Recap - Capitals 5, Lightning 2
by J.P. on Mar 20, 2009 7:00 AM EDT
215 comments
[AP Recap - Game Summary - Event Summary - WashingtonCaps.com Postgame]
Through two periods last night, the Caps were sleepwalking through another game against a vastly inferior opponent - tied at two, nineteen shots for and five minor penalties committed. But a second consecutive strong third period in the Sunshine State earned the Caps another two points in the standings and a 15-point lead in the Southeast Division.
The story of the night, however, is still unclear - Alex Ovechkin's 50th goal was the early headline, then it was his celebration thereof, but Mike Green's injury with just over three minutes left in the game might end up being the biggest news of all.
Some thoughts on the game:
- Maybe it's March Madness or maybe it's seeing Rick Tocchet behind the Tampa bench last night, but I'm in the mood to make a bet - $10 says Don Cherry leads Coach's Corner on Saturday night with "Mike Green's injury was the hockey gods paying back the Capitals for Alexander Ovechkin's ridiculous celebration." And he'll be half-right - the celebration was silly and unsportsmanlike, even if it was simply taunting an old man a couple thousand miles away. Was that AO or TO? Or Jimi? Should we just start calling him "Ocho"?
- Simeon Varlamov was very aggressive and confident, and while that worked for him, there were a few times where he was so far out to challenge the shooter that an extra pass would have led to an easy opportunity. His rebound control, especially when he was deep in the net, also left a lot to be desired. But his athleticism? Unreal. And given that those other knocks are correctable with teaching and experience...
- If the Caps can get two goals a night from someone other than the Big Four, they're going to win a lot of games. Kudos to the secondary guys for stepping up.
- Before Green was injured on an awkward entanglement with Steven Stamkos, he had potted another two goals, including the eventual game winner. Just curious - if the crossbar was four inches lower, would Green have a single goal this season? Kid sure does like to go top shelf where mama keeps the peanut butter.
- Viktor Kozlov was strong on the puck and had a three-assist night to show for it. He was at his best, of course, when skating with Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom in the third period after the Care Bears line was mercifully separated.
- Speaking of the AO-Backstrom-Alex Semin trio, a good friend floated the theory to me that Bruce Boudreau has been skating them together so that he can look back after five games, show them how unproductive they've been and that'll be the end of that. Interesting theory.
- Is there any doubt that "cerebral" was yesterday's entry on Locker's "Word of the Day" calendar?
- Don't look now, but Michael Nylander has points and plus ratings in three of his last four games.
- Tomas Fleischmann's pointless streak has now reached double digits, and the "F Street" line ended the night with no points and a minus-3 (though Eric Fehr looked to have scored on the rebound of a Sergei Fedorov shot on a breakaway).
- Speaking of Feds, it's certainly unfortunate that it took a Boyd Gordon injury to get him back killing penalties (even more unfortunate that he was on the ice for the Bolts' power play goal), but in the long-run, this will be a good thing. Oh, and you know how I feel about 0:00 of shorthanded time for Alex Semin.
- Backstrom won 10 of 13 draws. That's not a typo.
And so it's off to Raleigh, where the Caps will face a desperate 'Canes team. The big question is whether or not their blueline bomber will be joining them.
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Silly and unsportsmanlike?
You would have a point there if he did that gimmick or something similar to it after every goal, but he doesn’t.
It was fun! There’s a reason they call the NFL the “No Fun League”, and part of hockey’s problem, IMO, is its innate uber-conservatism, and its unwillingness to accept different viewpoints and/or players who don’t fit the “mold”. It hurts the game immeasurably, because it hinders personalities and turns everyone into monotone Sid.
In that same measure, I don’t WANT guys who just give the same stupid, stock “both teams played hard, i’m just trying to help the team win” quotes after every single game and for every interview. What’s wrong with actually having a little fun out there?
This phony outrage about stuff like Ovechkin’s celebration last night has to stop. Its just acts as a way for people to tear down those that they don’t like, and it comes off as a “THIS IS NOT WHAT I’M USED TO!” type of unintelligent complaining.
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 20, 2009 7:16 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Sorry, I don’t buy that as “fun.” I would go so far as to claim any form of premeditated celebration (barring rushing the ice after a big moment) is counter to the culture of the NHL. Obviously, I thought it was unnecessary and if it was intentially directed at Don Cherry it had no place on the ice.
The other side of the issue IMO is why the Bolts reacted the way they did, ie. no reaction at all. Tocchet was a tough customer when he played so I would find it hard to believe he put the cuffs on any retaliation. Maybe the the Bolts are just too low as a team or (for lack of a better word) soft. Lesser transgretions have been cause for fighting of late, such as the much talked about fight after a clean hit. By no means do I want to harken back to the days of the bench clearing brawl, but the Bolts reaction just doesn’t seem to fit in a league where “respect” is much ballyhooed.
by ThreePingPost on Mar 20, 2009 8:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Perhaps they had no reaction at all because it didn’t really bother them? Ovi is Ovi, and everyone knows his gimmick by now.
And thanks for reinforcing my argument for claiming its “counter to the culture of the NHL”. It sounds like Tevye from Fiddler on the Roof
“Why do we have these traditions?” “I’ll tell you…….I don’t know….but its a tradition!!”
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 20, 2009 8:12 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
“It was twelve years old!”
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 20, 2009 9:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well said. One of the reasons I like Ovi is that he doesn’t let the critics bother him. He enjoys the game. I don’t see him hurting anyone in his celebration, so what’s the big deal?
And so what if it’s directed at old Cherry anyway? Cherry can be a jerk, so I don’t object to a response.
I would hate to think that hockey fans are more outraged by a some fun celebration than those stupid ice chicks.
By the way, great Fiddler on the Roof reference. Can you do the dance now? ;)
"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 20, 2009 9:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Only if I were a rich man….
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 20, 2009 9:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks, thanks a lot.
Where’s my iPod? I’ve got to hear a song to replace the “biddy biddy bum” chorus that is repeating in my head.
by Sct112 on Mar 20, 2009 9:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You are rich… your fiancee is lovely, you have a secure job, and the bills are paid. Besides the Caps winning a Stanley Cup, what more could you want? ;)
"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 20, 2009 9:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My own formula one race car
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 20, 2009 9:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
honestly, i don’t think he would have even thought about doing it if cherry hadn’t pulled that crap in the first place.
yes, it was over the top, but in light of cherry’s comments, it didn’t make me mad. he won’t do it again, so that’s all there is to say about it.
by kellobellow on Mar 20, 2009 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have to agree that we’re making more fuss of it than it’s really worth to me.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Mar 20, 2009 8:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
True, and I also think that Boudreau’s going to have a good talk with him/them about that kind of thing in the future. I’d be surprised if it happens again.
