Who should get a sweater on Wednesday: Brashear or Gordon?

by TylerG on Apr 14, 2009 9:31 AM EDT

Indications are that both Donald Brashear and Boyd Gordon will be healthy enough to play in Game One of the playoffs on Wednesday.

Boyd Gordon is the team's best penalty killer, its best defensive forward and either its best or second-best faceoff guy. (Gordon ranks ninth in the league at 56.1 percent, David Steckel is fifth at 57.9 percent.) Boyd Gordon scores about as often as Bruce Boudreau gets a haircut.

Brash is a fourth-liner. He led the Caps with 121 PIMs while posting 1-3-4, -6.

The problem is: There's only one sweater 'available.' Who should get it?

Poll

If both are healthy, who should get the 'last' sweater for Wednesday's Game One?

Donald Brashear

18 votes

Boyd Gordon

101 votes

119 votes | Poll has closed

If this FanPost is written by someone other than one of the blog's editors, the opinions expressed in it do not necessarily reflect those of this blog or SB Nation.

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Comments

I have a feeling everyone that reads this board will probably lean towards 15.

by vt caps fan on Apr 14, 2009 9:57 AM EDT reply actions

Yeah, I can’t see this one being that close.

by Sct112 on Apr 14, 2009 10:03 AM EDT reply actions

It might be for Gabby.

Modern Art Notes

by TylerG on Apr 14, 2009 10:03 AM EDT reply actions

Really? I could understand that if the question was Brash for Steckel, or Brash for Nyls… but do you think that Gabby would choose a healthy Brash over a healthy Gordo?

by Sct112 on Apr 14, 2009 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions

He likes Brashear, or seems to anyway. I can only guess that he sees him as a deterrent force.

I’d rather have Gordo, just like the other 10 guys that voted.

by fat_daddyo on Apr 14, 2009 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions

I can see why Gabby likes Brash. He seems to get along with the “young guns.” He’s at least been around the block more than once. He did put home a big goal last year in Game 1.

Its interesting that we think Gabby might sit his best PK’er for a guy that will get 4 minutes a game.

by Sct112 on Apr 14, 2009 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions

Gordon….easily. Shouldn’t even be a serious argument

Ron and Fez Noon to Three

by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 14, 2009 10:23 AM EDT reply actions

… and I think that’s the point of the FanPost and poll

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by J.P. on Apr 14, 2009 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions

A vote for Brash? Does Gabby read this blog?

by ninefttall on Apr 14, 2009 10:23 AM EDT reply actions

Brashear does not bring anything for the playoffs. He is not going to fight and his forechecking strengths will be outweighed by bad penalties and poor defensive coverage. Gordon can bring a strong penalty kill presence, solid forechecking and responsible defensive play.

by CapsFanSince1979 on Apr 14, 2009 10:31 AM EDT reply actions

I gotta disagree with this. And yes I voted for Gordo. But Brash brings leadership (at least last year he did). Say what you will about his game and his ability to take bad penalties, but he is a leader in the locker room (or so that’s what we hear).

Look at his first shift in the playoffs last year. He scored the goal to set the tone for the game. And that wasn’t a ‘fluke’ goal. It was a nice play by Brash.

I’ll also admit that we needed that a lot more last year, and not so much this year. But in my opinion we will need Brash’s leadership skills. His game isn’t pretty, but I do think we’ll need his presence on the ice (not in a fighters roll) at some point in the playoffs. (Hopefully later – as in June time frame)

Just because we are talking about this two guys doesn’t mean they both can’t dress and someone else sits out (maybe an old sweedish center who likes to take a nice leisurely spin in the neutral zone).

by vt caps fan on Apr 14, 2009 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions

He still will be in the locker room…just not playing. He can lead from the press box.

by CapsFanSince1979 on Apr 14, 2009 11:08 AM EDT reply actions

I theory I think that is true, in practice I don’t think as much.

If he were injured it would be easier to buy, but when a guy doesn’t get a sweater even though he is healthy it has to change the dynamic. Especially when you are a grit/work-ethic guy, rather than a rah rah guy.

by Sct112 on Apr 14, 2009 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions

I voted for Gordo, of course. His value on for PK and face offs alone makes him better choice. However I agree with vt caps fan I think Brash is more valuable than folks realize on the ice. He brings energy to that 4th line that it doesn’t have without him. Come playoff time that type of energy is extremely important to change or keep momentum in games. Also, I’ve always felt his stick skills were underrated. Heck if you want my opinion I’d rather start Brash than Brads. This is a plus for Brads as well. This way his face is saved from Colton Orr’s fist.

by Carl Putnam on Apr 14, 2009 11:14 AM EDT reply actions

Hmmm, I find this very unsurprising.

by wittcap79 on Apr 14, 2009 11:28 AM EDT reply actions

Knowing BB, both of them will get a sweater.

And Fehr will sit.

