2008-09 Rink Wrap: Nicklas Backstrom
by J.P. on May 19, 2009 7:00 AM EDT
in Rink Wraps
144 comments
From Alzner to Varlamov, we're taking a look at and grading the 2008-09 season for every player who laced 'em up for the Caps for a significant number of games during the campaign, with an eye towards 2009-10. Next up, Nicklas Backstrom.
Nicklas Backstrom
#19 / Center / Washington Capitals
6-0
183
Nov 23, 1987
2
$2,400,000 cap hit in 2009-10; RFA after 2009-10 season
8.61 rating
Key Stat: Two seasons into his NHL career, Backstrom has yet to miss a game.
Interesting Stat: Backstrom scored goals at a higher rate five-on-four than Alex Ovechkin.
The Good: Backstrom followed up his outstanding rookie campaign with an even more impressive sophomore season, finishing third in the League in assists and tenth in scoring, thanks to eight-goal and eleven-assist improvements over his 2007-08 numbers. He finished third in the NHL in power play points and led the team in takeaways while posting the fourth-best takeaway-to-giveaway ratio among the squad's forwards. Backstrom had his ups and downs in the faceoff circle this season, but ended the campaign winning 58.3% of his draws over the final 18 games. He was second to Alex Semin among the teams forwards in +/-ON/60 at five-on-five, first on the team in GFON/60 and +/-ON/60 at five-on-four (thanks to his team-best five-on-four scoring rate), and first among forwards in GAON/60 and +/-ON/60 at four-on-five.
The Bad: There were concerns about Backstrom's conditioning heading into the season, and the fact that it took him 14 games to register his first even strength point and 15 games to score his first goal of any kind did nothing to ease them (hopefully those days are behind us, as Nick notes, "The best tip Ovie has given me was to take it easy at the bars.") Despite finishing the regular season strong on faceoffs, that success didn't carry over to the playoffs, where he won 49.1% of his draws and just 43.5% in the second round. Backstrom's 46 even strength points were just two more than he had last year, his plus-minus was three better than a season ago, and his goal-scoring at even strength was actually down three to eight, so it's fair to ask whether or not Nick progressed as much as hoped at five-aside. Finally, it should be noted that Backstrom's penalty minute totals nearly doubled - from 24 to 48 - this season, a trend that needs to be halted immediately.
The Vote: Rate Backstrom below on a scale of 1-10 (10 being the best) based on his performance relative to his potential and your expectations for the season - if he had the best year you could have imagined him having, give him a 10; if he more or less played as you expected he would, give him a 5 or a 6; if he had the worst year you could have imagined him having, give him a 1.
The Discussion: What would you like to see Backstrom improve on in 2009-10? What will it take for him to earn a 10 rating next year?
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An 8 this past year
1) Arguably the best of last years rookie class. No sophomore slump here. Not only did the kid continue to put up very impressive point totals, but the rest of his game improved significantly. Its sometimes difficult to remember he’s only a second year player. he plays with such poise
2) He’s rounding out into a very solid, if not star two-way hockey player who in the very near future could play the ‘shut down’ center role as well as his current 1st line role. He looked good on the PK. Still needs to work on his face off skills, but those are teachable and wouldn’t be shocked to see that improve significantly next year
3) To be a 10 next season would have to have play a full season, improve his goal totals. perhaps 35+ and 100+ points. Play the PP and PK, etc.
I find sometimes it's easy to be myself
sometimes I find it's better to be somebody else
by Fauxrumors on May 19, 2009 8:08 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Kid is 21. By any normal pipeline, he shouldn’t even be in the NHL yet. Really, what more could you want from him? I can’t wait to see what he turns into as he matures and gets physically stronger.
by Gould Old Days on May 19, 2009 8:09 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Agreed. Not a whole hell of a lot to discuss on him, is there? I mean, you’d like to see his commitment in the dot continue/improve, and for him to work on his conditioning a bit, but those are almost nitpicks – kid’s the real deal and will be a joy to watch mature and progress.
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by J.P. on May 19, 2009 8:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Are those size stats on Backstrom correct JP? He seems way too strong on his skates, especially in the corners for only 183 pounds.
by HateOffSeason on May 19, 2009 8:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think that’s a little lower than where he is now, but that field auto-populates, and I’ve seen 183 in a bunch of places.
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by J.P. on May 19, 2009 8:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Further to this point, Hate, check out this link.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 19, 2009 8:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Too funny. BEEFCAKE!!!