If it does, though, I think we need to make some signs for warm-ups calling for a return of the classy-Ovie.
by DrinkingPartner on Mar 20, 2009 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Unsportsmanlike
Unsportmanlike, period. If the officials don’t clamp down on shit like that, I would have no problem with the opposition taking care of it during the game.
If at first you don't succeed, don't try parachuting.
by hotdog88gt on Mar 20, 2009 8:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not sure I think it’s so bad that the officials need to get involved. Although it was, IMO, too much. I actually enjoy the jumping into the glass and his over all exuberance for goals, but last night just reminded me of TO or Chad Johnson. The only time I want to see a premeditated celebration like that is if OV ever breaks Gretzky’s record.
by Yoshietree on Mar 20, 2009 8:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This. It’s too much, but not by that much. We are giving it more attention than it really deserves.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Mar 20, 2009 9:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree… it was a d!ck move. but ya know what… screw it. I would hope that any team took care of it on the ice. Thocchet should’ve sent out his thugs if he had a problem with it. I would’ve decked someone had they done that in even my beer-league game… but the fact of the matter is, if you don’t want him to do it, don’t let him score.
I don’t like the whole pre-meditated celebration thing… but I LOVE that he basically told Cherry to SUCK IT!!!! That definitely takes “a set” to blatantly call out the self proclaimed “king of canada”. Enjoy Donny boy!!
by Scofield on Mar 20, 2009 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was a little uncomfortable with watching it at the time but, after a night of reflection, I’m happy with Alex doing what we wants to celebrate goals so long as (1) he involves his team in it and (2) doesn’t make direct taunts to the other bench or players. Both of those were the case last night (for the latter, as far as I could tell on TV).
by Stephen Pepper on Mar 20, 2009 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
“I don’t think we’re the perfect team at all,” he added. “We can work on everything. Our line combinations we move around a lot. We’ve settled on a couple of things that are going to be permanent in the weeks to come.”
i had a sinking feeling that he was referring to settling the lines, in other words SOB and FFF the rest of the way. calling on koz in the 3rd period hopefully means i was misinterpreting.
by Natty Bumppo on Mar 20, 2009 7:30 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Quintin Laing
I’d also add a praise to Laing in the thoughts on the game.
He was back from an injury, and from a long time out of NHL, and yet he looked like belonging in the 4th line, hustling for every puck. He made that line better imho, and brings something to the team. With Gordon out 3-4 weeks, I hope he’s the one replacing him.
by mauree on Mar 20, 2009 7:58 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Its always been a shame to me he’s been in Hershey…he’s much better for this team than Brashear
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 20, 2009 8:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think that’s likely that he is, mauree. He certainly looked like he belonged out there. I agree that he didn’t look like an AHL callup to me — he just fit, somehow.
Mommy, can we keep him?
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Mar 20, 2009 8:09 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
He’s Gordo’s emergency callup right? I would say that he’s here to stay for a while.
by Sct112 on Mar 20, 2009 9:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
any news on green?
How bad is the injury? will he be back for saturday?
by snowburnt on Mar 20, 2009 8:10 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
A couple of things to add:
David Steckel (6-2) and Sergei Fedorov (10-7) also had decent nights in the dot. Even Nylander wasn’t that bad at 3-4. Is this a matter of Tampa Bay not having anyone who can win a draw?
Brian Pothier would have been for the most part invisible if I wasn’t looking explicitly for him, and he was +1 on the night. I think he’ll be okay. Yeah, I’m kind of carrying a banner for him right now. I want to see him do well.
Hope Green’s okay.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Mar 20, 2009 8:19 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I thought Pothier was pretty good last night. He made a couple of aggressive plays – one breakout pass and another play where he joined the rush – that the Caps’ D other than Green have lacked.
by grapejoos on Mar 20, 2009 6:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Respect the game, respect your opponent. Part of the problem with contemporary pro sports — and this is one of those rare problems that manifests itself in the NHL perhaps more than others — is a lack of respect for opponents. It manifests itself in the nature of vulnerable hits players unleash on one another that result in injury. This episode is benign in comparison, but it does show a disrespect for the game and opponent that hasn’t been present in Ovechkin’s game.
No player is bigger than the game, any game. Not even Ovechkin.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Mar 20, 2009 8:20 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Don’t you think its a fairly large stretch to compare Ovi’s goal celebrations to dangerous hits?
One directly endangers people and could potentially kill them, and the other is a goofball celebrating after he scores a goal. Seems similar to me.
And while yes, I should respect my opponents body and certainly not attempt to injure them, but in terms of “respect” in the sense of being “gracious”? Screw that. No one pays Alex to be “gracious”. They pay him to score goals and help the team win, and the amount of publicity he brings to the game and the team is a bonus. Everyone’s talking about him today, and in this case its a good thing from league that desperately needs personalities to market.
Bottom line, if you don’t want the man to score, and do random stuff, STOP HIM FROM SCORING. Why should he have to tailor his game and his personality as to not “offend” an opposing player?
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 20, 2009 8:25 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Ah, and this was what I was going to go into in my brewing FanPost – the idea of “respecting” the opponent and how maybe we’re just a little too easily offended.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Mar 20, 2009 8:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Its all this phony outrage we have in our society when people get “offended” by what they see/hear and decide everyone else has to know about it/be aware of how offended they are.
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 20, 2009 8:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Isn’t you telling everyone else what they’re not outraged by as bad as someone telling everyone else what should outrage them?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 20, 2009 8:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I never told anyone what they should/shouldn’t be outraged by. Be outraged all you want to about it, but don’t expect me to sit here and not be critical of it.
