Defending Sarge From The Sgt. Schultz Defense
by David M. Getz on Mar 10, 2009 12:00 PM EDT
237 comments
[Ed. note: A large portion of the credit for this post has to go to Japers' Rink members Bald Pollack, Yoshietree, and Fehr and Balanced, whose Fan Posts "Looking at a couple of blueliners" and "Comparing Jeff Schultz", and Fan Shot on one of Schultz's former teammates helped to lay the groundwork for this post.]
Recently, we've devoted time and space to taking closer looks at the play of Capitals defensemen Tom Poti, Mike Green, and John Erskine. Today we look at Jeff Schultz, who is quite possibly the most underrated player on the team, owing in large part to his style of play, which, as a very intelligent hockey mind noted, results in Schultz being nearly invisible when he's being effective and impossible to miss when he makes mistakes. That, coupled with the notably non-physical style Schultz plays despite his 6'6'', 221 pound frame and his modest offensive numbers, means that the 23-year-old blueliner's contributions can be easy to miss. But don't be so easily misled - just because you hear nothing or see nothing doesn't mean there's nothing there. Jeff Schultz is a good NHL defenseman and that he's only going to get better.
Let's start by taking a look at the first assertion. Jeff Schultz's primary job right now with the Capitals is to prevent the opposition from scoring, which also means that, in essence, Jeff Schultz's job is to not make mistakes during the time he's on the ice. It is in large part due to this fact that Schultz's game lacks flash. His devotion to positioning, getting in passing lanes, and avoiding turnovers means he doesn't shoot much, doesn't make try for long breakout passes on a regular basis, and hits less than you might expect for a man his size. This doesn't mean Schultz doesn't use his size to his advantage, though, as he often uses his long reach to make life difficult for opposing forwards by winning the puck off them or by blocking shooting or passing lanes. It might not sound like Schultz's task of playing a regular shift without making any glaring mistakes is easy, but the reality is that there are very few guys who can do it as a defenseman at the NHL level.
With that in mind, let's take a look at how Schultz's numbers compare to the teammates he has been playing with in his NHL career. A couple of notes on this table: the numbers in parenthesis are Schultz's rank among qualifying defensemen, of which there were seven in 2006-07 and 2007-08 and eight in 2008-09. For the sake of simplicity, we've constructed the table so that the rankings are done from best to worst, rather than just high to low.
| 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | |
| Games | 38 (7) | 72 (4) | 50 (4) |
| Goals | 0 (7) | 5 (t-2) | 1 (t-5) |
| Assists | 3 (7) | 13 (3) | 10 (t-2) |
| Points | 3 (7) | 18 (3) | 11 (t-4) |
| Plus-Minus | 5 (t-1) | 12 (1) | 14 (2) |
| PIMs | 16 (1) | 28 (2) | 14 (t-1) |
| PIMs/Game |
.42 (1) | .39 (1) | .28 (1) |
| ATOI | 18:12 (4) | 18:05 (5) | 19:51 (3) |
| ATOI (PK) | 3:13 (3) | 3:10 (3) | 3:27 (2) |
| Giveaways/Game | .92 (6) | .69 (4) | .58 (2) |
| Takeaways/Game | .32 (4) | .32 (7) | .16 (6) |
| Hits/Game | .71 (6) | .85 (5) | .72 (6) |
| Blocked Shots/Game | 1.55 (3) | 1.25 (3) | 1.5 (6) |
| Corsi | - | 5.4 (5) | 0.4 (7) |
| GF On/60 | 2.10 (6) | 2.82 (1) | 3.30 (2) |
| GA On/60 | 1.57 (2) | 2.29 (3) | 2.51 (6) |
| BTN Rating | - | 0.42 (2) | 0.38 (2) |
| Qual. Comp. | -0.035 (4) |
-0.00 (4) | 0.04 (2) |
| Qual. Team. | 0.00 (6) | 0.10 (3) | 0.16 (t-1) |
By the numbers Schultz does pretty well compared with his teammates, especially in the Behind the Net stats, although he does very well in plus-minus and fairly well in offensive production too. Schultz is above average league-wide in plus-minus, team adjusted plus-minus, behindthenet.ca rating, ES GA On/60, ES GF On/60, blocked shots, and penalties - just about everything other than hits.
The common counterargument is that Schultz is a player who looks better on paper than he really is. We wouldn't disagree that Schultz isn't exactly pretty to watch on the ice - he's all arms and legs and Heaven knows he isn't a very graceful skater - we just tend to think it doesn't really matter all that much. The age old adage in hockey is "they don't ask how, they just ask how many", i.e. that actual production is more important than looking good, and it's true. Dominik Hasek's style of goaltending often consisted of flailing around in the crease wildly, but it won him six Vezina Trophies and two MVP awards. Dave Andreychuk and Phil Esposito built Hall of Fame caliber careers largely by putting away garbage goals. After 392 career home runs and seven all-star appearances Vladimir Guerrero still looks like a toddler swinging at a wiffle ball in the backyard. Kurt Warner and Tom Brady both have the sidearm throwing style that NFL coaches and scouts regard as a red flag when they see it in college players. Production trumps style any day of the week, and Jeff Schultz is a productive NHL player.
What's also important to remember when it comes to Schultz is that he's a young player a position that takes longer to learn in a frame that it takes longer to become comfortable with. To illustrate that, here's how Schultz's numbers to this point in his career compare with some other defensemen of similar stature. Please note that these statistics are designed to demonstrate that defense with large frames generally take a while to develop, not to suggest Schultz will wind up like any of these guys. Players included are all players 6'5'' or taller and at least 29 years old.
Jeff Schultz
Zdeno Chara (6'9'', 255 pounds, drafted 56th overall in 1996)
Mike Commodore (6'5'', 228 pounds, drafted 42nd overall in 1999)
Jassen Cullimore (6'5'', 235 pounds, drafted 29th overall in 1991)
Hal Gill (6'7'', 250 pounds, drafted 207th overall in 1993)
Marik Malik (6'6'', 235 pounds, drafted 72nd overall in 1993)
Andy Sutton (6'6'', 245 pounds, undrafted)
In the case of each of these players significant progress was made as the players were in the mid twenties, a trend that holds for many other defensemen with large frames including Mike Komisarek, Filip Kuba, and Sheldon Souray. Once again, the point is not that Schultz is on his way to becoming any of these players in particular, but to demonstrate that for a defenseman with Schultz's build, it's reasonable to expect more development.
And there you have it - a mountain of evidence that says Jeff Schultz is a quality NHL player. So the next time someone tries to tell you otherwise, drop a little knowledge on them, and if they try to tell them it's because he doesn't hit, ask them if that's why Nicklas Lidstrom and Scott Niedermayer never amounted to much at the NHL level.
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shout out to SB nation programmers for printer-friendly formatting. i’m taking this one to the throne for a breaksy.
by Natty Bumppo on Mar 10, 2009 12:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
In one comment you managed to both pay DMG the highest compliment he’s likely to receive today AND made me push aside my lunch. Cheers.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 10, 2009 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
TMI
Thank you for sharing.
Schultz is actually starwting to hit now and then – I’ve seen him do it in a couple of games, and every time he’s done it, he’s been effective with it. I agree, though, that it’s not a big part of his game, and probably never will be. He seems to me to hit as a last resort, not as a first.
I’d like to see him fill out a little more – that’ll only make his wingspan even more of a headache to deal with if you’re an opposing forward.
The only thing I see is that he seems to lose a lot of puck battles along the boards – is that because he’s not trying hard enough or is it something else. Sarge sure isn’t stupid – I don’t think he could play the game he does if he did. So why is this?
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Mar 10, 2009 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The only thing I see is that he seems to lose a lot of puck battles along the boards – is that because he’s not trying hard enough or is it something else. Sarge sure isn’t stupid – I don’t think he could play the game he does if he did. So why is this?
