Saturday Caps Clips: Devils @ Caps Game Day
by J.P. on Dec 26, 2009 8:16 AM EST
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PrintYour savory breakfast links:
- The Caps will try to avoid being swept by the Devils in the seasons series tonight (though they played two of the first three games sans Alex Ovechkin). Here are previews of tonight's game from Ed Frankovic (with other thoughts, to boot) and NHL.com, and be sure to check out our SB Nation partner In Lou We Trust for coverage from the other side of tonight's match up.
- In each of the three games against the Devs so far this season, the Caps scored first, and twice they doubled their lead with the game's second goal, only to see their leads turn to losses all three times. Those games are great examples of the Caps' current biggest concern: closing. To wit, "Washington has outscored its opponents 47-18 in the first 20 minutes this season, which is the largest advantage for any team in the league in any of the three periods. After the first intermission is another story -- the Caps have scored 85 goals and allowed 82." [TWT]
- Semyon Varlamov reacts to being named to the Russian Olympic Team. [Alex Ovetjkin]
- Wondering whether Mike Green will make Team Canada. [WaPo]
- The World Junior Championships start today (catch Canada at 4:00, Sweden at 6:00 and the U.S. at 8:00 on NHL Network), and here are your top story lines. [Puck Daddy]
- Even in praising a prospect playing in an international tourney, SI can't resist taking a swipe at the Caps' defense (12th in GAA and SOG against with Jose Theodore starting more than half the team's games... so which is it - bad D or bad goaltending? Neither? OK). [SI.com]
- Sergei Fedorov didn't have a single fighting major in the NHL after 1992, but here he is droppin' the mittens in the KHL. [YouTube]
- Finally, happy 22nd birthday to Oskar Osala.
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Happy Boxing Day!
I’d like to go to the game tonight. If your seatmate can’t make it or you otherwise have a spare, let me know via email or Rink Rat Ticket Exchange PM before 5:30. Thanks!
ALEX, FЯEE
Man Feds went after that guy. Threw some pretty wild punches too. There has to be some background for that from earlier in the game.
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
So this is a video illustration of precisely why Feds left us for the KHL?
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Dec 26, 2009 11:06 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah, goons like Koci Fedorov shouldn’t be playing in the NHL anyway, and seem to have a place that’s not Quebec!
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Dec 26, 2009 12:37 PM EST up reply actions
Hey, maybe we should try and get him back – we need an enforcer.
by Becca H on Dec 26, 2009 12:38 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Yeah, that was all started by Feds. First he throws an elbow and then a two-hander to the defenseman’s face. I like how polite they were to allow each guy to take off their helmet before they started Semin-like swinging. Oh, and the fan clapping while holding his manpurse was interesting.
It’s a satchel. Indian Jones has one.
"Let the rest be scared of us." - Emo Bunny Sasha Semin
by Scott in Shaw on Dec 26, 2009 10:21 AM EST up reply actions
Or Indiana even.
"Let the rest be scared of us." - Emo Bunny Sasha Semin
by Scott in Shaw on Dec 26, 2009 10:22 AM EST up reply actions
Satchel?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 26, 2009 10:46 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
they fight like middle school girls
what’s with the open hand slaps? this isn’t kung fu panda is it? Brads would be unstobbale in KHL fights.
A danger to myself and others on the ice
That explains Sasha’s fighting style…
by superjuan on Dec 26, 2009 10:52 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
That video never gets old…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 26, 2009 11:54 AM EST up reply actions
Even in praising a prospect playing in an international tourney, SI can’t resist taking a swipe at the Caps’ defense
So now we have a “beleaguered blueline.” Seriously, is he just making this stuff up? Someone remind me the last time Alan Muir said something good about the Caps.
For the “the Devils beat the Caps twice when A.O. was out” crowd, the last time the Caps won a season series against Joisey without the help of Bettman points was 1999-2000.
In the straight-up wins-losses, the best the Caps have done since then is forge a split.
