Thursday Caps Clips: St. Nick Delivers Pre‑Christmas
by J.P. on Dec 24, 2009 7:00 AM EST
in Caps Clips
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PrintYour savory breakfast links:
- Recaps and other assorted musings on last night's Nicklas Backstrom-led win from Corey (gamer), Tarik (blog, gamer), Peerless, Ed Frankovic, Rock The Red.net and Fight For Old DC.
- Alex Ovechkin makes NHL.com's All-Decade Team. [NHL.com]
- Gabby the Juggler. [NHL.com]
- Comcast SportsNet's uplifting series "DC Sports In The 2000's: A Decade of Disappointment" takes a look at the Caps. [CSN Washington]
- On a more positive note, the Caps place a couple of entries in the "Top 10 D.C. Sports Stories of the Decade." [D.C. Sports Bog]
- "Slapshots" with zzzzzz... oh, sorry. "Slapshots" with Jeff Schultz. [CSN Washington]
- For you collectors out there, McFarlane's Sports Picks: NHL Hockey Series 23 AO is pretty awesome. [SPAWN.com, FanShot]
- Also, for the price of one Ovechkin autograph, you could get Mike Green's, Brooks Laich's and Semyon Varlamov's and have $25 leftover. Or you could just go to Kettler and get 'em all for free. [TwitPic]
- A look at the Michigan Wolverine alums in the NHL (look away, Peerless and @NateEwell). [MLive]
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even with AO’s arrival and the capitals’ worst-to-first in the mix, gimme the nats as my #1 sports story. season tickets that first summer and a ton of great memories. in my refusal to cheer for the orioles, i’d been subconsciously shunning baseball my entire adult life. it’s fun to be a fan again.
Hard to argue with “getting a franchise in one of the major sports.”
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I remember hearing the first pitch over the radio in the car when I was driving home from work. Got a little dusty in the car.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 24, 2009 8:09 AM EST up reply actions
and that first season was so much fun, what with the Nats being an actual major league team and being in the playoff race through August.
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
And it was pre-Dibble, so the games were watchable (though was it Darling then? I may have to revise my statement)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
The first team was the guy from the Clippers and Darling. I think the next year was the year Battling Bob Carpenter started with the revolving door of analysts (the guy I can’t remember that was there for one year, Don Sutton, and Dibble)
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 24, 2009 9:13 AM EST up reply actions
Mel Proctor…that was his name
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 24, 2009 9:16 AM EST up reply actions
yup yup. proctor and darling. then carpenter took over with a rotating team of color people.
by Natty Bumppo on Dec 24, 2009 9:19 AM EST up reply actions
I miss Dave Shea on the radio. He had a cool Wilford Brimley-esque voice.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 24, 2009 9:20 AM EST up reply actions
totally agree! for me, carpenter is the problem on TV even more so than dibble.
and yosh, for whatever reason the reviews of darling when he left for the mets were much better than his reviews with the nats. i think the nats color stint was his first TV job, so it’s likely he’s improved.
by Natty Bumppo on Dec 24, 2009 9:23 AM EST up reply actions
Carpenter’s mediocre at best, but I can’t stand Dibble’s overt cheering and grunting.
Btw, best thing about the Nats that first year, IMO, was Chris Needham’s “Capital Punishment” blog, may it rest in peace.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 24, 2009 9:29 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
word. i don’t follow the nats as closely now that CP is gone.
did you hear about the unfortunate business with needham and WVA?: NBC Washington Apologizes to West Virginia.
by Natty Bumppo on Dec 24, 2009 9:35 AM EST up reply actions
They should have just had the article read verbatim by Doreen Gentzler.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 24, 2009 9:38 AM EST up reply actions
I wouldn’t have mentioned outhouses, but i definately would have brought up getting drunk on moonshine and burning sofas
And how they had to cancel sex ed. classes because they were already using the donkey for driver’s ed.?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
The sofa burning is actual truth though, at least at WVU, when I went to VT they were still in the Big East and played in Morgantown every year, and sofa burning was quite common after big WVU victories.
It’s also common in College Park, MD.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Please. We only riot when we win something significant. Like Gentlemen.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 24, 2009 9:54 AM EST up reply actions
How’d I miss that? Not his best idea. Damned bloggers and their lack of accountability!
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
on the other hand, if you could somehow get a governor to publicly comment about one of your posts….
TRAFFIC GOLDMINE, BABY!
by Natty Bumppo on Dec 24, 2009 9:44 AM EST up reply actions
Plus everything he wrote in the article is absolutely true.
/bitter ex-WV resident
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
full text of the article here.
without comment on the tongue-in-cheek WVA piece, i’ve been disappointed by most of needham’s writing at NBC. his NBC blurbs are significantly shorter and without the depth of analysis he showed daily at CP.
by Natty Bumppo on Dec 24, 2009 9:58 AM EST up reply actions
It was Tom Paciorek that second season with Bob Carpenter. Don Sutton had two seasons as a color guy before Rob Dibble came on board.