I think it’s a combination of factors including that Schultz doesn’t have great hands and the ice at the VC is unpredictable. But I also think part of it is that, as much as I like Schultz, he could stand to be more aggressive in situations like that.
by David M. Getz on Mar 10, 2009 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed. He needs to be a little more decisive when it comes to puck-handling – he often approaches a puck on the boards that could probably be moved before it becomes a one-on-one battle, yet that’s exactly what happens.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 10, 2009 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Decisiveness comes from experience, though, so it may be something we juset have to tough out. Thank heaven GMGM and BB have better sense than a lot of fans.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Mar 10, 2009 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It also comes from confidence, which is something he could be lacking (wonder why).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 10, 2009 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Please watch tonight to see, (if he is paired with 52), the pace on the passes to him, particularly behind the goal. I think he is often hamstrung by pucks arriving too slowly, preventing him from having the time to get his head up and make the next move. Green often tries other options before making the simple pass, thus preventing his teammate from being able to handle and play the puck cleanly. Sure, it looks like Sarge is slow, but he often just doesn’t have time to move it on.
by Boodgiesdad on Mar 10, 2009 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
well struck D. at a 750K cap hit, Schultz is max value. Any thoughts on what he could fetch salary wise in an extension?
by bigonetimer on Mar 10, 2009 12:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Well, he’s cost controlled for now and the team doesn’t need to offer a ton of money to retain his services. If I were McPhee I’d come back with an offer of three years at 850,000, 875,000, and 925,000 and see if he bites. He’s probably going to be worth more, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t take it given his weak bargaining position.
Longer term, you’d have to think that if someone like Erskine is getting 1.5 million, Schultz will be higher.
by David M. Getz on Mar 10, 2009 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Erskine at 1.25 mil, excuse me.
by David M. Getz on Mar 10, 2009 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
right. If his progression continues apace, I see a 3 yr/6-7M deal
by bigonetimer on Mar 10, 2009 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i wonder how much Morrisonn’s disgusting contract will affect Schultz’s eventual negotiations…
by ns on Mar 10, 2009 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hopefully not all that much. IIRC, Morrisonn’s argument was that because he was here for the bad old days, he should make Henrik Tallinder money.
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Mar 10, 2009 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mo was also half of Mo & Green, which was a revelation last year. And he played a playoff series with a broken jaw. The situation this year is just different.
by Gould Old Days on Mar 10, 2009 6:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great stuff, as usual. Chara has always been the guy I like to compare Schultz to because of their size and relative lack of skating ability in their early years. And when you match up the first 150 odd games of their careers, Jeff wins hands down. Will he end up like Chara? It’s doubtful because even though Jeff is big, Zdeno is humoungus. Still the early rap on Chara was that he was slow and didn’t hit enough. That’s the primary reason why Milbury gave up on him. Not too many would use those adjectives to decribe Chara now. The sad truth is that no matter how many stats are put out to support him, a certain element will always look at him and say “hit somebody”. If he starts doing that, even just once and a while, all of this criticism will go away.
by b.orr4 on Mar 10, 2009 12:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, Milbury gave up on a lot of folks, like Chara… wonder how that trade worked out for the Isles? Hmm… Alexi Yashin for Zdeno Chara and a draft pick that was used to select Jason Spezza….
by MikeL-Caps on Mar 10, 2009 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Chara WAS worthless his first few years with Isles. I remember watching him play and thinking this guy is only in the League because he’s 6’7". But the guy eventually figured out how to play. I think Shultz is ore advanced defensively than Chara was at 23. I’m happy he’s on the team. He’s a building block for the future.
by topshelf_22304 on Mar 10, 2009 5:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for a well-written post. Even though I already knew how great Schultzie is (a Schultz jersey is on my birthday wish list) it’s nice to have the facts to back it up. You’re great!
Side note: Being a writer, I appreciate a well-written post. You had decent structure and grammar. Good work.
"For reason, ruling alone, is a force confining; and passion, unattended, is a flame that burns to its own destruction.
Therefore let your soul exalt your reason to the height of passion; that it may sing; " - The Prophet
by Violetta on Mar 10, 2009 12:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Side note: Being a writer, I appreciate a well-written post. You had decent structure and grammar. Good work.
Thank you, but honestly J.P.‘s role as editor is a huge part of that. It’s part of why I love writing here.
by David M. Getz on Mar 10, 2009 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Awww…you guys are so cute together!
by wittcap79 on Mar 10, 2009 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
The other great thing is showing the improvement since year 1. And for an additional note, the guys DMG compared him to were 23-24 by the end of that timeline, so Schultz still has another year to be measured against.
Otherwise, commencing the slow clap…
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Mar 10, 2009 12:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Does Bruce being Sarge’s coach hurt him and his development? Its a very offensive minded system that the Caps play, does Sarge need a more defensively minded staff (or system) to grow into a Chara type?
by Sct112 on Mar 10, 2009 12:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I think “grow[ing] into a Chara type” is a bit overly optimistic, but I don’t think it’s impossible or even difficult for a defenseman – even a defense-first blueliner – to excel in Boudreau’s system. Once he’s a bit better at making that first pass, he’s going to be incredibly valuable to this team (if he’s not already, which he is).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 10, 2009 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I didn’t mean to imply that he would be the next coming of Chara… I should have said something like “having a development arc similar to Chara’s”
I agree, BB’s system doesn’t preclude him from being a strong defenseman in the future. What I am concerned about is that the system leaves him exposed (like all the other D-men) on occasion. Doing this makes him look bad at times, and fans, well, we aren’t the most forgiving bunch. (Present company excluded of course).
Hopefully Jeff’s mental toughness can withstand the Whooping because I think that he has the makings of a terrific blue-liner (if he isn’t already).
by Sct112 on Mar 10, 2009 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
the whooping of Schultz is pure, misguided Caps fan jackassery. These idiots don’t even know what the F they’re whooping about. Hello, he’s on OUR team! Dumbasses.
by bigonetimer on Mar 10, 2009 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I agree, BB’s system doesn’t preclude him from being a strong defenseman in the future. What I am concerned about is that the system leaves him exposed (like all the other D-men) on occasion.
I think the way to mitigate that is to stick Schultz with someone who’s a good skater (Green or Poti now; maybe Alzner in the future) so that he can play positionally. As katzistan mentions below, concerns over footspeed are valid when it comes to Schultz but when he doesn’t have to play catch-up, he’s very good.
by David M. Getz on Mar 10, 2009 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not sure I agree with the Green pairing. In fact, I think that pairing could lead to him being more exposed rather than less. Green, even as a great skater, tends to being up in the play more than anyone else on the back line. This leads to odd man rushes and times when Schultz would have to race back after a bad pinch. I’d prefer to see him with someone that is less offensively minded. Poti/Alzner sound good to me.
by Sct112 on Mar 10, 2009 1:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
When did we start whooping Schultz? Only time I’ve heard people whooping Schultz was penguins fans whooping him because we whooped their 55 and they don’t fucking understand it.
If we waive Morrisonn and give him a soapbox, a pack of Krispie Kremes, and a microphone, do you think Brian Burke will claim him?
by Whiter Mage on Mar 10, 2009 4:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The whole whooping thing is passe. Kind of like ‘O’. I wish people would wake the F up and realize that.
Russian Machine Never Breaks
by macvechkin on Mar 10, 2009 5:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
that is an excellent question
I think Bruce’s system is a good one for young players. Though his desire is to tilt the ice with his forwards, which can expose his defensemen in transition, Bruce preaches accountability in set D-zone play and sound first passes. Nearly halving his giveaways in two seasons really stood out among Sarge’s impressive stats.
That said, I think a more reasonable ceiling than Chara is in order—a Commodore would be fine by me.
by bigonetimer on Mar 10, 2009 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He’s already fairly adept at making the first pass. His problem is getting the puck (i.e., winning the battle) to make the pass. He doesn’t have the high-risk sort of game Green plays, but his giveaways (not to mention the improvement on a year-to-year basis) reflects a certain responsibility with the puck on his stick.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Mar 10, 2009 1:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Good argument, but I’m still not sure I buy it. What frusturates me about Sarge is his stunning consistency in disrupting the Caps flow. The Caps are a team that depends on flow – they don’t score goals off scrums in front or rebounds. Sarge just can’t keep up with the system. When they’re cycling in the zone, the puck will often come back to Schultz and he’ll throw a weak wrister in the direction of the corner that’s invariably intercepted by the opponent. His shots almost never get through. One of the great things Semin, Backs, Ovi and even Nylander can do is create space at the points with their skating – but that space is useless if you have someone as indecisive as Schultz at the point, and he wastes the opportunity almost every time. This means the Caps forego an offensive opportunity and they now have to rush back on D.
It works on defense too – I guess he’s positionally sound (and I’m still not convinced of that), but when everyone’s not in position – which is frequent – Schultz can’t keep up with opposing forwards – even those like Aaron Asham – who just walk around him. And as someone else has posted – his weak shot means that on D, he has trouble clearing the zone. Even Juice and Erskine make decent outlet passes – that’s not at all a given when Schultz has the puck.
