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Around SBN: Jeremy Lin Continues Rampage, New York Wins On Road

Monday Caps Clips: AO, Cover Boy

Your savory breakfast links:

  • Alex Ovechkin is on the cover of this week's Hockey News, which you can preview here, but do yourself a favor and pick up a hard copy of it - it's worth it.
  • Quintin Laing on his return to the lineup. [Washington Times]
  • Don Cherry defends himself against claims that he encourages violence, then proceeds to excuse David Koci's hit on Mike Green without missing a beat. [Puck Daddy]
  • A little AO cheesecake... for the ladies. [Alex Ovetjkin]
  • Hershey heads into the Christmas break with the best winning percentage in the AHL. [John Walton Hockey]
  • Stefan Della Rovere will be one of five rotating alternate captains for Team Canada's WJC squad... [NHL.com]
  • ... Mostly because he's not afraid to mix it up, as last night's box score shows (note also Marcus Johansson on the score sheet). [Hockey Canada]
  • In case you missed it over the weekend, The Copper & Blue of all places had a couple of nice Peter Bondra stories to tell. [C&B, C&B]
  • Glen Hanlon is back in the NHL, hired by the Canucks as a "goaltender scout." Congrats. [NHL.comVancouver Sun]
  • Finally, happy 31st birthday to Petr Sykora (yeah, that one).

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Good (chilly) morning. What an awesome weekend with the white stuff. (Snow, for those of you with dirty minds :)) But now, it is time to return to the grind.

Good for Delly. I look forward to seeing him in red.

And how much love for Laing? That’s just awesome.

Unleash the Alex!

by gotsparkly on Dec 21, 2009 7:43 AM EST reply actions  

I read a recap of the game between Canada and Småkronorna and they had some quotes from Della Rovere were he accused Sweden of playing dirty that was kind of unexpected I would have thought that it be the other way around.

by Malin A on Dec 21, 2009 7:47 AM EST reply actions  

TSN got some interviews and highlights from the games with the Della Rovere interview.
A lot of the Swedish players are blogging but unfortunately not Marcus Johansson as far as I can tell. I don’t know if it has something to do with being captain and you therefore have to be “serious” or if it is Lex Anton Gustafsson. Marcus Johanson is in third place in point production among young players in the SEL

by Malin A on Dec 21, 2009 8:56 AM EST up reply actions  

“They started it!”

But an elbow to the head, Captain Cormier? (from the comments) Really? That’s positively Richardsian.

ALEX, FЯEE

by EmilyB on Dec 21, 2009 10:20 AM EST up reply actions  

Considering how inane the video interview that Campbell did with Ovechkin, I’m pretty impressed with how the actual story came out. Even more impressed that it was not blacked out in the portion of the magazine available for non-subscribers.

"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."

by gfcaps fan on Dec 21, 2009 7:52 AM EST reply actions  

"AO Cheesecake"

That first photo was well-done, with Ovie’s tattoos reflected in the mirror. I wouldn’t have guessed he has tattoos. Not sure what they are, though.

by Caps_Chick on Dec 21, 2009 7:56 AM EST reply actions  

He had them done this summer and there were a lot of discussion of what they meant I think this is one of the last articles about it.

by Malin A on Dec 21, 2009 8:04 AM EST up reply actions  

Thanks. I rarely read Puck Daddy and missed this.

by Caps_Chick on Dec 21, 2009 8:10 AM EST up reply actions  

Don Cherry needs to choke on some crack jacks and die already

by Brainumbc on Dec 21, 2009 8:48 AM EST reply actions  

So are “crack jacks” like crack cocaine in a box with a little prize included?

"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 8:58 AM EST up reply actions  

Don Cherry’s prize would probably be a lime green paisley tie.

Unleash the Alex!

by gotsparkly on Dec 21, 2009 9:14 AM EST up reply actions  

Which, if he was going to choke on, statistics and science insist should have happened long ago.
We can conclude, from observational evidence, that he can only be defeated by finding the head vampire.

Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com

by winterion on Dec 21, 2009 9:34 AM EST up reply actions  

Perhaps we could somehow combine a giant pink flaming suite jacket with an iron maiden and take him out.

by Brainumbc on Dec 21, 2009 10:53 AM EST up reply actions  

…which would be an improvement over most of his ties!

by IRockTheRed on Dec 21, 2009 10:16 AM EST up reply actions  

But seriously, since nobody else is saying it, /CI’ed

Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com

by winterion on Dec 21, 2009 9:35 AM EST up reply actions  

/CL'ed?

aye yay yay… i thought i was up to date with all the hip, young, fresh mad dope innurnet lingo

by Brainumbc on Dec 21, 2009 10:53 AM EST up reply actions  

CI, as in Capitals Insider.

