Varlamov's Opening Argument: Deny, Deny, Deny
by Stephen Pepper on Apr 21, 2009 11:34 AM EDT
113 comments
Game 2's performance by Simeon Varlamov was real nice, and surely overshadowed by his team being blanked at home. But last night's wonderfully composed job between the pipes was the emphatic statement that proclaimed that the rookie is determined to lead these Capitals in net just as long as Coach gives him the nod. We wouldn't call him the unlikeliest of spring heroes but, in the manner in which the story of the position is unfolding, he's damn near close.
The Iron Curtain also has ice water in his veins.
One easily plucked storyline from the beginnings of this first round series with the Rangers was the effect that goaltender agitator Sean Avery would have on José Théodore. That story could have simply substituted its subject for Varlamov. Instead, the latter denied Avery any ability to wrest authority in the crease, and rendered him, and his antics, impotent.
Dmitry Chesnokov asked Varly post-game about the wild and reckless aggression shown him by Avery. The pushing and shoving, the dramatic flops in the crease, the deliberate crashing into his pads and subsequent whining to the referees, the punch to the face as a final insult belched at the young Russian.
Varly's translated reaction:
Well, everyone knows that he skates around trying to get everyone fired up. And I know about it. We talked about it at the team meetings as well. That's why I do not pay attention to such incidents. Yes, I know and actually saw how he was swinging his stick in front of Brodeur. I am ready for his provocations.
I just touched him a little bit. And that's it. He reacted with a lot of emotion. He started yelling something. Of course, I didn't understand half of it.
Query whether he would understand Avery even with a better command of English.
And the punch?
A game is a game. My main objective is to catch pucks and concentrate on my own game and not to notice what he does.
In the face of ugly, Varly stood firm, focused. He didn't even look at him. Just shook it off, unaffected. So like a high-school bully demoralized by his inability to conjure a reaction from his prey, Varly left Avery flapping and flailing his way out of the game. (And maybe the next as well?)
He saw shots through traffic. He was aggressive. He was not content with a comfortable three and then four goal lead. Only by denying every scoring bid in a hostile building, reducing the volume within Madison Square Garden to the level of the New York Public Library's Rose Main Reading Room a few blocks away, would he be satisfied.
And did we mention rebound control? A phrase uttered with trepidation by Caps Nation throughout most of the season, and now with awe. All this while facing physical and (mostly incomprehensible) verbal abuse.
I recalled last night a Capitals home game in February of 2007 against these same Rangers, during the early portion of Avery's first tour of duty on for the Blueshirts. One Olaf Kolzig manned the pipes for the home team that afternoon. Avery goaded Olie into a penalty in the game, the abused netminder clubbing his opponent's head with his mammoth trapper. The Rangers scored on the ensuing power play, and forever changed the game's momentum, cruising to a 5-2 victory. Looks like that won't happen with Varly. Not this time.
And, by the way, Avery was so frustrated by his feebleness all game long, that during that late third period Ranger power play preceding the rattling of #40's jaw, he remained intent on shoving back Shaone Morrisonn when the puck laid right at his feet, in the crease.
So, why not? Let the story of the kid 'tender continue on Wednesday, and blossom into "The Legend of Czarlamov," one that we fans will remember fondly for a long time. Young lion, this is your kingdom.
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“Varly What is best in life?”
“To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentation of their Avery”
by Ovechwin on Apr 21, 2009 11:39 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
A Constantines reference? You rock, Pepper. Awesome song.
Long live Czarlamov!
by grapejoos on Apr 21, 2009 11:41 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Thanks. Had that one on the ipod this morning on the subway, and thought it fit nicely.
by Stephen Pepper on Apr 21, 2009 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I just wish I could hear what Avery said to the Czar, and if he even realized that Varly’s English is poor. Silly Avery..
Capitals Kremlin the second line center of the Caps blogosphere.
by CapitalsKremlin on Apr 21, 2009 11:49 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
That picture
is just perfect! Varlamov standing very casually, not even flinching at the punch while Avery looks like a little kid in the midst of a tantrum.
Avery is a legend in his own mind.
Varlamov is actually becoming one.
by Vickster on Apr 21, 2009 12:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Varlamov is actually becoming one.
Really? After two playoff starts? OK.
You know when you exercise premature hyperbole, it’s tough to use it again when the circumstances really ARE appropriate.
Ben Olsen > Wells Thompson
by Bald Pollack on Apr 21, 2009 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I dont think...