I was really just praising him for how good he has been on his skates this year…but apparently I might have been correct, he was too strong for 183.
by HateOffSeason on May 19, 2009 7:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here is my only real complaint: I want to see more burst from his first couple strides. If he was a more explosive skater he would create even more. That, face offs, and more consistently bringing his physical game are my only complaints.
by Fehr and Balanced on May 19, 2009 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
For Backie to earn a 10 next year he has to show up in shape, improve on the dot and score 30 goals.
by TylerG on May 19, 2009 8:11 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Do you have a mark that you are looking for at the dot? 52%+? Everything else, I agree completely. I expect to be giving him a 10 next year (at least by the standards you define).
by Sct112 on May 19, 2009 8:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He ended 2008-09 at 48.7%. I think 52 or 53% is a reasonable goal.
by TylerG on May 19, 2009 9:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And there should be a bump that comes from experience alone, to say nothing of technique. Referring back to the Backstrom/Evason post:
[Boyd] Gordon, who won just 43% of his draws as a rookie and 46.3% in his second NHL season, attributed a significant portion of Backstrom’s struggles to his relative lack of familiarity with the League’s other centermen:
“A lot of it’s just experience. When you first come into the League it’s a pretty tough adjustment and you just slowly get better at it, you learn from other guys, you get used to facing off against other guys and get to know their tendencies. We work on it every day, but it’s one of those things that comes with experience.
“He’s still young. I remember when I was 20, 21, there were games when I’d be bad, and it just kind of comes with experience. Nicky’s a good player and it’ll come along for him.”
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by J.P. on May 19, 2009 9:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Griping about 48 penalty minutes on 82 games is scraping the bottom of the barrel for ammo to shoot at this guy. As far as faceoffs go, little to no consideration is given to the player on the other side of the dot or who had to put the stick down first. Producing a point per game is great for a pass-first player with great vision.
Given the players that BB continues to play on other lines, I can’t criticize in any great way this kid’s play after two years in the NHL.
uhh...uhh...uhh...
by hotdog88gt on May 19, 2009 8:31 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
In other words, I do not think that Nick’s part of the team equation doesn’t really need adjustment.
uhh...uhh...uhh...
by hotdog88gt on May 19, 2009 8:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No. It doesn’t. But everyone can improve their game, so we identify some areas in which he can get better.
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by J.P. on May 19, 2009 8:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Producing a point-per-game season for a player who struggled in the first 10 games or so is incredible. He’d have been nipping at Ovechkin around 100+ points if he’d had a quick start.
Another thing about Backs is that he was easily the most consistent player all year long. Excepting the first couple of games when he had that ankle injury, he’s been a beast of a center. And we all think he’ll continue to be. Congrats, Backs. I’d buy you a beer. Then make you work it off :-).
by DrinkingPartner on May 19, 2009 9:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He’d have been nipping at Ovechkin around 100+ points if he’d had a quick start.
Not if AO had one too ;-).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 19, 2009 9:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ewww….
That’s an image I didn’t need… thanks ;-)
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Caps on May 19, 2009 10:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
At one point Backstrom was arguably the front runner for the Lady Byng (around ASB I think, with fewer PIMS and more points than Datsyuk or Krejci). I was hoping we could have Hart+Ross+Richard+Pearson+Adams+Byng+Norris+Masterton.
by red army line on May 21, 2009 1:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Was it just his conditioning that caused his slow start. I thought I remembered some sort of ankle sprain in one of the pre-season games (Philly?).
by Sct112 on May 19, 2009 8:31 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I think the problem is that he sprained the ankle carrying a keg.
by TylerG on May 19, 2009 8:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
keep shooting more as well and i’m fine.
by Chimaera on May 19, 2009 9:11 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
This is a good point. At times, Nick seemed to be getting deferential to AO, and it was usually at this time that Gabby would split the two up for a game or two and Nick would re-assert himself. The more he shoots, the less predictable he becomes and the more effective that line will be.
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by J.P. on May 19, 2009 9:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought he really improved on this during the year, especially on the powerplay. And he seemed quite willing to shoot in the playoffs.
by Gould Old Days on May 19, 2009 9:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree for the most part, but there’s a part of his game that could use a bit more consistency – in Games 6 and 7 of the first round, he totaled one SOG. In Games 6 and 7 against the Pens, he had two. Then again, in G5 against PIT, he had 7.
During the season, he also had some stretches where he was less aggressive than others (three shots in a five game stretch in January, for example). But I’ll stop picking that nit – it’s a bit of a reach.
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by J.P. on May 19, 2009 9:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But we still need a crash-bang garbage-goaler for that line. I really would be interested to see Clark on that line in a hightened capacity. Unless Fehr gets over the hump, I don’t see him as being effective enough, and Kozlov’s (while a great compliment to Ovie) too soft.