The keyboard is mightier.

by breed16 on Apr 14, 2009 11:54 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs

Sad but true. Sigh.

by D'ohboy on Apr 14, 2009 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah, Gordo. Simply for the penalty killing.

I have as many wins in a Capitals uniform as Michael Belhumeur does.

by marky narc on Apr 14, 2009 1:58 PM EDT reply actions

It’s more likely that they both play and Aucoin sits. Maybe Fehr too. And I’m not too upset with that, honestly, unless Brash plays like ass.

I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.

by Whiter Mage on Apr 14, 2009 2:00 PM EDT reply actions

I thought Aucoin got sent back down?

"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri

by gotsparkly on Apr 14, 2009 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions

He did. He’s in Hershey.

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by J.P. on Apr 14, 2009 2:11 PM EDT up reply actions

I’m honestly surprised he hasn’t been called up.

I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.

by Whiter Mage on Apr 14, 2009 2:11 PM EDT up reply actions

The main reason is that since he was up as an emergency call-up, the fact that the guy for whom he was recalled is now healthy means that he’d have to be a non-emergency call-up going forward, and the Caps only have three of those left between now and whenever Hershey’s season ends.

That and I don’t see him getting a sweater over a healthy Boyd Gordon (though I think I’d give him one over a healthy Donald Brashear).

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by J.P. on Apr 14, 2009 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions

Nah, Boyd has to play.

I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.

by Whiter Mage on Apr 14, 2009 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions

Well Aucoin is probably already back in Hershey as he was sent down yesterdayor the day before.

I doubt Fehr sits either of the home games..though he may be in the press box during game 3 or 4.

My best guess is The Donald is the odd man out tomorrow night.

by Yoshietree on Apr 14, 2009 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Dude, you can’t sit Fehr.

It’s either Gordo or Brash for the scratch among the forwards.

by fat_daddyo on Apr 14, 2009 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions

You can easily sit Fehr, and Bruce is more likely to sit Fehr than Fleischmann, and I know you Fehr lovers hate it, and I don’t necessarily agree with it, but it is what it is.

I think regardless, we have a better line up than the Rangers.

I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.

by Whiter Mage on Apr 14, 2009 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions

I’m not saying I agree with it I was just sharing my thoughts as to when, if at all, he’s going to be sat.

He isn’t going to be sat in DC because BB has the ability to match up the players as he sees fit. If he decides he wants a more defensive team with a bit of bite dressed, Fehr is going to sit at MSG. Not because he deserves it, but because we all know if the choice is between Flash and Fehr, Fehr is in the box.

by Yoshietree on Apr 14, 2009 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions

Of course, because when I think of contributing secondary scoring and good forechecking I always pick Brash over Fehr. Come on WM, should we give Nyls an extension while we’re at it?

by wittcap79 on Apr 14, 2009 2:24 PM EDT up reply actions

Speaking of Nyls, I think he’d be more likely to sit than Fehr, moving Steckel up to 3rd line C.

by grapejoos on Apr 14, 2009 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions

Also a valid point, though he’s played some of his best hockey in quite some time of the last 5-7 games.

by Yoshietree on Apr 14, 2009 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions

I actually agree with that – I think Nyls has played his best all season over the past two weeks. I was more trying to highlight how unlikely it seems that Fehr would get scratched. If Nyls struggles and the team really needs the faceoff help, I could perhaps see Steckel centering the 3rd line and Gordon the 4th, but hopefully Nyls will produce in the playoffs. I am hopeful.

by grapejoos on Apr 14, 2009 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions

That maybe makes sense against any other team, but the concern against the Rangers is about breaking down their defense and goaltending — their offense isn’t so scary. So there’s no reason to break up the third scoring line. I think one of the four checking forwards (Brash-Gordon-Steckel-Bradley) will get a seat throughout this series. Second round is another story.

by Gould Old Days on Apr 14, 2009 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions

You’re probably right. If that’s the case, what is the argument for Bradley getting a sweater over any of the other 3? I would think Steckel and Gordon are locks for faceoffs/PK. As for Brash, BB seems to think he’s worth starting, and he brings a bigger physical dimension than Brads.

by grapejoos on Apr 14, 2009 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions

I like Bradley over Brash, but you definitely have to balance speed and toughness there. I think either choice would be reasonable. But I think Steckel and Gordon should both be in.

by Gould Old Days on Apr 14, 2009 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions

Nah, I think Nyls has actually played pretty well of late.

by wittcap79 on Apr 14, 2009 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions

Of course, I don’t necessarily agree with what I said. I said I wouldn’t be surprised (Specifically, that it was more likely) because Boudreau has tendencies. Also, if Nyls were allowed to renegotiate his contract, and would take 1 mil for 3-4 years, I’d give it to him, because that’s what he’s worth. People just hate him because of his contract and his production compared to it. Also, when I think forechecking, I take Brash. If I want scoring, it’s Fehr.

I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.

by Whiter Mage on Apr 14, 2009 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions