockey, the only guy I can recall in recent memory was Forsberg. He just used to get this berserker look in his eyes before going off.
In basketball – for those that watch that sort of thing – Jordan and Bird used to look the same way.
The guy it really reminds me of, though, is Lance Armstrong in his prime. He just used to get this look like “F—- You. Don’t even bother because I’m going to f—-ing crush you.”
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
After watching the movie “The Rocket” and reading about Rocket Richard, I think the comparisons between Ovi and Rocket are fair ones.
Unleash the Alex!
Yeah, the only difference being that Ovie’s an absolute physical beast, whereas the Rocket was on the small side. It’s as though you took the goal-scoring drive of Richard and mated it to the physical attributes of Gordie Howe.
Even that’s an imperfect comparison, since Ovie’s bigger than Howe (although relative to their peers at the time, Howe was probably larger) and Howe didn’t skate like Ovie. The only real comparable that I can think of is Bobby Hull.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
When you add in the League BadBoy image Rocket seemed to have, and his documented outspoken nature, the similarities become more uncanny… though at 5’10", I would not call him “small” relative to the size of his peers.
Here’s The Look for ya! :-)
One of the better post-series handshake pictures as well
"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 21, 2009 2:56 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
and Flash just figured out he could fire an unstoppable laser beam past him as he tried to square up moving across the crease.
I’d’ve liked to see the radar gun’s take on that thing… I mean WOW.
by IRockTheRed on Dec 21, 2009 12:50 PM EST up reply actions
I did, haven’t had a lot of computer time at home recently, though.
Plus I dunno what to do with a non-action, smiling Knuble shot. haha
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
they definitely figured out that if their razzle-dazzle isn’t clicking, they can still win by crashing the net hard – ala how the NYR and Pitt did to Varly in the playoffs last year.
They’ve always known that. The question is whether they remember it on any given day…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 21, 2009 2:37 PM EST up reply actions
I agree. But this whiffing on an open net has become an epidemic. Baxter and Semin can put the puck on a gnat’s ass from 50 feet, but have missed a couple lately as well
as long as people don’t forget the original da meat hook. the first one actually used a “da meat hook” hook shot.
by Natty Bumppo on Dec 21, 2009 4:30 PM EST up reply actions
What an athletic build.
Hockey players aren't like other people. Witt after being hit by a car:
I’m okay. No big deal...I’ve got to go play some hockey. I’m a hockey player.
He’s not holding a bat. It’s one of those skewers at Fogo de Chao. Gaucho!…More steak!!
If you've read this far...seek help.
Sorry there is only one legally allowable description of a guy holding a sawed-off bat and comes from my hero Vin Scully.
“He’s left holding nothing but a swizzle stick”
DC, where Hockey is a baffling ordeal.
by Chris meet Alex on Dec 23, 2009 12:17 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Varly
Does anyone else get the sinking feeling that this groin thing is going to be a recurring sub-plot in Varly’s career, given his goaltending style? This is one reason I think that, while Varly may have more upside, Neuvy might have the better overall career.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
Plaguing him his entire career might be a bit extreme as he’s had to rely less on athleticism this year…as his positioning gets better.
Though I do believe Neuvy is eventually going to have the better overall career.
I agree with this, between Varlamov and Neuvirth. Varly is athletic as HELL, but Neuvirth has better technique; it will stand him in better stead, long-term.
That said, so long as Varlamov’s technique continues to improve, as it has this year, I don’t expect any major ugliness to linger… hopefully this will heal up and he won’t push it until it becomes a problem.
Neuvy would only have a better career if they were both kept in the AHL for the rest of their days. Varly’s athleticism is necessary to stop more NHL-caliber shots, he’ll have the better GAA and save percentage in the pros.
There’s more than one way to stop a shot – Hasek was undoubtedly more “athletic” than either Roy or Brodeur, but ultimately they all got the job done in their own way. While Hasek tended to make more “highlight” saves, he also spent much more time on the shelf with his wonky groin muscles.