Unleash the Alex!

by gotsparkly on Dec 21, 2009 11:03 AM EST up reply actions  

(jots notes in his ’innurnet ananancrocononyms notebook)

by Brainumbc on Dec 21, 2009 11:06 AM EST up reply actions  

Or just “Cled” if you want the even hipper nomenclature.

"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 11:15 AM EST up reply actions  

anyone headed to practice today? i’m in a red sweater, white coat, and black boots if anyone wants to say hello :)

"No Brooks Laich, no win. Know Brooks Laich, know win."

by kellobellow on Dec 21, 2009 10:03 AM EST reply actions  

if thats the case im leaving work early….

by highslot84 on Dec 21, 2009 10:32 AM EST up reply actions  

wow haha – i should have known someone would go there. It’s one way to stand out, right? ;)

"No Brooks Laich, no win. Know Brooks Laich, know win."

by kellobellow on Dec 21, 2009 12:48 PM EST via mobile up reply actions  

They come running just as fast as they can…

Atta dinnin stick a who!

by Gould Old Days on Dec 21, 2009 10:18 AM EST up reply actions  

What Don Cherry said about Mike Green was 100% correct – Green was “asleep” on that play.

But Brawndo's got what plants crave. It's got electrolytes.

by hotdog88gt on Dec 21, 2009 10:05 AM EST reply actions  

And if you’re “asleep” on a bench waiting for a train, doesn’t justify me in rolling you and stealing your wallet.

Atta dinnin stick a who!

by Gould Old Days on Dec 21, 2009 10:19 AM EST up reply actions   4 recs

Your analogy is flawed. There’s no crime in Canada. At least that’s what Michael Moore tells me.

"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 10:25 AM EST up reply actions   4 recs

Amusingly enough I was watching the history channel yesterday ..some show about snipers. It was hosted by a Canadian sniper.

I remember thinking.. hmmm….. that must be the most boring job in all the planet.. Canadian Sniper. And no I’m not talking about Crosby

by Brainumbc on Dec 21, 2009 10:54 AM EST up reply actions  

Not a chance. The Canadians in Afghanistan have done amazing work. Their snipers are unreal.

ALEX, FЯEE

by EmilyB on Dec 21, 2009 10:57 AM EST up reply actions  

no shit? Remind me not to piss off any canadians anytime soon

by Brainumbc on Dec 21, 2009 10:58 AM EST up reply actions  

Seriously. They are absolutely elite. But you should be okay as long as you don’t decide to join the jihad in South Waziristan.

ALEX, FЯEE

by EmilyB on Dec 21, 2009 11:00 AM EST up reply actions  

I didn’t think you could aim that will riding on the back of a yack

by Brainumbc on Dec 21, 2009 11:01 AM EST up reply actions  

Or a yak, either!

I wouldn’t want to ride on a yack… that’d be gross. My cat yacked on the floor the other day….

;-)

by IRockTheRed on Dec 21, 2009 11:01 AM EST up reply actions  

My dog yacked on my bedroom curtains the other day. I woke up staring at vomit. That’ll happen after you find an empty bag of potato chips in her cage I guess.

by Brainumbc on Dec 21, 2009 11:07 AM EST up reply actions  

I’m not justifying the hit and neither was Cherry. Koci hit a guy in the numbers and got tossed from the game and was fined. What Cherry said about Mike Green was true – he had his head up his ass on that play.

But Brawndo's got what plants crave. It's got electrolytes.

by hotdog88gt on Dec 21, 2009 11:11 AM EST up reply actions  

Asleep or not, Cherry also said that Koci “took it easy” on Green. Just a ridiculous take on it all around.

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 Rob Parker on Dec 21, 2009 12:17 PM EST up reply actions  

The Canadidian Olympic braintrust (Li’l Stevie Y, K-Lo, etc.) met yesterday in Chicago, for what was rumored to be pick ’em day.

Any chance they decided to go Green?


(Unis worn yesterday by Team Canada in the WJC pre-tourney match)

ALEX, FЯEE

by EmilyB on Dec 21, 2009 10:17 AM EST reply actions  

I think they said K-Lo was in the hizzay at the EDM game. Did Gangsta have a good enough game? He did have at least one really nice SOG (that Deslauriers stuffed) that I remember seeing, and the first GA was Schultzy’s and the second was Alzner’s…

Should also note here that EDM was another milestone for Mike. BOTH his parents were there to see him play. His mom’s heart had been in such bad shape she couldn’t watch him live. They drove 4.5 hours from Calgary…

ALEX, FЯEE

by EmilyB on Dec 21, 2009 10:35 AM EST up reply actions  

on the CSN broadcast, they showed GMGM and Kevin Lowe sitting in Low’e box.

Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.

by RedBirdie on Dec 21, 2009 11:26 AM EST up reply actions  

Everyone on the ice at Kettler except 8, 19, 28, and 52. Those lazy bastards.

by Cluster on Dec 21, 2009 10:32 AM EST via mobile reply actions  

Anyone from Hershey? Is Wilson hanging around, or Matty just “happen” to find himself in a practice sweater?

ALEX, FЯEE

by EmilyB on Dec 21, 2009 10:36 AM EST up reply actions  

Neither. Potsy’s out there and so’s ShaMo, reportedly. Neuvirth’s still here, though, and Varly’s not there either according to Corey.

Unleash the Alex!

by gotsparkly on Dec 21, 2009 10:40 AM EST up reply actions  

Then Brooks stays at center for Carolina, and we’ll see if Neuvy has earned another start against the Sabres.

ALEX, FЯEE

by EmilyB on Dec 21, 2009 10:43 AM EST up reply actions  

except 8, 19, 28, and 52. Those lazy bastards

Lazy and selfish. Why won’t they ever think of the team?

ALEX, FЯEE

by EmilyB on Dec 21, 2009 10:38 AM EST up reply actions  

Snowed in maybe? Those Lamborghinis and Mercedes don’t handle too well on ice. They would have had to bum a ride in Brooks’ Esclade.

"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 10:43 AM EST up reply actions  

The Muscovite and the Siberian, snowed in? It is to laugh.

ALEX, FЯEE

by EmilyB on Dec 21, 2009 10:46 AM EST up reply actions  

I don’t know, I’ve herd Ovi refuse to take pictures before because it was “too cold outside.”

"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 10:52 AM EST up reply actions  

And by “herd” I mean “heard.” Unless that was a clever reference to the etymology of the name Ovechkin.

"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 10:58 AM EST up reply actions  

Herding Ovechkins is about as easy as herding cats, I hear…

by IRockTheRed on Dec 21, 2009 10:59 AM EST up reply actions  

That’s what The Hockey News says.

"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."

by gfcaps fan on Dec 21, 2009 10:59 AM EST up reply actions  

Nah, you just need a couple dames and some chew.

My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.

by jordanDC on Dec 21, 2009 11:00 AM EST up reply actions  

I thought they went to home depot, picked up some day loborers, and dug a long secret tunnel from their homes to kettler

by Brainumbc on Dec 21, 2009 10:56 AM EST up reply actions  

Not to mention a Calgarian and a Swede. Snowed in. Pfeh.

ALEX, FЯEE

by EmilyB on Dec 21, 2009 12:16 PM EST up reply actions  

They did have some problems yesterday according to aftonbladet
Superstar stuck with the car in snow chaos – then got “Bäckis” to help out

Nicklas Bäckström landed in the middle of snow chaos on the U.S. east coast.

And was forced out and shoot when team mate Alexander Ovechkin stuck on an uphill on the way home.

- In the end he got back and take another road. It is well on the brink of disaster here right now, "says Nicky from Washington.

Nicklas Bäckström and team mate were in the Washington Capitals landed in the middle of the snowstorm that paralyzed the U.S. East Coast this weekend.

- We arrived home Sunday morning local time and was lucky that I landed at Dulles International Airport. They had only one runway open, but we were one of the plane was landing, "says Nicklas.

But then, it was not as painless.
“We came nowhere”

- No, me and Mike Green got stuck on a hill with Ovechkin when we went home in Ovechkins car and when we would leave Green, we were standing on an uphill. The wheels just spun and we got nowhere. Me and Mike Green had to step out and shoot. But it did not help. We had to go back and run around instead, "says Backstrom.

It has snowed a record amount over Washington in the last few days and in some quarters, the snow depth reached nearly a meter.

The two major airports, Ronald Reagan and Dulles had long delays, and passengers have been stuck in a couple of days.

The good news is that it has stopped snowing, and plus grades are going.

- But people are not accustomed to snow. It is enough that there is little snow on the hill for them to shut down all schools, "says Nicklas.

Nicklas Bäckström is from Gavle, and accustomed to heavy snowfall. There is also Alexander Ovechkin, growing up in Moscow’s cold winters.

- As for my part, I feel calm, "says Nicklas.
Not sure of Olympic spot

He is more worried for Bengt-Ake’s Olympic Selection December 27 over the snow in Washington.