In the end, I am all for sticking to the system and waiting for him to develop – Bruce and GMGM are much better at identifying burgeoning talent than me. But he’s as frusturating as hell to watch on the ice, and my wife is always yelling “why is Schultz even out there???!”
by katzistan on Mar 10, 2009 1:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
perhaps you should slip this into the john for her to check out, like Natty’s doin’.
by bigonetimer on Mar 10, 2009 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That’s funny. I yell, “Why are Erskine and Mo even out there?!”
"For reason, ruling alone, is a force confining; and passion, unattended, is a flame that burns to its own destruction.
Therefore let your soul exalt your reason to the height of passion; that it may sing; " - The Prophet
by Violetta on Mar 10, 2009 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There’s no question Schultz is not a particularly agile skater, but the fact that he’s playing so well against quality forwards most nights (i.e. how well he played against Malkin on Sunday) balances out the few times he’s been beaten by guys like Asham. That said, I think he needs to be paired with a partner who’s a skilled skater (Green or Poti, as it stands now) to be in his comfort zone and play his most effective game.
I do think his offensive skills are better than you give him credit for, though. He does pretty well in terms of assists by defensemen for the team and I think he’s more successful at getting shots through than Jurcina or Erskine – I know the NHL tracks this on a game-by-game basis but I can’t find anywhere they aggregate it.
by David M. Getz on Mar 10, 2009 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Alright, here’s what we got for getting pucks through:
Schultz – 32 shots, 31 blocks against, 10 misses (44% get through and on net)
Erskine – 28 shots, 31 blocks against, 22 misses (35% get through and on net)
Jurcina – 68 shots, 53 blocks against, 39 misses 43% get through and on net)
Morrisonn – 37 shots, 28 blocks against, 22 misses (43% get through and on net)
by David M. Getz on Mar 10, 2009 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Damned facts.
In related news… Ouch, Ersky. Very ouch.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 10, 2009 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No kidding. I always thought Erskine shot into the opposition’s shin pads a lot but man, more shots blocked than on net? That’s bad, although in fairness, Schultz did it last year.
by David M. Getz on Mar 10, 2009 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The slapper into the shins is what I like to call the Ken Klee Special.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 10, 2009 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry, I don’t buy the stats. These stats are recorded by different people with different definitions and standards in each arena. Just like “hits” – one night you’ll get 80 in a game, another night 12. They’re useless. But I have watched probably 90% of the games over the last two seasons, and I knows what I sees!
by katzistan on Mar 10, 2009 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, there are variations from scorer to scorer but these are guys playing the same position on the same team, so even if there’s a tendency for variation they’re all subject to the variation. Besides, even if there is some error there, it’s very unlikely that it’s significant enough to say anything other than that Morrisonn, Jurcina, Schultz, and Mo are all about the same in this regard.
by David M. Getz on Mar 10, 2009 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ok, but these stats don’t take into account the shot’s speed or accuracy – that is, a blast from Juice that makes it on net could do some damage (if the Caps had ANYONE capable of popping in rebounds…but that’s another issue), whereas one of Sarge’s soft wristers that dribbles into the goalie’s glove isn’t doing the team’s flow or offensive pressure any good.
by katzistan on Mar 10, 2009 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I personally think those kinds of shots are overrated. The stereotype of effective point offense is a guy who bombs away at the net a la Iafrate or Chara but, from my experience, you’re more successful as a player getting soft ones on net through traffic than bombing away from the point deliberately and it’s something Paul Coffey was especially good at (anecdotally from myself and others).
FWIW in their Capitals career Jurcina has six goals and 25 assists in 171 games and Schultz has six goals and 25 assists in 160 games.
by David M. Getz on Mar 10, 2009 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You have to discount Schultz’s 5-goal streak last year. The planets aligned in some bizarre, once-in-a-millenium way – the same as when Terry Murray scored 2 of his 4 career goals in the same game. Schultz will never have as many as 5 goals in a season again. His only goal this year was an empty-netter.
by katzistan on Mar 10, 2009 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn’t see the logic to that. It’s like saying we shouldn’t count Mike Green’s eight game streak when we’re comparing him to other NHL defensemen because he won’t do it again. And we’re going to start doing that, we’ll have to start docking Jurcina points because he’s played on the powerplay. Besides, I don’t see any reason Schultz couldn’t hit five-ten regularly in his career. Look at the development curves of the players with similar builds, or of most defensemen really, or how defensemen did in juniors as compared with Schultz.
Also, it was a three game goal scoring streak.
by David M. Getz on Mar 10, 2009 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Darryl Sittler is nothing!!!
On a related note, did the goals count?
by Fehr and Balanced on Mar 10, 2009 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Point shots are really only worth anything if you have guys in front. Soft/hard it doesn’t really matter, if they get through and there are bodies/legs in front then it’s going to be effective.
What separates guys is their ability to get a shot of quickly, and through traffic rather than into traffic.
by Sct112 on Mar 10, 2009 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Erskine’s not out there to take shots, pretty much ever. Not his job.
In a related story, how many of Jurcina’s shots get poked away or thrown into the corner?
If we waive Morrisonn and give him a soapbox, a pack of Krispie Kremes, and a microphone, do you think Brian Burke will claim him?
by Whiter Mage on Mar 10, 2009 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
From my point of view we don’t count on any of those defenseman for offense, when our team is on its game there should be plenty of scoring. The number that I am most concerned with is blocked shots. As long as Schultz (and the others) are not sending breakaways the other way by putting shots into shin pads I don’t mind the pucks going back to the corner.
by Fehr and Balanced on Mar 10, 2009 5:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nice post.
I think Schultz will be dogged for the foreseeable future, because of his lanky style.
I don’t loathe Schultz like some, but I can’t see him as a (legitimate) top 4 guy any time soon.
Perhaps in 2 years I’ll love him, but right now on this team, it just feels like we have 4 5-6 d-men and 2 top four guys.
by marks4java on Mar 10, 2009 1:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I think that, in an ideal but not unrealistic situation, Schultz is a third/fourth defenseman right now who should be paired with another guy at about the same level. That said, I think he’s being asked to be a clear number three without anyone on the team who’s good enough to be a number four (although Mo’s play has picked up of late in my book). That’s why I was pulling so hard for Morris at the deadline. A guy like that would have caused shuffling in the defensive depth chart and made a lot of guys better by allowing them to be put in situation where they would be asked to do less.
by David M. Getz on Mar 10, 2009 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lankiness is a style?
And he’s already a legit top-four guy. He’s a top-four guy on a division-winner and one of the six-ish best teams in the league. How much more of a legit top-four guy do you have to be in order to count as a top-four guy!?
by TylerG on Mar 10, 2009 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Plus-minus can be an abused statistic if it is only looked at in isolation. But two things about Schultz’ stand out. First, he is second on the Caps — by a wide margin over third place Tom Poti. You could explain that one away by Schultz playing in more games and getting more even strength ice time (and presumably more chances for adding to his plusses).
But this one stands out… There are 39 defensemen in the NHL that have dressed this year who are younger than Schultz. Know how many have a better plus-minus number?
One. Marc-Edouard Vlasic (+17).
Only ten other than Schultz are in plus territory at all, and no others are in double digits.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Mar 10, 2009 1:44 PM EDT reply actions 4 recs
To piggy back on that:
- Schultz is also second on the team in adjusted +/-
- Schultz has been tied for first, first, and second in +/- during his three seasons with the Capitals, and I don’t think that’s something that can be chalked up to who he’s playing with or luck or anything.
by David M. Getz on Mar 10, 2009 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Explain team adjusted +/-.
That sounds mumbo-jumboy.
If we waive Morrisonn and give him a soapbox, a pack of Krispie Kremes, and a microphone, do you think Brian Burke will claim him?
by Whiter Mage on Mar 10, 2009 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I mis-spoke (in typed form). I was referring to his BTN rating, which is his plus minus relative to him teammates.
by David M. Getz on Mar 10, 2009 4:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I still don’t know what adjusted +/- is (I didn’t misspeak :x).
If we waive Morrisonn and give him a soapbox, a pack of Krispie Kremes, and a microphone, do you think Brian Burke will claim him?
by Whiter Mage on Mar 10, 2009 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You know what it actually is in the table in the original post? A case of me getting confused and/or mixed up and/or distracted while I was writing. I’m going to proceed to remove it.
Thanks.
by David M. Getz on Mar 10, 2009 4:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wasn’t trying to give you a hard time, sorry. Was confused. Been a long day.