I think Varly will likely make many more highlight-type stops, but that Neuvy’s more controlled technique will keep him in the lineup over time. Also, in my opinion (and any goalies feel free to comment), technique-focused goalies tend to improve with age as their technique improves, whereas athleticism-focused goalies tend to decline as their physical skills and reactions deteriorate with age – unless, that is, they improve their technique.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
by D'ohboy on Dec 21, 2009 5:24 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Hasek got it done with a LOT less in front of him. Hasek was also one whose technique/mental awareness was always improving with age. Not sure if I could call him more athletic (as opposed to better reactions) but perhaps higher risk/higher reward did translate into more injuries in his case.
I think it’s a bit early to be projecting career games played between Neuvy and Varly. My bigger question is whether Neuvy develops into an NHL goalie. Varly already is, provided he can stay in the lineup.
The argument from the Neuvy lobby also seems to be that he will continue to improve his technique over the years, but somehow Varly wouldn’t. I can buy that Varly’s athleticism might not keep past his early 30s, but I don’t think he’s a one-dimensional “athletic” goalie. He just has the ability to make a whole host of saves Neuvy won’t at the NHL level.
Varlamov has proved himself like Patick Lalime proved himself, and even less so than Jim Carey did.
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 21, 2009 5:49 PM EST up reply actions
You mean less than Jim Carey, and way less than Patrick Lalime. Sure. He’s played like 35 games. But he’s proven he can hang at this level. We can’t say that about Neuvy yet.
I wonder how many fantasy keeper leagues are seeing shifts to Neuvirth because of an anticipated better career.
Lalime started his career like a house afire. Something like 15 straight wins. Now he’s a moderate backup. Varlamov’s hot start says nothing about staying power.
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 21, 2009 5:59 PM EST up reply actions
Varlamov’s hot start says nothing about staying power
I don’t know about that. I figure it’s better than the alternative…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 21, 2009 6:04 PM EST up reply actions
A slow start? Of course. But the final word is far from written on any of our 3 young goalies. The longer we can delay the decision the better.
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 21, 2009 6:05 PM EST up reply actions
I still think that undersells the tram. the players on the tram are professionals — they play hard no matter what. It’s called tramwork. I don’t think this tram hangs Jose out to dry.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 21, 2009 6:39 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
I think the “provided he can stay in the lineup” is pretty much the crux of my argument. While their careers are still young, Varly appears to have a greater upside, but his downside risk is that he plays 40 games/season max because of health issues, or because coaches are afraid of overusing him.
Either way, we’ve got both of them for now. I don’t think that situation will last, though, given Holtby’s play down in Hershey. If this keeps up and Varly can stay healthy, I think Neuvy gets dealt this year in a package for a defenseman.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
Sure, we don’t know what happens next. I wish I knew that Neuvy was NHL-ready at this point. Holtby I have no idea about. I have a hard time equating goalie success at Hershey to being NHL-ready.
But yeah, I wouldn’t be shocked if Neuvy is put in the display window and shipped off. Especially if GMGM thinks he can get a Martin Biron-level goalie for $1M in the off-season.
$1m seems to be the going rate for decent NHL backups. Also, Neuvy could be moved given the fact that Holtby has put up ri-goddamn-diculous stats during limited time in Hershey. 5 wins, 1 loss, 1.28 GAA and a .952 save %.
Those stats will surely come back to earth, but that’s freaking awesome.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
Obviously the Canadian boy is the best of the three.
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 21, 2009 6:17 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, I was thinking this, too. Also, I’m not sure that a tandem in which both goalies are young is good for a contending team, which the Caps hope to continue to be. They might shop Neuvirth and let Holtby develop for a couple of years in the A; Varlamov’s success thus far gives them that luxury.
Unleash the Alex!
Not to get into another semantics debate, but I’m hopeful that it’s still early enough in said career, that the subplot won’t recur for too much longer. In other words, I will whistle past the graveyard for a while longer.
by mechanicsville on Dec 21, 2009 1:21 PM EST up reply actions
It’ll probably pop-up every once in awhile. The only reason he’s more prone to it is because he has existing groin injuries though.
Hopefully with him on the NHL club full-time the trainer will get him into a better groin strength and stretching program than he has already been doing as it is obviously needed.