Personally, I like the team of Bob and Rob. Yeah Dibble can be a bit of a homer but he also wasn’t afraid to rip into the team and individual players when necessary. Carpenter is light years ahead of Proctor IMHO.
Ted Leonsis Used to Recommend: http://capsnut.blogspot.com/
Everybody Wang Chung......
Please load brain before shooting off mouth.™
A “bit” of a homer?! He refers to the team as “we”!
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 24, 2009 9:45 AM EST up reply actions
Well, as noted he’s not afraid to rip the organization or the players when needed.
And I’m not as bothered by him referring to the team as “we.” First of all, he’s an employee of the ballclub. Secondly, he’s doing the broadcast for Natinals fans. So you would expect there to be some homerism/slant in favor of the ballclub that they are annoucing for and drawing paychecks from.
But what makes Dibble “work” IMHO is that he hasn’t been at all afraid to say something when the Natinals aren’t doing well and criticize the team. That’s something many announcers who would never use the term “we” are unwillling to do.
Ted Leonsis Used to Recommend: http://capsnut.blogspot.com/
Everybody Wang Chung......
Please load brain before shooting off mouth.™
My problem is that I rarely hear him venture into analysis or suggest suggestions. It’s like sitting next a grump, bitchy fan all game.
Btw, for those of you who were around last night – thoughts on breaking up the open thread for home games? I had heard people express that even on lighter-trafficked OTs, it’s nice to have ‘em broken up so it’s easier to jump in and out, but you tell me.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I didn’t see the need based on the traffic it got, but I can run with the pack either way.
"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 24, 2009 7:36 AM EST up reply actions
I did comment in the first period thread that I wasn’t having any problem with the netbook, but I’m sure by the third it would have been annyoing, so yes, let’s go with 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."
Rink Rats look to you to lead, BP. Guide them.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
it sounds like the mobile devices and the netbooks are really the difference makers. on my laptop, it’s easier just to keep the one window open and let it roll, especially for home games. but if anyone is having problems, like BP i defer.
by Natty Bumppo on Dec 24, 2009 7:42 AM EST up reply actions
Good point on the mobile, since you don’t have “z”/auto-reload functionality there.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Any way to turn auto-reload off?
I’ve run into problems on a regular computer where, if I’m trying to comment somewhere mid-stream, it auto-reloads, and I lose my place. Drives me nuts!
Edit Setting > Live update comment threads with new comments? > No
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Do you know if they are working on autoload and better overall mobile commenting?
With most men, unbelief in one thing springs from blind belief in another.
I’m sure they’re working on somethin’… but drop ‘em a line at support@sbnation.com with your thoughts/concerns and I’m sure they’ll provide an update.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Rink Rats look to you to lead, BP. Guide them.
The good lord help us all…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 24, 2009 10:17 AM EST up reply actions
Those of us with avatars, anyway.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Dec 24, 2009 10:18 AM EST up reply actions
Consistency for consistency’s sake then.
"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 24, 2009 7:43 AM EST up reply actions
Had to hit the “up” button to make sure you weren’t replying to someone who doesn’t like the idea of Semin and Ovechkin playing on the same line.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
SBN now has a figure skating blog (insert Nylander jokes here).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
pink and baby blue color scheme ≠ easy on the eyes.
by Natty Bumppo on Dec 24, 2009 9:04 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah, the pastels are not working for me.
Btw, over/under on how many “Blades of Glory” jokes I resist making over there in the first month? 17.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
You don't like the colors?
Whyyyyyy? Whyyyyyyy?
"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 24, 2009 9:18 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Nancy Kerrigan is 40?
Man I feel old…
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 24, 2009 9:20 AM EST up reply actions
Pink and baby blue is very figure skating.
Its not bad, I just happen to like a bit more snark alongside my sequins and feathers. Best of luck to the blog, though, as Olympic sports tend to be very lacking in quality blogging, so I’m happy to see SBN trying to change that.
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
As a former runner I’d love to see a T&F blog on SBN. I also have an odd fixation with curling every 4 years.
A man gotta have a code
by Carl Putnam on Dec 24, 2009 11:35 AM EST up reply actions
It reminds me of old school gaming.
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
I wanna play Pitfall now.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 24, 2009 10:00 AM EST up reply actions
not ashamed to admit i sat through an entire 45-minute playthrough of kings quest V on youtube at one point last year. if i ever need to waste time, i can always find something new to watch on youtube. never fails.
by Natty Bumppo on Dec 24, 2009 10:04 AM EST up reply actions
A little piece of me died when we lost YouTube at work (stupid Army)….though the silver lining was discovering a number of comics (PVP, Penny Arcade)….but still, without YouTube it sometimes feels like I’ve reached the end of the intrawebs.
