All We Are Saying Is Give Keith A Chance
by J.P. on Mar 27, 2009 11:30 AM EDT
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After a recent embarrassing loss to Atlanta, Caps' bench boss Bruce Boudreau heaped praise upon a single player, dimunitive pivot Keith Aucoin.
"Here's a 5-foot-7 guy, there's a reason he's leading the American league in scoring." Boudreau said. "He's160 pounds soaking wet and he's finishing checks and winning battles against big guys. There's no reason that our other guys can't do that."
For that effort, Aucoin was rewarded with a healthy scratch the next game when Sergei Fedorov returned to the lineup and a subsequent demotion before seeing another NHL game, which was an interesting message to send to a team whose energy level has left a lot to be desired for a while now.
But Aucoin hasn't just been one of the Caps' hardest workers when he has played, he's also been fairly effective in limited ice time. No, he hasn't produced much on the score sheet (a single assist), but he has the best Corsi Rating in the NHL of anyone who has played a minimum of five games, and has been on the ice for three Caps goals and nary a one for the opposition. Granted, that sample size is as small as Aucoin himself, but he also led last year's Carolina Hurricanes in Corsi, and had 13 points in 38 games in limited minutes, so the notion that he can play the game a bit isn't exactly far-fetched.
Is Keith Aucoin the answer? Probably not (especially since he makes the Swedish centers on the team look like dominant face off men by comparison). The Caps are still probably better off in the long-run making lemonade with their current third-line lemon. But as Gabby noted there's a reason Aucoin is leading the AHL in scoring. Given the alternative(s) and his performances so far, we should get another chance or two to see what that reason is, and tonight should be such an opportunity. Let's see what he does with it.
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I agree, and this speaks to one of the (very few) frustrating aspects of Boudreau’s coaching style: a meritless rewards system.
The keyboard is mightier.
a meritless rewards system.
Sounds like he’s gotten used to living in DC.
by Rob Parker on Mar 27, 2009 6:34 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Great Alliteration!
bench boss Bruce Boudreau
"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
Exactly what I was saying the other day during discussions on who Caps should call up. Aucoin is solid and certainly is better NHL-wise option right now than Giroux, Osala, C-Bo, etc.
I actually had this post written and ready to go when they sent him down. Glad I got to use it. :)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Over due
1) Long over due to send a mesage to folks who haven’t been getting it done. Appears Schultz is going to sit in the press box tonight. When will Boudreau’s other pet, Flash, sit out a game or two?
Flash is reminding me a lot of those real toolsy baseball players that never seem to be able to generage an effective on-field performance. Corey Patterson springs to mind here. The coaches look at him, see his skill set and start drooling, thinking “if this guy could just put it together…”. Only he never does. The whole is always less than the sum of the parts, for some reason.
With Flash, I’m sure in practice he shows great hands, great quickness, great puck skills…but he has been invisible in games for quite some time now.
Is there a better option currently available in the system, though?
Flash is reminding me a lot of those real toolsy baseball players that never seem to be able to generage an effective on-field performance. Corey Patterson springs to mind here.
Ruben Rivera!
A better option for a sweater a roster spot? I’m not sure there is. A better option for the ice time Fleischmann gets? I would think so.
As has been said before, I think people are underestimating what the pneumonia did to the kid. Sure he had 3 goals in the four games he returned, but he simply hasn’t looked the same. In the first half of the season he was swift skating and had vastly improved his puck control, especially down low. That’s straight weight room, homey. The pneumonia robbed him of it and he isn’t filled out enough yet to make up for such atrophy.
The keyboard is mightier.
If that’s the case, you really have to wonder why the team kept playing rather than giving him a couple weeks to get his weight and strength back.
I really do wonder. If I had to speculate, it’s a combination of a.) a desperate need for secondary scoring, b.) Flash insisting that, with symptoms gone, he could play, and c.) Bruce catering to his favorite AHL all-star. As an old coach used to say, it only takes one week to undo three months of getting into shape.
The keyboard is mightier.
All excellent points. I also think that there are some psychological issues going on here. I think (just a guess) that the coaching staff is reluctant to bench Flash because of the potential impact on his already-fragile confidence.
Absolutely. But the flip side (in theory) is once he scores one, he’ll go on a hot streak. So he keeps getting minutes, and we keep waiting….and nothing doing.
The keyboard is mightier.
Perhaps Flash reminds Boudreau of himself? Great hands/offensive flair who couldn’t put it together consistently to stick in The Show?
You know what I love?
That a blogger thinks that any coach in this league is going to choose Aucoin over Sergei Fedorov.
