Wednesday Caps Clips: Caps @ Sharks Game Day
by J.P. on Dec 30, 2009 6:46 AM EST
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- Previews of tonight's rematch of an impressive October Caps win from Vogs, Peerless, Fight For Old DC, MercuryNews, and NHL.com, and be sure to check out our SB Nation partner Fear The Fin for coverage from the other side of tonight's match up.
- The last time the Caps won in San Jose was October 30, 1993 (Arturs Irbe was in net for the Sharks on that night). The Caps are 0-8-1 against the Sharks on the road since. [@nateewell]
- To sum up Jason Chimera's first practice with the Caps, he skated on a line with Nicklas Backstrom and Alexander Semin and was served Gatorade by Juice Boy Alex Ovechkin. [Caps365 (video)]
- Speaking of Chimera, he's one of eight forwards to have 60 goals and 360 penalty minutes since the lockout, and it's one sandpapery list. [@cmasisak22]
- If you squint and turn your head just a bit, the Chimera deal looks like more than Columbus GM Scott Howson "simply doing [George] McPhee a huge favor." [FOX Sports]
- I have no idea what this Bay Area blogger's point is, other than that somehow a captaincy and MVP credentials are linked. Or they're not. I give up. [... And The Horse You Rode In On]
- Apparently the Caps know what they're doing. [5ive Hole]
- It's announcement day for Team Canada, and final Mike Green predictions shake out with a yes (Hockey or Die!), a no (Puck Daddy), another no (Damien Cox), a big no (CBC), a mixed bag (G&M) and a punt (Pierre LeBrun).
- Caps talk Olympics. [CSN Washington (video)]
- More power rankings, with the Caps up two to second at SI and ESPN and up one to third at FOX Sports.
- Lots of Caps clips in the Plays o' the Decade. [FanShot]
- We know that Backstrom's best has yet to come, but it's nice to see the word's getting out. [Sportsnet]
- Peerless unveils the number 7, number 6 and number 5 Caps stories of the year.
- Someone asked me if the line in last evening's post about "challenging readers and trying to keep 'the other guys' honest and on their toes when it's all too easy to pander to the conventional wisdom of the vocal and ill-informed" referred to anything or anyone in specific, and no, it's not.
- Eric McErlain, for the win on yet another lame Jeff Schultz dig (from the WaPo's "NHL Editor," no less). [Off Wing Opinion]
- Update on the TWT story. [WaPo]
- Some hack is mad at AO for honoring a deal that was probably struck by his former agent, and takes a couple of cheap shots along the way. Here's an idea, guy - if a kid wants his autograph, send him to Kettler, but let the professional collector who's just going to flip it on eBay drop a few bucks for profiting off the man, k? [Out of Bounds]
- Andrew Gordon and Alexandre Giroux are All-Stars. Congrats. [Bears]
- A visit from Gordie Howe is always something special. [John Walton Hockey]
- The Bears are up to 50 points and countin'. [Patriot-News]
- Stefan Della Rovere has been well-behaved at Worlds... so far. [TSN]
- Finally, per the HHoF, on this date back in 1992, "Washington defenseman Al Iafrate became the first player in NHL history to have his shot officially break the 100 miles-per-hour barrier, when he had one clocked at 101.4 MPH during the Caps' NHL Superskills Competition at the Capital Centre."
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Here’s hoping today is considerably less bizarre than the last.
"I didn't mind a diminished role because we were winning so much and we're such a great team and had a chance to do something in the playoffs...I would have taken any role on this team to do that.
Not a chance, BP. It’s Team Canada Pick ’Em Day, or as the Edmonton Sun calls it, “High noon for Canadian hockey.”
My gut is already tied in knots, and I’m not sure I will be able to bear to watch the announcement live.
After reading what feels like several hundred opinion articles on the subject of Mike Green and that last elusive spot on the team, I feel that if he is selected, the media will be predisposed to blame him disproportionately for any team lapses.
ALEX, FЯEE
That won’t be bizarre, that’ll be active and interesting.
"I didn't mind a diminished role because we were winning so much and we're such a great team and had a chance to do something in the playoffs...I would have taken any role on this team to do that.
by Bald Pollack on Dec 30, 2009 8:15 AM EST up reply actions
"We’ve got four forwards for three jobs and two (defencemen) for one job"
Team Canada head coach Mike Babcock
ALEX, FЯEE
Even if Mike Green doesn’t make the “official” roster announced today, there is still a lot of time and there are bound to be guys that won’t be able to go due to injury or other circumstances that come up between now and then.
It’s funny, as a fan of Mike Green’s, I really hope he is named to the team and gets to play in Vancouver this February.
As a Team USA and Washington Caps fan, however, I kinda hope he gets a chance to rest up for the NHL playoffs (and not score against the Americans!).