If we waive Morrisonn and give him a soapbox, a pack of Krispie Kremes, and a microphone, do you think Brian Burke will claim him?
by Whiter Mage on Mar 10, 2009 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No problem. I’d prefer people ask if they’re confused about something.
by David M. Getz on Mar 10, 2009 6:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Basically, it’s saying that there’s a difference between a +10 on the Red Wings and +10 on the Islanders – it accounts for a player’s +/- relative to the rest of his team.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 10, 2009 5:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cool, thanks.
If we waive Morrisonn and give him a soapbox, a pack of Krispie Kremes, and a microphone, do you think Brian Burke will claim him?
by Whiter Mage on Mar 10, 2009 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What immediately jumps out at me is that Schultz’s ES GF/60 and GA/60 both surpass Tom Poti this season, a defenseman that far fewer question as a significant contributor to the success of this team.
by Stephen Pepper on Mar 10, 2009 2:14 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Here’s another set of numbers for you – despite big even strength minutes, Schultz has taken just four minor penalties at five aside and has a 5-on-5 penalty plus/minus of -2 (as compared to Juice’s -20 (!), Erskine’s -9, Green’s -8, Mo’s -8 and Poti’s -4).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 10, 2009 2:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
It could be argued that his lack of agressiveness is the reason for that stat rather than his smarts/skill/strong positioning.
by Sct112 on Mar 10, 2009 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sure. But isn’t the bottom line that he’s on the ice for more goals for than against (see plus/minus) and is rarely putting his team down a man (see PIMs stats)? Honestly, what more is a blueliner supposed to do?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 10, 2009 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No doubt, I agree with you. I was just tossing that out there to keep my afternoon moving :)
Several folks have commented that if he got more aggressive he would be better or at least perceived as better. Its tough for me to argue that if he took a few more penalties he would be a better defensemen, especially on a team that takes a ton of penalties. Depending on the situation, if he took a cross checking penalty or a roughing penalty I would not be too upset.
by Sct112 on Mar 10, 2009 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, there is such a thing as a good penalty and I think Schultz is too wary of being in the box at all to take any.
by David M. Getz on Mar 10, 2009 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
JS55 bashing site is available
If anyone wants it, the jaspersrink.com domain is available.
If at first you don't succeed, don't try parachuting.
by hotdog88gt on Mar 10, 2009 2:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Schultz is the kid who eats his vegetables, makes his bed in the morning, takes the garbage out at night, helps the old lady across the street with her groceries, and gets the neighbor’s cat out of the tree.
In other words, he’s boringly responsible. Or responsibly boring.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Mar 10, 2009 2:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I think that’s hot. :)
"For reason, ruling alone, is a force confining; and passion, unattended, is a flame that burns to its own destruction.
Therefore let your soul exalt your reason to the height of passion; that it may sing; " - The Prophet
by Violetta on Mar 10, 2009 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i wonder if he’s as dull as Bouwmeester in interviews?
by ns on Mar 10, 2009 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m in a minority here, but in my opinion Schultz is not that good. In fact I think he’s our worse defender right now. Maybe he’ll improve, he’s young. I’m not turning a blind eye to numbers. I’m just judging him from what I personally see, and again, this is my opinion only. Feel free to disagree, but keep in mind I’m being respectful here.
1) I see him lose the puck a lot (almost every time in fact) when pressed on the boards.
2) I see him often in front of the net instead of aggressively pursue opponents (this is actually true for many our D-men). On a too static defense, this stand outs and he actually screens our goalie
3) When caught even a tiny bit out of position, he’s really slow to catch up.
4) I get it, you don’t have to hit anything that moves to be a good defender. But you HAVE to clear the crease and he can’t do that. Alzner is not a hitter, and he does it.
I know he’s young, but can you teach speed? Can you teach character?
I hope he’ll improve, I don’t hate him.
by mauree on Mar 10, 2009 2:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
You’re questioning his character?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 10, 2009 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Should probably take characters assassination over to Jasper’s Rink.
If at first you don't succeed, don't try parachuting.
by hotdog88gt on Mar 10, 2009 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Feel free to disagree, but keep in mind I’m being respectful here.
I will and I will :-)
1) I think Schultz needs a little more strength and a little more aggressiveness along the boards to win more of those battles, but he doesn’t turn the puck over much (statistically speaking)
2) Agreed. He needs to get more aggressive out there and those few times he’s screened the Caps netminder were bad. But he’s still learning and everyone has their flaws.
3) I’m not sure about this, but even if it’s the case I think he does such a good job of mitigating this weakness that he produces well
4) I agree a bit here, but I think that this something the whole team is guilty of, with the exception of Laich, Poti, and Erskine.
by David M. Getz on Mar 10, 2009 2:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Data?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 10, 2009 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
he’s referring to the fact that I’m oblivious to Schultz stats I think :)
DMG, thanks for the nice answer. As for #1, I invite you to count the times he is pressed on the boards and the pucks ends up to the opposition vs how many times it doesn’t happen. I think you’ll be surprised, it might look like I posted out of “rage” but I did count, that’s why I said often.
As for the rest, I think we agree. My post is not meant to accuse Schultz potential, just his current play style. Hopefully he’ll improve.
Hey, I learned what “sabermetrician” means :p
by mauree on Mar 10, 2009 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
DMG, thanks for the nice answer. As for #1, I invite you to count the times he is pressed on the boards and the pucks ends up to the opposition vs how many times it doesn’t happen.
I will make an effort to do that, but I would suggest keeping this in mind one thing: the offensive player has a huge advantage in that situation because while Schultz has to be mindful of where he plays the puck, the offensive player just wants to get the puck away from Schultz. I think a better metric than his success rate would be his success rate compared to his teammates.
by David M. Getz on Mar 10, 2009 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
An art critic AND a sabermetrician? Talk about worlds colliding :)
by Cluster on Mar 10, 2009 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
LOL. Everything I know about numbers I learned from baseball and hockey. And maybe Jasper Johns.
by TylerG on Mar 10, 2009 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Alzner vs. Schultz
Seriously, look at their numbers side by side from their first NHL years for a second.
Short of the lack of Alzner PIMs, they’re fairly indistinguishable. It’s fair to say that both are young defensemen who’ve not yet reached their peak. Yet one guy’s gone to the WJC and saw a ton of accolades in juniors, and the other gets the Larry Murphy treatment by morons on his home ice.
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Mar 10, 2009 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Anecdote: Schultz has represented Team Canada as well (at the U18 level), so those guys see his talent.
by David M. Getz on Mar 10, 2009 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dude, don’t steal my thunder.
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Mar 10, 2009 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
His lack of aggression is my biggest complaint. He seems at times too content to just stand around and let things happen around him rather than taking the initiative and making something happen. Case in point, the Crosby goal during the Penguins game. Staying between them for a while is all well and good, but at some point he really needs to just pick a man and commit (preferably letting Jose have the shooter and taking away the pass).
Seems like the guy is too afraid to make mistakes sometimes. And I suppose decisiveness will come with experience.
I still don’t like him.
by Murshawursha on Mar 10, 2009 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And I suppose decisiveness will come withexperiencea Mike Keenan chewing out.
/Pronger’d
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Mar 10, 2009 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That Crosby goal was a bad play not because he was indecisive, just because he wasn’t in the right spot. Going decisively after Guerin would have been a terrible idea. You HAVE to take the pass on that play and he just wasn’t in the right lane to take that pass. It was an error of execution not an error of (in)decision.
by Fehr and Balanced on Mar 10, 2009 4:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I’m saying he should have committed to Crosby to force Guerin to take the shot… if Jose can’t make the save, that’s on him.
by Murshawursha on Mar 10, 2009 8:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The worst? With all due respect, do you really think Mo is better?
"For reason, ruling alone, is a force confining; and passion, unattended, is a flame that burns to its own destruction.
Therefore let your soul exalt your reason to the height of passion; that it may sing; " - The Prophet
by Violetta on Mar 10, 2009 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Jeff Schultz is buoyed by stats, from the guys he’s with, and agree with you on your points, but, really, as long as Jurcina and Mo are on this team, JS is hardly the worst d-man.
If we waive Morrisonn and give him a soapbox, a pack of Krispie Kremes, and a microphone, do you think Brian Burke will claim him?
by Whiter Mage on Mar 10, 2009 4:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Right now Schultz is a 4th or 5th defenseman, and by that, I mean he is the 4th or 5th defenseman on the Caps right now. That can change in the future as he develops and matures. I expect he will step up his hitting some as he works on his game and I also fully expect his offense will get a little better in the next few years once he learns how to leverage his size into a slap shot. I don’t expect 105mph shots, but there’s no reason he can’t shoot the puck over 95 mph with some training.