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 20, 2009 8:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And “outrage” is far to strong a word to describe my feelings on this, but I certainly understand your desire to position yourself as the measured, rational voice of reason on the issue.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 20, 2009 9:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Slow work day = lots of comments from YLM :D
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 20, 2009 9:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Heh. I hear that.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 20, 2009 9:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
outrage is more than a little bit of an exaggeration here. There is enough in the world these days to scare up a healthy outragfe over. What I feel about this is disappointment. Ovechkin’s better than this. It’s almost like the teenager next door, who I know to be a good kid, who plays an over the top Hallowe’en prank on my house. It’s stupid, selfish, and disrespectful, but not the sort of outrage that permanently colors my impressions of him. It’s more of the “I thought you were better than that sort of thing” moment.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Mar 20, 2009 9:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
After your reaction the other day in the Brodeur post, I know you’ll be 100% certain not to tell anyone what they’d think or feel, since you don’t know us and we don’t know you.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 20, 2009 8:43 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Damnit man. I was sitting here crafting a witty response to your initial post (above) and you trumped me with this post. Eventually I’m going to have to learn to get the thoughts out of my meager brain at a faster rate.
by Yoshietree on Mar 20, 2009 8:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yup. I was thinking more in terms of the sociology of unsportsmanlike conduct and how it applies to all professional sports rather than being specific about how any one person thinks. It’s about trends and a larger picture.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Mar 20, 2009 9:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t disagree with the basic sentiment, but I get the sense that you feel this is a relatively recent development. I’m not sure I can agree with that – I’ve seen too much footage on the Broad Street Bullies, or Deacon Jones, or Kermit Washington, or Pete Rose/Ty Cobb (ok, not so much footage there), etc etc etc. to agree. To the extent that major injuries are more common now from big hits, I think that’s largely a function of the bigger/faster/stronger athletes and the limitations of the human anatomy to sustain serious force/impact more than anything else.
Now, that’s mostly responding to the vulnerable hits point. In terms of showboating, I think that’s largely a result of the media coverage and whatnot.
by grapejoos on Mar 20, 2009 6:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Green and Ovie
In spite of what is on the WaPo site, Green did not look like someone who merely had the wind knocked out of him. He was still nursing the shoulder heading for the dressing room some time later.
On the celebration and a stuffy NHL: Ovie has already done enough to bring the NHL into line with celebrations in other pro sports. Time to slow it down.
by Bartolo on Mar 20, 2009 8:20 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I see both sides of the argument.
Was the celebration stupid? Yes. Absolutely. Unsportsmanlike? I don’t think so. He was clowning around and I didn’t read any intentional disrespect into that move – and you guys know that I read ill intent into everything.
Being an NHL newcomer, I’ll say this: The NHL really is stuffy and conservative as hell. I don’t even bother listening to intermission interviews, because it’s the same old pap from every player, and none of it means a thing. I’d rather listen to the mic-ups – now THOSE are worth listening to, four-letter words and all.
I feel a FanPost brewing, so I’ll stop there for now and save the deep philosophical rambling for later.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Mar 20, 2009 8:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Was the celebration stupid?
This is my #1 problem with the celebration — it was dumb. I can imagine a preplanned AO celebration that I would enjoy, but that one pulled me out of the elation of the goal and left me going “WTF?” If he’s going to piss everyone off, the least he could do is make it worthwhile.
by Gould Old Days on Mar 20, 2009 8:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Was the celebration stupid? Yes. Absolutely. Unsportsmanlike? I don’t think so. He was clowning around and I didn’t read any intentional disrespect into that move – and you guys know that I read ill intent into everything.
There doesn’t have to be intentional disrespect for there to be disrespect.
by David M. Getz on Mar 20, 2009 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I didn’t see any, and frankly I think this is a tempest in a teapot.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Mar 20, 2009 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nice 7-1 win, Caps...
A W’s a W, so I won’t rehash my major gripes from last night. But after 4 replays on my DVR, I still can’t see Semin’s hook.
Some comments.
I think Green’s “I’m OK” is BS. Could this be akin to Shamoo playing last year’s playoffs with a broken jaw?
And on Ovie’s celebration… my 2c. As a stand-alone act, I hate it. The fact that it was on visiting ice makes it even worse in my book. What confused me more than anything was the lack of response from TB. Maybe they didn’t think it was as bad, but I still hope to never see anything like that again until he scores 93. I’m even more saddened by the team he did it infront of. Aside from Vinny04, I have so much respect for most of TB’s guys, and to toss something like that towards Halpern, Pettinger and my favorite non-caps player in the game (26) just rubs me the wrong way.
As a whole, he did something nobody else in the history of the organization has ever done, maybe he gets a little leeway in his celebration allowance. But more than that, I think this celebration was a shot across Don Cherry’s bow. I hope he gets the memo, and I can’t wait to see his reaction. Part of me wishes Ovie had just flat out said: “Don, that was for you.”
I’m still on the side of “do not want” for his celebration, but I think it’s akin to swimming down the ice, Teemu’s Skeet shooting, and some other celebrations we have seen in the past. It’s not over-the-top. He wasn’t directing it at a specific player, or doing some throat slashing or whatever… But I still prefer his kiss to his bro, a jump into the boards and then a big man-pile in the corner.
by FFSEnough on Mar 20, 2009 8:32 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Cherry has no one but himself to blame…
HE was the one who originally called Ovi out, and HE was the one who brought it up again last week and claimed that Ovi was “listening” to him. You can’t just poke at the guy and expect him not to respond in some fashion
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 20, 2009 8:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
100% agree
If I were in Ovie’s shoes, I would have crafted something much worse to toss back at Don. Probably paint F U Cherry on my shorts and moon the camera.
Don’t confuse my post with outrage. I’m not outraged because I understand the context…but for most people who are just catching the you-tube or NHL.com of it, who don’t watch HNIC, it probably feels like something that doesn’t belong in this game.
by FFSEnough on Mar 20, 2009 8:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If I were in Ovie’s shoes, I would have crafted something much worse to toss back at Don.
Like a YouTube tribute to Don afterward celebrating the goal, with Nicky, Mikey, and Jose?
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Mar 20, 2009 9:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would have had a classic Cherry jacket waiting on the bench so that after I scored, I’d wave it around on my stick like a flag…
Cherry is going to get it someday. It may not be from Ovi, but he’s going to get a nice comeback. (Said in the same tone Cherry used when talking about how Ovi has it coming.)
"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 20, 2009 9:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Some big defensemen, waiting in the weeds is gonna cut him in half?
If it was that specifically at Cherry, it changes my opinion (though not a ton). I have a problem with McKenna and TB being brought into it.
by Sct112 on Mar 20, 2009 9:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It exists no longer
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 20, 2009 9:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Now that we have clarified that I change my position on this entirely. :)
by Sct112 on Mar 20, 2009 9:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But after 4 replays on my DVR, I still can’t see Semin’s hook.