"I am ready for his provocations"
by PaintDrinkingPete on Dec 30, 2009 9:54 AM EST up reply actions
Agreed. I still think that the gameday vs. Ottawa where Leonhardt ended up on the bench still wins Caps Bizarro Day for me, though.
Unleash the Alex!
Definitely wins Caps Fun Bizarro Day. :-)
by IRockTheRed on Dec 30, 2009 10:34 AM EST up reply actions
World Juniors
Caught the end of Carlson’s interview yesterday and SDR’s little in between the action clip about a drill i believe…. Was good to see our prospects get some press time. Both looked really really good IMO as well yesterday.
I was more impressed by that dude on Latvia who had the white skates. Those were awesome.
Made it look like his legs were made entirely of delicious frosting.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 30, 2009 8:08 AM EST up reply actions
Dang. Have you seen any posted photos of that? I’d like to see.
I could have been equipment manager, but nooooo!
Rolands Gritans..
Is his name…this is the only pic of him I could find
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 30, 2009 8:14 AM EST up reply actions
And this tiny picture...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 30, 2009 8:17 AM EST up reply actions
Those skates look frightening in the 1st picture and normal in the 2nd. It’s almost as if he has no ankles in the top one…
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 30, 2009 9:36 AM EST up reply actions
Speaking of the World Jrs, I’m getting a little tired of the anti-Americanism on display by the fans in Saskatoon. That’s just so 2006. I guess it just makes it easier to cheer against our friendly neighbors to the North in the Olympics.
Does anyone know why Carlson has been getting booed so badly? It was real evident in the first game every time he touched the puck.
Eh, it’s just a little ribbing.
Signed,
Every U.S. National Team soccer player.
"I didn't mind a diminished role because we were winning so much and we're such a great team and had a chance to do something in the playoffs...I would have taken any role on this team to do that.
by Bald Pollack on Dec 30, 2009 8:55 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I just hate that goal differential comes into play. Because Litvia CANNOT be having any fun at this tournament.. granted.. Does anyone expect them to tear it up? No not really, but losing constantly by 8+ goals for the sake of building your GD up kinda ruins it for those kids IMO.
Watching the tournament reminds me of some of the middle/high school level soccer games I had to sit through. There was always a team or two that had no business where they were playing, and after a while it’s embarassing to be cheering when your team scores against them. Doesn’t seem to affect the Canadians in the stands, though.
"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."
Like it was hard to begin with. Love you, Greener, but I want to see the Canadians get stomped. Real bad.
Unleash the Alex!
Same here. Revenge for last year.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 30, 2009 9:01 AM EST up reply actions
It’s a bit of a change for me. I used to cheer for Canadian teams as my second-faves. That started changing a few years ago, and between the anti-American bs and my mancrush on OV, Russia has become my new #2.
Same here. I got some love for the Swedes too, because I like how they play the game.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 30, 2009 9:16 AM EST up reply actions
I was really impressed by Filatov last night, particularly on that one play where he just went to a complete other gear skating wise and blew past that Swedish defenseman, who got so turned around and confused he fell.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 30, 2009 9:01 AM EST up reply actions
He definitely has speed and skills with the puck. Bit of a whiner, though.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Eh…I could live with that if the guy puts up 40 a year
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 30, 2009 9:05 AM EST up reply actions
Definitely.
I found the size difference between USA and Sweden/Russia to be startling. The Swedes in particular are gargantuan.
Also, a penny-pinching PSA: Yesterday I asked Comcast to let me try out NHL Network for a while and they gave it and “the sports package” to me for free for 3 months. Give it a try.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
My sister has DirecTV, and every time I’m up there and try to turn on NHL Network it tells me that I haven’t purchased that channel.
Funny, considering the fact that with their base package they do get NFL, MLB, and NBA networks, but no NHL. Just further proof that DirecTV hates hockey fans. They will never get my business again. Take your NFL Sunday ticket (their one mega-huge bargaining chip) and shove it!!!
"I am ready for his provocations"
by PaintDrinkingPete on Dec 30, 2009 9:57 AM EST up reply actions
It’s because she probably has the Choice package. If she had Choice Extra she’d get it.
DirectTV is a for profit company. They don’t hate/love anyone unless its a cable company or Dish. I’m not happy with the VS situation, but otherwise they blow my local cable company out of the water. Plus I get Center Ice games in HD unlike when I had cable.
A man gotta have a code
by Carl Putnam on Dec 30, 2009 10:07 AM EST up reply actions
I understand all of that, but any package that includes the NFL, MLB, and NBA network should, in my opinion, included the NHL network as well. Make it the same for all 4 major sports network outlets.
You’ve already taken my VS, now I have to “package up” just to watch NHL Network? Yeah, kind of a slap in the face to me as a hockey fan.
"I am ready for his provocations"
by PaintDrinkingPete on Dec 30, 2009 10:42 AM EST up reply actions
NHL is not a major sport in this country. If there is a 4th major pro sport its NASCAR. College football, basketball, and about what seems like 40 other sports draw better ratings than most hockey games.