Ted Leonsis Used to Recommend: http://capsnut.blogspot.com/
Everybody Wang Chung......
Please load brain before shooting off mouth.™
As a Devils fan Id also point out that while Ovechkin was out (and thats a huge injury) the Devils had a number of injureis:
Patrik Elias (best forward outside Parise) – Missed first 2 games
Paul Marin (#1 D) – Missed games 2 and 3
Johnny Oduya (#2 D) – Missed games 2 and 3
Jay Pandolfo (top PK unit) – Missed games 2 and 3
Rob Niedermayer (top checking forward) – Missed game 3
They’re both strong teams this year that have dealt with injuries, a bit of a disappointment that this is the last game between them (and its December) unless they meet when it matters.
Do visitors get hounded for lack of avatar?
by sixsevenfiftysix on Dec 26, 2009 12:00 PM EST up reply actions
Especially when they come from PPP — those guys should know better.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 26, 2009 12:56 PM EST up reply actions
It’s not like the Caps weren’t missing players as well, though. And I’d take Ovechkin over Elias, Marin, Oduya, Pandolfo, and R. Niedermayer. And, I mean, in one of those games…Tyler Sloan scored. When Sloan scores and at least 5 other guys don’t, I’m scared.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Dec 26, 2009 12:42 PM EST up reply actions
Caps went 2-0-2 against the Devils last year, with both losses coming in the shootout. So if you want to discredit Bettman gimmicks then the Caps won the season series against the Devils last season with 2 wins and 2 ties.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 26, 2009 2:29 PM EST up reply actions
So it looks like Neuvirth is getting another start tonight. Interesting. I don’t disagree with the choice (didn’t I just read that Theo’s record against Jersey stinks?), but it’s got to burn Theo to sit again, even if Neuvirth is probably back in Hershey by next week.
"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."
Yeah, interesting call. I get that they want to see (and potentially want the rest of the League to see) what they’ve got in Neuvy, but you’d have thought that a Varly injury would be a great opportunity for Jose to re-assert himself. Then again, maybe it was and he didn’t.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Then again, following Corey’s tweets, if you assume Bruce is speaking the truth, even more interesting (fresher because he played Wednesday and no on has been on the ice since). That man really doesn’t let anything get by him, in terms of logical reasoning.
"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."
Per Tarik:
Jose Theodore broke his stick when he came off the ice. “I just work here,” he said when asked about sitting again. He said he’s not hurt.
Interesting.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Baseless speculation
Jose basically shit the bed after Varly went down. He had been playing well, and after Varly’s injury it seemed like he heaved a big mental sign and thought he could relax. F&B observed that that behavior is one reason he’s a headcase.
Could be the Caps’ FO has seen enough.
Or could be they’re ready to trade a goaltender, and want to get Neuvy out there.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
Or could be they’re ready to trade a goaltender, and want to get Neuvy out there.
I really hope it’s not that. Both young goalies are our future, IMO — I hope we didn’t draft them just to offload one.
Although I know nothing about the relationship Varlamov and Neuvirth might have — would that matter?
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Dec 26, 2009 12:31 PM EST up reply actions
Jose basically shit the bed after Varly went down.
I don’t know how true that is. I just double checked the stats and since the 11/30 game, Theo’s stats are
6 GP, 4-2-0, 2.34 GAA .918 save %
Not too shabby.
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Dec 26, 2009 2:40 PM EST up reply actions
Great take, f_d. I still take that position. Theo has played his best when it looked like he might lose his job. Every time he gets comfortable and complacent his play slips. Good for BB playing Neuvirth.
In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.
Don’t forget it’s a contract year for theo so I’m sure he’s been preparing himself for this game to show the caps and the league what he’s got. It looks like varlys return is delayed so now the caps (and the league as jp pointed out) get one more look at neuvy against a premier team. I think it’s a good FO business decision and BB is just saying whatever to justify. But does suck for theo.
by realityczech on Dec 26, 2009 4:17 PM EST up reply actions
I’m a big Boudreau fan, but I absolutely despise the way he handles his goalies. Sometimes I think he’s not even making these decisions for the good of the team so much as he’s trying to foster competition, to create a chip on one goalie’s shoulder or another. Ridiculous.