Looking For Group is excellent, can’t make any other recommendations other than 8-Bit-Theatre without knowing your sense of humor.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Dec 24, 2009 10:22 AM EST up reply actions
Hmmm. I’ve never tried to describe my sense of humor. I think I’ll go with: “Twisted mixed with sarcasm and a splash of nerd”
If it’s math-nerd, Abstruse Goose is awesome.
If you can handle a lot of dark humor and cynicism, Something*Positive is one of my favorites.
If you can handle shock humor, Cyanide and Happiness has moments of genius, but it’s a often bit much, even for me. If you don’t have a seriously strong stomach, don’t bother archive diving that one.
xkcd is ubiquitous and amazing. I’d recommend this to anyone who has even a trace of nerd sensibility.
Sinfest has some excellent social commentary and consistently delivers a chuckle.
Finally, Dinosaur Comics (Qwantz.com) is wonderful absurdist humor. I’d love to grab a beer with Ryan North sometime.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Dec 24, 2009 10:31 AM EST up reply actions
This list, plus Dresden Codak, which is quite possibly the most high-minded and captivating comic on the ’net – although it feels like Aaron is only able to update it, at fastest, monthly.
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
by winterion on Dec 24, 2009 10:32 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I can’t believe I forgot to mention that. Rec’d for setting me right.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Dec 24, 2009 10:33 AM EST up reply actions
This comment about Dresden Codak just cost me half a day of my life.
That comic is fantastic.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 26, 2009 11:51 AM EST up reply actions
pictures for sad children is fantastic, as well.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 24, 2009 10:57 AM EST up reply actions
Well judging by the general tone of this blog, I would recommend Least I Could Do as well. (by the same writing and artist as LFG)
Hadn’t run across this, I’m totally archive-diving.
Please tell me there’s a Richard analog. The world needs more Richard analogs.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Dec 24, 2009 10:39 AM EST up reply actions
Cool stuff on the evolution of the old Whalers logo.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Only cool if this involves “Brass Bonanza” (which I have on my Ipod).
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 24, 2009 8:10 AM EST up reply actions
As do I. And I imported the MP3 into NHL10 as the Hurricanes’ intro music for S’s and G’s.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I played as the Whalers all the time on NHL 94 (featuring a young Michael Nylander!!) so I could hear that song during the intros and when I scored a goal. It would also pop up randomly in the middle of a period.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 24, 2009 8:33 AM EST up reply actions
I really need to put that game back on my laptop. I wish they would package it in with a special EA NHL edition and let you play online, but I know they wouldn’t be able to use the players from that era, and it would just completely ruin it for me.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 24, 2009 8:45 AM EST up reply actions
2nd best logo/jersey ever. Best = Nordiques. Shame they’re both gone, and instead we have an “angry cashew” in the league. That was making me crack up all last night.
not such a fan of the nordique igloo, unless there’s some hidden value there i’m missing. i fully intend on buying a whalers jersey one of these chirstmases.
by Natty Bumppo on Dec 24, 2009 9:53 AM EST up reply actions
I enjoy a nice fleur-de-lis.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 24, 2009 9:53 AM EST up reply actions
Love the Nords logo...
Obviously you realize that it’s an “N” as well as an igloo.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
haha….wow…I will NOT be making a portmanteau out of that!
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 24, 2009 9:56 AM EST up reply actions
for the longest time i could only see the N and not the igloo. just doesn’t jump off the page as well as the whalers logo. i also love how the whale utilizes both the H and the W. in a similar vein..
personal favorite logo: tie between whalers and old-school milwaukee brewers.
by Natty Bumppo on Dec 24, 2009 10:02 AM EST up reply actions
there is a movement in milwaukee to revert to the old logo. my bet is that it happens sooner or later. their throwbacks sell as well as their modern jerseys.
by Natty Bumppo on Dec 24, 2009 10:08 AM EST up reply actions
.
The powder blues are tight – love a baseball jersey with no buttons.
Related:
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
That jersey is way better than the terrible grey monstrosity that they sometimes wear.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Milwaukee
Bothers me that there are two Admirals in the AHL. They do have a kickass logo though.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 24, 2009 10:12 AM EST up reply actions
I would like to vehemently disagree.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
With which point? Two teams called Admirals, or that this one’s got a kick-ass logo?
by IRockTheRed on Dec 24, 2009 10:13 AM EST up reply actions
Its great
Especially when paired with these jerseys
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 24, 2009 10:17 AM EST up reply actions
Scarily, I’ve seen one worse, and that was the Ronald McDonald jerseys (worn for charity).
Unleash the Alex!
That was my thought, too. Tried to pin it down by googling variations on that, but I just got Portland jerseys.
Yeah, with plenty of swish in his swashbucklin’.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Might be a Pilgrim — for thanksgiving?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 24, 2009 11:54 AM EST up reply actions
What about
Kingston Frontenacs Don Cherry?
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 24, 2009 10:32 AM EST up reply actions
I actually liked this one for the irony value.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Dec 24, 2009 10:32 AM EST up reply actions
Or
Bakersfield Condors Michael Jackson (complete with one white glove!)