Even though it sound strange for a guy who is top ten in the NHL’s points.

- But you never know, although I hope I will make it, "he says.

He is especially keen on the championship after last week’s road game in the Olympic city of Vancouver.

- Yes, you realized how big it will be with hockey in Vancouver. Hockey is 99 percent of the Olympics over there. I could see the media circus around Ovechkin. There is a total hockey crazy town. Hockey crazier than Toronto and close to Montreals level.

Nicklas Bäckström don’t need to worry he’s a lock for the Swedish Olympic team.
Blizzard or not.

by Malin A on Dec 21, 2009 2:59 PM EST up reply actions   4 recs

This is priceless.

Unleash the Alex!

by gotsparkly on Dec 21, 2009 3:02 PM EST up reply actions  

aw, how cute, they carpool to and from the airport. I’m sure Matt Bradley approves!

Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.

by RedBirdie on Dec 21, 2009 3:02 PM EST up reply actions  

I’m not actually convinced that Nicky isn’t actually homeless. He seems to be a permanent guest at either AO’s house or Gangsta’s hot tub.

Thanks for that great story, Ice Warrior.

(And I’ve always meant to ask – who is the Ice Warrior in your avatar?)

ALEX, FЯEE

by EmilyB on Dec 21, 2009 3:07 PM EST up reply actions  

Don’t forget he doesn’t have any clothes so he got to borrow Ovies.
I have it b/c I really like those helmets. It’s a classic Jofa VM helmet from 1963 but I don’t now who the man is just a model I think.

by Malin A on Dec 21, 2009 3:16 PM EST up reply actions  

Don’t forget he doesn’t have any clothes so he got to borrow Ovies.

I forgot about that. Both Nicky and Sasha are wearing AO’s clothes all the time too. Do they even bother to pack separate suitcases?

ALEX, FЯEE

by EmilyB on Dec 21, 2009 3:19 PM EST up reply actions  

and don’t forget, Nicky was like a 7th child in the Nylander household his rookie season.

Although Lil’Gus claims Nick let him use his apartment this summer, so maybe Nick has a place, but its got bad mojo or something.

Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.

by RedBirdie on Dec 21, 2009 3:22 PM EST up reply actions  

[/snark mode on] NIcky’s still on his rookie contract, so he’s got to pinch his pennies and live modestly, you know. [/mode off]

"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."

by gfcaps fan on Dec 21, 2009 3:27 PM EST up reply actions  

Swedish television had a long interview with Bäckström a couple of months ago and he told them about his first road trip he didn’t know that they were suppose to drive by them self to the airport he thought they were going by bus. But he didn’t miss the plane b/c Ovie came and picked him up. And the reason Ovie did that was b/c he had thought the same thing himself before his first away game.

by Malin A on Dec 21, 2009 6:23 PM EST up reply actions  

Awww! That’s too cute.

"And next year it will be ours."

by Ovechwin on Dec 21, 2009 6:30 PM EST up reply actions  

I’m assuming shoot = push in this article, right?

Thanks as always for bringing the Swedish stuff.

My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.

by jordanDC on Dec 21, 2009 3:03 PM EST up reply actions  

Yes that is it. I was a little lazy and used google translator and changed only the words that didn’t get translated and the stuff that got really crazy.

by Malin A on Dec 21, 2009 3:08 PM EST up reply actions  

But people are not accustomed to snow. It is enough that there is little snow on the hill for them to shut down all schools, "says Nicklas.

Sasha and Malia would have gone to school in this weather.

"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 3:30 PM EST up reply actions  

most of us don’t have chauffeured Suburbans with police escorts to help us get to school! God, driving up Wisconsin Ave in the snow or ice is a bitch.

Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.

by RedBirdie on Dec 21, 2009 3:32 PM EST up reply actions  

Maybe YOU don’t.

My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.

by jordanDC on Dec 21, 2009 3:33 PM EST up reply actions  

I’ve been thinking the same thing as him actually with all the talk about snow day and canceled work. That’s almost unheard of in Sweden we are expected to show up to school and work no matter what even if it means doing it old school like Gustav Vasa ( old Swedish king Gustav 1 of Sweden) skiing.

by Malin A on Dec 21, 2009 3:41 PM EST up reply actions  

With him I meant Bäckström not Jordan.

by Malin A on Dec 21, 2009 3:42 PM EST up reply actions  

Skiing to work would be absolutely awesome.

I was referring to this, BTW.

"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 3:45 PM EST up reply actions  

I didn’t know this was such a sensitive subject sorry if I offended anyone.

by Malin A on Dec 21, 2009 3:54 PM EST up reply actions  

Heh, no offense taken here. I was joking around. In fact, I’ll be the first one to insult DC area residents when it comes to coping with winter weather.