Theo’s had a pretty decent year overall and to shove him aside in favor of an as yet unproven rookie, when facing the “best” team in the League, is just ridiculous. And if his only reasoning is that Theo’s numbers aren’t great against the Devils, he should have played him against Buffalo.
Agreed that Bruce ‘s goalie treatment is abhorrent, but at some point this decision has to be made. I’d rather have it made now when there’s some room for error, than next year when a scramble for a cheap veteran back-up would have to be made.
"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 26, 2009 12:00 PM EST up reply actions
The decision on how viable Neuvirth is for the bigs I mean.
"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 26, 2009 12:03 PM EST up reply actions
I suppose I get that, but if Neuvy’s going to be our backup next year (which I’m not convinced he’s ready to be) he’s not going to start three straight.
And while I agree it’s best to do it now rather than next year or even in the playoffs this spring, this is a HUGE game for us. How do you not go with your #1 (for now) guy in a game like this – or at the very least, if you know Varly’s not going to be back for a little while longer how do you not put Theo in against the Sabres?
Didn’t/doesn’t Theo have poop numbers against the Sabres for his career?
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
It’s possible – but he also played against them a lot more frequently early in his career when he was w/ the Habs, and did so behind a much worse team.
I tend to not put much stock in a goalie’s career numbers vs teams.
Agree with you on your final point. Hockey is a team game.
I must disclose that I find Threeormore’s act entirely worn out at this point.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
I’m admittedly a Theo-apologist (and have been for awhile) but I’m not really seeing anything that horrific in his game or his numbers this year. If anything, I think he’s gotten better at maintaining his focus.
He’s had a few bad games, sure, but so have Neuvy and Varly. I don’t think it’s fair to dismiss his performance this season, because a lot of games – particularly early on – were great performances by #60. We’ve lost a number of games this season in spite of his play rather than because of it.
Theo has never been horrific over a season and has been at times spectacular, but is very streaky. We need a consistent goalie for the future. As has been said before, Theo could win us a round or two in the playoffs, but will never take us to the cup.
Plus, Theo does play better with a chip on his shoulder. That said, I think he has more then enough with Varly being #1 when he’s healthy.
They laughed at Columbus, they laughed at Fulton, they laughed at the Wright brothers. But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown.
Additionally, Theo is pretty much the #2 goalie when Varly is healthy. They know what they’ve got in him, which is a viable backup, but not a starter. Finding out what Neuvy has got is worthwhile at this point, no?
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
This on the last part, but additionally you’ve got to figure out which of three 21 and under goalies are going to be viable long-term assets. A start in a “huge” game or two is going to have to happen.
"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 26, 2009 12:24 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Fair enough. I guess my frustration comes w/ the fact that, if Bruce wanted a big start for Neuvy, he could have played Theo against the Sabres.
And this whole “Neuvy is fresher” thing BB’s got going is baloney, imo – because Theo will be fresher facing the Hurricanes after having sat for a week?
He’s taken some lessons from McPhee
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 26, 2009 12:58 PM EST up reply actions
I’m with you to some degree on Theodore, but by the same token Neuvirth’s got to get these starts in at the big level while he can to determine if he can stay up here next year. If Theodore plays his game with a chip on his shoulder for the rest of the year, bully for him (and us).
Regarding Boudreau’s justification, I’m presuming that it’s less about Neuvirth being fresher than him saving 58 of his last 62.
"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 26, 2009 12:40 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, I suppose that makes sense. I just get fiercely over-protective of Theodore sometimes, I think he takes a lot of heat (a lot of which is unjustified) and has gone through a lot in his career, both on and off the ice.
And hearing about him breaking a stick in frustration…a chip on his shoulder is one thing but I’ve never seen something like that from him, and I’ve been watching him for years. BB needs to learn how to handle his netminders a little better.