If NHL wants better carriage they need to promote the sport better. Hockey commercials on hockey games may be cheap due to broadcasting deals but they do nothing to market the sport to the unconverted.
As for VS issue, call them and complain that how you don’t get VS, so you want NHL network to replace it for free. I wouldn’t be suprised if they give it to you.
A man gotta have a code
by Carl Putnam on Dec 30, 2009 11:01 AM EST up reply actions
NHL is not a major sport in this country. If there is a 4th major pro sport its NASCAR
By what measure(s)?
If ranked by sales of merchandise, which isn’t necessarily a bad (but not ideal) metric, the NHL is fifth based on a quick Google glance, behind NFL, NBA, MLB, and NCAA Div1 (which gets the benefit of both football and basketball’s popularity).
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
Interesting little note here! From Wiki:
“Game 7 was the final major sporting event on analog television in the United States, with the DTV transition finishing less than an hour-and-a-half after the game ended and just one hour after NBC coverage ended. NBC affiliates WDIV-TV in Detroit and WPXI in Pittsburgh – who months before the Stanley Cup playoffs began elected to keep their own respective analog signals on until June 12, well past the original February 17 deadline – both remained on the air for Game 7 before cutting their analog signals at 11:59 EDT.”
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
The Swedes and Canadians are the two best teams in the tourney. It sure will be a hell of a game when they play for the gold, especially considering how epic last year’s game was.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 30, 2009 9:10 AM EST up reply actions
I don’t know – the Swedish defense looked like something of a mess to me. Too many red jerseys sitting in prime real estate. Markström was lights-out for Sweden.
Unleash the Alex!
I think he’s their saving grace. He’s awesome.
And awesome at diving!!!
Too bad he’s a Panthers property.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 30, 2009 9:13 AM EST up reply actions
Sure, but I think we’ve done decently in the young goalie department, so I’m not going to cry too much.
Unleash the Alex!
No doubt. Just not looking forward to facing that guy all the time in the future.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 30, 2009 9:17 AM EST up reply actions
I’d be a bit of a whiner too, if I was playing for a defense-first team and I was a b*lls to the wall goal-scorer…
My favorite part of that game was seeing Marcus Johansson turn Dimitri Orlov completely inside-out. That Johansson pick is looking pretty good (not good enough to make up for the Anton Gus pick, though).
I think that the Carlson pick was more than enough cake to make up for the AnGus pick, and Johansson/Orlov is just icing.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 30, 2009 10:12 AM EST up reply actions
AnGus?
Sounds like a cow… grin
Carlson was a great pick; in another year or two, he’ll be ready to come up and kick butt and chew bubblegum with the big boys! :-)
by IRockTheRed on Dec 30, 2009 10:13 AM EST up reply actions
With our newfound cap and roster room and, we assume, more moves coming, I think Carlson might be up as early as next fall.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 30, 2009 10:17 AM EST up reply actions
The 5ive Hole analysis is interesting. Most of the teams with a serious shot at the Cup are in the “Most Bang for Buck” category. Correlation or causation?
Unleash the Alex!
Correlation, I would think.
Management sets the organization’s priorities, manages the personnel via hiring, draft, acquisitions, trades, and all the contract/capology stuff, but ultimately it’s not management out there on the ice.
ALEX, FЯEE
A lot of them also have young (read: cost-contained) talent playing a key roll. Guys like Nick, Toews/Kane.
But I’m not sure that there’s any causation there – San Jose, Chicago, Jersey and the Caps all are in the same spending neighborhood as a handful of teams who would be on the list for whatever the opposite of “bang for the buck” is. And there are a few lower-salaried teams in both groups as well.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I can’t open the page, but I’m getting the feeling the argument boils down to one that has long been a staple in the cap era. Young guys who produce on early contracts = team success. When they’re eligible for big paydays, that’s when a GM’s mettle is tested, as much for having the stones to let a player walk as to keep him around.
If you've read this far...seek help.
I’m thinking that as well – the young stars might just be the keys to winning in the cap era.
Unleash the Alex!
Young stars are nice, but it’s awfully hard to have both young stars (usually the result of high draft picks) and a supporting cast that’s good enough to win (usually the result of being a decent team in the first place). Certainly it’s impossible to sustain winning without a solid foundation beyond stars.
The key to winning in any seriously capped league is to have your cornerstone player(s) and then have enough good, cheaper talent around them that you can afford to lose guys… because you will. Have your Sids/Genos/MAFs, but have enough around that you can lose a Malone, a Scuderi, etc…. because you will. It takes shrewd GMing, to be sure, and I don’t think you can win even in the short term by just playing the lottery a couple of times.