Is there anyone who would be a better fit? A Rene Bourque or Mike Knuble or Jonathan Franzen or (trails off)…?
by DrinkingPartner on May 19, 2009 9:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’ll keep it quick since JP will post Clark’s review any day now. The ‘06-07 Clark is gone and I’m not sure if a healthy ‘09-10 Clark is the answer. The past 18+ months have not been kind: bad groin, broken arm, wrist surgery. Let’s not forget the stupid penalties. They could be the result of age and losing a step (a la Feds). I hope that’s not the case and he is indeed the answer, just sayin’…
by kcfatts on May 19, 2009 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m sick and tired of hearing of a need for a crash bang garbage goal scorer for the first line. By no means do you NEED one. Would one help? Yeah, probably. Would adding one be better than adding Carebear 3(Semin) and focusing on a true first line vs second line? I don’t know. I do know that Heatley, Spezza, Alfredsson is one of the best lines each year, no matter how much I hate to admit Heater is doing anything but sitting in jail. As far as I know, they’re all willing to do grunt work, and Ovechkin might be the crash-bang garbage-goaler for that line. Ovechkin isn’t some fancy schmancy center, and he’s not your playmaking right wing, and he’s not your stereotypical sniper. His line doesn’t need to conform to league standards, just to conform.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on May 19, 2009 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ovechkin is not a front-of-goal banger. He’s a wrecking crew, but that’s different than a big (talented) oaf to stand in front of the goal.
Our top line would be legendary if it was Ovie/Backs/ + a banger.
by smutsboy1 on May 19, 2009 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Disagree completely. If Backstrom evolves into more of a shooter, they’d be better suited to get more of a playmakey, puck possession type right wing. Carebears sure worked. I wasn’t suggesting he was a front-of-goal banger, but you don’t Need one to be a good line. Vinny Lecavalier – Vinny Prospal – St. Louis. Who was the banger on that line? What about Larionov, Fedorov, and Kozlov? I’ve already given Heatley – Alfredsson – Spezza. If you throw Semin on that top line, there is maybe ONE line that is offensively as gifted – and that’s only if Pittsburgh isn’t splitting Malkin and Crosby, and I’m not sure that is comparable. I would rather have the Carebears line, and then get your banger to the second line, and keep him ready for our cookie cutter power play you guys want even though our PP is solid.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on May 19, 2009 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sure there are extremely talented lines without a banger, I’m not saying it’s impossible to win that way. But based on the Caps roster make up right now, I think a banger on the first line is a need and will be a compliment that could put us over the top, especially come playoff time.
I think the optimum line up for us is Ovie/Backs/a banger on 1st line, and Semin on the 2nd line.
by smutsboy1 on May 19, 2009 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Depends on who that banger is, I think. I don’t want a guy who when Backstrom feeds him 12 feet out on a tight angle goalline shot who can’t bury that puck.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on May 19, 2009 11:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
In order to have a banger on the first line, we’d need him to be incredibly fast!
I’d say the number one problem we have in this regard is that we’ll often rush into the zone shoot without giving ourselves time to set up a screen and a effective play…
This can been a boon or a bane… depends on the goalie or the defenders / circumstance… but it is something to warrant in regard to trying to interpret the “ideal” 1st line Vs. 2nd
Strange as it sounds, we do own TVs in Russia - Simeon Varlamov
by JustJeff on May 21, 2009 12:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think the shots are Ovechkin’s way of dumping the puck in.
by red army line on May 21, 2009 1:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Honesty, you are probably right that #8 doesn’t really need a banger. Wish he would do some more puck control so someone else could get in the zone to help him before he uses the D as a screen though. Maybe only go 1 v the defense 50% of the time.
Where we really need the banger is the 2nd line. Semin can puck control…like the puck is glued to his damned stick. Semin isn’t the overpowering player that 8 is though, he could really use a screener/banger in front. Flash added absolutely nothing to that line. Besides, if all your lines are structured like the first one, it’s lots of shots, no pressure, no defense getting tired.
If we had a good banger on the second line with Semin, and our 3rd line continues to do what they did in the playoffs, I think you will see some unreal #’s from Backstrom and Ovechkin. Defenses will just get too worn down to stop it all. You might even see the Caps get the ability to finish games if they can actually wear down the other team.
by HateOffSeason on May 19, 2009 8:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Backstrom is great on the cycle. Once he gets his speed and conditioning up so he can skate with AO, and AO learns how to use his teammates better, those two will be able to sustain lots of pressure on opposing defenses with an honest effort on the RW. I agree that AO and Backstrom don’t need a banger (and that Semin does) but I think that line is plenty capable of sustaining possession and wearing down defenses already.