His biggest weakeness right now is his skating.. he is the second slowest player on the Caps (no one is slower than Jurcina…and it’s not close.) But his slowness doesn’t seem to be from a lack of ability, more it is a lack of knowing how to use his tall frame to get leverage on his skates. When Chara came up, he was a terrible skater too, but he’s gotten better, as I suspect Schultz will as well.
His biggest strength is that he knows what the holes are in his game and that he plays within his limits. He knows he can’t pinch in or go to the net like Green and Poti, so he doesn’t. He knows he’s not as fast as a lot of players, so he backs up a little sooner, and he usually erros on the side of caution. None of this is bad, and, as DMG said, on nights when he’s doing his job, you don’t notice him, and then you look at the stats and it says Schultz 0-0-0 0 PM +2, 18:05 ice time. Nothing wrong with that.
One thing I sense about Schultz is that he seems to be willing to put in the effort to improve his game. I suspect he will get better in time and will be one of the Caps top 4 defensemen in the long term (along with Green, Alzner, and Poti). I think the reason that folks don’t like him as much is because they only see when he makes a bad mistake, because that’s the only time he really stands out. He’s going to have good and bad nights, but if most of them are the line at the end of the previous paragraph, then I’m ok with that from my #4 d-man.
by MikeL-Caps on Mar 10, 2009 2:43 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
is the second slowest player on the Caps (no one is slower than Jurcina…and it’s not close.)
I’ve always thought that he could use some time with a power-skating coach (like Sloan’s dad, if I’m not mistaken). That said, I don’t think he’s slower than Erskine (perhaps Schultz’s long stride makes him look slower than he actually is), but I’m fairly confident that Mike Green could skate the length of the ice backwards faster than either Schultz or Ersky could forward.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 10, 2009 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Erskine has a bit more drive in his skating stride, he actually can kick it up a notch (usually when he wants to level someone…) Schultz doesn’t have that gear. Skating is something that can be taught. He’s never going to be the fastest skater, but he could get better. Plus there is also wanting to get better, and I sense that Schultz does (each year his game improves, each year Jurcina’s doesn’t).
by MikeL-Caps on Mar 10, 2009 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed on all counts. Well said, sir.
His biggest weakeness right now is his skating.. he is the second slowest player on the Caps (no one is slower than Jurcina…and it’s not close.) But his slowness doesn’t seem to be from a lack of ability, more it is a lack of knowing how to use his tall frame to get leverage on his skates.
I think that’s an excellent point. We’ve all seen, in day to day life, that people with taller, lankier frames tend to develop their coordination a little later than people who don’t and that holds true for hockey players/
by David M. Getz on Mar 10, 2009 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think he can and will get better. He’s not going to outskate too many players even then, but if he can get just a little faster, he can possibly become more aggressive in his game as well. Again, everything I’ve seen of the guy tells me he wants to keep getting better and is willing to put in the effort to do so.
by MikeL-Caps on Mar 10, 2009 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
His biggest strength is that he knows what the holes are in his game and that he plays within his limits.
This, to me, is the best thing about Jeff Schultz. How many other young players have you ever seen with this kind of maturity?
by Gould Old Days on Mar 10, 2009 6:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not many… but hopefully, they learn quickly…
by MikeL-Caps on Mar 11, 2009 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Btw, I’m surprised we haven’t yet seen the “Schultz’s numbers only look good because he skates with Mike Green” argument.
Which, of course, would be countered by the fact that Mo’s numbers aren’t nearly as good, despite skating with Green more often than Schultz has (per Frozen Pool).
Maybe that’s why the argument hasn’t been made.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 10, 2009 2:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
That and DMG put the smack down on that argument in his post.
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Mar 10, 2009 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I got all I needed out of the post and stopped reading after he referred to me as having " a very intelligent hockey mind."
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 10, 2009 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Preemptive strike. I’ve heard all the arguments before.
by David M. Getz on Mar 10, 2009 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There’s also the fact that Mike Green has looked worse than Schultz over the last two weeks.
by katzistan on Mar 10, 2009 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Probably because Schultz is a better defenseman than Mo. I’d argue that yes, his stats are buoyed some by playing with Mike Green. I’d also argue all day that I’d take Schultz over Mo.
If we waive Morrisonn and give him a soapbox, a pack of Krispie Kremes, and a microphone, do you think Brian Burke will claim him?
by Whiter Mage on Mar 10, 2009 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
In which TEB sez: "Data? What data?"
From my afternoon nap:
Falls Church, Va.: Tarik, do you have any insight on why the team continues to play and praise Schultz? I fail to see any good defensive hits and or plays from him. Thanks.
Tarik El-Bashir: Jeff has struggled during this skid, as have a lot of his teammates. The Caps have shown a lot of faith in him this season, but he needs to pick up his game. Because with Alzner and/or Pothier due back soon, the blue line is going to get crowded.
I don’t know if it’s just not in his makeup or what, but I know I’m not the only person who wants to see big Jeff starting hitting someone. Anyone.
by TylerG on Mar 10, 2009 3:08 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
And there it is.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 10, 2009 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You’d think a guy who worked the beat during the Milbury era on the Island could afford some perspective on a big, young, awkward defenseman, but oh well…
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Mar 10, 2009 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What, you guys pick now to start caring what the MSM is saying? :)
by Sct112 on Mar 10, 2009 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He picked now to write something flat out wrong.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 10, 2009 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That’s weird, to me. I think Tarik’s usually pretty level headed and reasonable.
by David M. Getz on Mar 10, 2009 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The radio post game guys said almost exactly the same thing after Carolina last week. “Schultz is the worst defender on the team. I wish that he would either be benched or that he would hit someone.” I’m not sure if its getting swept up in the whooping, not looking at a the numbers you and DMG have provided, or something else.
I usually don’t have a problem with TEB, in fact like what he is saying, but his statements show how much Schultz sticks out when he plays poorly, and how much he doesn’t when he is playing well.
by Sct112 on Mar 10, 2009 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No they don’t. They show that TEB isn’t reading statistical analysis — or performing any.
by TylerG on Mar 10, 2009 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can’t really understand this fixation with Schultz hitting. Yes, I am aware he has a big frame but if he were hitting more frequently and every other aspect of his game were exactly same, I think people would like him and that doesn’t make sense. By the same token, if he were playing exactly the way he is and he were 6’ and weighed 190 pounds, no one would have a problem with it. It’s just such a ridiculous, knee-jerk reaction.
by David M. Getz on Mar 10, 2009 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Good points.
I guarantee you that a single two-minute roughing minor or, god forbid, a fighting major would shup up every single “Shultz Doesn’t Hit” basher even if he didn’t throw another bodycheck the rest of the season. In my opinion, I think some of the frustration comes from a perception of him being “soft”, irrespective of whether he’s 6’6" or 6’0".
by Cluster on Mar 10, 2009 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t know. Poti’s the one guy on the team who’s had fewer hits per game this year and last year and I don’t think people are calling soft. I think it’s a byproduct of size more than anything else.
by David M. Getz on Mar 10, 2009 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No doubt, big guys are hitters. Little guys are skaters/puck movers. For a guy who knows a lot about hockey I can’t believe you don’t know that!
by Sct112 on Mar 10, 2009 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That goes back to the vanilla/eat his vegetables comment made earlier. People want excitement, and equate excitement with effectiveness. (Example A: Ovi). Hitting is exciting, holding the puck in and dumping it deep rather than making a poor cross ice pass is not.
Schultz is fighting an uphill battle. To borrow a phrase, its takes 10 atta boys to make up for one Aw sh**.
by Sct112 on Mar 10, 2009 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not everyone views the world through Schultz-colored glasses… TEB didn’t necessarily say he WAS bad, just that he hasn’t been playing well. And let’s be honest, most of the Caps (maybe Semin excepted) have been playing pretty badly lately.
by Murshawursha on Mar 10, 2009 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, but he also implied Alzner or Pothier could bump Schultz out of the lineup and there’s no way that would (or should) happen.
by David M. Getz on Mar 10, 2009 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
sgt. slaughter says..
that’s just lazy journalism. TEB’s been around the game for a long time, now. and he could’ve educated himself with even one click over to japers’ rink, since this has become a daily topic of conversation.
TEB isn’t just MSM, he is local MSM’s hockey “expert.” we need more.