Not to open the Semin can of worms, but… well, nevermind.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
A center, a winger, a defenseman, and a goalie. That’s your core in the post-apocalypse NHL. Everything else is interchangeable parts. If you have the luxury of guys accepting a hometown discount (or a mega-year deal for a lesser annual cap hit), you might be able to expand that core to include another forward or another defenseman. But now, you really have to have a multi-year plan with “positions” to be filled as if it was a corporate org chart.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Dec 30, 2009 10:03 AM EST up reply actions
Pure scorer. A lot of centers tend to be playmaker types.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 30, 2009 10:23 AM EST up reply actions
How do you pronounce 5ive? “Five-ive?”
Anyway, it’s a quibble, but they’re using the term “marginal” wrong. The calculation is correct — first you determine the baselines, and then you determine how much each team is spending (or how much they’ve won) above the baselines. In the article, the baselines are 40.8 Million (the salary cap floor) and 0.3 times games played (assuming a winning percentage of 30% at the baseline salary) times 2 (two points for every win). But they use the term “marginal” to describe the baselines. Which is confusing because they also use the term “marginal” for the amounts above the baselines — i.e. the margins. Only the latter is correct.
Anyway, it’s a cool analysis. And it’s funny to see the Caps in the NY Yankees quadrant — spending to the top of the cap, but also top in the league in wins. The guys to watch out for are the ones with enough wins to make the playoffs now, and also enough cap room to upgrade (and ownership groups willing to take on more salary — sorry Nashville and Phoenix). Looking at this chart, the LA Kings look poised for a big move.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 30, 2009 9:44 AM EST up reply actions
Flash makes Team Czech Republic. Congrats!
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Did Neuvirth? ;)
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 30, 2009 8:22 AM EST up reply actions
Totally expected, and I posted on it on the front page (no link yet other than to Twitter, b/c the articles up so far only list the bigger named players).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Pay him $3m per!
"I didn't mind a diminished role because we were winning so much and we're such a great team and had a chance to do something in the playoffs...I would have taken any role on this team to do that.
by Bald Pollack on Dec 30, 2009 8:29 AM EST up reply actions
Somewhat related, Oskar Osala did not make Team Finland (though Sami Lepisto did).
OO was definitely a loooong shot, but figured I’d mention it.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
17 years ago today
I was at the Cap Centre when Iafrate launched that bomb. He’s probably fire one near 110mph if they had composite sticks back then…
Then go puff a cigarette in between rounds.
I wasn’t there, but I remember coverage of it. I also remember (maybe the year after that?) when ’Skins kicker Chip Lohmiller had a harder shot than any of the guys on the team.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
It was indeed the following year (and I’m ashamed to have missed it for Monday’s Clips):
LANDOVER — The 7,300 fans who came to USAir Arena last night for the third annual Washington Capitals Skills Competition cheered mightily, trying to encourage the Capitals shooters to excel on the hardest shot.
But it was Washington Redskins place-kicker Chip Lohmiller, hitting the puck a whopping 94.3 mph, who walked off the winner.
“That’s a little embarrassing,” said Washington defenseman Calle Johansson. “But he’s a big, strong guy.”
The Capitals’ hardest shooter was Jason Woolley at 94.1 mph.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I was there at both as a wide eyed young boy. It was pretty cool that they let everyone in free.
I remember a couple times they also let everyone in Cap Centre free to watch the Stanley Cup Finals on the jumbo tron…it was the Minnesota/Pittsburgh series from what I can recall.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 30, 2009 8:59 AM EST up reply actions
How was that guy’s form? It couldn’t have been his first time shooting..
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Quoth Wikipedia:
John McLeod “Chip” Lohmiller (born July 10, 1966 in Woodbury, Minnesota) is a former professional American football placekicker in the National Football League for the Washington Redskins, New Orleans Saints, and the St. Louis Rams. He played college football at the University of Minnesota and high school football at Woodbury Senior High School.
I think we now know why Chip had such a great shot…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 30, 2009 9:11 AM EST up reply actions
Damn, I was just typing that.
"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."
If you read JPs link:
“The Caps know I can hit the puck pretty hard, but I’m a little bit surprised,” said Lohmiller, who started playing hockey at the age of 4 but hasn’t played competitively since high school. "I knew I could hit it hard, but not that hard.
With most men, unbelief in one thing springs from blind belief in another.
I knew I could hit it hard, but not that hard
Thats what she said
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 30, 2009 9:44 AM EST up reply actions
Right after he put one right between the uprights
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 30, 2009 9:45 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
ha I was there both years. The old Cap Center decible meter maxed out. It wasn’t a huge crowd but everyone went apeshit when Iafrate cracked 100 MPH.
If I recall correctly, someone from the HHOF was there and took his stick to the hall with them immediately afterward.
I also believe the winning team (red vs white) was presented with a Capitals metal trash can, that Langway started skating around with as if it was the Stanley Cup.