I’m all for Theo finding his inner Olie.
But I agree, Bruce hasn’t a freaking clue how to handle goalies. It’s shocking.
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
Yea, when Olie mentioned it, I was a bit skeptical, but now? Not so much.
"And next year it will be ours."
“I’m ready to play, but you’re not asking the right guy. I don’t know, man. I’m just practicing hard. I’m ready to go. But it’s always been the coach’s decision, and if they feel like that, they’re going to make the call. I’m just going to keep working hard and be a good teammate.”
Poor Jose. And seriously, what if Neuvy’s not ready to take over as his backup? What if we need someone like Jose to stay on (for less $$ of course) for another year? I don’t like the way this is playing out – the best of situations has Neuvy ready to fill that role, and I think he’s too young.
Plus the idea of two really young goalies forming a tandem scares the shit out of me.
And seriously, what if Neuvy’s not ready to take over as his backup?
Not to continually play the same song, but getting them starts has to happen. If not now (while the other goalie is out with a tweak), when? Combined, they’ve got 31 career (regular season) GP up here, so if getting them starts in December means shortchanging the guy who’s been in over 500, then I’m fine with it.
"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 26, 2009 1:58 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Agreed on a lot of this, which is why I think that Neuvy is potentially trade bait.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Last week Boudreau’s applauding Theo’s focus and professionalism (and his work with Varly). Now he’s telling him to sit for the third game in a row, in favor of a call up from Hershey.
Huh?
Agreed. This seems like a move with more of a long view than one that necessarily gives the Caps their very best chance tonight.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
And if getting swept by the Devils before Game 40 of the year, I’m not going to lose sleep over it. Regular season means Richard Roundtree.
"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 26, 2009 2:00 PM EST up reply actions
HUGE game?
It’s still 2009. The games that are HUGE will all be played in 2010. I honestly don’t care about this stupid measuring stick game. How we fare in 4 games against NJD in the first half of the season is irrelevant.
In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.
Maybe there’s something else in play. Christmas can be a tough time for families that have suffered a loss like Theo and his wife. Could be that Bruce didn’t feel that Jose was emotionally ready to play the day after Xmas. Pure speculation on my part, but it just seems like there’s more going on than just Neuvy’s play.
I would think that playing would help Theo take his minds off things at home. I’m sure he’s dealing with a lot of emotion this time of year in his personal life, but many people find solace in doing the things that they love like, in Theo’s case, play hockey. I would be pissed if I was Theo, too. How would you like to be the big shot at work, get demoted to No. 2 for some young hot shot then when said hot shot goes down, be replaced by another young hot shot? I’ve worked places where I have been passed over for someone with less experience and know-how, and it has pissed me off. It definitely can be a motivator, too.
Per Tarik:
Jose Theodore broke his stick when he came off the ice. “I just work here,” he said when asked about sitting again. He said he’s not hurt.
A man gotta have a code
Sorry J.P. I must not have refreshed or something because I didn’t see your post. My bad.
A man gotta have a code
by Carl Putnam on Dec 26, 2009 11:48 AM EST up reply actions
Just in: Theo broke his stick after coming off the ice. Reports that he’s just an employee or words to that effect. Insists his health is good.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
Ok. I deserved that one.
A man gotta have a code
by Carl Putnam on Dec 26, 2009 11:54 AM EST up reply actions
Parking for the game
My son got tickets for the game this evening for my birthday (same as Osalas). On the few occasions we have come to caps games we have taken the metro as we live near Harpers Ferry, WV, but we were toying with the idea of driving in tonight and didn’t know if anyone had recommendations on parking?
We drive in from Baltimore, so we come from 295 to New York Ave. There’s a great lot that is only $10 on New York and 5th Street. Hang a left on 5th then make a right at the first light (not sure of the street name). You’ll see the lot when you make the left, but the entrance is on that first street. It’s great getting out of the lot right onto New York.