“For that effort, Aucoin was rewarded with a healthy scratch the next game when Sergei Fedorov returned to the lineup and a subsequent demotion before seeing another NHL game, which was an interesting message to send to a team whose energy level has left a lot to be desired for a while now.”
I’m all for accountablity, but there’s really no grip on reality here.
1. Bench a hall-of-famer and one of your more consistant SKILL centers in favor of an AHL-level depth center, because Feds committed the crime of coming off of IR (and probably wasn’t part of that “other guys” in Boudreau’s comment).
2. Flaunt a questionable statistic in favor of your AHL-level center, despite the incredibly small sample size (which demonstrates you really know next to nothing about reading statistics). Yeah, you mentioned his time with Carolina, but failed to mention that he played a grand total of 38 total games and averaged barely 13 minutes of ice time. But don’t let variables get in your way….
I think you misinterpreted that. He was saying that Fedorov was the guy who was out of the lineup and his return meant the Capitals would have to scratch someone. That someone would up being Aucoin, when it perhaps shouldn’t have been. That’s not the same as saying Aucoin should have played in place of Fedorov.
Snaps yo!
Actually, J.P. did qualify his post with mentions of small sample size…wonder if you actually read it.
Your labeling of players as “hall-of-famers” or “AHL-level depth centers” does not make it so. And you make quite a leap in judgment – no one said they want to bench Aucoin in favor of Fedorov. There are several forwards getting more PT than they deserve – ripe candidates for a benching (ahem, Flash). Don’t see what’s so unreasonable about that.
The keyboard is mightier.
Hold on a sec
1. I don’t think he was suggesting benching Fedorov, but rather Nylander. Or perhaps using Aucoin at wing and benching Flash. Neither of those guys has done anything recently that makes them immune to a healthy scratch, and it might have been a good chance to show the team that all-out effort would be rewarded.
2. I think the post made it pretty clear that the sample size was ridiculously small.
3.
which demonstrates you really know next to nothing about reading statistics
I think this line is a little uncalled for. The general tenor of this blog is to encourage healthy debate/discourse, but attacks like that are generally best left elsewhere (Caps Insider, Caps Message Boards) in my opinion. Saying “I think you’re wrong and here’s why” is cool. Saying, “I think you know nothing,” not so much.
by D'ohboy on Mar 27, 2009 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Do you know how to read or only how to type? Christ.
The choice Bruce had wasn’t Aucoin or Fedorov, it was Aucoin or, say, Nylander. Or Fleischmann.
Try thinking before typing next time.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I fail to understand how:
Granted, that sample size is as small as Aucoin himself, but he also led last year’s Carolina Hurricanes in Corsi, and had 13 points in 38 games in limited minutes, so the notion that he can play the game a bit isn’t exactly far-fetched.
results in:
you really know next to nothing about reading statistics). Yeah, you mentioned his time with Carolina, but failed to mention that he played a grand total of 38 total games and averaged barely 13 minutes of ice time.
Unless you’re just not reading the post.
This is numbingly stupid. JP never suggested that anyone bench a HOFer in favor of Aucoin.
JP specifically referenced the limits of the sample.
Read the words. The words: They mean something. (You: Not so much.)
Hehehehehe wow…you know what’s great about this blog…
by Forsch31 on Mar 27, 2009 10:53 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Within 15 minutes the wrath of God fell upon Forsch’s comments (I’d say initial, but he has not, or does not want to, post a follow-up).
Oh, and since I know that I’m a self-righteous prick, let me profusely apologize, in advance, to anyone and everyone that may take offense to any of my past, current or future posts.
by Yoshietree on Mar 27, 2009 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I think it’s apparent that the group values this as a space where intelligent, informed discourse may thrive. When people step outside the bounds of thoughtful consideration, they get smacked around and they are discouraged from further silliness. To me this is a feature of this community.
by TylerG on Mar 27, 2009 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I’m not sure that Yoshie was disagreeing with that sentiment. I definitely don’t
As for me, I was just laughing at how J.P. was the one that was critiqued (however poorly) and was 4th guy to respond in his defense. It speaks to the community that has been cultivated here.
The Company pretty much gave Forsch a soap-in-sock beatdown, didn’t they?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I fully agree, I just think that we should behave toward others the way we’re trying to get them to behave. If someone’s new here and they come in trying to flame people with personal attacks, I think we should respectfully let them know that’s not how we do things here.
Then, if they demonstrate themselves to be repeat offenders, they’re fair game.
This is just my two cents on the matter, though. I’m deathly afraid of losing a place where contributors don’t spend hours insulting each other and where people can read/write intelligent stuff.
by D'ohboy on Mar 27, 2009 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I think I would like to get in on this light hearted, whimsical repartee. I think I have a positive gift for it.