Avery is the scholar Dallas’ Steve Ott is. Ott has learned nasty (and in many cases weird) things to say to opponents in all the NHL languages (Russian, Finnish, Swedish, etc…). Czarlamov’s lack of comprehension is a good thing in this case.
by The Admiral on Apr 21, 2009 12:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I’m going to disagree with the part about rebound control. He gave up at least 2 juicy rebounds that should have been goals in the first period alone. One early in the game where Antropov (I think) hit the side of the net as Varly was scrambling back, and the second where a Ranger hit the post on an open net, and it just happened to turn into a Caps goal.
I thought he played great, better than anyone could expect considering the circumstances. And of course in Lundqvist’s shutout he got some help from the goalie’s best friend, the iron. But I still think his biggest problem (as with most young goalies) is rebound control.
by hobot on Apr 21, 2009 12:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Noted, on those two instances. But looking at his whole body of work last night, I think you’ll find precious few mistakes in that category. No goalie can be perfect.
by Stephen Pepper on Apr 21, 2009 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
His rebound control got much, much better as he settled in – everything was going into the corners and out of traffic.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 21, 2009 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with JP. After about the first ten minutes his rebound control was textbook. He must have sent 10-15 pucks easily into corners. (Assisting: Lots of NYR shots from the wall/just inside the blueline. Caps mostly did a nice job of keeping shots to the perimeter.)
by TylerG on Apr 21, 2009 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Random Note-sorry
Anyone listening to NHL Live?
Some ranger fan called in complaining about the back/ovy chest bump they do. He said they waited for everyone to leave the ice and they mocked the stick salute that the rangers do. HA!
So, I emailed in that they do it every game, it has nothing to do with the rangers and I sent them a youtube link and they read my email!
ok end of random note.
" 60 percent of the time...it works everytime"
by shwedy on Apr 21, 2009 12:49 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
What’d the NHL Live crew say about it? That its nothing or were they fueling the fire?
by vt caps fan on Apr 21, 2009 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Neither, really. Said they hadn’t seen it so couldn’t comment. Backstrom is due on at 1:45 and they said they’ll ask him about it.
by gfcaps fan on Apr 21, 2009 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rob Simpson said if that was true it’s kind of messed up but EJ said “wow i hope they did that. i love it.”
He said he loves stuff like that ( he was a big supporter of AO’s celebration).
When they read my email they were like " oh ok, well if that’s the case who cares".
But overall they laughed it off and moved it on.
PS-Backstrom will be on at 145 and they said they are going to ask him about the chest bump lol
" 60 percent of the time...it works everytime"
by shwedy on Apr 21, 2009 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
FYI—for anyone stuck at work unable to listen, the NHL Network (cable TV station) will replay the simulcast at 5PM…at least they usually do.
If you don’t get the NHL network, then I’m truly sorry—it’s like crack to a hockey fan.
by PaintDrinkingPete on Apr 21, 2009 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
On another programming note
Alex Ovechkin is being featured on ESPN’s E:60 program this evening at 7PM.
by PaintDrinkingPete on Apr 21, 2009 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If you don’t get the NHL network, then I’m truly sorry—it’s like crack to a hockey fan.
Seriously, it is. I watch/listen either on the tv or the computer over lunch most every day, unless I’m working at a different site.
by gfcaps fan on Apr 21, 2009 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Rangers are sure to try and make life more uncomfortable for him in the opening minutes tomorrow. At the very least I expect them to come out hard, hard, hard and get buzzing in the zone. And they might run him with someone not named Avery just to rattle him.
Hopefully he will weather the storm.
by fat_daddyo on Apr 21, 2009 12:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
If that’s the case (likely), then those zebra whistles better be at the ready as well.
by Stephen Pepper on Apr 21, 2009 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have to think that Ovie and the other Russians were pushing for Varly to get this chance, either openly or among themselves. I think they see him as their guy. And I think they are rallying around him. For that reason, even if he has a bad game, BB needs to stick with him. He’s our goalie—not some rental from another franchise—and the team will play better in front of him than in front of any other goalie.
by Kirg on Apr 21, 2009 1:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
except this is ~100% speculation. theodore chose to come here. if he’d been lights out in game 1, he’d still be playing.
by Natty Bumppo on Apr 21, 2009 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Total speculation. No grounds for it. No evidence of any of the RUS players doing anything like this in the past. Baseless.
by TylerG on Apr 21, 2009 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Baseless, though AO nearly two years ago said this:
“I expect the keeper Semen Varlamov to join us in autumn as I am convinced hecan (sic) compete for the place in the goal with our first choice keeper Olie Kolzig.”