by Fehr and Balanced on May 19, 2009 8:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You are right. #8 and #19 have all the talent and skills to sustain possession and keep pressure on the opposing D. Problem is that most of the time they just don’t do it. It works becuase they score, but playing smarter helps the team top to bottom.
by HateOffSeason on May 19, 2009 10:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Another reason why we don’t want a banger on AO’s line: stat inflation—>salary inflation. I, however, am in support of a banger on the top line if that banger has decent speed and skill and is responsible defensively.
by red army line on May 21, 2009 1:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
stat inflation—>salary inflation—>UFA to the flyers
i’ll take it!
by Natty Bumppo on May 22, 2009 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not to betray my age, but in all my years of watching hockey I would be hard-pressed to count on two hands the number of players I’ve seen come into this league with better ice vision, playmaking skill and overall sense of the game than Nik. His ability to go into the corners against much bigger players and come away with the puck is astounding, yet he does it time after time. His decision making under pressure is off the charts (i.e. his pass to Ovechkin in the dying seconds against NJ) as is his ability to slow down the game. He’s got surprising speed and is amazingly strong on his skates (hello, Ryan Callahan). If it sounds like I’ve got a huge man crush on Backstrom’s game, you’re right. In my opinion, he’s already one of the top 10-15 players in the league and in a few years could be in the top five. He’s that good. To be somewhat objective, he can improve his faceoffs and he can shoot more, but that should come with age. I see him as a perennial 30+ goal scorer and 100+ point producer. When he came into the league, scouts were comparing him to Forsberg. In five years, when the next great Swedish prospect arrives, they’ll be comparing him to Backstrom.
by b.orr4 on May 19, 2009 9:27 AM EDT reply actions 3 recs
Amen. Love me some Nick.
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by J.P. on May 19, 2009 9:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Got an 8 from me. He has one year left on his entry deal. Do we try and extend Nick in this off season to a 5-6 year deal or wait until AFTER the season to do so when RFA is pending?
by Sombrero Guy on May 19, 2009 9:40 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The former. Lock ‘im up – he’s a keeper.
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by J.P. on May 19, 2009 9:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
at least 7 IMO.
Lock him up. He’s core, and better now than later.
by Chimaera on May 19, 2009 9:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, a seven from me. I want more in terms of PKing, defense, and faceoffs. Three points of his game I feel can improve, and three points from perfect. It was so frustrating to watch teams (specifically the Pens in round two) grind the puck around our zone and having the three forwards just stand looking awkward. He’ll get better, but offensively, kid’s a juggernaut.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on May 19, 2009 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t know how much of that is the players’ fault as opposed to the coaches not working hard with them to coordinate defensive zone coverage.
by red army line on May 21, 2009 1:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The only reason to wait is to get some clarity on what the salary cap might be going forward.
by TylerG on May 19, 2009 9:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah I can only see his asking price going up. You would think he’d be happy to sign a long term deal and play with AO for as long as possible.
by Sombrero Guy on May 19, 2009 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
what is the rule on extending a contract? Are we able to do so any time after 7/1 since he has one year left on the deal?
by Sombrero Guy on May 19, 2009 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, you can’t extend a guy until he’s in the final year of his current deal.
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by J.P. on May 19, 2009 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Do you know the logic behind that? If the player and the team want to make the deal in year 3 of a 5 year contract, why would the CBA prevent that?
by Sct112 on May 19, 2009 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Couldn’t you ask an easier question?
I dunno – probably to protect either side from making a potentially bad deal. Isn’t at least half of the CBA simply there to protect the owners from themselves?
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by J.P. on May 19, 2009 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It doesn’t stop bad deals but I think it stops NFL style hold outs. If the player and the team legally cannot negotiate before the final year then a player in the 3rd year can’t force an extension to compensate him for over-performing. It keeps the business aspect of the sport more limited and lets the players focus on playing hockey for most of the contract. But I wasn’t there to write the CBA so I am just guessing.
by Fehr and Balanced on May 19, 2009 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My understanding is that it’s to avoid players re-working their contracts for lower cap hits.
by David M. Getz on May 19, 2009 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That makes sense, too, but the NHL could just say your old cap hit is in force until the extension kicks in, same as now.
by Fehr and Balanced on May 19, 2009 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Which is absolutely dumb. If the player wants to take less, why should this not be allowed? Maybe I’m missing a point, but isn’t wrangling every penny you can from the salary cap an integral part of hockey that this rule is trying to stave off?
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on May 19, 2009 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think it’s silly but my guess is that there are elements in the player’s union that are worried it would lower the market price for veterans and management elements who fear it would hurt the effort at parity.
by David M. Getz on May 19, 2009 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Corey thinks he’s gonna get just south of $6.6m/year. Ouch.