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 24, 2009 10:33 AM EST up reply actions
A ton of great ones for those of you bored at work…
http://www.faniq.com/blog/Ugliest-Hockey-Jerseys-Ever-Blog-18743
whoaaa. the one that appears to be an angry stay puft marshmallow man in christmas gear is my favorite.
by Natty Bumppo on Dec 24, 2009 12:04 PM EST up reply actions
Yes, Pete, it is. In fact , it’s pronounced “mill-e-wah-que” which is Algonquin for “the good land.”
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 24, 2009 10:14 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
Come on…he’s using a LEG as a hockey stick!! How is that not great?!
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 24, 2009 10:19 AM EST up reply actions
If that was on the jersey, it would be the best thing ever. It’s not, though.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I want to start a men’s league team just to wear these jerseys.
by David Getz on Dec 24, 2009 10:22 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I'm in
What’s the team name? Peg legs? Boners? Leg sticks? Pirate Ghosts?
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
But were they pirates before or after they died? That will determine whether or not they’re Pirate Ghosts, or Ghost Pirates.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 24, 2009 11:10 AM EST up reply actions
Of course! Pirate Ghosts connotes that these ghosts were pirates before they died, so they were already Pirates, and simply added themselves to the Ghost community. However, Ghost Pirates suggests that these could have been normal, surly, boring people who died, and then became badass Pirates; a.k.a. Ghost Pirates.
It’s so easy!
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 24, 2009 11:16 AM EST up reply actions
It’d have to be that way, I’m not sure we’d all go for Pirate Jizz.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 24, 2009 11:25 AM EST up reply actions
Careful, you live by the ghost, you die by the ghost.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 24, 2009 12:55 PM EST up reply actions
Good thing it’s not a sweet ass-jersey.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 24, 2009 11:01 AM EST up reply actions
C’mon, D… use the subject line (just throw a . in there) so we can collapse the pic posts.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Yarrr! There be booty in this here sweater!
by IRockTheRed on Dec 24, 2009 10:46 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
for the longest time i could only see the N and not the igloo
Sort of like the Montreal Expos logo — that took me years to figure out.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Dec 24, 2009 11:02 AM EST up reply actions
I know what ti supposed to look like, but the Nords logo always reminds me of an elephant for some reason. And elephant playing hockey with this trunk. When I was a child, this confused me greatly.
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
At age 8, I loved having the Nordiques in the league. I had a name for them that I was sure nobody else had thought of that was very funny — No-Diques!
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 24, 2009 10:22 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I still love the Lake Erie Monsters’ logo:
by IRockTheRed on Dec 24, 2009 10:17 AM EST up reply actions
.
Grew up on lake erie, so I love that one, but I think I like Toledo’s better:
Go Fightin’ Walleye! Bonus points – Sunday’s game is “Ugly Holiday Sweater Night”. Maybe Lisa Hillary could go and wear the one she had on the other night.
Hell is classy? I thought Hell is Chrome?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Here’s the link, then:
http://www.sportslogos.net/images/logos/2/497/full/2144.gif
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I get a Forbidden message.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
Yeah, what a dickface
Just cut and paste the URL, folks.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Not you, the guy who runs that site.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Actually, he provides an amazing service with his site, so I wouldn’t call him that.
Also, my Nords logo is hotlinked from there, so I’m not sure why that worked (for some/most) and this didn’t.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 24, 2009 11:01 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
ha ha ha ha ha...i got this
FORBIDDEN!
You have attempted to access my site in a bad way… either that or you are lost (or I screwed up on my code!)
Please back up, and try browsing the site through the paths set out on the homepage
Thank you!
Chris Creamer
sportslogos.net
Rec’d for the Wilco reference.
"Oh, the usual. I bowl. Drive around. The occasional acid flashback."
by The Ghost of Bebop on Dec 24, 2009 11:10 AM EST up reply actions
Sigh… their last great record, IMO.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Yeah, I’ll always have a soft spot for “A Ghost is Born” because it was my first Wilco album. I agree, “Sky Blue Sky” is pretty good, but not great. I haven’t heard their newest one yet.
"Oh, the usual. I bowl. Drive around. The occasional acid flashback."
by The Ghost of Bebop on Dec 24, 2009 11:22 AM EST up reply actions
The new one is meh. SBS, too. They lost a lot when they kicked Jay Bennett out of the band, and now it’s just Tweedy unchallenged to put out whatever he wants. Lame.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I’m inclined to agree, as all of my favorite Wilco albums were made with Bennett in the band. RIP Jay Bennett.
"Oh, the usual. I bowl. Drive around. The occasional acid flashback."
by The Ghost of Bebop on Dec 24, 2009 11:32 AM EST up reply actions
Happy Birthday, Swedish Jesus!
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
"Happy Birthday, Swedish Jesus!"