Here goes…
Shove it up your fucking ass, you pansy bitch.
Mind you, I spent a lot of time on that, so the rest of you guys don’t feel bad if your own banter isn’t as incisive and well honed.
Fuck all this analysis! I think JP should write more about AO’s cars!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(that’s a joke.)
I agree, to a large extent, but…
If someone’s new here and they come in trying to flame people with personal attacks, they don’t deserve to be respectfully made aware of anything. They’re history.
My guess, by the way, is that all this talk of regulating our community to keep the discussion at a reasonable intelligence level is what gets us branded as “arrogant” elsewhere. And I’m fine with that.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 27, 2009 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Two of the blogs I frequent most. . . frequently are U.S.S. Mariner and Lookout Landing. They both get tarred with the same accusation.
If you want to elevate discourse on a blog beyond, “I luv the Capz they r teh awsum@!!111 ov rulz!!11,” I think that’s the risk you run. It’s well worth it in my opinion.
That being said, I’ve seen very little of this sort of thing, even as this blog’s readership has exploded exponentially. I think that speaks well of the authors and existing readership as well as the new folks.
What amazes me is that blogs or websites that are often labeled arrogant (which, to my knowledge has only happened to this site once and the person came over and apologized) are simply doing two things: being reasonable, and providing evidence for their opinions. But, to some people that’s enough to get them labeled as arrogant or elitist I think the best examples is anyone who uses sabermetrics to talk about baseball. Sooner or later someone will brand them a nerd or loser or call them arrogant, rather than trying to understand the metrics.
It reminds me of a scene in the movie Idiocracy where the narrator says “Unaware of what year it was, Joe wandered the streets desperate for help. But the English language had deteriorated into a hybrid of hillbilly, valleygirl, inner-city slang and various grunts. Joe was able to understand them, but when he spoke in an ordinary voice he sounded pompous and faggy to them.”
It reminds me of the debates leading up to the 2000 Presidential Election.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I’m comfortable with that, too. :)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
My guess, by the way, is that all this talk of regulating our community to keep the discussion at a reasonable intelligence level is what gets us branded as "arrogant" elsewhere. And I’m fine with that.
Exactly. A bunch of intelligent and confident people in one place. Of course we are arrogant. Personally, I think I’ve earned the right to look down upon the unwashed masses (Joke… maybe).
+1
"Thank God there is a sport for middle-sized white boys.."
by Bald Pollack on Mar 27, 2009 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Two thoughts:
1) Career AHL standouts like Giroux and Aucoin always confuse me. How can they be so good at one level and so mediocre at the next? What exactly is it that trips them up? I know that in some cases it’s defense or work ethic (Robbie Schremp comes to mind), or in others, the player’s relative lack of skating ability becomes more of an issue when everything speeds up. There just doesn’t seem to be one paramount thing (at least that I can see) that divides the AHL from the NHL in the same way that say, pitchers with the ability to throw breaking balls with command divides AAA from MLB.
2) Does Boudreau, as a guy who bounced around from the NHL to the AHL while putting up gaudy AHL numbers, feel a kinship with guys like Aucoin and Giroux? Does he possess any insights about making the jump more effectively? I guess what I’m digging at is: will Bruce give more of a chance to guys like this and, if so, does he have the ability to make them effective NHL players?
If I could sit down with Bruce for 15 minutes, these are definitely some of the questions I’d like to ask him…
by D'ohboy on Mar 27, 2009 1:54 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
1) I think the general skating level, and athleticism make the NHL a faster-moving league. A guy like Giroux is stuck in between because he just can’t keep up with the skating. He’s basically a cherry-picker…NHL defensemen are too good to fall for that. And the goalies are too good to fall for his moves.
2) I bet there is a kinship on some level, but roster decisions really aren’t his to make. If there is anyone he is giving more of a chance to with playing time, it’s the guys he coached in Hershey a few years back over his kindred spirit career AHLers.
The keyboard is mightier.
In response to number one – its not necessarily one thing. While I get your MLB analogy even in baseball this holds true. Some guys can hit AAA pitching but not MLB due to several factors not just breaking pitches (however that is a significant reason in many cases). Increased velocity, pressure to perform on the big stage, and pitchers knowing hitters better in pros also can factor in.
Sometimes a variety of mental issues are involved. Every guy is a bit different. Think of guys who were high school stars at their school in (Insert any sport here), but who couldn’t get off the bench in college or use the same analogy with college vs pros. Biggest issue in my mind is the speed of play when you go from one level to another.