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by J.P. on May 19, 2009 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Do you see Backstrom taking a 10 year deal or a lesser salary to help the Caps?
by zephyr on May 19, 2009 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That all depends on the number. I think he really likes being here and likes playing with AO so I think it’s a definite possibility. It will all depend on the numbers; I don’t think he’ll accept a low-ball offer (like 4 mill) but I think something approaching fair (5.25-6) he would go for. The core of this team has this “keep the band together” feel about them and I think (hope?) these guys are serious about winning long term and buy into the DET model. Time will tell.
by Fehr and Balanced on May 19, 2009 6:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This economic situation is making AO’s deal look rather hasty. Hope it clears up soon, or our salary situation will be really tough to deal with.
by red army line on May 21, 2009 1:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
my guess is 5yrs/$27.5M
from the house that Red Jesus built
by bigonetimer on May 19, 2009 5:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’d gladly sign him to that at the stroke of midnight on July 1.
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by J.P. on May 19, 2009 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I also don’t think any new deal has any cap implications for 2009-2010. His salary for next year is already set and, if I’m not mistaken, so is his cap hit. Any extension he signs begins in 2010-11, and so do all of its financial implications.
I’m basing this on what I remember Ovechkin’s extension doing to the salary cap (i.e., having no effect last season and counting for the first time this year).
by Gould Old Days on May 19, 2009 5:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That’s definitely true – he’s locked and loaded for next year, no matter what happens (or doesn’t) regarding an extension.
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by J.P. on May 19, 2009 6:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Based on the comparables, that’s a bargain. The only problem is the unknown that is 2010-11 with the cap. If you think the downturn is short, do you risk a shorter term contract for the payoff of more money later, or go with the sure thing for a longer term?
by gfcaps fan on May 19, 2009 6:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’d sign him to Mike Richards’ contract right now. He’s the only Cap I would sign that long term aside from AO. Hell, I’d give him Rick DiPietro’s contract right now.
by Fehr and Balanced on May 19, 2009 7:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
seconded
the Richards deal seems an absurdly good contract for Philly, no?
from the house that Red Jesus built
by bigonetimer on May 19, 2009 9:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If they don’t lock him up, the Caps will not win a Stanley Cup for at least five years, if then. They don’t have the resources to overpay for a first-line center with his production upside. And there isn’t a center in the system who would be within a time zone of his production now, even after they hit their prime.
If you’re thinking about whether to keep a Backstrom or a Semin, if it comes down to having to make a choice, that’s why the Caps have to have Backstrom.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on May 19, 2009 9:48 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
It’s an easy choice, imo, if it comes down to those two.
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by J.P. on May 19, 2009 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed, it isn’t even a question.
Younger, better fit, fills a gap in the team/system. I would be willing to argue that Backis is as important to this teams future as AO is.
by Sct112 on May 19, 2009 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s an easy choice – but not one I want the team to have to make.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on May 19, 2009 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Given his age (which is why there is no Datsyuk or Thornton in this sentence), there is not a center in the league not playing in Pittsburgh I would trade him for, even up.
…ok, maybe Getzlaf, maybe. But hey, we do have Eric Fehr.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on May 19, 2009 9:57 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Tavares?
Savard would be nice.
I think I might trade him for Jonathan Toews if it came down to it. The leadership part would be nice.
by Chimaera on May 19, 2009 9:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tavares hasn’t played an NHL game yet. It’s a bit early for that comparison
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on May 19, 2009 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
True but...
…Tavares is the best prospect I’ve seen since Ovechkin… better than Crosby.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Caps on May 19, 2009 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And Hedman looks like a better blue-chipper.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on May 19, 2009 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would cry if we traded Backi’s for Savard. I would flat out cry.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on May 19, 2009 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Me too. Backstrom’s probably already at least as good and he’s ten years younger.
by David M. Getz on May 19, 2009 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i don’t particularly want him, but I think Savard could be a decent player here.
i think there are a lot of centers in the league who are good players that I might take if push came to shove and he had to be moved.
by Chimaera on May 19, 2009 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Only one for me not named Malkin – Joe Thornton.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on May 19, 2009 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn’t spit on Joe Thornton if he was on fire.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 19, 2009 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Because spitting is rude, uncouth and unbecoming of our fearless leader?
by Fehr and Balanced on May 19, 2009 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Precisely. Plus, while I’m quite an accomplished distance spitter when need be, I don’t want to get too close to anyone engulfed in flames.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 19, 2009 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not sure why not. He’s a damn good player in all aspects of the game, albeit he makes too much, and he grows a sweet beard.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on May 19, 2009 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Look no further than his playoff record.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 19, 2009 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
A certain Stevie Y took a while to break his playoff hex for a while.