Not to be a complete stalker but if you’d be interested in car pooling with me and my girlfriend, we drive down from Canton and would love to split the driving/parking costs with some other fans. I think if you click my name you should be able to email me from my profile if you’re interested.
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Dec 26, 2009 2:29 PM EST up reply actions
haha try again, i was missing an “i” in the email address.
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Dec 26, 2009 2:48 PM EST up reply actions
SG, i’d like to get in on this also, but the truth is i only make it to like 3-4 games a year. baltimore happy hour has to happen, though.
by Natty Bumppo on Dec 26, 2009 3:33 PM EST up reply actions
If you don’t mind walking a little bit, the cheaper parking tends to be a few blocks away from Verizon – when the weather’s not horrific I tend to park in this giant open lot on 9th street NW and New York Avenue. I think it’s even less than $10 if you get there before 5:00.
There are generally tons of parking garages right around Verizon in the $10-20 range, as well.
If you don’t mind walking a couple of blocks there is always street parking by the Judiciary Square metro stop, the entrance right by the Police Memorial. The best thing it is free and really not a bad walk down F street.
by Garyland1177 on Dec 26, 2009 2:46 PM EST up reply actions
There’s a surface lot between 9th & 11th at H St that I usually go to. Fairly reasonable and i’ve never had a problem getting a spot there. Two blocks over and one down and you’re at the VC entrance next to chipotle. Another option is the two underground lots on E st between 6th & 7th. If you go into the one under the AARP building and take the right elevators up, you exit right across from the main vc entrance on F St.
when i drive in (also from baltimore), i take 295 all the way to howard st. next to the anacostia metro stop.
anacostia has a gigantic parking structure, and sits on the green line same as chinatown. it’s a pretty easy park and ride altogether, and you’ll save 10 or 15 dollars easy compared to downtown.
by Natty Bumppo on Dec 26, 2009 3:26 PM EST up reply actions
Strung up in Rings
You know, hell. I’m sorry. That Varley interview has me going. Not to take away from what will be, no doubt, a thrilling Olympiad spectacle, or scoff at the patriotic fervor exhibited by the proud and pressured participants (particularly by our compadres from our shared Frozen North who appear to be tackling this one, as they always do, like the fate of the Universe hangs in the balance), or underestimate the rapture of hotdogging your stuff on the international stage, or to be inappropriately disdainful of the humdrum standard-fare jingoism oozing from one and all, or belittle the allure of becoming a national idol, or to pooh-pooh the pleasure that comes to an old, crippled, scarred, painkiller-addicted ex-hockey player when he contemplates that garish gold medal he won for his country oh-so-many years ago . . . No siree, not me. I’m sorry. I’d be the last person to do all that scoffing.
But the cruel and cold truth be told, I will be relieved when these Games are over, everyone escapes unscathed, gets a good rest, shakes hands and makes up, and gets back to the job at hand.
I mean, friends, let’s bring our priorities into focus here: the Real Enemies, the ones that never go away, they don’t just come round every four years, they are eternal, everlasting, are a hicktown in western PA and a rusty city in Michigan – not, for heaven sakes, a proud country in Eurasia or North America. I’ve brayed out this EXACT same rant every four years for the last who knows how damn long. Still no prize for me. Maybe this time . . .
And I hear you when you say Ha, you think Van10 is an orgy of hotdoggism? Just wait til Sochi14 Yep. But if I get my own hardware between now and then, I won’t begrudge my Russkiĭ Milayas their rampage one iota.
Dmitry Chesnokov's PuckDaddy Article - Uncannily Similar to Comments at The Rink?
Now, I’m not sure which came first, the comments or this PuckDaddy Article by Dmitri Chesnokov. Obviously the comments were posted first, but it’s possible that the article was already finished and awaiting posting.
But his observation regarding Frolov is extremely close to this comment by Becca.
His thoughts regarding whether Fedorov should be on the first line echo JP’s observation about the performance of the line in 2008. And his analysis of the relative value of Datsyuk runs along very similar lines to F & B’s comments here (and further on down the thread).