Hockey players aren't like other people. Witt after being hit by a car:
I’m okay. No big deal...I’ve got to go play some hockey. I’m a hockey player.
“Goaltender Cristobal Huet of the Chicago Blackhawks was named the National Hockey League’s first star of the week Monday after posting a pair of shutouts last week.”
With Varly’s wonky groin (that doesnt sound right), why the hell didnt McPhee lock up Huet long term???!!!!
/CIed
Especially considering the outstanding season Huet had last year.
"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 21, 2009 2:29 PM EST up reply actions
Ha. If ATL were to go 48 – 0 – 0 for the rest of the season, yeah, the Caps would have to get 86 points to win the division.
Realistically, Atlanta probably comes in at around 96 – 102 points. Caps need 53 more points at most to end up in first place.
Barring injury, I’m feeling pretty good about that one, as that would be a .576 points pct the rest of the way. With the charity point, they’d really have to hit the skids to not get to that number.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
Is it bad of me to say that I’m wondering whether we can actually pull off a President’s Trophy? Maybe not.
Unleash the Alex!
Considering the Caps have played more away games to this point than any other contender, President’s Trophy seems like a reasonable expectation.
by mechanicsville on Dec 21, 2009 4:16 PM EST up reply actions
and considering the Caps have thrown away more games in the third period only to tie in OT means the President’s Trophy definitely is in sights when they get that “killer instinct” to close out games.
The answer is yes, only because its December. If late February they are in the hunt then you can wonder away. As Is my mantra, I couldn’t care less. Only one trophy I care about.
A man gotta have a code
Gotta admit, though, #1 seed has its advantages, especially considering how "front-loaded the East looks this year.
by mechanicsville on Dec 21, 2009 5:16 PM EST up reply actions
On the other hand, either PIT or NJD is almost certainly the 4 seed (at least at this point)…The 2 seed in the conference is looking at getting either Buffalo or Boston in a Round 2 matchup.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
Assuming no upsets*
And how many times do you see no upsets?
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 21, 2009 5:36 PM EST up reply actions
Never. There’s always a Round 1 upset.
Still, if the seeds end up with Pit and NJD as 1/4 and the Caps as #2, they can’t meet either team until the ECF.
But your point is taken about the chalk – it never happens.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
No, if that seeding happens and the 3 loses (Northeast winner, not going to be a huge beast in all likelihood) then the Caps see 4 seed in the second round (just like last year). I think that’s pretty likely. But it’s way too early to be talking about this stuff. The seeding and the draw is going to be hugely important but we don’t even know which teams are really the teams to be scared of right now. If the Pens dominate and lose Malkin or Crosby to a broken leg with 5 games left in the season I want to play them as soon as possible. It all depends.
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 21, 2009 5:46 PM EST up reply actions
I’ll forget… but Natty won’t.
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 21, 2009 5:53 PM EST up reply actions
Right. #1 in the East is more important in my mind than the President’s Trophy.
by mechanicsville on Dec 21, 2009 5:24 PM EST up reply actions
- in the East probably buys you a second round date with either Pitt or NJD, though…
In an ideal world, those two teams would battle each other prior to the Caps playing the victor.
At the end of the day, the seed doesn’t matter; playing for a particular seed makes no sense; best thing to do is play hard and let the chips fall out where they may.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
Format fail.
First line should read “Number 1 in the East”
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
There’s an 11 point spread between 4 and 5 seed in the East right now. Granted, there’s plenty of season left, but I’d be surprised if the top 4 aren’t the same at the end of the season. Buffalo could drop, I suppose, considering they’ve only played 14 road games so far.
by mechanicsville on Dec 21, 2009 5:46 PM EST up reply actions
And F&B pointed out that I largely had my head up my ass while constructing this analysis, so I retract the whole line of discussion.
I was wrong.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
Don’t worry about it. I’m sure your head’s no larger than it should be.
by mechanicsville on Dec 21, 2009 6:00 PM EST up reply actions
Yep. Aim for the top.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Dec 21, 2009 5:25 PM EST up reply actions
OT Hockey Thread tonight?
Pitt/NJD looking interesting…
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
I think the FLA/PHI game might be interesting, of all the odd things.
"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."