I wouldn’t turn him down if you got him for pennies on the dollar.
by Chimaera on May 19, 2009 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not going to complain about Thornton’s playoff resume right now – besides, it takes a whole team to collapse as bad as they do. And, I’m not looking much further than Nabokov.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on May 19, 2009 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
and he grows a sweet beard for one month a year.
by Fehr and Balanced on May 19, 2009 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And I’d take Lecavalier in less than half a heartbeat over Thornton.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 19, 2009 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
As much as I hate Lecavalier, god damn, he’d look good on this team. I’d want him to change his number though. Four on the Caps is reserved for Captains and Lumberjacks.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on May 19, 2009 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And purse-waiving tool sheds like Kevin Hatcher (who I guess fit into that first category for a bit).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 19, 2009 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That reminds me of a friend’s dad going to Caps Devils games, who while sitting with a kid or two would drunkenly yell "HIT HIM WITH YOUR PURSE, DANYKO!
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on May 19, 2009 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
but I think Savard could be a decent player here
Pretty much any top-6-forward-type center would be a decent player here.
by red army line on May 21, 2009 1:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nick should be a 10 across the board
I f you are rating 21 year old centers, he is only behind Crosby in terms of playmaking ability. A joy to watch: he has Kozlov’s puck control and Datsyuk’s vision, a deadly combo.
by S h a g g y on May 19, 2009 9:57 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
To earn a 10..
He needs to break the 100 point mark, and shoot more. I’d like to see him net 30 goals. He invests more time trying to find the perfect pass (although he usually does in fact find them), rather than thinking net first.
He has a wicked shot, and whether or not people just don’t expect him to shoot because he plays with Ovechkin, or just because he’s Swedish, he simply needs to use it more.
I want 30/70.
by :hsughrofl: on May 19, 2009 10:03 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
And a follow up: Shooting more will open up his scoring in general – not only will he get more goals (obviously) but goalies and defensemen won’t always expect the pass to Ovechkin/Semin to shoot. Less predictability creates more options, and more options brings in more scoring.
by :hsughrofl: on May 19, 2009 10:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
As the season went on, I really noticed he was attempting more shots; particularly from what I noticed was his backhand. I always remember the youtube video (That I’m struggling to find) where he takes four pucks, smacks each post and the crossbar, and fires the last puck right into the net, all with slower slapshots. He’s got an accurate shot, he just has to use it more.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on May 19, 2009 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFklkH1BtC0
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on May 19, 2009 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Awesome video – hadn’t seen that before.
by :hsughrofl: on May 19, 2009 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
A 10 this year...
I gave him a 10, all he did was finish in the top 10 in the NHL in scoring, tie for 3rd in the league with 66 assists (with Ryan Getzlaaf), was +16 (which put him ahead of several players in the top 10 in scoring… some guy named Crosby, for example.) He never gets hurt or misses a game, and he’s always giving a great effort. Even when he wasn’t scoring early, he was putting out, and he was playing solid defense.
What he can work on, two things: One is off-season conditioning, which I think will get better.
The other is face-offs. What the Caps should do is have a mini-competition with Backstrom, Feds (if he returns), Gordon, Laich, Steckel, and the other centers. Every day after practice in training camp, each guy faces off 5 times against the others. Whoever ends up at the bottom after camp is over has to buy the other guys lunch somewhere. While the bet isn’t what matters, in that what matters is that everyone will improve if only to win the bragging rights for this contest. Nick is probably at the bottom of the list of regular face-off guys on the team right now, as cleary Fedorov, Gordon, Steckel and Laich are better. But taking 20 draws a day against them every day will certainly improve his ability. He’s never going to be in the Brind’amour or Hunter class where he’ll win 55% over a season, but if he can get to 52-53, he’ll help the team.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Caps on May 19, 2009 10:16 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree with most that a ten for next year would be something comparable to Pavel Datsyuk, which is pretty attainable (32-65—97, 56% on the dot this season) That’s not too much of a reach over 22-66-88, 48.7% (except for faceoffs, obviously). I’d easily give a ten for something near 30-70-100, 51%
My 11/10 for Nicky would be for him to lead the league in take away/give away ratio, lead caps top six forwards in PK time, show up in the top five caps in the hits category, go 55% or more on the dot, and record an amazing 35-80-115 season. Those are my wildest dreams, just saying.
by Love and Osechkin on May 19, 2009 10:27 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
9 for this year
I can’t believe how much Backstrom improved this year. I haven’t seen it mentioned here yet, but his defensive game improved 150% from last season. I have no stats to back this up, but by my eyes, he has picked up a lot of tricks from Fedorov. He has picked up a more defensive & coverage mentality for sure.