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 30, 2009 10:52 AM EST up reply actions
Its a shame that things are so messed up at the times. I really can’t understand a management team that doesn’t let their employees know what is coming. It shows a definite lack of respect for their people, as well as just stupid management. Their good employees, i.e. the ones that can get a job elsewhere and that you would like to keep, are probably working on their resumes and spending more time looking for their next better and less stressful job than working on their next story.
Its kind of like when I worked for Home Depot (thankfully a short time). We had opened a new store, and almost doubled our budgeted revenue for our first year open. Budget was 22 million and we did over 40. Bonus day rolled around and we were all very excited to finally see our hard work pay off for us rather than the store. Most employees got less than $100 bonus, as department head of two departments I got $342. The general manager bonus was over $96,000. I don’t think I have ever seen an entire work force walk away from a job before to find new employment on bonus day.
This comment relates to Corey, no?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 30, 2009 9:12 AM EST up reply actions
To the entire Wash. Times staff from the story linked above from the Post. Looks like absolutely nobody has a freaking clue if they have a job next week or not. This is not the way to build a cohesive team and job loyalty to a new management team.
by HateOffSeason on Dec 30, 2009 9:14 AM EST up reply actions
Apparently Corey’s known for a few weeks that he’s being let go, which sucks, but if they’re doing it to the rest of the staff, that really, really sucks.
According to the article, nobody actually knows for sure. The assumption is that with the statement that the paper’s new format will focus more on national stories, which is the only information the new management has released, that all local subject writers, including the local sports guys, will be getting the axe. But nobody knows for sure, or like you said, when.
by HateOffSeason on Dec 30, 2009 9:28 AM EST up reply actions
Which is totally evil. I agree.
They’re trying to compete with the Post on even ground, and it isn’t going to work, because ever since Watergate, the Post has been the top dog in DC, and the Times can’t topple it. It doesn’t help that the Times’ website is terrible, hard to navigate, and a pain in the butt to use if you aren’t using the most recent version of Internet Exploder…
FWIW, the Times was founded in 1982
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 30, 2009 10:54 AM EST up reply actions
And my statement about the Post being the top dog since Watergate still stands… :-)
When I moved out here in ‘87, the Times was still a relatively new paper…. but everyone and his uncle has heard of the Post. It’s a damned hard dog to topple.
by IRockTheRed on Dec 30, 2009 11:06 AM EST up reply actions
Washington used to have several daily papers, but they either folded, or sold themselves to the Post. Because so many of them allowed themselves to get bought, the majority of their staffs, plus their entire circulation, was transferred to the Post, giving the Post a huge staff and resources, plus all of the home delivery subscribers in the region, with relatively little effort. I can’t remember when the Star folded (1980?), but the collapse of the multiple dailies in cities around the country happened in the 1970s. So the Post, with its new standing as a premier paper in the country, was in a position to buy everyone else.
I should note that in a lot of the cases, the papers wanted to be bought because they knew the Post would keep the majority of the employees.
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
Yep; same thing happened in my home town. We used to have the Terre Haute Tribune and the Terre Haute Star; now, it’s just the Tribune-Star. One daily paper.
Woodward and Bernstein did wonders for the Post when they broke the Watergate scandal…
by IRockTheRed on Dec 30, 2009 11:12 AM EST up reply actions
the Post had an outstanding editorial team in place back then, plus a very savvy owner. It goes well beyond Woodward and Bernstein. The Post also broke the Pentagon Papers story with the New York Times a couple years earlier. But there was no small bit of luck that the two reporters assigned to what seemed to be a straightforward story recognized it was not what it seemed and one of them happened to know the very disgruntled #2 at the FBI.
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
I was all of six years old when the Watergate scandal broke, and I don’t remember the Pentagon Papers… but my parents and I were out here visiting, and we stayed in the Howard Johnson’s across the street from the Watergate, and had dinner in the Watergate Hotel while we were here… then we got home and the scandal broke. The FBI had been doing their thing about two floors above where we were staying, while we were staying there. :-)
The bottom line is that the Post, even today, is still top dog, and it’s downright impossible for any other newspaper in this berg – even USA Today with its TV-like format and 6th grade reading level – to get a foothold.
by IRockTheRed on Dec 30, 2009 11:40 AM EST up reply actions
Why would anyone optimize aanything for the latest version of that horrible browser that is normally obsolete before it is even released
by Doncosmic on Dec 30, 2009 11:02 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Why would the Times fire Corey?
It’s the TIMES. They obviously suck, and don’t have a clue of what they’re doing.
by IRockTheRed on Dec 30, 2009 11:06 AM EST up reply actions
Someone asked me if the line in last evening’s post about . . . referred to anything or anyone in specific, and no, it’s not.
Glad you clarified that, JP. Nonetheless, I am expecting that being designated Sole Supplier is going to actually improve and sharpen Caps’ coverage by, well, you know, everyone else left standing.