(sorry, my eyes get tired without a picture popping up in the comments from time to time.)
by Natty Bumppo on Mar 10, 2009 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1 you maggot.
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Mar 10, 2009 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t see anything wrong with TEB’s answer. It looks like a fairly diplomatic dodge to me. (1) It’s true that Schultz has struggled a bit — particularly in one memorable goal where he was out of position. (2) It’s true the rest of his teammates have as well. (3) “He needs to pick up his game” seems pretty empty to me. (4) The Alzner/Pothier/crowded blue line thing seems pretty empty to me as well. And (5) everyone here would like to see Schultz show a little more aggressiveness.
TEB could have stuck up for Schultz a little more, maybe, but it’s not like he threw him under the bus. He just didn’t say much at all.
by Gould Old Days on Mar 10, 2009 6:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It wasn’t terrible but I still think that he’s flat out wrong for suggesting Schultz could lose time to Alzner or Pothier.
by David M. Getz on Mar 10, 2009 6:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i disagree. his line about pothier/alzner coming up isn’t empty at all…literally, “he needs to pick up his game”…or what? or else? clear implication: or else he’ll lose PT to one of the rising bears.
unless we’re all way way off base here, schultz should not and will not be losing his job anytime soon. IMO, to imply so is a misrepresentation.
by Natty Bumppo on Mar 10, 2009 10:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Imagine if Hartford hadn’t given up on a young, rangy defenseman some time back. Think Carolina wouldn’t like to have Chris Pronger?
Of course, they’d probably like to have had Brendan Shanahan, too.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Mar 10, 2009 3:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah but the Blues got Mike Keenan, and that worked out GREAT! (Oh, wait….)
by TylerG on Mar 10, 2009 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just Curious
JP/DMG/Pepper—have you guys ever heard, either first-hand or otherwise, of any of the Caps reacting to what you write? This type of quality analysis (positive and negative) and follow-on discussion simply does not exist elsewhere in the Caps universe (i know, smooch smooch). I go back and forth on TEB. On one hand, with the access he’s given to the organization he sort of has to toe the line, but on the other hand, I wish sometimes I got more than just fact-reporting from him.
We know that Leonsis reads your blog, but have you ever received feedback from an actual player? You gotta think some of this stuff gets read by them.
by Cluster on Mar 10, 2009 3:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I have not, but I have never met any of the Capitals current players, McPhee, Leonsis, Boudreau, or anyone else associated with the team.
by David M. Getz on Mar 10, 2009 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Players? Not that I know of.
Others in the organization? I’m sure they’re consumers of information from as many sources as they can find.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 10, 2009 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Come on, that’s all you got?
You’re telling me there are no cool stories of Brash giving you the stink eye through the glass during a practice at Kettler, or of you tracing a menacing poster’s account to Jurcina or Erskine?
by Cluster on Mar 10, 2009 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We’ll grab a beer some time, Cluster.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 10, 2009 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know firsthand that Don Fishman has visited. For real.
by bigonetimer on Mar 10, 2009 3:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I heard that he uses the spreadsheet in the Valut to double check all of his numbers.
by Sct112 on Mar 10, 2009 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don Fishman told me back in December that he’s read my stuff on The Red Skate, so he’s likely checked in here quite a bit too.
Same for the Caps PR staff — this site and other blogs get linked on Caps Today from time to time.
My guess is that most players probably spend their free time doing other stuff than reading hockey blogs.
by Stephen Pepper on Mar 10, 2009 3:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don is good people. He’s been a Caps fan forever, too.
by bigonetimer on Mar 10, 2009 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don has my dream job.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 10, 2009 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tell him I applied for a job with the Capitals in January and didn’t hear anything.
by David M. Getz on Mar 10, 2009 4:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
...?!
the heck with a job with the capitals. i want a job where you work. i have trouble making the time to keep up with all that you write. i can’t imagine the time it takes to research all the stats you reference! that’s a compliment, by the way. this site has gone a long way in making me a much more informed fan. thanks.
by mechanicsville on Mar 10, 2009 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s worth a lot, actually.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 10, 2009 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i'm sure with TEB
he has to play to a certain audience, much like the conversation here does as well. the Post’s coverage is geared more toward those less nuanced and less familiar with the game. i think most of this type of in-depth analysis would go over a lot of his reader’s heads.
Your voice of doom and gloom. Read more at natsnewsnetwork.blogspot.com
by Dave at Nats News Network on Mar 10, 2009 3:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I can understand that, but I don’t think he gets excused from having a more nuanced view just because he can’t explain it to all his readers.
by David M. Getz on Mar 10, 2009 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah. Facts are still facts. TEB should at least know the data, should at least be aware of statistical analysis, of where 55 fits among his peers, etc. Otherwise he’s just the guy in Sec. 422, Row G yelling, “Hit him!”
by TylerG on Mar 10, 2009 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed, it doesn’t excuse him, but can you imagine trying to explain Corsi to someone on WaPo?
by Sct112 on Mar 10, 2009 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wouldn’t it be easy to say, “I know Schultz isn’t a big hitter, but just look at his plus/minus. The guy’s an effective NHL defenseman, who’s younger than everyone on the team not named Nicklas Backstrom. Give him a fucking break.”
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 10, 2009 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Well said!
"For reason, ruling alone, is a force confining; and passion, unattended, is a flame that burns to its own destruction.
Therefore let your soul exalt your reason to the height of passion; that it may sing; " - The Prophet
by Violetta on Mar 10, 2009 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yes, he certainly could
all except the last part :-)
Your voice of doom and gloom. Read more at natsnewsnetwork.blogspot.com
by Dave at Nats News Network on Mar 10, 2009 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i’m not excusing him, my point is i don’t think any of us can ASSUME that he doens’t know the data just because he doesn’t spell it out in his blog or chats. but we’re all entitled to have an opinion on the subject.
Your voice of doom and gloom. Read more at natsnewsnetwork.blogspot.com
by Dave at Nats News Network on Mar 10, 2009 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We can ASSUME that he doesn’t know the data when he makes assertions that fly completely in the face thereof.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 10, 2009 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed. If he knew the data I don’t think he would suggest Pothier or Alzner will bump Schultz from the lineup.
by David M. Getz on Mar 10, 2009 4:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
or maybe, someone on background has told him that Schultz’ spot may be in jeopardy, and that is what is coloring his opinion.
look, i’m playing devil’s advocate a little here. i just don’t think it’s entirely fair to suggest the guy doesn’t do his hoemwork because he doesn’t present it in his forum, that’s all.
Your voice of doom and gloom. Read more at natsnewsnetwork.blogspot.com
by Dave at Nats News Network on Mar 10, 2009 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Schultz is well above his career high ATOI. I don’t think it’s crazy to think that Pothier or Alzner could take some of his minutes.
by Gould Old Days on Mar 10, 2009 6:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There’s a difference between paring minutes and bumping a dude to the press box.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 10, 2009 6:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And from looking back at what TEB said, I’m not sure he was clear about what he meant either way.
by Gould Old Days on Mar 10, 2009 6:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And by the way, from listening to TEB a couple of times on Caps Report, I rather suspect TEB didn’t know what the hell he meant.
by Gould Old Days on Mar 10, 2009 6:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
In fairness, Corsi doesn’t mean everything. For instance, shots in the slot vs. shots out of the slot. If a d-man gives up a lot of shots, but they’re always coming from the outside, being forced from the slot, while the same guy sets up guys in the slot…It’s hypothetical and doesn’t apply to anyone on the team, but all stats can be misleading.
Personally, I take corsi with a grain of salt (Maybe because it’s new and I don’t trust it yet, as I think, just like +/-, it’s strongly affected by team).
If we waive Morrisonn and give him a soapbox, a pack of Krispie Kremes, and a microphone, do you think Brian Burke will claim him?
by Whiter Mage on Mar 10, 2009 4:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
is it that he doesn’t have a more nuanced view, or that he doesn’t present it in the forum allowed. cause when he asks the questions in the press conferences, he’s pretty savvy.
Your voice of doom and gloom. Read more at natsnewsnetwork.blogspot.com
by Dave at Nats News Network on Mar 10, 2009 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think his view is savvier than the average fan but not as savvy as someone like JP or Peerless. But he can demonstrate he understand stuff without having to go into a full-fledged explanation. Instead of saying (in essence), “He needs to hit or Alzner and Pothier can push him out of a job” he could have said “Schultz hasn’t looked entirely comfortable the last couple weeks, but neither has most of the team. He has been one of their more consistent defensemen all year and has been among the team plus-minus leaders each year he’s been in DC. He’s a better player than some fans give him credit for”.
by David M. Getz on Mar 10, 2009 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
DMG, excuse me but can’t this be just a different of opinions?