He was outstanding on penalty kills when required to do so. When the D-men pinched, he would fill their spots on the odd man rushes that would result, more than we all would like, and he would make excellent plays when required to do so.
Backstrom has definitely picked up the physical game, as b.orr4 alluded to with puck battles, and that results in more assists for him. He is one player that should be getting a lot more love than he does. He does have great ice vision. He will have an excellent career if he keeps doing what he is doing.
For this season, Backstrom definitely met & exceeded my expectations. It will be amazing to see what he can do next season.
by migz on May 19, 2009 11:01 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Gave him a 10.
Hit 88 points despite a month-long slump to start the season.
Avoided the Sophmore slump.
Is quietly one of the best centers in the NHL.
Was a playoff performer yet again.
Showed versatility and worked well with or without Ovechkin.
What more can you ask from him other than a few minor naggings?
Capitals Kremlin the second line center of the Caps blogosphere.
by CapitalsKremlin on May 19, 2009 11:20 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Question: to what degree do Backstrom’s numbers reflect the fact that 95% of his time he is on the rink with the two most skilled players of the team? I looked at the last dozen or so games of the regular season, and most of his primary assists were to either 8 or 28. It certainly makes quite a difference when your cross-field pass reaches Semin or Brashear (no offense Brash, love you).
But make no mistake, Backstrom already IS one of the cornerstones of this team.
by fnralch on May 19, 2009 11:37 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Go watch his assist to Tom Poti at the end of Game 3 and then ask yourself how much he needs to be with another scorer. You could easily ask the inverse and ask how much of AO’s production explosion has to do with playing with a legit 1C.
by Fehr and Balanced on May 19, 2009 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Question: to what degree do Ovechkin’s numbers reflect the fact that most of the time he is on the rink with the two most skilled players of the team?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 19, 2009 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You are not talking about Ovi’s rookie and sophomore season, are you?
by fnralch on May 19, 2009 11:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That’s true of most great players in the league… they play with other great players.
by smutsboy1 on May 19, 2009 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
When he’s on the ice, he is always on the ice with one of the three most skilled players on the team…always.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Caps on May 19, 2009 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
In their second seasons, Backstrom had 88 points and Ovechkin 92. Thought that was interesting.
by ninefttall on May 19, 2009 11:38 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Although Backstrom was playing with a top-notch goal scorer, and AO was not playing with a top-end playmaker.
by red army line on May 21, 2009 1:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Durability
Haven’t seen it mentioned, but the other great asset Nik brings to the table is his ability to stay injury free. No other second-year player has played more games than Backstrom has his first two years (the full 82 game slate for two seasons). Next to talent, durability may be the most important attribute a player can have in the NHL and , despite his size, Nik has the ability to go into high traffic areas without taking the big hits. Again, that goes bacvk to his great on-ice vision.
by b.orr4 on May 19, 2009 11:52 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Haven’t seen it mentioned? It’s my key stat!"
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 19, 2009 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wait, there’s shit to read over the comments? Damn if that won’t double the length of time it takes before I start posting on something.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on May 19, 2009 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
Rec’d
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 19, 2009 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I never read the articles anywhere anymore. I always go straight to the vox populi. That’s where the real people are. You’re the establishment, man. :-)
by b.orr4 on May 19, 2009 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And why is JP insisting that Backstrom be fired?
by Gould Old Days on May 19, 2009 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Yeah, I don't get it. Guess Black Bears get removed and he goes on notice with Bruce now.
by zephyr on May 19, 2009 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who is Shultz?
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on May 20, 2009 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
this photo causes me much distress..
Is this a photo shop or an actual screen shot from the colbert report? If its an actual SS can anyone tell me the episode or give me a you tube on it? I think I might cry…
Strange as it sounds, we do own TVs in Russia - Simeon Varlamov
by JustJeff on May 21, 2009 1:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
go to the website on the bottom right of the photo.
by Natty Bumppo on May 22, 2009 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
PIM total doubling
Agreed the trend needs to be halted soon. If it doesn’t, in 4 years he’ll break the NHL record for PIMs by getting 768! And if it keeps going, he’ll break the NHL record for PIMs 2 years later!!!