Heck yes. FLA called up their two enforcers from Rochester for the game – I’m half-expecting them to lay down a little payback for Booth.
Unleash the Alex!
That is clearly what people are expecting. Therefore, proably nothing happens.
"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."
Or will Koci make a run at Richards and get charged a whole lot of penalty minutes.
I’m sure that game will be marked by lots of penalties. We’re talking about Philadelphia here. And Florida.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Yeah. Agree with you on Fla/Philly.
Also Toronto/Buffalo is an interesting one.
But Pitt-NJD for the clash of the Titans is at the top of my list.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
if there is ever a team I want to see Marty beat for the shut-out record, its the Pens.
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
Hmmmm…I’d rather see the Pens beat the Devils, to tell you the truth. Just because I hate the trap.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
I hate the trap too, but not as much as I hate the Penguins.
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
Why hate on the Pens?
Just asking.
Because the Pens of Mario and Jagr were just much better teams than the Caps had. And last year the Caps had a dinged-up AO, an injured Green, and a rookie goalie, and still took them to 7 games.
This year the Caps have the room to add a roster upgrade (which they did not have last year) and the Pens are mostly the same team.
I like our chances this year, to tell you the truth. I can’t really hate the Pens.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
Why hate on the Pens? f_d you gotta take it easy on the road trips. I’m afraid we’re losing you. That one is a no-brainer.
But I’m with you that I’m rooting for PIT tonight. Fuck the Devilz and every team coached by Lemaire. Both teams are making the playoffs so it doesn’t really matter in the grand scheme, I’d just rather see PIT win the division than NJD. If NJD wins the division people are going to slurp Lemaire, ignoring that they won the division last year. If they lose the division then you can’t say that Lemaire’s stupid soul crushing system made them a better team. I never like to see his bullshit vindicated. Viva la hockey. Plus I have a bunch of Pens on my fantasy teams, so that always helps.
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 21, 2009 5:40 PM EST up reply actions
Heh. I seriously don’t hate the Pens. I might change my mind after a meeting or two, of course.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
I didn’t hate them when I was real young, but the 90s crushed any good will I had for them. And then their fans…
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 21, 2009 5:47 PM EST up reply actions
Pens fans are why i can’t believe you’re a Steelers fan, Most Steelers fans I’ve met are every bit as awful as Pens fans
I disagree.
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 21, 2009 7:05 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t necessarily hate their team entirely, though soul-crushing inanity might apply to Crosby too. Their fans, OTOH … twitch
Unleash the Alex!
Poor you!
At least I convinced my husband to hate the Pens. (He was a Flyers fan who became a Caps fan.)
Rocking the Red since 1975
She became a fan because Mario had Hodgkins just like she did (only plausible reason I’ve ever heard for being a Pens fan, but it still isn’t a good one). Once Mario retired for good she paid less attention and really only watches them during playoffs. She does still gowhen they are in town though. At least she hates Crosby.
We met due to Coyotes playoff game in ‘97. Chances are had she not gotten in to hockey back when she got sick we might have never met. Only time I’ve ever been grateful for #66.
A man gotta have a code
Wow, that story is officially good enough to justify it.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 21, 2009 7:04 PM EST up reply actions
I doubt a Flyer’s fan needed much prodding on the hating-the-Pens front.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Dec 21, 2009 10:40 PM EST up reply actions
…and a dinged up Semin. And Poti playing on a broken foot. I’d very much enjoy a playoff rematch with the Pens.
by mechanicsville on Dec 21, 2009 5:48 PM EST up reply actions
Our defenseman injury toll for the playoffs:
Broken foot — Erskine, Poti
Mono/bad shoulder — Green
Morrisonn — unknown
Schultz — rib injury in Rangers’ series — we never saw him since.
So we are talking about over 66% of our blue liners injured. So, of course, we had no speed on the D.
Rocking the Red since 1975
The best laugh I had in the playoffs was still the 12-hour flu that Alzner and Sloan caught.
Unleash the Alex!
the Pens of Mario and Jagr were just much better teams than the Caps had.