"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 4:00 PM EST up reply actions  

and as I DC native, I’m adept at blaming many of the problems on overconfident northerners and skittish southerners! Real natives just stay inside and cross our fingers that our beer supply will last.

Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.

by RedBirdie on Dec 21, 2009 4:03 PM EST up reply actions  

The general rule of thumb is that the only good drivers are the ones who come from the same state as you do. This applies to anyone, in any state.

"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 4:06 PM EST up reply actions  

Real natives just stay inside and cross our fingers that our beer supply will last.

raising my hand (and my glass) to that one, haha.

"No Brooks Laich, no win. Know Brooks Laich, know win."

by kellobellow on Dec 21, 2009 5:12 PM EST up reply actions  

+/- $19 million dollars and the hopes-n-dreams of four nations riding in that car. Chests theatrically clutched in Arlington, Toronto, Moscow, and Stockholm.

ALEX, FЯEE

by EmilyB on Dec 21, 2009 3:43 PM EST up reply actions  

Well we been through worse right, at least they weren’t close to being decapitated this time.

by Malin A on Dec 21, 2009 3:46 PM EST up reply actions  

at least they weren’t close to being decapitated this time that we know of. This is Ovie driving, after all.

really, you have to question the sanity to those who willingly get into a moving vehicle with him at the wheel.

Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.

by RedBirdie on Dec 21, 2009 3:49 PM EST up reply actions  

Good point. I always think about Pelle Lindberg when hockey players and driving/cars are discussed I know he was a filthy Flyers player and everything but it’s a shame that we didn’t get to watch him more then a couple of years. And the man had some great masks.

by Malin A on Dec 21, 2009 4:00 PM EST up reply actions  

But Green’s main vehicle is also an escalade, its the one of seen at Kettler more often than not, its kinda hard to miss with the red rims

by Doncosmic on Dec 21, 2009 1:28 PM EST up reply actions  

Young guns don’t need target practice, eh?

"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."

by gfcaps fan on Dec 21, 2009 10:39 AM EST up reply actions  

Caps Ups and Downs coming later?

by iced on Dec 21, 2009 10:36 AM EST reply actions  

As the day follows the night, so too does Ups and Downs follow 11 am on a Monday.

"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 10:39 AM EST up reply actions  

timezone fail.
sweet!

by iced on Dec 21, 2009 10:45 AM EST up reply actions  

Aye… you’re mere minutes away.

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Dec 21, 2009 10:49 AM EST up reply actions  

Schedule

If you’ve been thinking the Caps have spent more time on the road than Viggo Mortensen, you’d be correct. They’ve played the most away games in the league with 21 and have played the second fewest home game with 14. Yet, there they are, one point out of the top spot . After their final trip out west to SJ and LA, the remaining schedule really tilts in their favor. Not bad for a team that sucks on defense and in the net.

by b.orr4 on Dec 21, 2009 10:52 AM EST reply actions  

And is really a one-man team.

ALEX, FЯEE

by EmilyB on Dec 21, 2009 10:54 AM EST up reply actions  

with poor goalie play too

by wipps on Dec 21, 2009 10:56 AM EST up reply actions  

I’m hearing that the Caps are getting poor goaltending.
/overused memes

"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 10:57 AM EST up reply actions  

I dunno.

Maybe I’m silly or a worrier, but I’m still concerned about the Caps’ seeming inability to break a trap. Guess we’ll find out next month – the Coyotes are using a modified trap and they’re better than a lot of people give them credit for.

Unleash the Alex!

by gotsparkly on Dec 21, 2009 11:11 AM EST up reply actions  

It’s not silly – as I’ve noted several times, those teams (MTL, NJD) are giving them mad trouble.

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Dec 21, 2009 1:14 PM EST up reply actions  

And Edmonton was committed to clogging the neutral zone, dumping the puck and playing a counterattack style. It gave the Caps fits for two periods. That and Deslaurier. But part of having a trapping team is having a good goalie.

I agree here, playing against the trap is an issue.

The Caps play NJD on Boxing Day. We’ll see how that goes.

"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"

by fat_daddyo on Dec 21, 2009 1:24 PM EST up reply actions  

This is not the first time they’d had said problem. They’ve had that issue for several years now. The top line guys, especially Ovi & Semin, unwillingness to play dump and chase when necessary is a major culprit. Also, forwards not getting back to even up rushes hasn’t helped either. Devils counterattack with precision at times. I’m deathly afraid of the Caps getting the Devils in the playoffs.