Ok, so it’s the math geek in me getting carried away. 48 PIM doesn’t seem like a lot, but if it goes from 24 to 48, then there is an issue…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Caps on May 19, 2009 12:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
2 cents: can’t contain my excitement about the future of nicky b. it’s his two-way play more than anything that cemented his status as a core player in my mind. backstrom CONTROLS the puck whenever he’s on the ice. was patient and methodical from the jump, but seems to get more and more physical. his star-turn Game 3 in the NY rangers series was the first time i thought, “man, that really DOES look like forsberg out there.” in my book, he’ll need to notch 100 points next year to smash my expectations and earn a 10.
achievable if he fires out of the gate. plus, an improved face-off percentage would equal a handful more assists. might be worthwhile to link to last year’s rink wraps so that guests can see what expectations were coming into the season? here’s nick’s (old site only because the translated post misses out on comments and projections).
by Natty Bumppo on May 19, 2009 12:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
small addition: commenters were calling for a 25-goal season this year, which he obviously just missed out on. again, i’d point to the slow start more than anything else, but chimaera’s point about shooting more stands. the buzz bomb to open Game 5 against the pens was awfully sweet.
by Natty Bumppo on May 19, 2009 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I rated Backstrom a 9 just because I always have the highest expectations for people and I thought he’d break 100 points this year. There are also some areas I’d like to see him continue working on or playing as he did at the end of the season.
1. Shoot more.
It’s been said a lot in this thread but can’t hurt saying again. His shot is really something special. Especially his one timer.
2. Keep the hitting and aggressiveness up.
Towards the end of the season I thought he really brought his physical game to a new level. I’d like to see that continue. He does it in a way that is advantageous to the teams playing making too. He knows when to go for a big hit and when it’s better to just play the puck.
3. Faceoffs.
Also be said a lot but that’s one that bears repeating. Finishing over 50% is good enough for me. I’d like to see him be better in the defensive zone though — esp at clutch moments.
The surprises this year for me:
- Wow! Keep up the great PK work! Love having him and Semin out there. Swedish Machine.
-
- Should start making all of the teams sticks interwoven with his golden locks for any of the players that can manage a 500 flex rating. Made me want a Backstrom jersey a few times.
-
— Showed up to camp after eating too many of mommas meatballs.
by zephyr on May 19, 2009 1:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Don’t know why that Striked out, didn’t have the code in there to do that.
by zephyr on May 19, 2009 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
For some reason the platform reads everything in between two dashes as strikethrough, I think – use some other symbol for bulleted lists going forward, I guess.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 19, 2009 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
(See the formatting guide below – dash-text-dash = striked, dash space text space dash does not… or something)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 19, 2009 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I rated Backstrom a 9 just because I always have the highest expectations for people and I thought he’d break 100 points this year.
so by the rules (“relative to your expectations”) you should have given him a 4! sorry, giving you a hard time. i doled out a 9 as well.
by Natty Bumppo on May 19, 2009 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hmm looks like you’re right since it alternates lines.
- I’ll just use
- These “*” from now on
by zephyr on May 19, 2009 1:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Sassy!
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 19, 2009 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
To get a 10 from me next season -
30-75-105, 15+PPG, <40 PIM, 51%+ on the dot, continue to lead the team in takeaways, top 2 in takeaway/giveaway ratio for WAS forwards.
To get a 5 he’d have to post the same stats as this year — he’s improving, every year for the next 3-4 should get better and each year should constitute a new baseline for the following year.
-d
by meep_42 on May 19, 2009 2:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I gave Nick a 7
because, frankly, I expected him to have as good a year as he did, and he exceeded my expectations after working off that spare tire from last summer. All the things he needs to work on have been noted—faceoffs, decreasing PM’s, strength, shooting more, etc—and they’re all doable.
It’s been a good 8-10 years since we have had a bonafide #1C. Sign the man and be done with it.
from the house that Red Jesus built
by bigonetimer on May 19, 2009 5:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Adam Oates? And before him Gustafsson?
by Gould Old Days on May 19, 2009 6:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
With high regard for Joe Juneau and Denis Maruk, I’ll posit that Oates is the only true #1 C the Caps have ever had (Gus was a RW I believe). And despite a rather asshattish, diva-like demeanor (he threw a complete hissyfit when we got Trevor Linden—by contrast, one of the classiest NHL’ers in the last 20 years—and submarined the lockerroom of a pretty good 2000-01 Caps team), he had the best ice vision and hands of any Cap pivot…until now. And Backs is twenty-frickin-one.
Last week’s nonsense notwithstanding, I still go to sleep happy the Pens were duped by the Staal pedigree instead of of taking Nick (or Toews, for that matter) in 2006.
from the house that Red Jesus built
by bigonetimer on May 19, 2009 9:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Staal vs. Nick...
Admittedly Nick is better than Jordan Staal, but you can’t say that the pick hasn’t worked out for the Pens. With any draft pick if you get a good player, you’re happy. If you happen to get a great player… even better.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Caps on May 20, 2009 9:23 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.