From Peerless:
The Sharks boast the top scoring line in hockey when Coach Todd McLellan chooses to put them together. The line of Joe Thornton (10-44-54), Dany Heatley (23-21-44), and Patrick Marleau (25-16-41) represent three of the top 14 scorers in the league.
Wow. Someone (can’t remember who) said in the comments the other day how they can’t imagine how a top scoring player in the NHL can have more goals than assist in today’s style of game, in reference to Ovechkin. And Thornton centers two such players? Insane.
I love both Knuble and Semin, but can you imagine Backstrom centering Ovechkin and another guy who had that score first at all costs mentality that Ovechkin usually has?
I think, more than anything, it just shows how out of this world awesome Jumbo Joe is.
BuT HE DoSETN plaY ggoodd In TEH play offs!@!!
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 30, 2009 9:25 AM EST up reply actions
Thornton has 44 assists…Heatley and Marleau have a total of 48 goals. Nice arithmetic.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Dec 30, 2009 10:06 AM EST up reply actions
I have no idea what this Bay Area blogger’s point is, other than that somehow a captaincy and MVP credentials are linked. Or they’re not. I give up. [… And The Horse You Rode In On]
Par for the course from the SF Chronicle (which uses the SFGate web domain) and from Ray Ratto in particular. The entire article is incoherent, with Ratto consistently contradicting himself. And unresearched: this line stood out —
while the Sharks could finish eighth without Thornton (if you believe that Marleau and Dany Heatley could do what they’re doing without him), the Caps probably couldn’t. And because the field isn’t just Ovechkin v. Thornton.
Really, Ray? Did you bother to look at the rosters. Did you bother to find out the Caps’ record without their superstar? Nah, you just live on the west coast, where the Caps are a “one-man-team.” It’s a damned shame SJ coach Todd McLellan isn’t this dumb, or tonight would be a cakewalk.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
From Wikipedia
Ray Ratto has been a Bay Area sportswriter for approximately 30 years and a sports columnist for approximately 20. Beginning his column-writing career for two now-defunct newspapers, The National and the Peninsula Times Tribune, Ratto then became a columnist for the San Francisco Examiner, and now opines for the San Francisco Chronicle. (He had started out his career as a staff reporter for these two SF papers.) He also has written national columns for espn.com and currently does same at CBS’ sportsline.com. Ratto is one of 65 sports writers whose ranking of college football teams makes up the AP Poll.
Writes for ESPN and votes on the AP poll? And you were expecting quality, rational writing from this guy?
by HateOffSeason on Dec 30, 2009 9:24 AM EST up reply actions
Don’t waste your breathe or fingers. Ratto is a hack. His drivel has polluted the Bay Area for years.
A man gotta have a code
It kills me because I live here. I really have no good options. I’d have been a Giants fan long ago, or an A’s fan because the O’s and Nats have been unwatchable, but the terrible press out here makes baseball no fun even when the local teams are good.
I’ve definitely been spoiled by good writers and good broadcast crews.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 30, 2009 9:26 AM EST up reply actions
I like Billy Beane a lot. When we didn’t have a team here in DC, I liked cheering for the As.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 30, 2009 9:28 AM EST up reply actions
It kills me because I live here. I really have no good options.
But don’t you have Skip Bayless out there???!!!!
According to Wiki, he doesn’t write columns any more…he’s a full time talking head
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 30, 2009 9:31 AM EST up reply actions
Then things must be looking up for Gould Old Days. When I lived in NorCal, his columns actually made Ratto seem informed and reasonable.
I'd rather...
read columns from this Rat
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 30, 2009 9:42 AM EST up reply actions
Ratto’s just bloggin for the love of it. He made all of his money from the jump to conclusions mat
by Ginga on Dec 30, 2009 9:48 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
I have PEOPLE SKILLS, people! WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE!??
by thebigfoist on Dec 30, 2009 10:41 AM EST up reply actions
Chimera arrived in Washington on Tuesday night and underwent a physical exam at Verizon Center, then hitched a ride with Brooks Laich to Dulles International Airport to catch the team charter to San Jose.
WaPo. Laich made sure the new guy had a ride? Make him captain!
Atta dinnin stick a who!
Except that if that all happened on Tuesday night (yesterday), someone is living in a time warp. Doesn’t anyone use their brain anymore? Do we blame that error on Tarik or Lindsay?
"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."
WJC
I’m glad Bob wrote that before last night’s Canada/Slovakia game. The Canadians took nine minors. I’m pretty sure they were good calls, except the one I saw on Della Rovere was weak and we got to hear Pierre talk about how it was a phantom call for just about the entire two minutes he was in the box. Just about any time he could, Pierre made sure to tell us that Delly has been very disciplined so far. “See, he could’ve started something, but he’s stayed disciplined.” “Della Rovere didn’t take a penalty there.” Thanks for the update.