I didn’t see it either (only 2 replays), but the refs policed themselves and called one of the TBL for hooking Semin later in the game. Exact same thing, no real hook, but the stick was around the hands.
by Yoshietree on Mar 20, 2009 8:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Isn’t that interesting, no idea why it quoted the entire message…
by Yoshietree on Mar 20, 2009 8:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m starting to see it more and more… the Expansion of the definition of a hook. I see it called soooo often on Feds and Semin that I’m wondering if there’s some secret rule I don’t understand somewhere. There has to be a measure of restraint. A love-tap from behind in the hands is not a hook, yet 91, 28 and 3 get called for it sooooo damn often.
by FFSEnough on Mar 20, 2009 8:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can’t argue that point…other than to say that last night I thought the refs did a good job of calling it equally/fairly…even if it doesn’t meet the criteria of a hook….
Hooking is the act of using the stick in a manner that enables a player to restrain an opponent.
(NOTE) When a player is checking another in such a way that there is only stick-to-stick contact, such action is not to be penalized as hooking.
A minor penalty shall be imposed on a player who impedes the progress of an opponent by “hooking” with his stick.
A major penalty and a game misconduct shall be imposed on any player who injures an opponent by “hooking”. A player who has been assessed a major penalty and a game misconduct under this Rule shall be automatically fined one hundred dollars ($100).
by Yoshietree on Mar 20, 2009 8:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t want it equal and fair, I want it called as it is. That’s all I ask. IMO, “makeup calls” are worse than when you honestly have a poor view of a play and call something that’s not there.
by FFSEnough on Mar 20, 2009 8:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I couldn’t agree more regarding make up calls. But I expect ref’s too call each team the same way also. And if the duo last night decided to call the stick around the hands a hook on the Caps, I expect them to call it the other direction as well. Same goes for chintzy (sp?) interference calls…like the one in Philly on Backstrom…the difference there was that the Caps were being abused on the ice with no calls, then Backstrom gets called for a brush of the shoulders. THAT was a make-up call to even the PP opportunities. Last night’s was them calling a penalty the same way for both teams.
by Yoshietree on Mar 20, 2009 8:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I saw the hook. Maybe because I’m on Centre Ice and drew the Tampa feed. The defender tries to stick check Semin, and Semin lets go of the puck and swats the defender’s stick away before taking the shot. Weak in my opinion, but there was something there. And I really don’t know why the defenders can do more with their sticks than the offensive players, but there you go.
by Gould Old Days on Mar 20, 2009 8:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I saw a fantastic piece of work to win back a puck Semin had just given up. But a Hook I did not see. The key part of the rule is restraint, at no point in his two lift-check attempts did Semin ever restrain the defender, and I still don’t even know if he even hit his hands. It never looked like it from the live feed, and was not conclusive on the corner feed.
by FFSEnough on Mar 20, 2009 8:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I said it was weak yesterday. I still think it was a pretty soft call, but I can see how it was called a hook. If he had been 6-8 inches lower rather than up near the hands I don’t think it would have been called. I’m alright with Semin taking that penalty, its the one where he gives up the puck at the red line because he’s dancing and takes a bad penalty that really drives me crazy.
by Sct112 on Mar 20, 2009 9:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Restraint...
Key to the rule is restraint, which there was none of in this case. Most of Semin’s, sure as hell he’s restraining someone. What got me going last night was that it was a 2 goal swing. Enough on this topic now. A W’s a W. Magic number is 7 and we still have Florida on our minds.
by FFSEnough on Mar 20, 2009 9:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Honestly? I’ve got New Jersey on my mind more than Florida. Sure we pulled ahead of them, but they now have three games in hand on us. I don’t think that lead’s going to last long. As I said elsewhere, Let’s focus on chasing New Jersey for that #2 slot; the rest of the conference will take care of itself, and that includes Boston. The top slot is theirs to lose, and right now, they’re making a mighty effort at it.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Mar 20, 2009 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Your description != hooking
Hooking is when the stick is used to restrain another player…your description is more of a lift check.
by snowburnt on Mar 20, 2009 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Its a hook because he restrained the players hands. That is what Fraser saw anyway.
by Sct112 on Mar 20, 2009 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That’s the point. What the refs are seeing aren’t hooks, and it’s annoying as hell. Most penalties have clearly defines definitions, and more and more the refs are tossing them out the window. Semin didn’t impede the player’s progress at all, he was in front of him, and what he did was not a hook. Tapping his glove (while the guy was trying to hold Semin’s stick no less) is not restraining his hands.
Half the hooks they call aren’t hooks at all. Many of the trips they call aren’t trips. In so many cases it’s as if the refs haven’t even read the wording of the rule, or even worse just don’t care.
by brs03 on Mar 20, 2009 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I didn’t see it on replay either, I think it happens when the Lightning guy is facing away from the camera angle (the angle I saw on tv anyway). It’s a quick jab to the hands while Semin is fighting for position and trying to get his stick clear.
The jab cannot be seen from the angle, but it made sense to me that that’s when it happened. The ref presumably thought this jab to the hands/wrist is what allowed Semin to win the battle for the puck.
by Icebat on Mar 20, 2009 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
A little perspective please
A couple of things on the AO celebration and then I’m done with this tempest in a teapot. For starters, elaborate goal celebrations hardly started with Alex. Anyone remember Tiger Williams riding his stick down the ice after scoring a goal or Theo Fleury doing a headlong dive and sliding 100 feet on his stomach? Or what about the guys who used to pretend their stick was a gun after scoring and fire a couple of shots into the crowd? If you want to go really old school, Eddie Shack used to dance on his tip toes after scoring. Here’s what AO did: a stupid little routine with his stick in the corner of the ice after accomplishing a feat that’s only been done by two other guys in the history of the league. Here’s what he didn’t do: he didn’t stare at the goalie, he didn’t point at the Tampa bench, he didn’t skate to center ice and do a dance on the Lightning logo, he didn’t skate around the rink with his arms raised taunting the crowd. So his celebration was a over the top. Big deal. It wasn’t malicious. It wasn’t mean spirited. And it certainly wasn’t an attempt to embarrass the opposition. As for Tochett, I find it laughable that he should be concerned about it not being the right thing to do. This is coming from a guy who brought national shame to the league when he was convicted of a felony offense for running a multi-million dollar gambling ring while he was a coach in Phoenix. Sorry Rick, but were was all that concern about the league’s reputation when you were placing your $1,000 bets while coaching an NHL team?
by b.orr4 on Mar 20, 2009 8:53 AM EDT reply actions 13 recs
Think that was Selanne who first threw his gloves into the air and “shot” them with his stick like skeet pigeons.
by Stephen Pepper on Mar 20, 2009 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You’re right. That was hysterical and, I might add, incredibly creative.
by b.orr4 on Mar 20, 2009 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Was he also the guy who after he fired his stick/gun would slide it into his holster?
by b.orr4 on Mar 20, 2009 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
About taunting the croud: it sounded on the replays like it was a real caps crowd down there. There was a lot of noise when the caps scored: moreso than when the bolts scored
by snowburnt on Mar 20, 2009 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
rec’d
Perspective is good.