And I seem to recall another quote last spring/summer that had AO pushing for Varly.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 21, 2009 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think that, speculation or not, it’s probably safe to assume the Russians on the team are really excited for Varlamov and glad (as I think we all are, at least in hindsight) that he’s playing and playing well.
by grapejoos on Apr 21, 2009 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So are the Canadians, the Swedes, the Americans, the Czech/Slovaks…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 21, 2009 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
On NHL Live yesterday, for what it’s worth, Hradek mentioned something about those mysterious “sources close to the team” saying that many Caps (without naming names, of course) had less than full confidence in JT and wanted to try a change.
by Stephen Pepper on Apr 21, 2009 1:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That doesn’t surprise me. I thought the looked for confident with Varly in net than Theo.
by David M. Getz on Apr 21, 2009 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i’d argue the exact opposite was the case during game 2. very stiff performance all around.
by Natty Bumppo on Apr 21, 2009 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I disagreed when you said it then and I disagree now. The team just played a bad game for game 2. I don’t think it had anything to do with the goalie change. If anything, I think Varlamov’s game made them feel more comfortable cutting loose and going for a goal in the 3rd, which was definitely their best period.
by Fehr and Balanced on Apr 21, 2009 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
wrong guy, F&B. first time i’ve commented on this. i think you might mean jimmiejbr.
but that’s beside the point. we disagree. there was one difference between game 1 (when the offense was clicking) and game 2 (when it wasn’t…until the 3rd period as you state, when they were going all out to tie the game). the difference was in goal. if anything, being down 1-0 should be a boost to the team’s focus, not make them tighten up. but at that point, we’re just talking motivation, which neither one of us can guess.
by Natty Bumppo on Apr 21, 2009 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My bad. Didn’t mean to confuse you. I still disagree. I think one difference you may be overlooking is that the Caps could have been playing tight because they were afraid of going down 0-2 at home. This is one of those things we’ll never know.
by Fehr and Balanced on Apr 21, 2009 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have to wonder also if Ovie would have back checked as hard as he did this last game if Theo was in the net.
by snowburnt on Apr 21, 2009 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Now that’s utterly ridiculous.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 21, 2009 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Of course he would have. Why wouldn’t he?
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 21, 2009 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
just positing…
I was out of line suggesting that Ovie or anyone on the team wouldn’t step up for Theo.
by snowburnt on Apr 21, 2009 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Um, what’s with the shooting down of anyone proposing a non-adulatory viewpoint of Ovechkin? I think this is a valid point – OV has not been a particularly conscientious backchecker this year, we all know that. And he has expressed a lot of support for Varly since the Caps drafted him – no reason not to think that there’s a piece of him that fights a little harder for someone he sees as one of his own.
In Russian, this is “Наш” vs. “Свой”, it’s a common point of mentality, and no reason to think it’s not part of Ovechkin.
by katzistan on Apr 21, 2009 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry, “свой” vs. “чужой” for Russian-speakers following at home.
by katzistan on Apr 21, 2009 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So AO’s desire to win is impacted by who’s wearing the mask and pads? Really?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 21, 2009 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think it’s totally possible he plays a bit harder in support of someone he sees as his own. I’m only saying this because I’ve seen this year how disinterested he looks in backchecking sometimes – so yeah, I think it’s possible that his level of exertion can change based on some factors, including who might be in net.
by katzistan on Apr 21, 2009 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who was in net when he chased down Simone Gagne after Green turned the puck over in the neutral zone on a PP in our final game against PHI?
by Fehr and Balanced on Apr 21, 2009 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
right on!
link of ovechkin chasing down gagne.
link of ovechkin chasing down st louis.
theo in net, both instances. if it seems like someone is going out of their way to take an unsubstantiated pop shot at ovechkin, i react. substantiate it, and i won’t react.
by Natty Bumppo on Apr 21, 2009 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ovechkin consistently chases guys down like he did last night no matter who is in net. Maybe he gets a little more jazzed for the game in other ways or in other backchecking situations, but he always defends SH breakaways that way.
by grapejoos on Apr 21, 2009 7:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think it’s totally possible he plays a bit harder in support of someone he sees as his own.