A man gotta have a code

by Carl Putnam on Dec 21, 2009 1:32 PM EST up reply actions  

Who knows which teams are playing well/poorly, have good/bad health, and get favorable/tough draws once the playoffs roll around? That will determine a lot of it.

But in general I agree with you: AO in particular seems to revert to do-it-all-myself mode against defensive teams, which just exhausts him and leads to passivity from the rest of the team; also, you have to expect that the Caps will have to deal with at least one real tough opponent in the EC playoffs, be it PIT, NJD, or whoever is hot at the time.

Both those teams are tougher to play against than the Caps are, as currently constituted. But, there is room for upgrades, so we’ll see how that shakes out.

"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"

by fat_daddyo on Dec 21, 2009 1:43 PM EST up reply actions  

I’d take playing the Pens over the Devils. NJ has goalie advantage and the trap. If we were just talking who had more talent I’d say the Pens, but it is a matchup issue.

A man gotta have a code

by Carl Putnam on Dec 21, 2009 1:57 PM EST up reply actions  

They got out of this brutal stretch in the schedule (9 games, 17 nights, 9 different cities) at 6 – 3 – 0.

Not bad.

Not great, but not bad. Losing to Toronto is bad; losing to Vancouver in the way they did stings a bit. But overall, I suppose you can live with the record.

"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"

by fat_daddyo on Dec 21, 2009 1:22 PM EST up reply actions  

congrats to Hanlon, who always seemed like a really respectable and classy guy. Vancouver has got to be a heck of a lot nicer than Minsk!

Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.

by RedBirdie on Dec 21, 2009 11:28 AM EST reply actions  

I’ve been rocking the red in Kansas City, anything exciting happen?

"And next year it will be ours."

by Ovechwin on Dec 21, 2009 11:36 AM EST reply actions  

Depends on your definition of exciting. Gordo’s going to be on a conditioning stint in Hershey in the near future, which means he might be close.

Unleash the Alex!

by gotsparkly on Dec 21, 2009 11:53 AM EST up reply actions  

Awesome. I hope his back is better.

"And next year it will be ours."

by Ovechwin on Dec 21, 2009 12:08 PM EST up reply actions  

Rec’d, as napkin burger > potpourri appetizer.

"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 12:11 PM EST up reply actions  

I think i’ve had a few napkin burgers at the Tastee Diner in Bethesda. Their food is awesome – when you’re hammered.

by S h a g g y on Dec 21, 2009 12:41 PM EST up reply actions  

oh my god, that’s hilarious!

but it could have been McPhee! He denies everything"fairly convincingly" so I’m not sure it hold any water. Either way, great story.

Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.

by RedBirdie on Dec 21, 2009 12:33 PM EST up reply actions  

I strongly believe that McPhee is better at denying things than Hanlon is, whether McPhee actually did them or not.

In other words, the fact that McPhee told you he didn’t do it, and told you that convincingly, sheds no light on who actually did it…

Atta dinnin stick a who!

by Gould Old Days on Dec 21, 2009 12:43 PM EST up reply actions  

From TEB on CI
Goalie Semyon Varlamov, who has been nursing an injured groin the last two weeks, came on the ice 30 minutes into practice and drilled with goaltending coach Arturs Irbe separate from the rest of the team. Most of the drills were just skating side-to-side and he did not face any shots

Sure, whatever you say Tarik.

by Cluster on Dec 21, 2009 6:38 PM EST up reply actions  

Oops, my bad. CI post by Mark Giannotto.

/self-pwn

by Cluster on Dec 21, 2009 6:41 PM EST up reply actions  

So all the forwards were in white sweaters?

ALEX, FЯEE

by EmilyB on Dec 21, 2009 12:30 PM EST up reply actions  

Yes, no line work today. In fact, Laich and Steckel put on the blacks for the 2 v 2 and then 3 v 3 scrimmages.

by Cluster on Dec 21, 2009 12:39 PM EST up reply actions  

Never mind. I can read good.

ALEX, FЯEE

by EmilyB on Dec 21, 2009 12:38 PM EST up reply actions  

(At the airport)

Why do people insist on lining up before they even announce they are boarding. Do I get a prize if I get on the plane first?

"And next year it will be ours."

by Ovechwin on Dec 21, 2009 12:32 PM EST reply actions  

yes! You get……..to sit on the plane longer! WHOOOOOOOOOO!

good luck flying back. DC is a mess.

Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.

by RedBirdie on Dec 21, 2009 12:34 PM EST up reply actions  

It wasn’t too bad, a bit icy walking from plane to terminal, but luckily I missed all the bad parts, just get to enjoy the snow.