The keyboard is mightier.
by breed16 on Mar 20, 2009 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
These are my thoughts exactly. It wasn’t as though it was a random goal, I don’t think he is going to do it again, and everyone needs to lighten up.
Thank you b.orr4!
rec’d x ∞
by Ovechwin on Mar 20, 2009 11:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The thing that irks me most about the celebration is how different it is from the rest of them. What I always enjoyed about Ovie and his celebrations was the spontaneity and the raw exuberance behind them. It was joy, that simple, that pure. This stick stunt, to me, is the exact opposite of that. It was premeditated, calculated… and therefore mean spirited, malicious, and “in your face Tampa Bay.”
Mostly though, this is just a reminder of how young all these guys are.
by Sct112 on Mar 20, 2009 9:30 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
By The Way
The Caps are four points behind the Bruins. I know playoff seeding isn’t that important when compared to protecting the integrity of the game, but I just thought I’d throw that out.
by b.orr4 on Mar 20, 2009 9:38 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Do I note a bit of sarcasm.
never let the truth get in the way of a good story
by toymechanic on Mar 20, 2009 9:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
HA
Could Boston really fall to 3rd? That would be a real collapse.
by Sct112 on Mar 20, 2009 9:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t think that there is any chance that the Caps will catch NJ (they have 3 in hand right?) But catching Boston doesn’t seem out of the question. They have been playing poorly, the Caps play TB/Atlanta/Toronto all going down the stretch. The Caps can certainly finish on a 7-2 run or something.
Wouldn’t take much for Boston to fall back.
by Sct112 on Mar 20, 2009 9:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t think it’s impossible, honestly. They have not been playing well lately. Given that NJ has three games in hand on us, I don’t think we necessarily catch them, either, though I wouldn’t call it impossible either. You know what they say about on any given night ….
I’d say what we need to do is continue to wrangle New Jersey for that #2 slot. Boston will do what it’s going to do. let the chips fall where they may.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Mar 20, 2009 9:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
In an ideal world, I’d love to see NJ overtake the Bruins for the top spot and the Caps overtake the Bruins for the #2 spot. Assuming a first round win, that would have the Caps with home ice advantage against the Bruins (a matchup I really like) and the Devils in a steel cage death match against the winner of the probably Pitt/Philly first rounder.
by b.orr4 on Mar 20, 2009 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes sir. Exactly this. This is what I think we need to gun for. Forget Boston. They’ll take care of themselves. Forget Florida. Forget Carolina. Our problem is to bust tail and chase New Jersey. If we do this and things continue as they are, I wouldn’t bet against the scenario you describe.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Mar 20, 2009 10:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So we play for second to avoid the Philly/Pitt matchup as long as possible?
by Sct112 on Mar 20, 2009 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’d rather play Boston than either one, honestly. My figuring is, time enough for revenge later. Hardware is the thing.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Mar 20, 2009 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Most definitely avoid Philly/Pitt winner. That’s why i want no part of the #1 spot. I really like the Caps position now.
by b.orr4 on Mar 20, 2009 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Speaking of the AO-Backstrom-Alex Semin trio, a good friend floated the theory to me that Bruce Boudreau has been skating them together so that he can look back after five games, show them how unproductive they’ve been and that’ll be the end of that. Interesting theory.
Hell of a theory, hope it’s true…..As long as Semin in up on that line, I’m guessing he won’t get much if any PK time to keep his minutes in check.
never let the truth get in the way of a good story
by toymechanic on Mar 20, 2009 9:39 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
All the more reason to break it up.
And rec’d for actually discussing an in-game topic.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 20, 2009 9:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My feelings on this line are well documented. Ovie’s half shot/half pass that he wanted Semin to tip last night is exactly what I don’t want to see from Ovie…
by Sct112 on Mar 20, 2009 9:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes. Agreed.
And well documenting something does not mean you can’t beat it like a dead horse. :)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 20, 2009 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And well documenting something does not mean you can’t beat it like a dead horse.
Thank goodness… Give Fehr more ice Time!!!!! Bench Nyls!!! (I’m changing my tune on that by the way)… Where’s Aucoin!!!!
by Sct112 on Mar 20, 2009 10:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was justh appy to see the secondary scoring and traffic in front of TB’s net. I really hope that they are finally getting the picture. The defense was not as good as the FLA game though, and Poti looked a bit out of it at some points. I think I would have scratched Poti and kept Erskine in.
by SethB on Mar 20, 2009 9:49 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Green says he’s fine, Bruce says he’s fine….that means he probably won’t skate Saturday night…. but it doesn’t hurt to let the ’Canes think he will.
As for the celebration…so what? How is it different from Tiger WIlliams’ riding the stick after goals, or Temu Selannne shooting down pidgeons with his stick? He’s done something like this exactly once….
by MikeL-Caps on Mar 20, 2009 9:51 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
My attitude. It’s stupid and silly and I hope he doesn’t do it again, but it’s sure not worth the amount of discussion being put into it. And if he did it to tweak Cherry, I’ll laugh.
Didn’t Green say he was fine after Pronger rammed him into the boards, before?
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Mar 20, 2009 9:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t recall the direct quote, but I do remember him saying “I ain’t dead and it ain’t broken” after aggravating the injury, and sure enough, he played the next game.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 20, 2009 9:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Something like that. I guess we’ll see on Saturday.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Mar 20, 2009 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Didn’t Tiger only ride his stick one time?
I have as many wins in a Capitals uniform as Michael Belhumeur does.
by marky narc on Mar 20, 2009 9:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nah, he did it a lot. And everybody thought it was funny. Of course, he didn’t score very often.
by b.orr4 on Mar 20, 2009 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Would our response be different if Bradley had done it? I would say yes … don’t ask me why.
by Sct112 on Mar 20, 2009 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He soooooo should have done it after that shootout goal (ok, maybe not, we still needed a save, but still….)
by brs03 on Mar 20, 2009 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
MY problem with the Green injury is how that TB skater deliberately pulled him down.
by SethB on Mar 20, 2009 9:59 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Beating TBL isn’t important. The potential 52 injury is.