I don’t imagine Ovechkin as the type of guy whose competitiveness is impact by sort of nationalism or xenophobia.
by David M. Getz on Apr 21, 2009 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If that were the case, he’d be the… Russian Don Cherry? (Sorry, I can’t read the word xenophobia in a hockey context and not think of Don Cherry)
by Fehr and Balanced on Apr 21, 2009 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t think it’s nationalism, as much as someone he takes ownership of, someone he sees as as his padawan. Again, the only reason I think this is a valid point for discussion is because we’ve seen – we’ve all seen – OV take it easy at times this year. I’m not saying he’s not MVP, or that he doesn’t do anything others stars don’t do – just that we know he’s got, yes, “different levels of trying.”
by katzistan on Apr 21, 2009 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think it’s more of the shooting down of Ovie as being unprofessional. Which that would be. I personally find it hard to believe that ANY professional athlete would play the game a different way based on who their teammates are. Sure it happens, but I don’t think OV is that guy.
by wittcap79 on Apr 21, 2009 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I guess my feelings aren’t that he was being “unprofessional” more that the team as a whole stepped up defensively to help out the new guy, especially after they’d been torn up in game one. Maybe they trusted Theo a little more to make stops, I donno, the D just looks better now (could just be that the puck wasn’t in the back of the net last night)
by snowburnt on Apr 21, 2009 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Some days they clearly play harder, play the system better, play tighter…I’m not sure that it is necessarily dependent on who is in goal.
by wittcap79 on Apr 21, 2009 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s not unprofessionalism, it’s different levels of trying.
by katzistan on Apr 21, 2009 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’ll try and explain that to my boss.
“What the hell are you doing on that stupid blog, that’s unprofessional.”
“No it’s not sir, just a different level of trying.”
by wittcap79 on Apr 21, 2009 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think it’s more of the shooting down of Ovie as being unprofessional. Which that would be. I personally find it hard to believe that ANY professional athlete would play the game a different way based on who their teammates are.
I think it’s possible – if you’re playing with a guy like Sean Avery or Jeff Kent, maybe you’re happier and most into the game when they’re gone. But I don’t think Ovechkin would do that just based on on ice performance rather than personal characteristics.
by David M. Getz on Apr 21, 2009 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
C’mon DMG my next line is…
Sure it happens, but I don’t think OV is that guy.
by wittcap79 on Apr 21, 2009 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gary Sheffield did it when he was playing for the Brewers.
by Sct112 on Apr 21, 2009 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
…or, is it possible the Ovechkin was motivated by the fact that he was playing a playoff game in a series that finds his team down 2 games to 0?
Any bit of what has been said on this subject may be true, but let’s face it, Ovechkin wants this team to win as much as anyone else—he needed to make that play regardless of who was in net.
by PaintDrinkingPete on Apr 21, 2009 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
A few random pointers, Faux style
1) I’d bet a pretty penny that Varly had been dominating in practices the weeks leading up to the playoffs. (This is me reading between the lines in the post-game comments from players.) Bruce had to give Theo a chance, but when he blew game 1 BB’s dilemma was done.
2) The kid actually hugs the posts, unlike Theo who leaves chunks of the nearside unguarded. It drives me bananas…what a relief to see a goalie take care of this silly business.
3) Re-posted from Recap thread: Video evidence of Varly out-Averying Avery. Not so fun to be on the receiving end, is it Seany boy?
I think I’m falling in love with this kid.
The keyboard is mightier.
by breed16 on Apr 21, 2009 1:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I just touched him a little bit.
Line of the year. A quick jab to the nuts, that’s all. Donno why Avery would possibly have spun around and gotten angry!
I have a blog too! www.scottyhockey.com
Let's Go Rangers!
by Scotty Hockey on Apr 21, 2009 2:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Scotty! Figured you might be on a 24-hour bender after seeing Poti score after Redden fell down trying to defend Backstrom.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 21, 2009 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I did drink quite heavily through and after the game. Games like this one – and there were many this season – make me momentarily question why I root for this team. As I said in my Hockey Orphan piece, I hate most of these guys, but I am a Ranger fan. Root for the jersey, not the heartless money-grubbing ownership or players.
I have a blog too! www.scottyhockey.com
Let's Go Rangers!
by Scotty Hockey on Apr 21, 2009 3:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
While you’re here, what’s your take: bench Avery or skate him for Game 4 (assuming the league does not moot the issue)?
by fat_daddyo on Apr 21, 2009 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dress, absolutely dress. He was one of four Rangers who played his hardest yesterday, I keep him in the lineup – even with the high likelihood of two or three minors called against him. We have the top penalty killers in the NHL, what he brings is well worth it.