"And next year it will be ours."

by Ovechwin on Dec 21, 2009 6:34 PM EST up reply actions  

so… i about died laughing when i saw this tweet via @wyshynski: New Puck Daddy: Puck Headlines: Measuring true MVPs; Ovechkin beefcake http://bit.ly/7qtzZX

he forgot the icing!

"No Brooks Laich, no win. Know Brooks Laich, know win."

by kellobellow on Dec 21, 2009 2:07 PM EST reply actions  

Oh. My. God. That Bloge Salming/DGB collaboration at the bottom of that Puck Daddy post is freaking fantastic (not that anyone should be surprised with those two involved).

Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst

by Killer_Carlson on Dec 21, 2009 2:49 PM EST up reply actions  

I was crying watching that.

Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.

by RedBirdie on Dec 21, 2009 2:56 PM EST up reply actions  

I just watched it. Wow! Great work by those two. The goalie part had me laughing, but the Kessel part truly put me over the edge into howling.

A man gotta have a code

by Carl Putnam on Dec 21, 2009 4:55 PM EST up reply actions  

If you're a Caps fan from back in the day

You really should take 15 minutes and go through the Bondra stories and video. Awesome stuff—though, I admit, I have little recollection of him destroying the 2002 Worlds.

by bilspacecadet on Dec 21, 2009 2:15 PM EST reply actions  

definitely good stuff – some of my best hockey memories involve watching bonzai do his thing

"No Brooks Laich, no win. Know Brooks Laich, know win."

by kellobellow on Dec 21, 2009 2:24 PM EST up reply actions  

yes, watch it. I dare you to not get goosebumps watching the Slovak team sing their national anthem.

Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.

by RedBirdie on Dec 21, 2009 2:30 PM EST up reply actions  

saw this on puck daddy, but the NYT has a short piece on which players are accounting for a high percentage of their team’s goals. Unsurprisingly, Gaborik tops that list at 25.5%.

Also, does this mean we can spend the season screaming “Crosby is a selfish puck hog!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”? :)

Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.

by RedBirdie on Dec 21, 2009 2:41 PM EST reply actions  

Crosby needed to get a little more selfish. And his SO skillz are scary. But the rest of the Pens must be standing around watching. So how are they winning so much?

ALEX, FЯEE

by EmilyB on Dec 21, 2009 2:54 PM EST up reply actions  

they’ve been ridiculously lucky to tie some games they had no business tying, and then they obviously made a deal with Satan, Darth Vader, and Dick Cheney to win every shootout.

Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.

by RedBirdie on Dec 21, 2009 2:58 PM EST up reply actions  

Fleury has been really good. They commit to their forechecking system. They’ve gotten some bounces to go their way.

"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"

by fat_daddyo on Dec 21, 2009 3:05 PM EST up reply actions  

The Caps’ stats make me giggle – Ovie with 23 out of one hundred twenty seven goals – and that’s with eight games off. Good gravy.

ALEX, FЯEE

by EmilyB on Dec 21, 2009 2:56 PM EST up reply actions  

yeah, that’s deeply amusing. Also a little sad. A potentially historic season derailed by injury and suspension.

Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.

by RedBirdie on Dec 21, 2009 2:58 PM EST up reply actions  

AO is exploring a new world this season. A world with Limits in it. Finding that his body has Limits, as does the patience of the league cheeses.

Though at least through this past weekend, Canada has unLimited enthusiasm for the Gr8. Don’t think that will last much past the end of January.

ALEX, FЯEE

by EmilyB on Dec 21, 2009 3:03 PM EST up reply actions  

I have to admit that I’m rooting against Canada in hockey.

Unleash the Alex!

by gotsparkly on Dec 21, 2009 3:13 PM EST up reply actions  

You and most of the rest of the world.

A man gotta have a code

by Carl Putnam on Dec 21, 2009 4:57 PM EST up reply actions  

I think here will be more potentially historic seasons in the future.

"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."

by CapitalCentre on Dec 21, 2009 3:14 PM EST up reply actions  

Don’t get too excited – Ovechkin’s at 25.2% in the games he’s actually played.

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Dec 21, 2009 3:27 PM EST up reply actions  

Nice catch.

"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"

by fat_daddyo on Dec 21, 2009 3:29 PM EST up reply actions  

I just like to throw that ridiculous statement back at the fans who use it the most.

Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.

by RedBirdie on Dec 21, 2009 3:31 PM EST up reply actions  

This weekend's storm seen from space:


Link

"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 3:42 PM EST reply actions   1 recs

Maryland, your crack is showing.