The “anti-American” is a little annoying. I get that we have a rivalry, but usually you only see it when the two rivals play each other. The first game against Slovakia got pretty ridiculous. The entire third period of that game, John Carlson was booed when he touched the puck. Every. Single. Time. It would be silence, BOO, silence, BOOOO, silence, BOOOOOO! Every game has brought some booing after every US goal, booing when calls aren’t made (when the shouldn’t be anyway), cheering when the other team scores/makes a hit/anything against the USA, booing when the other team gets obvious penalties. I can’t wait for tomorrow’s game.
I completely agree. It’s been ridiculous.
I think they’re jealous that we have Carlson and they don’t. :-D
by IRockTheRed on Dec 30, 2009 10:40 AM EST up reply actions
Wow, Chimera (does he have a nickname yet?) is a speedy talker.
Also, the “Fuck You!” at 2:18 in the background is priceless.
The Blue Jackets called him “Chimmer”…
“Beast” may apply, but I have to see him play in the right color sweater to be sure… :-)
by IRockTheRed on Dec 30, 2009 10:44 AM EST up reply actions
Haha! I just watched it. I’m pretty sure it’s Ovi, and I’m guessing it was because someone was razzing him for losing Juice Boy.
I listened to it a couple of times, and I’m waffling between Ovie and Green; Green sounds like an extra from Fargo and that was a Fargo “fuck you!”
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
Funny as hell regardless.
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 30, 2009 12:25 PM EST up reply actions
Sounds like Ovi to me.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 30, 2009 1:04 PM EST up reply actions
Sigh. I want to give them hugs and tell them it’s gonna be all right.
at least they’re decent unis, I suppose.
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
Columbus was already one of those West teams I quietly rooted for. This certainly makes that easier.
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
You must be a masochist. I can’t take watching that team play. Boring as hell.
A man gotta have a code
by Carl Putnam on Dec 30, 2009 11:05 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I grew up watching 90s hockey – I’m quite tolerant of it, even if I think it’s ten times cooler to watch Washington play. Besides, at the end of the day, if the Caps aren’t playing, it’s still much cooler than watching the other good team in DC, the Wizards Redskins Nationals Kastles?
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
I couldn’t even bring myself to watch their game last night.
Lobbies: Green, Carlson
by CapsFan2020 on Dec 30, 2009 10:54 AM EST up reply actions
I saw Clark on the 1st intermission of the game last night…one word: bummed.
Support your local bakery!
by bigonetimer on Dec 30, 2009 11:32 AM EST up reply actions
I watched the end of the 2nd and start of the 3rd in last night’s Columbus game and saw Jurcina doing the 2nd intermission interview.
He seemed to be pretty okay. His vibe was positive/upbeat and he said the right things, if maybe pausing quickly a couple of times to make sure it was the right thing. But I think he’ll do okay. Should get more ice time over there too.
Clark seemed to not get off the ice fast enough on every shift, but he was working close around the net. Too spazzy to work much chemistry yet.
Unfortunately the only two really memorable plays I can report for their transition game (other than Juice seemed effective enough on d) is the announcers being dismayed that Clark didn’t even see a pass/shot on goal while he was parked in front of the opposition net, and Juice tried to clear a puck behind his net and freaked out Mason into thinking it was going to go in the net (I couldn’t tell if that was or was not the case)
That’s the last Columbus game I intend to watch lest it be vs the Caps
Clarkie?
Clarkie, honey… where’s your smile? Did you leave it in Washington? Did it get lost in the airport somewhere? I hope you find it soon!
We miss you too… :-(
Good luck to both you and Jurcina, though… against everyone but the Caps!
by IRockTheRed on Dec 30, 2009 11:09 AM EST up reply actions
If I could turn back time..
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
by jordanDC on Dec 30, 2009 11:13 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I think we all can agree that we would have rather seen SMo go instead of jurcina(simply because right hand shooters are so rare in this league), but fehr instead of clark i don’t agree with.
by CAPFan4Life on Dec 30, 2009 11:22 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Agreed (though there’s a lot more to why I’d rather have seen Mo go than Juice than their respective dominant hands).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 30, 2009 11:24 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
It must have come down to the salary of those two players. Smo is making $1,975,000 this year, while Juice was only making $1,375,000. $600,000 might not seem like a lot but taking already extra for clark compare to chimera must have been the big factor of which D got traded.
by CAPFan4Life on Dec 30, 2009 11:28 AM EST up reply actions
More than just that, since really that’s only ~300k the rest of the way. Juice has bigger upside.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Did anyone hear his pregame interview last night? He kept referring to the Caps as “we” and “our”. Feel bad for him, but it’s a business.
That’s human nature. It may be “a business,” but you don’t get transferred halfway across the country (with no warning) and adapt instantaneously, period. Nobody does.
by IRockTheRed on Dec 30, 2009 11:28 AM EST up reply actions
As soon as we get a picture of Chimera in a caps sweter, I’m ready to move on.