Numbers don’t tell a whole the story of a player. Does Niedermayer sucks because he’s -15 this year? You can choose to trust the numbers blindly, or choose not to, and both views are plausible (I’m talking about stats like +/-).
Nobody holds the Torch of Truth, right? You obviously know a lot more than the average fan, but that doesn’t mean you’re always right.
For the current argument, I know I tend to be stubborn, but every time I raise issues about Schultz, I got as answer pages of statistics. Ok, he’s the next Scott Stevens on paper, but can you tell me one game, some play he did particularly well? Cause I can point to many plays, many games where he particularly sucked lol
by mauree on Mar 10, 2009 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Does Niedermayer sucks because he’s -15 this year?
One number, in isolation, says very little. Niedermayer’s career numbers and his other numbers this year say he doesn’t suck.
But that one number says his +/- sucks, and without any other numbers, yes, I think it would be fair to say that Scott Niedermayer sucks this year.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 10, 2009 4:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
forgot to answer this, I’ve seen quite many Ducks game and I can tell you that no, he doesn’t suck. He’s playing at the same level than the SC year imho, He was “only” +6 that year by the way.
by mauree on Mar 10, 2009 5:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, it can be a difference of opinion on how good Schultz is but to suggest he’s not a good defenseman because he doesn’t hit or that he might lose his place in the lineup because of it is incorrect.
Ok, he’s the next Scott Stevens on paper, but can you tell me one game, some play he did particularly well?
Yes, on Sunday he had a play where he put Malkin into the boards, Malkin lost the puck behind the net, and Schultz hit him again when he went for it and it allowed the Capitals to break up the play.
Numbers don’t tell a whole the story of a player. Does Niedermayer sucks because he’s -15 this year? You can choose to trust the numbers blindly, or choose not to, and both views are plausible (I’m talking about stats like +/-).
No, but that’s one number, one year. We’re talking about a multitude of stats over the course of his career with Schultz.
by David M. Getz on Mar 10, 2009 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
To further that last point, and to use the same stats, the fact that Peter Forsberg was a +23 in 00-01 doesn’t, in and of itself, mean he’s a phenomenal two way player. But the fact that he was a plus player every single year on every single team throughout his NHL career suggest that he is (was?).
by David M. Getz on Mar 10, 2009 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol at myself for asking that, actually Schultz did play well the third period on Sunday – I was there, I saw that play you’re talking about.
Sorry, my over-reaction wasn’t directed particularly at you or this post, but more toward people smirking over Tarik’s blog. I don’t agree with the guy most of the time, but to imply that he’s an idiot cause he doesn’t agree with what is said here is excessive.
by mauree on Mar 10, 2009 4:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No apology needed, you made fair points. I agree with regards to Tarik – I think he generally does a pretty good job, knows hockey pretty well, and keeps a level head. That said, it’s silly to resort to the “Jeff Schultz isn’t going well because he doesn’t hit!” angle, especially since Schultz had three hits in Sunday’s game.
by David M. Getz on Mar 10, 2009 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, it’s silly to resort to the "Jeff Schultz isn’t going well because he doesn’t hit!" angle, especially since two weeks earlier he said “But the truth is Schultz does a lot right on a nightly basis that goes unnoticed. He’s big, he’s smart, has a great stick and can move the puck. He’s also 23, and management sees a lot of upside in him. I tend to agree.”
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 10, 2009 5:24 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah, he absolutely erased Malkin a few times in the last game. I’m not talking about hits — I’m talking about plays that started out looking a little dangerous, and by the end of the play you didn’t think of it as a scoring chance at all. He just diverted Malkin around to the side and denied him the net. It wasn’t even memorable — that’s how good it was.
by Gould Old Days on Mar 10, 2009 6:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
From his chat 2 weeks ago
My question I have for you is. What do the Caps see in Shultz? Last year even Olie said if the kid got a little mean streak he would be awesome, and I would have to think that GMGM is looking to upgrade the defense. Your thoughts?
Tarik El-Bashir: I know Schultz has become a favorite whipping boy for fans because he’s big and doesn’t hit. He also had a rough night against the Flyers.
But the truth is Schultz does a lot right on a nightly basis that goes unnoticed. He’s big, he’s smart, has a great stick and can move the puck. He’s also 23, and management sees a lot of upside in him. I tend to agree.
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Mar 10, 2009 4:09 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Flip-flopper!
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 10, 2009 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
See, that’s an example of Tarik knowing what he’s talking about without having to present a mountain of data to make it which tells me he knows what’s going on.
That’s the Tarik who’s the voice of reason on the WaPo site.
by David M. Getz on Mar 10, 2009 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe Katie was standing in for him today in the forum? If he said that, and today said what amounts to the exact opposite, its tough to argue for him.
by Sct112 on Mar 10, 2009 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The only thing I can think is that he was placing very heavy emphasis on the last couple weeks.
by David M. Getz on Mar 10, 2009 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
too many questions on my mind
Afew annoying questions for y’all.
1) If Pothier somehow returns to pre-concussion form in time to make the team, what would your pairings look like headed into the first round?
2) How has Alzner played in Hershey since he was sent down? It seems like the Bears have given up a lot of goals the last few weeks.
3) Is anyone worse on the PK than ShaMo?
by CaliCapsFan on Mar 10, 2009 4:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
1) I would go: Schultz- Green, Poti-Alzner, and Pothier-Morrisonn.
3) Statistically, yes, Poti, Alzner, and Jurcina. By my eye, I’d say Morrisonn’s behind Schultz, Poti, and Green, and about on the same level of Erskine at current.
I can’t speak for #2, sorry.
by David M. Getz on Mar 10, 2009 4:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think you’d have to plug Pothier into a 5-6 slot. Asking a lot of minutes from him wouldn’t be fair to him… and it probably wouldn’t be a good idea, either.
That’s a BIG if, but…
3-27
52-55
2-26
(Same as DMG.)
by TylerG on Mar 10, 2009 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He seems to be skating pretty good minutes in Hershey. I know that’s not quite the same, but maybe it means something at least.
I’m going up to Hershey tomorrow night to watch – I can’t get up there this weekend and my curiosity about Pothier will not be denied. We’ll see what happens.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Mar 10, 2009 6:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
re: #2
A) the whole team has been slumping lately, it can’t all be on Alzner. B) Machesney has been putting up pretty mediocre (or worse) numbers lately. C) Even at the start of the year when they were dominating they were giving up a lot of goals, they just haven’t been outscoring their mistakes over the last month and a half.
by Fehr and Balanced on Mar 10, 2009 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Boy does that sound familiar.
It’s really creepy how much alike these teams are.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Mar 10, 2009 6:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
any idea how pothier played the last couple games?
by CaliCapsFan on Mar 10, 2009 4:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
According to John Walton, he’s looked good. He’s taken some big hits and come through without any side effects.
by b.orr4 on Mar 10, 2009 5:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’ve heard less positive things of Alzner’s play of late, fwiw.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 10, 2009 5:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
my guess is he’s gassed. this ain’t juniors anymore!
by bigonetimer on Mar 10, 2009 5:36 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah, it’s a big difference playing against 18 & 19 year olds vs grown men.
by b.orr4 on Mar 10, 2009 5:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
there’s plenty o’ grown men in the A.
Russian Machine Never Breaks
by macvechkin on Mar 10, 2009 6:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think that’s what he means – grown men in the AHL vs. teenagers in juniors.
by Murshawursha on Mar 10, 2009 6:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
my bad, i thought we were talkin’ about pots…
Russian Machine Never Breaks
by macvechkin on Mar 10, 2009 6:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And the AHL and NHL schedules are much longer as well.
by Gould Old Days on Mar 10, 2009 6:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
1-4-5 and +8 in 12 games since getting sent down is less positive? not always about the stats, but i’d take that if it’s the less positive side.
Russian Machine Never Breaks
by macvechkin on Mar 10, 2009 6:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What is it about Schultz...
that makes fans take such polarizing viewpoints on his ability. I can’t think of another player on this team (maybe Fehr) where there is such a clear separation between supporters and detractors. It’s just baffling to me that normal fans who can agree on most things involving this team can have opinions 180 degrees apart on this kid.
by b.orr4 on Mar 10, 2009 5:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
He’s “The Wedge.” He’s tequila. He’s rap music. He’s the death penalty.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 10, 2009 5:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Come on J.P., we’re in D.C. He’s Bush v. Gore.
by Fehr and Balanced on Mar 10, 2009 6:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He’s Hillary Clinton.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 10, 2009 6:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought he was Coke v. Pepsi.