My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.

by jordanDC on Dec 21, 2009 3:43 PM EST up reply actions   1 recs

DAMN! that’s pretty cool.

Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.

by RedBirdie on Dec 21, 2009 3:43 PM EST up reply actions  

There are currently two USPS trucks stuck in the ice in my building’s parking lot.

I could have been equipment manager, but nooooo!

by boutros23 on Dec 21, 2009 5:00 PM EST up reply actions  

How is this not rec’d? This picture is amazingly cool.

Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!

by Knee high to a duck on Dec 21, 2009 10:54 PM EST up reply actions  

Damn this weather

So far there are 6 guys from my team playing in our game tonight.

My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.

by jordanDC on Dec 21, 2009 4:00 PM EST reply actions  

Plenty of ice time for you guys then.

"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 4:01 PM EST up reply actions  

My game was cancelled last night. At least you get to play.

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 Rob Parker on Dec 21, 2009 4:20 PM EST up reply actions  

Anybody know how Glebe Rd looks?

My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.

by jordanDC on Dec 21, 2009 5:02 PM EST up reply actions  

it’s clear, or at least the mile between my house and ballston is

"No Brooks Laich, no win. Know Brooks Laich, know win."

by kellobellow on Dec 21, 2009 5:13 PM EST up reply actions  

Crazy Rink Rat density in the Ballston corridor.

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 Rob Parker on Dec 21, 2009 5:31 PM EST up reply actions  

The blizzard didn’t stop me from sporting my brown flip flops.

by Cluster on Dec 21, 2009 6:35 PM EST up reply actions  

That’s flopcore.

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 Rob Parker on Dec 21, 2009 6:56 PM EST up reply actions  

but did it stop you from going to Starbucks?

Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.

by RedBirdie on Dec 22, 2009 10:20 AM EST up reply actions  

definitely – we should all party more often!

"No Brooks Laich, no win. Know Brooks Laich, know win."

by kellobellow on Dec 21, 2009 10:44 PM EST up reply actions  

Ok, good. Hopefully it’s clear to 395..

My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.

by jordanDC on Dec 21, 2009 5:32 PM EST up reply actions  

Hey, Fan Forum with MK22 and BM9 going on. Waiting for it to start.

Unleash the Alex!

by gotsparkly on Dec 21, 2009 4:04 PM EST reply actions  

me too

I could have been equipment manager, but nooooo!

by boutros23 on Dec 21, 2009 4:05 PM EST up reply actions  

How the heck is OTT in 5th place??

They have a negative goal differential.

Talk about luck…

"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"

by fat_daddyo on Dec 21, 2009 4:06 PM EST reply actions  

How is OTT is 5th place? By default.

Rocking the Red since 1975

by CapsFan75 on Dec 21, 2009 5:59 PM EST up reply actions  

gotta love NHL Power Play: “Sidney Crosby slipped to number 4 on the THN most powerful people in hockey list! And Ovechkin is 2nd? How did this happen???”

ok, maybe that’s a little bit of an over-dramatic re-enactment, but it wasn’t very hard to read between the lines. Proteau’s response was awesome. “well, everywhere outside of Pittsburgh, the fan attachment to Ovechkin is unparalleled.”

Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.

by RedBirdie on Dec 21, 2009 4:57 PM EST reply actions  

"well, everywhere outside of Pittsburgh, the fan attachment to Ovechkin is unparalleled."

Adam, proving once again why he’s the only guy at THN I like.

A man gotta have a code

by Carl Putnam on Dec 21, 2009 4:58 PM EST up reply actions  

THN with its usual mix of interesting, funny, and predictably inane.

Eastern Conference trade bait? (I think their choice for Washington possible, but there are others that are more possible.)

A Holiday Wish For Each Team Can we say predictable?

Unleash the Alex!

by gotsparkly on Dec 21, 2009 6:07 PM EST reply actions  

I think the western conference is more interesting trade bait for the Caps. More of what the Caps need, more teams out of the running who the Caps could do deals with.

Atta dinnin stick a who!

by Gould Old Days on Dec 21, 2009 10:18 PM EST up reply actions  

For those of you in MoCo, Burger Monday at Dogfish Head in Gaithersburg remains awesome and draft 60 Minute IPA is the next best thing to the nectar of the Gods.

I so don’t miss my Monday night class.

Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!

by Knee high to a duck on Dec 21, 2009 10:54 PM EST reply actions  

impossible to get into last night! Damn all those Redskins fans with their false hope! I hope they enjoyed weeping in their beer last night!

Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.

by RedBirdie on Dec 22, 2009 10:21 AM EST up reply actions  

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