This could all be a coincidence. Or it might not be. If Chesnokov did borrow from the comments, it would have been nice for credit to be given where due.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
The only remotely peculiar similarity is the Frolov line (the other two similarities could be grabbed out of the ether — is it suspicious when someone on another blog says that Ovechkin is the best player in the league a few hours after someone here posts that same sentiment? Of course not). And I’d venture to guess that the Frolov line in question could very easily be thought of by two people independently. Nothing to see here.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Dec 26, 2009 12:11 PM EST up reply actions
Take it easy, Francis.
I noted that coincidence (i.e., two minds independently reaching the same conclusion) was a possibility.
But the Frolov comment isn’t “remotely similar”; it’s practically verbatim. And the Dats analysis is,if not verbatim, almost exactly the same in the points raised and the conclusions reached.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
I didn’t mention anything in regards to how similar the comments were—just how PECULIAR the similarity was. My point is that saying Datsyuk is a sound defensive forward and a better center than Sergei Fedorov in 2009 isn’t exactly original research, and neither is the well-known fact that Fedorov played well with Jizz and Ovie at the 2008 Worlds.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Dec 26, 2009 12:51 PM EST up reply actions
I had some of the same thoughts when I first saw the roster, before I read through either article. I think it’s just a case of “great minds think alike.”
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 26, 2009 1:01 PM EST up reply actions
Three random thoughts:
- Parise hasn’t scored in 11 games, although he has 10 assists in those 11 games. That scares the crap out of me – great scorers in slumps tend to love breaking out against our team.
- Very exciting (and potentially hilarious) news from Nate’s Twitter:
There are rumblings that the @ovi8 twitter account could be jump-started
- Ross McKeon’s Power Rankings this week included “gifts” to each team, and this one made me nauseous: “1. Pittsburgh Penguins (26-11-1, Previous: 6) – Nothing, they’re already plenty gifted.” Bite me, Ross.
How can Pitt be #1 when Jersey is 9-1-0 in their last 10 and just put a curb-stomping on the Pens in their last meeting?
Power rankings = teh stupid
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
Exactly. Pittsburgh’s not only #1 but they bounce up there from 6th, after going through a 4-0 ass-kicking at the hands of the Devils (who are 4th)? Insane.
Ross McKeon’s about as dumb as power rankings. What a joke.
I’m a lot more worried about them getting Kovalchuk.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Dec 26, 2009 1:08 PM EST up reply actions
Maybe I just have selective memory, but I can’t remember the last time the Devils made a deadline-day, rent-a-player type acquisition.
And I can’t see Kovalchuk being anywhere near a good fit for that team – they tend to eschew flashy scorers in lieu of solid, defensively-sound guys. Kovalchuk would be miserable there.
FWIW, the same article that was in the Caps Clips a few days ago mentioning us as being interested in Ilya listed the Devils as well. I think they would be foolish not to be very interested in him but question whether they have (and are willing to part with) enough compared to some other teams.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Dec 26, 2009 2:22 PM EST up reply actions
We always seem to be in the “Ilya’s going here” talks – the Russian factor, gotta love it. As for the Devils, my guess is they’re being named because they don’t really have much scoring outside of Parise and maybe Elias and they’re one of the top teams.
But yeah, I don’t think they’d be interested – if for no other reason than the fact that defense allegedly wins championships and w/ the current low-scoring squad they’re leading the league. Why change things around? I could see Kovy going to a team that’s on the playoff bubble, if he goes anywhere.