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 30, 2009 12:26 PM EST up reply actions
They look like they’re focusing on the same thing, so I have to assume that off-camera, Rick Nash is breaking angles and generally being awesome.
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
Rick Nash is so awesome he breaks plane-geometry? Goddamn!
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 30, 2009 3:10 PM EST up reply actions
They both had solid games last night. My brothers and I were a few rows back from the glass, so we gave Clark a nice standing ovation as he was lining up for a faceoff in front of us. I imagine he was probably confused as to why a bunch of people on Long Island were cheering for him.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 30, 2009 1:27 PM EST up reply actions
Steinz has an excellent “Goodbye to the Times Sports Section” and Why It Matters. (The Rink gets linked) It’s very honest and heartfelt.
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
by RedBirdie on Dec 30, 2009 11:42 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
GET ON WITH THE FUCKING ROSTER ANNOUNCEMENT, CANADA!
Ugh, I cannot take the waiting anymore.
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
congrats congrats congrats blah blah blah, poor Mike Green must be a nervous wreck right now.
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
Do you have two posts ready to go, one “Congrats!” and one “Snubbed!”?
"Let the rest be scared of us." - Emo Bunny Sasha Semin
by Scott in Shaw on Dec 30, 2009 12:12 PM EST up reply actions
Do you already know, or are you just a fast typist? ;-)
"Let the rest be scared of us." - Emo Bunny Sasha Semin
by Scott in Shaw on Dec 30, 2009 12:18 PM EST up reply actions
I’m at work and can’t watch it. Just let me know if Greenie makes it or not.
Lobbies: Green, Carlson
by CapsFan2020 on Dec 30, 2009 12:07 PM EST up reply actions
you’re not missing much. It’s a communal dick sucking on how awesome it is to be Canadian.
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
but I will let you know if Greenie makes it (or not), of course
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
the show/auditorium seems like a high school production.
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 30, 2009 12:20 PM EST up reply actions
I’m glad I ain’t watching then!
Lobbies: Green, Carlson
by CapsFan2020 on Dec 30, 2009 12:11 PM EST up reply actions
I could care less whether he makes team Canada or not.
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 30, 2009 12:27 PM EST up reply actions
Btw, we’ll have a front-page post real soon after the news breaks, so discuss it there if you would.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Ok, announcing goalie…..no surprises.
Marty
MAF
Bobby Lou
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
And I guess forwards are next? So another 20 minutes before they announce the D?
Lobbies: Green, Carlson
Ok, here we go.
Lobbies: Green, Carlson
by CapsFan2020 on Dec 30, 2009 12:19 PM EST up reply actions
Jeez, I feel like we’re all counting down to the New Year a day early!
10 –
9 –
8 –
7 –
6 –
5 … come on, Greenie!
by IRockTheRed on Dec 30, 2009 12:19 PM EST up reply actions
You guys didnt really expect a quick news flash like, "Breaking!!!! Here is the Olympic roster, now back to the ‘Guiding Light’ ".
by S h a g g y on Dec 30, 2009 12:20 PM EST up reply actions
I dig the little kid pictures. Hilarious.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 30, 2009 12:21 PM EST up reply actions
Alphabetical. Damn. Looks like no Green, then… :-(
by IRockTheRed on Dec 30, 2009 12:22 PM EST up reply actions
I suspect they’re going alphabetically.
They just called keith. If I’m right, that means Green is out.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 30, 2009 12:22 PM EST up reply actions
Scott Neidermeyer is in
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
and is captain
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 30, 2009 12:22 PM EST up reply actions
GOOD.
This means I can cheer against Team Canada with no regrets.
But poor Greenie! :-( I feel so bad for him… must be the only guy left with no date for the dance… :-(
Wow, Doughty over Green and J-Bo. Ridiculous.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 30, 2009 12:24 PM EST reply actions
I guess they really did want that chemistry, taking both Keith and Seabrook.
Boyle, Doughty, Keith, Nieds, Pronger, Seabrook and Weber. Can’t really argue with those. You can make the arguments for others, but they aren’t bad choices.
Now drink with me deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Dec 30, 2009 12:24 PM EST reply actions
People – take the Canadian Oly talk here, if you would.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I hear we play the Sharks tonight.
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 30, 2009 12:28 PM EST up reply actions
AHL PlanetUSA
to include Neuvirth, Carlson, and Aucoin.
Congrats!
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Has anybody ever noticed..
that the Walgreens W is very similar to the Nationals W?
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
hey! I know the Canada Team news is getting all the press today, but this Sharks Gameday post over at BoC is worth a look. Pretty funny. :)
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality? (boycott Hollywood!)
by ang6666 on Dec 30, 2009 5:40 PM EST reply actions
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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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