It is not even mentioned in TEB’s game story. TEB appears to have bought the team’s/52’s ’I’m fine’ line. Corey was, uh, considerably more skeptical.
by TylerG on Mar 20, 2009 10:01 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I would be shocked to see him in the Carolina game. It’s laughable that they think anybody is going to buy the “wind knocked out of him” line.
by b.orr4 on Mar 20, 2009 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would, too. Give him a break for the playoffs – that’s where we’ll really need him.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Mar 20, 2009 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Everyone thinks that King Karl will be the call-up then?
by Sct112 on Mar 20, 2009 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don’t think we can afford King Karl, honestly. Salary cap is still in effect.
I hate to say it, but wouldn’t Sami Lepisto be the closest match for Green?
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Mar 20, 2009 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If it’s just a minor injury (one or two games), I’m guessing they’ll probably just put Erskine in. If it were more serious, Alzner can come up since he can’t hit that magical 40 games played mark any longer.
by b.orr4 on Mar 20, 2009 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What are the salary cap implications of that? I bet that they will still bring someone up just to have them. If Greener can’t go on Saturday they will have lost the chance to bring up an emergency callup for him.
by Sct112 on Mar 20, 2009 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can’t you only bring up an emergency callup if there are no healthy scratches at the position? We scratched Erskine last night, so we may not bne able to bring up anyone for him.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Mar 20, 2009 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 20, 2009 10:06 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
A torn spleen? If it wasn’t March 20th, I’d say April Fool’s.
Ouch to him and I hope he recovers well. He did good in that one game.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Mar 20, 2009 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow….he’s hardcore
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 20, 2009 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You just ruined my day. Damn, he looked really good out there. So who comes up now? Maybe C-Bo?
by b.orr4 on Mar 20, 2009 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Probably Giroux :P
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 20, 2009 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lord I hope not. I’d rather see C-Bo. He deserves it and he’s got Laing’s hustle and willingness to work.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Mar 20, 2009 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They’re ultimately replacing Gordon and I don’t think Giroux or Aucoin fit that bill. C-Bo sounds like the guy to me and he deserves the shot. You know he’ll play his heart out.
by b.orr4 on Mar 20, 2009 10:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Absolutely agree with that. Give C-Bo a sweater.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Mar 20, 2009 10:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
How do you mean?
I see Aucoin and C-Bo as being very similar players. And I saw Aucoin playing his heart out in Atlanta.
by Sct112 on Mar 20, 2009 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Aucoin is the leading scorer in the AHL. He’s more of a skill guy. Agreed he played great in Atlanta, but he really needs to be on one of the scoring lines to be successful. Bourque has skill, but he can play on a checking line and he’s not afraid to take the body. Plus, he’s going to be an RFA after this season and I think the Caps need to know if he can play at this level.
by b.orr4 on Mar 20, 2009 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know that Aucoin is a skill guy in the AHL, I’m not sure that he fits that bill in the NHL. What makes him different is that I think that he knows that. He works hard because he knows he’s only going to get paid if he’s outworking people.
The point about knowing what CBo can bring to the table is a good one though. I would not have a problem with bringing him up for an evaluation before he becomes an RFA.
by Sct112 on Mar 20, 2009 10:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Totally agree on similarity. I’d go with Aucoin. A veteran who is a former Cane. The guy plays bigger than he is and I have liked what I’ve seen from him when they’ve called him up.
by CP2Devil on Mar 20, 2009 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I see the point about a former Cane, but CBo has done well when he’s been up here and has not been given enough of a shake, I think. For that reason I’d give mild preference to C-Bo.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Mar 20, 2009 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bourque deserves a shot, but McPhee will be looking for a penalty-killing forward with the recall to replace Gordon. I’m not familiar enough with Hershey’s penalty-killers to have a good sense of who that will be (A. Gordon or Beagle would be my best guesses).
We all know what we really need: give Semin that extra PK time and recall Bourque!
The keyboard is mightier.
by breed16 on Mar 20, 2009 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m all for giving Osala another look…but I assume they would need him more in Hershey no?
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 20, 2009 10:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t think Osala fits the Gordon bill.
And … WHO THE HELL INVITED THE INJURY BUG BACK?
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Mar 20, 2009 10:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well…They played really well during the injury bug streak
by snowburnt on Mar 20, 2009 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
…hey Stretch, I hope you have an NHL-legal stick. :P
In all seriousness, while that’s true, that’s not how I want to go into the playoffs, thanks.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Mar 20, 2009 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I doubt Hershey would be the consideration of whether to call him up. I could see him on the fourth line, but I wonder if that’s a bad fit for him.
by b.orr4 on Mar 20, 2009 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
How about Beag’s? He did pretty well at the 4th C for a game or two.
by bigonetimer on Mar 20, 2009 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He’s a definite possibility? In a way, I think the Gordon injury isn’t a bad thing. He was looking a little worn down lately and the time off should have him rested for the first round
by b.orr4 on Mar 20, 2009 10:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know this is crass, but
The first thing I thought of (well, second, after, geez, that sucks for him) was—at least he’s on IR making NHL money instead of AHL money.
by bilspacecadet on Mar 20, 2009 10:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That’s not crass, that’s reality. I bet that’s the second thing that crossed his mind (and his wife’s).
by b.orr4 on Mar 20, 2009 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good silver lining. If ever there was a guy that deserved it.
by Fehr and Balanced on Mar 20, 2009 7:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Scratching my head...
Let’s face it, Ovechkin runs people. Game after game, he takes 10 full strides and leaves his feat on guys with their heads down, open ice.
No one here ever complains about that.
Yet a harmless little celebration, commemorating a milestone that puts him in the company of only Gretzky and Bossy (3 50-goal seasons in his first four) incites stronger negative reactions than I’ve seen all season.
Can someone please explain?
The keyboard is mightier.
by breed16 on Mar 20, 2009 10:30 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
passion, playing right up to the edge of the rules (and over them) vs. shallow, soccer-like premeditation.
Sorry, I cringed. it was so stupid
by bigonetimer on Mar 20, 2009 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
One is dangerous, up to the edge of criminality. Pretty sure the players are overwhelmingly in favor of cracking down on hits to the head.
One is joviality and entertainment.
I smiled.
The keyboard is mightier.
by breed16 on Mar 20, 2009 10:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He drills people but I haven’t really seen him hit guys that shouldn’t have been expecting it and I rarely see him leave his feEt. Who cares if it’s in the open ice or not, if they have the puck or just gave up the puck they should have their head on a swivel.
I’d say the harmless celebration criticism was more like criticising it based on anything else he could have done. It was weak and kinda stupid.
I’m kinda glad he did something, but that really was pretty silly.
by snowburnt on Mar 20, 2009 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
"He drills people but I haven’t really seen him hit guys that shouldn’t have been expecting it and I rarely see him leave his feEt. "
He plays clean and hard mostly, but on more than several instances he’s charging and leaving his feet.
I’m just saying if there’s any disrespectful behavior to criticize, it’s that. The celebrations are innocuous.
The keyboard is mightier.
by breed16 on Mar 20, 2009 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The celebrations are innocuous.
I disagree. I’ll leave it there.
by Sct112 on Mar 20, 2009 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Innocuous in the sense that there is no risk of harm. A dangerous hit to the head could be very dangerous.
If he’s going to “pay the price” for anything, it’s for the way he hits occasionally, not the way he celebrates.
The keyboard is mightier.
by breed16 on Mar 20, 2009 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I argue that pride/egos heal more slowly than anything. Whether he intended to offend anyone or not, if personal offense was taken, it won’t soon be forgotten.
by Sct112 on Mar 20, 2009 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If personal offense was taken it’s their own fault for letting him score. Seriously, getting offended over a goal celebration is such a stupid thing to do if you’re a player (if you’re a fan it’s different, but he wasn’t facing the fans). You are the ones that let him score. You could have prevented it, but you didn’t. You failed, get over it.
FTR I didn’t like it, it was kinda lame. He could have come up with something much better, especially if others were in on it.
by brs03 on Mar 20, 2009 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
this “pay the price” talk is the disgusting part of the discussion of Alex Ovechkin. Basically what is being said is that there is a team or player that is so jealous of his skills that they are going to cheap shot him? Is this the “Bad news bears” or is this a professional sport?
It’s despicable that someone like Cherry would be basically asking someone to put a hit out on one of the best players to date, not to mention one of the classier players off the ice. The fighting discussions aside it’s no wonder hockey isn’t more popular.
by snowburnt on Mar 20, 2009 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Basically what is being said is that there is a team or player that is so jealous of his skills that they are going to cheap shot him? Is this the "Bad news bears" or is this a professional sport?
No. What is being said is that someone might take a run at him if he shows them up or takes a run at one of their teammates, which is true. It doesn’t have anything to do with his talent.
It’s despicable that someone like Cherry would be basically asking someone to put a hit out on one of the best players to date, not to mention one of the classier players off the ice. The fighting discussions aside it’s no wonder hockey isn’t more popular.
The same thing happens in all sports. You celebrate excessively in the NFL (if that’s possible), they’ll look to pop you. Show up the other team in basketball, there’s a hard foul the next time you go to the basket. Stare at a home run you just hit, you’re getting plunked the next time at bat.
by David M. Getz on Mar 20, 2009 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Manny Ramirez always points and looks at home runs and doesn’t get plunked often.
by Ovechwin on Mar 20, 2009 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ManRam is also what former teammates refer to as “a cancer.”
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 20, 2009 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yea, but he doesn’t get plunked for it.
by Ovechwin on Mar 20, 2009 11:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If your teammates don’t give a shit about you then they aren’t going to stick up for you. I seem to remember a similar line of reasoning going on in the Pens GDT when nobody jumped to Crosby’s side at the end of the second.
by Fehr and Balanced on Mar 20, 2009 11:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He’s hit 527 career home runs, and you could count the ones where he showed up the pitcher on your hands, I believe. And he’s generally pretty high in the hit by pitch department.
by David M. Getz on Mar 20, 2009 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think anyone that says AO doesn’t leave his feet is willfully blinding themselves to reality. He does sometimes, no question. He’s an animal, and that’s part of what makes him great.
by grapejoos on Mar 20, 2009 6:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No one ever complains about it? Are you serious? Mike Richards, Sidney Crosby, and Don Cherry have all complained about it this season alone. Rick Tocchet didn’t openly complain but he hinted at it when AO destroyed Heward. Besides, in NHL history questionable hits are far far far more common than exuberant, self-centered celebrations. That is why people are focusing on it.
by Fehr and Balanced on Mar 20, 2009 7:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Really, I’d just have an easier time believing that stick was “too hot to handle” if Ovie had scored his 50th when he first said he would, and not two games later.
by sonia on Mar 20, 2009 10:40 AM EDT reply actions 2 recs
Ha. Great point. He sat on 49 for a while…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 20, 2009 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe Ovechkin had someone do that chicken bone/voodoo thing over his stic like they did in Major League?
by b.orr4 on Mar 20, 2009 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Are you tellin’ me Jesus Christ couldn’t stop a wrist shot?
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 20, 2009 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not you if go high glove.
Oh, sorry, you said “Christ,” not “Price.” My mistake.
by brs03 on Mar 20, 2009 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ah Heyzoos. He’s good, but he no stop wrist shot.
by David M. Getz on Mar 20, 2009 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’d pay to hear Ovie say; “F*** you JoBoo, I do it myself!”
by Sct112 on Mar 20, 2009 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I liked the fact that Ovie basically raised a middle finger to Don Cherry, but I hope thats the last we see of the pre planned celebration
by Sombrero Guy on Mar 20, 2009 10:44 AM EDT reply actions 2 recs
Calling Dr. El-Bashir, calling Dr. El-Bashir
According to Tarik, “If I had to speculate, I would guess that he’s (Green) got an abdominal or oblique strain.”
Oblique strain? Is this a new version of " I’m not a doctor but I play one in the newspaper"?
by b.orr4 on Mar 20, 2009 11:02 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
People want the WaPo to give more coverage of the caps…TEB will deliver
by snowburnt on Mar 20, 2009 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He did play hockey, maybe he’s been around enough injuries to figure what might be wrong.
by brs03 on Mar 20, 2009 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Regarding the "Our D-Men Must Shoot More!" Movement
Look at the 5th goal last night. Morrisson anticipates, one-times a shot, the rebound is too much for McKenna and the Lightning D to handle, and Bradley pots the rebound.
That’s the quick release point-shot we need to see more of.
The keyboard is mightier.
by breed16 on Mar 20, 2009 11:43 AM EDT reply actions 3 recs
I think I’m going to rec every “hockey” comment made in this thread from now on.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 20, 2009 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just curious – if the crossbar was four inches lower, would Green have a single goal this season? Kid sure does like to go top shelf where mama keeps the peanut butter.