In my mind, this line was delivered by Keanu Reeves.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 24, 2009 10:32 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
"Happy Birthday, Swedish Jesus!"
In my mind, it’s the beginning of a Ricky Bobby riff.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 24, 2009 10:35 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
ice warrior, any chance you can provide perspective on this ridiculous slate article? will you be watching donald duck cartoons today?
by Natty Bumppo on Dec 24, 2009 8:08 AM EST up reply actions
I have been watching Kalle Anka=Donald Duck with all my relatives today I’ve seen it every year for as long as I can remember and so does almost half of the Swedish population.
I really can’t explain why we do this it’s a strange tradition and we been keeping it up since 1959. I think that it probably would be easier for an outsider to explain it. It would be a interesting Social anthropology study for sure.
Didn't somebody say the Caps were going to blow up Miller last night?
Weird, whoever that was has pretty impressive predictive skills. Probably very handsome to boot.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I find that prescience and attractiveness tend to go hand in hand.
On an unrelated noted, I’ve accurately predicted the last twenty Super Bowl winners, the last seven presidential elections, and Tiger Woods’ last 19 alleged mistresses.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 24, 2009 8:34 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I find that prescience and attractiveness tend to go hand in hand.
As I am a borderline pre-cog, I have to consider myself an exception to that rule.
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
Ladies and gentlemen,
I’m just a caveman. I fell on some ice and later got thawed out by some of your scientists. Your world frightens and confuses me! Sometimes the honking horns of your traffic makes me want to get out of my BMW and run off to the hills or whatever. Sometimes when I get a message on my fax machine I wonder, Did little demons get inside and type it? I don’t know! My primitive mind can’t grasp these concepts. But there is one thing I do know. When a man like my client slips and falls on a sidewalk in front of a public library, then he is entitled to no less than two million in compensatory damages and two million in punitive damages.
Thank you.
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
by winterion on Dec 24, 2009 10:10 AM EST up reply actions 4 recs
Always rec’ing Phil.
"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 24, 2009 10:12 AM EST up reply actions
I was thinking before the game that Ryan Miller was overdue to have an off game.
Rocking the Red since 1975
It’s funny — that thought crossed my mind during the game.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 24, 2009 10:34 AM EST up reply actions
Former NBC4 sports anchor George Michael has passed away. Sad.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Damn. RIP George.
"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 24, 2009 10:11 AM EST up reply actions
as a military brat, i also grew up with the sports machine…syndicated on AFRTS. kept me connected to the DC sports scene, even from halfway around the world.
by Natty Bumppo on Dec 24, 2009 11:10 AM EST up reply actions
Damn!!! What a bummer.
I’ll always remember him for the ubiquitous Don and Mike clip of him introducing a song by Chicago when he was a DJ.
CHICAGGGGGGGGGOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 24, 2009 10:15 AM EST up reply actions
Does anyone remember the Sports Machine phone line that you could call for updates? 202.362.4444, if I recall correctly. I used to call it like mad to get Caps updates sometimes. Sigh.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Fond memories of watching him and a pre-rehab Vance on in the bottom half of the 6pm newshours after seeing Glenn Brenner at the top.
"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 24, 2009 10:21 AM EST up reply actions
I believe that # is correct.
Yeah I used to call that all the time to get scores…. prayers for he and his family…
by vt caps fan on Dec 24, 2009 10:26 AM EST up reply actions
I also enjoyed his work on Full Court Press, which was basically PTI before PTI.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 24, 2009 10:49 AM EST up reply actions
Its been a tough year for DC Icons. The Ben’s Chili Bowl Guy, Mr. Pollin, and now George Michael.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 24, 2009 10:23 AM EST up reply actions
"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 24, 2009 10:25 AM EST up reply actions
I’ve heard he was gentle.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 24, 2009 10:26 AM EST up reply actions
Hey JP, just curious, where did you pick that story up from? I can’t find anything on NBC 4’s website but there is an unintentionally hilarious thing on their homepage under the heading “Enjoy This” Celebrity Breakups, Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins split…
As for Michael, he was one of the few sportscasters in this town who knew and understood hockey. He was always willing to promote the Caps back in the 1980’s when the team was really good.
Ted Leonsis Used to Recommend: http://capsnut.blogspot.com/
Everybody Wang Chung......
Please load brain before shooting off mouth.™
Front page of DCRTV
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 24, 2009 10:26 AM EST up reply actions
Also on Allen Sniffen’s New York Radio Message board, which is “the mecca of all radio message boards”
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 24, 2009 10:27 AM EST up reply actions
On Twitter, RT’d by Jamie Mottram.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
It’s Thursday, which means it’s Boz chat day, which means we get his thought of George Micheal: “Really sad news. A very nice man who changed his part of the business. Man, did he love the Redskins. I just checked with our desk to make sure it’s correct. Unfortunately, it is. This is a shock to many of us who didn’t know he had cancer.”