The question is: which one is he?
by David M. Getz on Mar 10, 2009 6:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pepsi.
I don’t like him anymore.
by David M. Getz on Mar 10, 2009 7:01 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I think it’s the difference between “stats guys” and “non-stats guys”. Not to put down all you stats lovers, but sometimes I tend to believe what my own eyes show me over what a mind-numbing collection of sometimes clear and sometimes mind-numbing statistics seem to show. Like the poster much earlier said about his wife’s frustration, I often find myself yelling at the TV screen when Sarge is trying his best (but so slooowwwly) to get to the freakin puck, and then can’t get it away from a forechecker.
by OldPhil on Mar 10, 2009 6:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No doubt you can’t trust stats alone, but I’d argue that trusting your eyes alone might be as misleading – Schultz’s play doesn’t lend itself to the "wow"s that Mike Green’s does, but does lend itself to the occasional “oh shit.” The stats help to bring out what you’re not seeing that he’s doing well, imo.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 10, 2009 6:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed. I think a big problem with relying solely on what you see (in addition to memory being selective) is that you get biased by how players look when they’re playing, which I think is part of the issue with Schultz. He’s not a great skater, won’t make the highlight reel, etc, but the production out of him is more than you could ask for.
by David M. Getz on Mar 10, 2009 6:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He may make a highlight, but it won’t be a good one for a Caps fan…
by Fehr and Balanced on Mar 10, 2009 6:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, I’ve been watching hockey for 32 years and I just have a too many of those oh sh..! moments with Jeff (and I have those moments with Green, just for different reasons). I feel he has potential and hope he gets better, but it just happens too often for my blood pressure.
by OldPhil on Mar 10, 2009 7:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have many more of them with Green than with Schultz.
by Gould Old Days on Mar 10, 2009 7:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t think it’s between stats people vs non-stats people, I think it’s that the people who like Schultz tend to use statistics to support their position because the stats paint a pretty flattering picture of him.
by David M. Getz on Mar 10, 2009 6:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
fans take such polarizing viewpoints on his ability. I can’t think of another player on this team (maybe Fehr) where there is such a clear separation between supporters and detractors. It’s just baffling to me that normal fans who can agree on most things involving this team can have opinions 180 degrees apart on this kid.
I think it’s that there are a fair number of people out there who have an overwhelmingly negative opinion of Schultz. I mean, I think he’s a top four guy right now but if someone else thinks he’s top six, okay reasonable people disagree. But people who don’t think he’s even of NHL caliber are seen as so far off base by a lot of people that it provokes a strong response. Same thing with Eric Fehr.
by David M. Getz on Mar 10, 2009 6:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Beats me
Schultz has been slumping, along with basically the entire team. A month ago he had something like the 5th highest +/- over the past two season combined.
He’s certainly worth another three years of development in the 2-mil per range.
Russian Machine Never Breaks
by macvechkin on Mar 10, 2009 6:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I feel like that’s a little bit pricey this day in age.
by Murshawursha on Mar 10, 2009 6:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You’re in for a rude awakening, Mr. Van Winkle… Erskine is making one and a quarter… :-)
Russian Machine Never Breaks
by macvechkin on Mar 10, 2009 6:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, don’t even get me started on my opinion of THAT contract…
by Murshawursha on Mar 10, 2009 6:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
NHL defensemen = left handed pitching.
Russian Machine Never Breaks
by macvechkin on Mar 10, 2009 6:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think I’m buying into the “only reason the Erskine contract is so big is because Brash is out” theory.
by Murshawursha on Mar 10, 2009 6:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was in that camp for a while, but if you look around the league his contract isn’t that out of line with what other 5-7th defensemen make.
by David M. Getz on Mar 10, 2009 6:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Polarizing Viewpoints
Schultz and Fehr are not the only players where the fans are polarized on their views. I can think of another player. None other than Alex Semin. Those who love really love him and those who don’t — well. They’ve been calling for him to get traded; etc.
My take on those players:
Schultz isn’t my favorite guy but I feel he’s badly maligned. While Plus/Minus may be an overrated statistic, he can’t be too bad if he’s the 2nd best Plus/Minus on our team who’s a winning team. Our D-pairings have varied so much so it’s hard to credit points vis-a-vis partners.
I’ll admit I fall into the camp of liking Semin and Fehr who are two of my favorites, along with Ovi and Flash.
by CapsFan75 on Mar 10, 2009 6:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
you know damn well DMG would have Fehr and Schultz FATHEADS at his pad, were they to become available… LOL
Russian Machine Never Breaks
by macvechkin on Mar 10, 2009 6:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn’t go that far. I mean, the two aren’t my favorite players on the team but I think they’re the two most underrated.
by David M. Getz on Mar 10, 2009 6:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
just breakin’ balls
Russian Machine Never Breaks
by macvechkin on Mar 10, 2009 6:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
2nd best Plus/Minus on our team who’s a winning team
True, and in the 16 games he played under Hanlon last season (didn’t play the first 6 games), he was +4, and the team was 3-13 in those games. Not a winning team. Not sure how that compares to others on the team over that span (I couldn’t find an awesome stats site that I could use to break out stats game by game so had to look at the boxscore for each game on nhl.com, and I wasn’t about to do this for all the d-men). There were a couple of big losses in span, too, and he held his own. The 5-0 loss to Carolina he was even, 5-2 loss to the isles (Guerin hat trick) he was +1, in the 3(!) 5-2 losses to Tampa, he was a combined -1 (-1,-1,1). That says to me he was fairly solid regardless of the team’s results.
by TJA on Mar 11, 2009 10:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for the analysis
I’ve been saying this for a long time that Schultz is misaligned by the ‘non-analytical’ emotional fan. I will be the first to stand up for your rights to boo, hiss, etc when there is adequate call for the same. We have bigger problems on our own “D” than Schultz on a nightly basis. I fear the fans will run the poor guy out of DC, only to have Schultzie come back in the Phone Booth and torment us for years to come. I sit up in 404, Row C, and there is a constant Schultz heckler there on a nightly basis. It’s slightly comical, because for the most part, the criticism is unwarranted. Many would bash Schultz for the Pens 2 on 1 breakout; the fault was clearly Poti’s for allowing it to happen.
by Dougeb on Mar 10, 2009 6:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I don’t see how the fans would run Schultz out of town. He can’t hear that guy in 404© and the only heat he would hear is if he’s reading the interwebs. But, if he’s reading the interwebs, then he’s obviously reading Japers’ Rink and knows there is a strong contingent of fans that support his game. Thus, he won’t feel the need to leave town. Clear enough?
[Regardless of Poti’s terrible pinch on the Pens’ first goal Schultz still played the 2 on 1 terribly, more than one player can make a mistake on any given hockey goal]
by Fehr and Balanced on Mar 10, 2009 6:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You should bring the heckler this post.
Anecdote: I once heard someone yell “Blame Schultz for the national debt!”, which I thought was pretty funny.
by David M. Getz on Mar 10, 2009 6:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, also, I’m glad you liked the post.
by David M. Getz on Mar 10, 2009 6:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, you can even borrow Natty’s printed copy, assuming he’s done with it.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 10, 2009 8:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ahhhhhhhhhh. i’m back. what did i miss?
by Natty Bumppo on Mar 10, 2009 10:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks...
1. for the intelligent hockey discussion. I was and am so tired of reading “Schultz sucks”…“Fleischmann sucks…”, etc over at the Caps boards.
2. for the intelligent analysis of Schultz’s game. This kid (at 23, he’s only beginning his development as an NHL defenseman) has been playing top-4 minutes for a team that has pretty much owned its division since mid-January of last year. Now, I admit, I too would like him to show a little more passion for his craft, the team is winning consistently with him playing significant minutes. I’m glad he’s here, and hope he stays, for a long time.
by shotfromthepoint on Mar 13, 2009 8:37 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Washington
|
72 | 48 | 14 | 10 | 106 |
|
Atlanta
|
71 | 31 | 29 | 11 | 73 |
|
Carolina
|
71 | 30 | 33 | 8 | 68 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
71 | 28 | 31 | 12 | 68 |
|
Florida
|
70 | 28 | 31 | 11 | 67 |
(updated 3.21.2010 at 8:42 AM EDT)
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