Speaking of getting Kovalchuk
AUTO-GENERATED CAPGEEK.COM LINES
FORWARDS
Alexander Ovechkin ($9.538m) / Ilya Kovalchuk ($6.389m) / Alexander Semin ($4.600m)
Mike Knuble ($2.800m) / Chris Clark ($2.633m) / Nicklas Backstrom ($2.400m)
Brooks Laich ($2.067m) / Brendan Morrison ($1.500m) / Matt Bradley ($1.000m)
Eric Fehr ($0.771m) / Dave Steckel ($0.725m) / Tomas Fleischmann ($0.725m)
Quintin Laing ($0.500m)
DEFENSEMEN
Mike Green ($5.250m) / Tom Poti ($3.500m)
Brian Pothier ($2.500m) / Karl Alzner ($1.675m)
Milan Jurcina ($1.375m) / John Erskine ($1.250m)
Jeff Schultz ($0.715m)
GOALTENDERS
Jose Theodore ($4.500m) / Simeon Varlamov ($0.822m)
CAPGEEK.COM TOTALS
ROSTER: 22; PAYROLL: $57.235m; CAP ROOM: $0.415m BONUSES: $0.850m
All I had to drop was Shaone Morrisonn and Boyd Gordon.
As always, Capgeek lines aren’t real lines…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 26, 2009 4:01 PM EST up reply actions
You mean trade ShaMo and Gordo… for Kovy!
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 26, 2009 4:03 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
He shouldn’t be our “C” at all. He’s an embarrassment.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 26, 2009 5:02 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Fuck is right… for this year. But they have no farm so hopefully they’ll end up depleting themselves in that trade. Of course, Lou always manages to cobble together a great team, so maybe it won’t hurt them. But I think that it’s unsustainable to have no farm for too long. At some point it’s going to catch up with you. Ask Jim Rutherford.
In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.
Thats the thing, I’m not worried about ‘10-’11. I’m worried about April. Having to go through Fat Marty is bad enough, doing it with Nieds standing in front of him is scary stuff.
A stat that bears repeating
NJD are 5-1 in the shootout this year. Marty has a .737 Save Pct (which is not out of line with what you’d expect). Their Shooting Pct is a phenomenal .556, though. They’ve gotten a nice run of luck on their way to top of the standings, at least in this respect.
By contrast, the Caps are 3-2 in the shootout. .773 Sv Pct. .227 Sh Pct (yech).
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
After one period between Sweden-Czech Republic 4-0. No points from Marcus Johansson he got interviewed in intermission and was really disappointed with the defensive work from the Swedish team.
Should we try to avoid spoilers for the games coming on NHLN on delay?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Eh, I’ll leave it. But maybe what we should do is put “Spoiler Alert” in the subject line. That is the game that’s on NHLN later, right?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Yes. For people that don’t want to wait http://svtplay.se/v/1817271/jvm_tjeckien-sverige
Johansson got number 11 and play with Andre Pettersson (20), Magnus Pääjärvi-Svensson (21).
New content, in case you haven’t gotten wind of it.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
loved, loved the varly interview. the bit about the finns and swedes “mass producing awesome goaltenders” rings true. and his take on the responsibility borne by goalies reminded me of d’ohboy’s masters thesis from a few days ago. varly:
A whole lot will depend on the goalkeepers at the Olympics, and it is a huge responsibility. Now the goalkeeper is not even half of the team, it is a little more, especially in crucial games. It was a huge burden for Nabokov and Bryzgalov in Quebec and in Bern, they showed a confident game in the semifinals and finals, and this was the key to success. And the older I get, the more clearly I understand it.
NHL.com offers up their Greatest Individual Performances of the Decade. But, really, now love for Green’s 2008-2009 season? I don’t know about you, but re-writing the record book and scoring more than a point-per-game (last accomplished in 95-96, I believe) seems to qualify as a great individual performance.
BTW, Ovie’s 52-goal rookie campaign, and 65-goal 07-08 campaign both made the list, the only player to have two seasons on there.
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Florida
|
55 | 27 | 17 | 11 | 65 |
|
Washington
|
55 | 28 | 22 | 5 | 61 |
|
Winnipeg
|
57 | 26 | 25 | 6 | 58 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
55 | 24 | 25 | 6 | 54 |
|
Carolina
|
56 | 20 | 25 | 11 | 51 |
(updated 2.13.2012 at 8:45 AM EST)
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