I have a blog too! www.scottyhockey.com
Let's Go Rangers!
by Scotty Hockey on Apr 21, 2009 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Root for the jersey, not the heartless money-grubbing ownership or players.
I’m a Redskins fan, I feel ya.
by wittcap79 on Apr 21, 2009 6:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You couldn’t see stick actually hitting his nuts. It was a tap on the butt at most.
by Ovechwin on Apr 21, 2009 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought it was the thigh personally.
by David M. Getz on Apr 21, 2009 3:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Read the comments on your blog, Scotty. Might want to explain to outlaw about why a follow through on a shot isn’t a penalty.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Apr 21, 2009 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Really?
Because I thought it was great that MSG crowd didn’t boo that correct non-call or Ovechkin’s back check. Phonebooth crowd would have, ignorantly, started chanting about both those calls.
I hate Pittsburgh. And the Pens too.
by B8ovin on Apr 21, 2009 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And smacked our glow-in-the-dark thundersticks mercilessly!!!
A person is smart, people are stupid.
But if you’re dedicated enough to comment on a hockey-specific blog about your fav team, you should probably have at least an adequate knowledge of the rules. This situation actually happens at a pretty good clip in the NHL.
by wittcap79 on Apr 21, 2009 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Most, maybe, but I was more commenting on the other commenter – not the fans.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Apr 21, 2009 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually I gave OV a standing OVation for his play. That was incredible.
I have a blog too! www.scottyhockey.com
Let's Go Rangers!
by Scotty Hockey on Apr 21, 2009 3:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
nice little tap to go with the spear he gave to ersky
by snowburnt on Apr 21, 2009 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If there is anyone in the entire NHL that could use a jab to the nuts…it’s you know who. And if it consistently gets that kind of 4-year-old, “Simon took my toys” type of tantrum…then just keep doing it.
by wittcap79 on Apr 21, 2009 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Poti hatred up there is pretty intense… you’d think that after 3 years some of that would have died down.
Is there any former Cap that is hated as vehemently by Caps fans as Poti is by Rags fans? I can’t think of anyone.
by Sct112 on Apr 21, 2009 3:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ask me when 68 comes back to the NHL.
by Fehr and Balanced on Apr 21, 2009 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
68… I’ve blocked that era from my memory. But no question, he is a guy that I will boo for the rest of his career.
by Sct112 on Apr 21, 2009 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
With the silver lining that his goat-blowing performances made the Caps bad enough to be in position to win the draft lottery and snag AO, trade Bondra for Laich, Lang for the pick that was used on Green, and so on.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 21, 2009 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I still hate the guy. The black death paved the way for the Renaissance… but nobody cheers it.
by Fehr and Balanced on Apr 21, 2009 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
This is more of a funny quote than anything so please don't hate me or get mad for saying it, but...
Christianity paved the way for the Dark Ages, and half the world cheers it! :-)
(Seriously, don’t kill me.)
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 21, 2009 4:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My joke was more accurate both historically and metaphorically.
Jagirl = Black Death
Young Guns/Rebuild = Renaissance
by Fehr and Balanced on Apr 21, 2009 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
My joke was there to point out to your joke that cheers go for some things that bring about horrible, horrible things. So not all that’s good isn’t bad and not all that’s bad isn’t good.
Neat, huh? And it’s definitely offensive to select people, which is why I included a disclaimer.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 21, 2009 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not sure that I needed that lesson pointed out, and I’m less sure that his is the forum to make that point. Either way it’s the weak causal nexus of your argument that upsets me more than the offensive nature of it. My mind is messed up.
by Fehr and Balanced on Apr 21, 2009 4:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rec’d
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 21, 2009 4:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’d still give it to larry murphy and I was just a kid when he left.
But Gonchar (maybe) and someone who once wore the #68 probably would fit the bill.
by vt caps fan on Apr 21, 2009 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jagr, right?
I have a blog too! www.scottyhockey.com
Let's Go Rangers!
by Scotty Hockey on Apr 21, 2009 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Are they on the same level though? Jagr was supposed to be the savior in DC, did Poti have that billing up there?
by Sct112 on Apr 21, 2009 3:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They had billed Poti as the replacement for Brian Leetch …
I have a blog too! www.scottyhockey.com
Let's Go Rangers!
by Scotty Hockey on Apr 21, 2009 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah those are REAL big shoes to fill.
by vt caps fan on Apr 21, 2009 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
OK, it makes more sense now. Jagr definitely fits the bill.
by Sct112 on Apr 21, 2009 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly.