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
One more family that will have tough associations with the holidays. Rest in peace George — I wouldn’t be the same sports fan without having watched ya.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 24, 2009 11:18 AM EST up reply actions
R.I.P.
Oddly, I heard this on the radio, but it’s not showing up on the Post or channel 4’s website yet.
"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 think Steinberg beat everyone else at the Post on getting the news up.
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
… And with a great call about the wrestling highlights, to boot. In retrospect, it was pretty awesome that he showed WWF highlights on a legit sportscast.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Oh yeah...
I remember seeing them all the time on there as a kid. Hogan was even on the cover of SI
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 24, 2009 10:35 AM EST up reply actions
also rodeo highlights. like every night.
by Natty Bumppo on Dec 24, 2009 11:08 AM EST up reply actions
Reports from Cheyenne were the best.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Dec 24, 2009 11:28 AM EST up reply actions
.
B/t George Michael’s passing and the Needham/WV mention above, all we need is a Lindsay Czarniak pic to complete the NBC4 hat trick….
(via OFB)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
(Btw, 85% chance they’re trading hair-related tips in that shot.)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 24, 2009 10:44 AM EST up reply actions 5 recs
rec’d for the troof.
And it is debatable who’s got the dreamier hair.
by vt caps fan on Dec 24, 2009 10:55 AM EST up reply actions
Nicky does and it would look even better if he would stop brushing it straight back.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
I miss Arch Cambell.
Who was that guy who used to wear the hat and do investigative reporting?
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 24, 2009 10:47 AM EST up reply actions
I do not miss Arch. Oof.
Or local news, for that matter. 95% of the “news” stories, I’d wager, impact fewer than 100 people. It’s all “shooting in Northeast,” “fire in PG county,” etc. Just gimme two minutes of weather (i.e. what happened today and what will happen in the next five) and five minutes of sports and call it a night. Local news should be 15 minutes long, max. /rant
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
.
C’mon…he had a GREAT stache!
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 24, 2009 10:50 AM EST up reply actions
I’m probably excluding about 98% of the crowd here, but how ‘bout Jim Vance’s Charley Taylor “touchdown pose” to sign off the 11 o’clock news the night before Super Bowl VII? (My first memory of Channel 4’s greatness).
by mechanicsville on Dec 24, 2009 1:51 PM EST up reply actions
So should we root for the Nats’ new closer? I mean, “Let’s go Capps” kind of rolls off the tongue, doesn’t it?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 24, 2009 10:56 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Where to play Knuble?
To bring it back to hockey for a sec… Knuble seems out of place with B-Mo + Flash, who seem to have some real chemistry together. In fact, when we had some 4-on-4 time last night, I thought B-Mo/Flash combo was very strong. Knuble seems to be the square peg on that line…but then…where to play him?
First line if for no other reason than it breaks up Alex and Alex.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 24, 2009 11:00 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
But you can double-post your reply.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 24, 2009 11:19 AM EST up reply actions
That Nathan Hale guy could really skate, btw!
by mechanicsville on Dec 24, 2009 1:54 PM EST up reply actions
I’m sensing a theme here. Someone linked to the “Why the Penalty Kill needs AS” article (yesterday, I think) and, as I was going through it, found this. And that post was from LAST season.
So – is it safe to say that the official Rink position on 8 & 28 playing on the same line is “Nyet”?
I won’t presume to speak for my co-bloggers, but my official position on it is that they should be used together sparingly and only when the Caps need a goal. They should be like using the nitrous boosters in Spy Hunter.
And I love that PK post. One of my faves.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 24, 2009 11:11 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I’m pretty much in the same boat. Last night I said I never want to see that line unless there’s less than five minutes left in a game and the Capitals need a goal, which I think pretty much sums up my position on the issue.
What about the first 5 minutes/shifts of a game? We need a goal then just as bad.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 24, 2009 11:18 AM EST up reply actions
Why, what? Why do we need a goal/lead?
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 24, 2009 11:23 AM EST up reply actions
You’re saying you’re ambivalent about having the potential for a quick start to the game?
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 24, 2009 11:24 AM EST up reply actions
No, I’m saying that I don’t thin getting a goal in the first five minutes of a game is as important as getting one when you’re down in the last five.
Maybe with those goals in the first five minutes, you’re not down any at the end (reality of 3rd periods not-withstanding)?
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 24, 2009 11:27 AM EST up reply actions
Maybe, but I’m thinking of it in terms of probability of winning. I think scoring first, period, takes your odds of winning from about .5 to .6; I would imagine that it’s lower the earlier you scoring in a game. But in a game where you’re losing late not scoring gives you a 0% chance of winning and (for the sake of simplicity), scoring gives you a 50% chance, so, bigger increase.
Maybe the answer is that we’d rather have both situations? Scoring early and scoring late?
And then, for that matter, what about scoring mid-way through?
Shit, it’s the SOB paradox.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 24, 2009 11:59 AM EST up reply actions
It’s risk versus reward, in my opinion. Over an extended period of time (i.e. a whole game) I think the Caps goal differential is worse with the SOB line intact, but I also think they’re more likely to score on any given shift than any other combination of lines. So when you need to take that risk, send ’em out.
Well I would argee with you, A.O. and Slappy should normally be split up unless we really, really need a goal or two late.
But a couple of things to keep in mind.
- Chemistry. If Slappy and A.O. have been skating on different lines all night or for a couple of games in a row, you waste him on them “finding each other” when you finally do reunite them. And when you’re looking for a goal quickly, you can’t waste much time getting them back on the same page.
#2. As long as Flash and Fehr can provide some offense on the second line, I see it as a “no harm, no foul” situation. After all, the whole idea of splitting A.O. and Slappy up is to generate offense on the second line. If somebody else can to do it, why not let them? But if Flash and Fehr aren’t getting the job done, then yeah you can’t afford to have all your eggs in one basket.
Ted Leonsis Used to Recommend: http://capsnut.blogspot.com/
Everybody Wang Chung......
Please load brain before shooting off mouth.™
And the theme to Peter Gunn should play every time they're on the ice together.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 24, 2009 11:21 AM EST up reply actions 4 recs
classic old-school tyler on that thread.
by Natty Bumppo on Dec 24, 2009 11:15 AM EST up reply actions
I love that post. One of my faves I’ve ever done.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
it’s good the enforcement isn’t as necessary any more.
by Natty Bumppo on Dec 24, 2009 11:21 AM EST up reply actions
for christmas: JP’s top-10 favorite posts of all time?
once i get finished with this paper, the glossary finally gets its first draft. will premier sometime in jan.
by Natty Bumppo on Dec 24, 2009 11:22 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Nice.
I wonder what else would make the list. Obviously my interview with Carrie, my post on my evening in Ted’s suite, the Top 10 American Caps… hmm… good question.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
the ovechkin shift-length post? the dean evason faceoff post?
the most commonly linked post on the site has to be DMG’s defending sgt. schultz. the corsi introduction is another one i look back on every so often.
by Natty Bumppo on Dec 24, 2009 11:36 AM EST up reply actions
Other winners (if I do say so myself).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I wonder what else would make the list. Obviously my interview with Carrie, my post on my evening in Ted’s suite, the Top 10 American Caps… hmm… good question.
Juice arb?
by David Getz on Dec 24, 2009 11:37 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
also, the posts with breaking news. the AO hart Tshirt? that larry brooks is a clown? …oh, wait.
by Natty Bumppo on Dec 24, 2009 12:07 PM EST up reply actions
Ha. Nice (h/t to SG on the T-shirt post, too).
I liked the one I wrote for Jack Todd, Brooks, etc. once AO signed, b/c I used the term “asshats.”
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Enjoying the links in that post. From Jack Todd:
Night after night, Ovechkin plays to thousands of empty seats and in D.C., he always will.
"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 24, 2009 12:39 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
The video is pretty cool, too. I wish they could split up the season ticket holder list and do an event like that now. They’d probably have to do it ten times, though. It’s just a shame that you’re in a lottery for autographs at any team sponsored event now.
"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."
J.P., I’m with you and I think BB is too. A problem here, noted by other posters, is that Semin seems to pout unless he’s skating with OV and or Backstrom. But come on, I know I’m anxious to see Knuble start breaking out and that means not only polaying him on the first line but also on the first PP unit (sorry, Brooksie).
I don’t think he pouts, and if he does, AO needs to slap some sense into him. Or someone needs to say, “Look, a-hole, you’re playing for your next contract, so take the opportunity to pile up huge numbers while your opponents are focused on stopping the first line, mmm’kay?”
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
But come on, I know I’m anxious to see Knuble start breaking out and that means not only polaying him on the first line but also on the first PP unit (sorry, Brooksie).
If you bumps Brooks from the first powerplay unit, you lose his faceoff ability which, even though he hasn’t been great this year, is better than Backstrom’s.
Wow…did Erskine really get over 20 minutes last night and we only noticed him for good things? Must have been his Christmas present to us fans, and how about we never try that experiment again? Just the thought of what could happen in a 20 minute game for Erskine is enough to give me nightmares.
Speaking of nightmares, had an interesting one the other night. Now that Jerrah has his multi-million dollar stadium, and it has hosted concerts, football (duh), and now basketball….can anyone see a winter classic hosted in Dallas with the roof open? Money talks, and I bet the dollars will be whispering in Bettman’s ear that there needs to be a winter classic in a warm weather city, where the players can play under an HD screen bigger than the rink.
kuklas korner had a post yesterday about the igloo opening up its roof.
by Natty Bumppo on Dec 24, 2009 11:24 AM EST up reply actions
Also, do you really think you could sell that many tickets to a hockey game in the U.S.? There’s no point in holding the game in a facility like that if you can’t sell every seat in the house.
Ted Leonsis Used to Recommend: http://capsnut.blogspot.com/
Everybody Wang Chung......
Please load brain before shooting off mouth.™
Also, do you really think you could sell that many tickets to a hockey game in the U.S.?
Certainly not in Dallas friggin’ Texas.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Would numbers even matter to Jones vs. the statement that he had done it? With standing capicity of what, almost 100k people, #2 Texas vs. #10 North Carolina, a powerhouse matchup if there ever was one, only sold 35,000 seats. Bet he doesn’t care, was still nationally televised.
by HateOffSeason on Dec 24, 2009 11:34 AM EST up reply actions
Poll #’s are running about 50/50 with Dallas residents preferring not to be considered part of the US. So, the point is mute.
by mechanicsville on Dec 24, 2009 2:01 PM EST up reply actions
What about if you played up the nationalism thing?
It wouldn’t work for the Winter Classic probably, but I want the US to host a WJC in a city that isn’t an easy commute for the Canadian fans. Just spread the word that America is being attacked by Canada and see if you can’t get some rowdy Texans in the stands. SJS would also be a pretty solid choice.
In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.
Oh, I forget who mentioned it last night, but ESPN’s box score/recap mentioned a leg injury to Juice?
"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)."
Any word on the Buffalo fan who was going to propose to his Caps-fan lady at the game last night?
ALEX, FЯEE
No doubt the positive excitement of the nights results helped1
by HeartbreakRidge on Dec 24, 2009 11:48 AM EST up reply actions
But his videocam didn’t work, so there won’t be evidence on Youtube. Alas.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Dec 24, 2009 11:55 AM EST up reply actions
What’s the story behind Sabres fans and the goose. Saw one Sabres fan carrying a stuffed goose toy after the game, and the other Sabres fans were walking by saying, “Goooooose.”
Oh and weird moment of the night, saw “Cape Guy” in the bathroom before the game talking with Buffalo Sabres “Cape Guy.” No kidding, it was his Buffalo Sabres fan equivalent. Sabres Cape Guy was painting his face, though, so he does a little better job of, you know, letting them know he’s out there.
Saw that guy too (after about an hour of Cluster trying to point it out). Had no idea what it was about. Also saw the Dr. Spaceman again. Lame.
In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.
Heh. You probably couldn’t hear me over the tools behind us yucking it up. What the hell were they jibber-jabbering about? Something about Green being an “OK” skater?
by Cluster on Dec 24, 2009 9:07 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
The talk above about who should be paired with AO & baks made me think of another issue – Semin on the PK. In the not at all shocking category, Jizz gets a SH chance while on the PK last nite. I really hope BB starts putting him out there all the time. I know I harp on this, but if we truly want to see Semin’s value we need to see him on the PK all the time.
A man gotta have a code
Agreed, he should play a shift on every PK, and green should play one on most if his minutes aren’t too bad. being able to actually take the puck and skate out of the zone instead of just clearing it takes up much more time, and puts pressure on the other team that can keep them from being as aggressive.
Reporting fail
This may have been fixed by now, but I just picket this up in a google search:
Report: Nationals agree to terms with Capps
TSN – 57 minutes ago
Washington, DC (Sports Network) – The Washington Capitals have reportedly agreed to terms with free-agent pitcher Matt Capps. According to the Washington …
"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."
More reporting fail
Fron NHL.com, of all places:
Not a lot was known about Ovechkin before the Russian rookie took the ice for his NHL debut for the Washington Capitals against Columbus on Oct. 5, 2005. Ovechkin was the No. 2 choice in the 2004 Draft
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=510944
"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."
That interview with Schultz is truly one of the least interesting things ever put in print. The questions sucked and the answers were just as bad.
Shocking that the guy who says out loud that he prefers not to read gives a boring interview.
by mechanicsville on Dec 24, 2009 2:02 PM EST up reply actions
I’m thinking a game of Scrabble b/t #55 and #4 would be scintillating!
by mechanicsville on Dec 24, 2009 2:10 PM EST up reply actions
Hey, c’mon… it’s a pretty good interview for a deaf mute to give.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Get in the spirit!
Go USA!
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 24, 2009 3:49 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
I like the Ikea product placement in the shot. Is it bad that I recognize that as a Lack tv stand — and that I know it by name?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 24, 2009 6:03 PM EST up reply actions
And after finally looking at the link, that’s not what that piece is.
In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.
TV stand with wheels? Couldn’t find it on the Ikea website, but it’s also called a “Lack”
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 25, 2009 7:35 AM EST up reply actions
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Florida
|
53 | 25 | 17 | 11 | 61 |
|
Washington
|
54 | 28 | 21 | 5 | 61 |
|
Winnipeg
|
56 | 26 | 24 | 6 | 58 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
53 | 23 | 24 | 6 | 52 |
|
Carolina
|
55 | 20 | 25 | 10 | 50 |
(updated 2.10.2012 at 3:26 AM EST)
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