Just not true by the way — at least not every year. Those pens teams beat a superior Caps team in the playoffs more than once.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 21, 2009 6:01 PM EST up reply actions
Really? I’ll take your word for it…but my gut recollection is that even the best Caps teams were winning by being willing to work at a higher level than most teams could put up with. But they lacked the explosive, high end talent that mattered when the work rates (as in the playoffs) were about equal.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
Check out the defensemen. Caps had a few years there where they were damned good. and then they choked.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 21, 2009 6:04 PM EST up reply actions
Yes. The Caps’ blue line.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 21, 2009 6:11 PM EST up reply actions
So I did some poking around on the interwebs.
The two teams met 7 times prior to last year: 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001.
The Caps won in ’94 and the Pens the rest of the time.
In 1992, the Caps finished the reg season with 98 points, second in the conference. But Pitt was coming off a Stanley Cup victory and went on to win a second one again that year. That team had a real nice blue line – Calle Jo, Iafrate, Cote, Hatcher, Langway (!) – but their best scorer was Cicarelli…I dunno, maybe Washington was better (I was living overseas at the time, and of course there was no internet, so I couldn’t really follow the team).
The rest of the years, a cursory glance at the end of year standings makes me think the Pens were a better team…
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
Definitely. If boutros doesn’t put it up I’ll put a fresh fanshot up before the games start.
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 21, 2009 4:53 PM EST up reply actions
I’ll just wait until right before the games start because nobody is using it now and any FanShots that come up between now and then just push it further down the list and closer to us needing a new one.
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 21, 2009 4:58 PM EST up reply actions
How can you consider hockey when we have a classic battle between the Titans of the NFC East airing tonight at 8:30?!
by mechanicsville on Dec 21, 2009 5:14 PM EST up reply actions
I heard the Skins just signed Jay Schroeder!
by mechanicsville on Dec 21, 2009 5:21 PM EST up reply actions
No they didn’t, because he’s still in the league. Now has darker complexion, a mohawk, and wears the #2.
A man gotta have a code
Well, then Jay Schroeder can go fuck himself, because his decision to finally show up yesterday for a game-winning drive knocked me out of my suicide pool and I chance to collect some serious coin. Un-fucking-believable.
As a Broncos fan, I can’t agree enough. . . Although we certainly deserved to lose after not capitalizing on 1st and goal at the 4. FML.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
Donkeys fan, eh D’ohboy. I knew there was something wrong with you.
As a Raiders fan I was only unhappy that it was #2. So tired of his play and lack of work ethic. I was very happy though that it was Chaz who scored the TD. Wish he had been healthy all year. The less I’d have had to watch the Terp drop balls.
A man gotta have a code
Musta somehow overlooked that one. I’ll probably check in on it but with so many NHL games on I’m going to maximize the most important fan statistic: Ratio of Actual Sports Watched : Time Watching Television. Hockey gets no love but dominates all other sports in that stat.
Hockey for Norris!
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 21, 2009 5:42 PM EST up reply actions
You mean the inverse, Time Watching Television : Time Watching Actual Stuff Happen.
NFL football has almost become unwatchable for me, with the exception of RedZone.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
I believe BP would have been the only one to have initially caught what sport I meant.
A man gotta have a code
I was already right there with you
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 21, 2009 7:04 PM EST up reply actions
All I can say is that the greatest trick the I ever pulled was convincing the Rink I’m around all the time.
"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 21, 2009 7:07 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I mean… something.
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 21, 2009 6:40 PM EST up reply actions
Scary good
The Devils are taking apart Pittsburgh right now. Really controlling the game in the 2nd period.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
Related FanPosts on Japers' Rink
Related FanShots on Japers' Rink
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
FanShots
Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.
Recent FanShots
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)
The Vault
In Association With
Latest Puck Daddy - NHL from Yahoo! Sports
- Trending Topics: Odd arbitration decisions; more NHLers Tweeting
- Ovechkin wins fifth Kharlamov Trophy, talks Talbot
- Puck Headlines: Witt hits waivers; Kovalchuk grievance details set
- Jersey Fouls: Sharks get creatively awful; hockey movie pass/fail
- White, Flames agree to one-year deal; Bruins sign Wheeler
Certain photos copyright © 2010 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