I have a blog too! www.scottyhockey.com
Let's Go Rangers!
by Scotty Hockey on Apr 21, 2009 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey, before you go, I’ve been dieing to know, why do you all hate Tom Poti so much? I can’t figure it out.
And I heartily dislike Jagr, but I don’t think it rises to the level of the Poti hatred. I.e., when I think of the Rangers, my first thought is not, “Dang I hate Jagr.”
by fat_daddyo on Apr 21, 2009 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’ve called him much worse but never yelled it until last night. I hollar regularly throughout most games, and yesterday – the 46th one I went to this season – was the first time I lost it and used obscenities. Tom Poti. These Rangers have no pride.
I have a blog too! www.scottyhockey.com
Let's Go Rangers!
by Scotty Hockey on Apr 21, 2009 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
what exactly did poti do that draws so much ire?
by renstar on Apr 21, 2009 4:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He never lived up to expectations or won the Yankees a world series.
by Fehr and Balanced on Apr 21, 2009 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Never lived up to expectations, rarely did anything to justify a paycheck. Pillsbury soft, prone to turnovers, and lazy penalties, Poti was an albatross around our neck.
I have a blog too! www.scottyhockey.com
Let's Go Rangers!
by Scotty Hockey on Apr 21, 2009 6:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wait, are we talking about Tom Poti, or Wade Redden? Because Redden seems like Poti 2.0 in the eyes of Rags fans.
by grapejoos on Apr 21, 2009 7:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just out of curiosity, how’d he end up +16 in his last year there and, as a result of that stat, are you the biggest non-believer in the value of +/- on earth?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 21, 2009 7:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
A question about Lundy
I keep hearing about how Lundquist plays really deep in his crease. When other goalies are struggling or have lost their confidence it is often said that they play deep in the crease and aren’t out challenging the shooter enough.
What is it that makes him successful doing this? and would he be even better if he came out and challenged more?
Your favorite meme is dead
by Edanger6 on Apr 21, 2009 5:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
It’s a style that you almost never see. He looks almost like a table hockey goalie, just moving side to side along the goal line. He’s able to do it because of his long limbs and quickness. He uses the longest pads allowed, goes into a wide butterfly split, and slides back and forth from post to post. He’s amazingly quick to get up from being down. You’ll notice most goalies get up one leg at a time. He pops up onto both skates at one time. (Varly can do this, too.) And then he has an amazing glove hand that allows him to snag high shots.
I really don’t like his goaltending style. It is inelegant—almost cheating. Stylistically, he’s the anti-Brodeur, and Brodeur can’t stand him because of that. What surprises me is that he isn’t more consistent. It seems that his style makes for fewer mistakes than just about any other style. But he goes through stretches of ineffectiveness. Maybe he just loses focus. In any event, you have to beat him high (just ask Tomas Fleischmann).
by Kirg on Apr 21, 2009 6:08 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Lundqvist is 100% the systematic goalie. He’s not there to make anything look pretty – he plays percentages, which is why I discount goalies of his stature, regardless of how well he does. You just kind of got to know where to beat him.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Apr 21, 2009 8:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So how do you feel about Luongo?
by Fehr and Balanced on Apr 21, 2009 9:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Similarly – but, the style gets it done. I just will say they’re not very good goalies, when in all honesty they really are.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Apr 22, 2009 12:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don Cherry brought up a good point: how come more young goalies aren’t modeling their styles after Brodeur (stand-up), instead of Roy (butterfly)?
by red army line on Apr 22, 2009 12:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Roy looked flashier, so was more “Exciting”. Hell, I modeled my play after Kolzig. Maybe that’s why I don’t play not either.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Apr 22, 2009 1:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The butterfly’s easier to learn and easier to get away with being out of position, non-athletic, or having mediocre reflexes.
by David M. Getz on Apr 22, 2009 1:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That’s very true. There’s also the logic that most shots come down low, and that the Butteffly stops the low shots the best. I dunno if I subscribe to that.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Apr 22, 2009 1:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Washington
|
22 | 13 | 5 | 4 | 30 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
19 | 8 | 4 | 7 | 23 |
|
Atlanta
|
18 | 10 | 6 | 2 | 22 |
|
Florida
|
20 | 9 | 9 | 2 | 20 |
|
Carolina
|
21 | 4 | 12 | 5 | 13 |
(updated 11.21.2009 at 12:53 AM EST)
Certain photos copyright © 2009 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