The goal he broke the consecutive game mark with was on/near the ice. Other than that….
by David M. Getz on Mar 20, 2009 12:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
If the crossbar was four inches lower, he’d just go top shelf on that goal frame too!
by Stephen Pepper on Mar 20, 2009 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t doubt it. Seriously, I’d love to see him in the Accuracy Competition at the next ASG skills comp.
by David M. Getz on Mar 20, 2009 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Laing tribute
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1HLq6hWQV0
by Icebat on Mar 20, 2009 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Only if he only had to hit the top corners.
by Sct112 on Mar 20, 2009 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wouldn’t that require him to be selected as an all-star? Oh wait…
by grapejoos on Mar 20, 2009 6:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I liked what I saw from Matt Lashoff last night…I think Boston is really going to regret trading him for Recchi
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 20, 2009 12:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Hopefully their regret won’t make them Lash Out. ;)
"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 20, 2009 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
wow, the puns never end! You must be on the same meds Locker was on last night.
by SethB on Mar 20, 2009 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry… YLM and I enjoy the puns and word play. It’s probably a good thing for the rest of the world that we took each other off the market. :)
"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 20, 2009 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
As long as you don’t use Smabey in one, it’s all good in the hood!
by SethB on Mar 20, 2009 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
LOL I got all of those out during the game last night. I won’t subject you to those.
"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 20, 2009 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thank you, that would be to cerebral and diminutive for me to take!
by SethB on Mar 20, 2009 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
okey dokey spelling gestapo! I’m pretty sure I spelled it correctly
by SethB on Mar 20, 2009 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s Sct’s joke that has now failed twice. :)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 20, 2009 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m 6’4" so not a true Napoleon complex. But if you’re asking if I’m an egomanic, probably.
As much as it pains me to admit it, J.P. is right, Locker called St. Louis “diminitive” last night, and my misspelling is a shot at Locker’s poor pronunciation. It wasn’t a good joke last night, apparently worse today.
That said, I rec’d DMG comment Jasper.
by Sct112 on Mar 20, 2009 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey, maybe the third time will be the charm.
And now that I know you’re 6’4", perhaps I’ll stop poking fun.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 20, 2009 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Come on tough guy, weren’t you ready to take on Boogard?
by Fehr and Balanced on Mar 20, 2009 7:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ah, I get it! I get jokes! I didn’t notice Lockers flub, too busy looking at how small St. Louis actually is.
by SethB on Mar 20, 2009 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wonder if he does or ever has represented the Lollipop Guild in some fashion
by SethB on Mar 20, 2009 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Locker’s “smaby not” had even ME rolling my eyes…thats when you know its bad
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 20, 2009 1:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I laughed my tail off. I grew up waging pun wars with my dad and my dad’s dad, and I wish I’d thought of it.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Mar 20, 2009 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Or in our case, Flash out?
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Mar 20, 2009 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed. Thought it was too much at the time and still think it.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 20, 2009 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Recchi is playing pretty well for them. Too bad the rest of the team is tanking. I really hope NJD passes BOS. That set’s it up best for us. PIT/PHI first round. Winner gets NJD second round. Winner goes to the ECF. I’d rather play BOS than NJD, PHI, or PIT and this layout has us only having to play one of NJD/PHI/PIT. If only it were that simple…
by Fehr and Balanced on Mar 20, 2009 7:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’d rather play Boston that PHI or NJD. I ain’t skeered of PIT.
The B’s do seem to have playoff letdown written all over them, though.
by grapejoos on Mar 20, 2009 8:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not saying I’m scared of PIT. I’m saying they are a tougher opponent than BOS right now. PIT has been on fire since the coaching change. BOS has been slowing down basically since the all star break. PIT also has plenty of playoff experience all around while BOS has much less experience. If we get PIT how do you match up? They have two 1C’s and we don’t have any real shutdown D pairs, IMO. Green probably goes out against one and Poti goes out against the other but I don’t love either of those match ups.
by Fehr and Balanced on Mar 20, 2009 8:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What about Nylander?
How is nobody talking about Nyls?
I actually thought he was pretty good last night. He was being Nyls, but I can’t think of any “Aww Nyls, Really?” moments.
When do people get off the “buyout his contract” bandwagon? He’s only got two fewer points than Flash, and a better +/-.
by Sct112 on Mar 20, 2009 12:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I think a lot of us got off that bandwagon after Gould Old Days’ great Fan Post on the possibility.
by David M. Getz on Mar 20, 2009 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I need to spend more time here on the weekends, but I’m not at work, so, I probably won’t spend too much more time here.
That said, (excellent work Gould) his approach is purely from the Salary Cap vantage point. I’m actually suggesting that he might still be a contributor on the offensive side. (Don’t shoot me!)
by Sct112 on Mar 20, 2009 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree. That Fan Post changed my mind. I am pretty shocked that Nyls has almost caught Flash in points. Considering Nyls has looked pretty good the last few games (good for him, probably the best he’s looked all year in consecutive games) and Flash has stunk for the past couple months I’d say Nyls probably catches Flash before the season ends. How embarrassing. Hopefully when BB looks down and realizes that Nyls was worthless all year and still had more points than Flash his Hershey attachment to Flash will end.
by Fehr and Balanced on Mar 20, 2009 7:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think that happens when people get of the JT stinks bandwagon. ;)
"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 20, 2009 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Or the “Schultz sucks because he doesn’t hit” bandwagon.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Mar 20, 2009 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think at this point nobody talking about Nyls is good. He had a nice goal (he shot it! without hesitation!) and only had one ill-timed 360 that I can remember (caused an offside).
Of course, there’s also the issue of his red-headed countryman who is doing his best to take the heat off of Nyls with his ineffective play.
I’m all for Nylander contributing. The Caps could use him. Hopefully he’s getting some confidence back.
by grapejoos on Mar 20, 2009 6:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Czech Republic <> Sweden
Or is there another “red-headed countryman” I’m not thinking about?
by brs03 on Mar 20, 2009 6:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You are correct. For some reason I was convinced Flash was a Swede. Thanks for the correction – I would have gone on thinking that forever.
Backstrom, you’re officially off the hook.
by grapejoos on Mar 20, 2009 8:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Washington
|
72 | 48 | 14 | 10 | 106 |
|
Atlanta
|
72 | 32 | 29 | 11 | 75 |
|
Florida
|
71 | 29 | 31 | 11 | 69 |
|
Carolina
|
72 | 30 | 34 | 8 | 68 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
72 | 28 | 32 | 12 | 68 |
(updated 3.22.2010 at 9:14 AM EDT)
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