I was reading (and I’m sure this will be a shock to everyone) a Baseball Prospectus book last night and it suggested that a lot of the time guys who are really successful as career minor leaguers build up significant experience at the AA or AAA level, which then translates into production. However, when they get to the Majors/NHL, they can’t rely on experience and have to rely on their talent level, which isn’t high enough to produce there.
I’m more of a Hard Times fan myself. Mmmm….
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Nice call. I want a Coney smothered in Cinci chili with cheddar and onions.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I must be a weirdo. Hard Times’ Cinci chili made me gag. A lot. I felt like I was eating flavored sand.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
Which kind did you get? They have four – Texas, Terlingua Red, Cincinnati and some vegetarian soy flake crap.
And you are a weirdo – Hard Times rulz.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Sparkly was referring to the Cincinatti chili. That one doesn’t really look like chilli, so I’ve never attempted to eat it.
It’s different, that’s for sure. Bit of cinnamon in it.
Then again, go to Texas and ask for beans in your chili and you’ll get shot.
Chili’s one of the great regionally-distinct American dishes, along with Barbeque, and both go fabulously with beer. Speaking of… I believe it’s just about the hour at which we get happy…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Capital Q on 7th and H used to be my go-to place for pre-game meals. Sadly, now it’s usually too packed with people. Nothing starts off a game like a good brisket sandwich and a Shiner.
Damn, is their brisket good, though I must admit – I like it with their hot BBQ sauce, and the simple fact that I like sauce on beef would probably get me shot (again) in Texas.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
You see this alot of career minor leaguers in hockey and baseball. The reason is you are given time to gain experience in minors where as in pros you are expected to produce right away or very close to right away, You can’t try and figure stuff out for the most part unless you are a top prospect who may be given a little more rope.
For that effort, Aucoin was rewarded with a healthy scratch the next game when Sergei Fedorov returned to the lineup and a subsequent demotion before seeing another NHL game, which was an interesting message to send to a team whose energy level has left a lot to be desired for a while now.
I’d swear I heard or read somewhere (Vogs I think) That Aucoin had to be sent back down when Feds returned regardless of how he played because he was an “emergency” call up.
Unless they wanted to use one of their four call ups after the trade deadline, which I’m guessing they want to save.
never let the truth get in the way of a good story
I may have missed it back around the trading deadline, but Japers didn’t you post the wording of the NHL rules as it pertains to call ups vs emergency call ups? If so, can you refresh our memory or give the link if it does exist. Thanks.
As far as I know, it’s pretty straightforward – teams are limited to four non-emergency call-ups b/t the deadline and the end of the season, but I don’t know how “emergency” is defined, precisely, beyond what I said here:
In case you’re wondering why Tom Poti was on the ice for the opening faceoff last night, skated right off and didn’t return, here’s your explanation. Teams are limited to just four call-ups after the trade deadline, not counting emergency call-ups. In order for a call-up to qualify as “emergency,” he has to replace a guy who “played” in the last game, but needs to go on IR. Therefore, Poti “playing” last night allows the team to make an emergency call-up today.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
It’s a fair point and I believe you’re spot-on from a transactional standpoint, but I guess my answer would be that I’d have been fine using one of the four there (though seeing the hoops they had to jump through earlier in the week, that might not have been a wise move on GMJP’s part).
I don’t think Nyls and/or Flash have done anything in the past week that Aucoin couldn’t have done, and his spark could only have been a good thing on multiple levels.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
And before anyone says, “But that’s b/c they needed a wing,” Aucoin was called up today ostensibly to replace a wing (Semin).
And Aucoin costs less than Bourque (and Pinner, for that matter).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
And before anyone says, “But that’s b/c they needed a wing,” Aucoin was called up today ostensibly to replace a wing (Semin).
And Aucoin costs less than Bourque (and Pinner, for that matter).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Not sure whether to respond to the original or the echo…
I would not be surprised to see Aucoin stick around for a while. I don’t know if he has what it takes get top 6 minutes, but he sure as hell was an energy booster tonight. There were a couple of shifts, cycling deep in the zone, where he made Nyls look like he could cycle.
And on a different, drunken note does anyone know if there’s going to be a fan bus trip up to Hershey for any of their playoff games?
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Florida
|
55 | 27 | 17 | 11 | 65 |
|
Washington
|
55 | 28 | 22 | 5 | 61 |
|
Winnipeg
|
57 | 26 | 25 | 6 | 58 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
55 | 24 | 25 | 6 | 54 |
|
Carolina
|
56 | 20 | 25 | 11 | 51 |
(updated 2.12.2012 at 10:06 PM EST)
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