2008-09 Rink Wrap: David Steckel
by J.P. on Jun 19, 2009 7:00 AM EDT
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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, David Steckel.
David Steckel
#39 / Center / Washington Capitals
6-5
222
Mar 15, 1982
4
$725,000 cap hit in 2009-10; UFA after 2009-10 season
6.93 rating
Key Stats: Steckel led all Caps forwards in shorthanded ice time per game (3:48) and face-off percentage (57.9%), finishing third and fifth in the League in those categories, respectively.
Interesting Stat: The Caps are 15-2 all-time (regular season and playoffs) in games in which Steckel scores a goal.
The Good: In his second full season in the League, Steckel set career highs in games played, goals, assists, shots on goal per game and plus-minus, and lowered his per game penalty minutes. He led the Caps in shorthanded goals (2) and points (3), was fifth among the forwards in hits and first in blocked shots, and took the second-most draws on the team (nearly 58% of which he won).
Those regular season numbers tell a bit of the story of Steckel's 2008-09, but they're not nearly as interesting as what followed in a post-season that saw the towering pivot center an incredibly effective third-line, score in each of the first two games of the second round and then give Caps fans their highlight of the season with his overtime game winner in Pittsburgh to force Game 7. Heck, he even raised his face-off percentage in the playoffs, including winning 63% of his second-round draws.
... And all of the above for a $512,500 cap hit (or less than 1/8th of what Sergei Fedorov earned). As Bruce Boudreau commented in the wake of the Game 6 overtime goal, "When you compete as hard as David does, sometimes good things happen to you. You can win with guys like that. A lot of coaches want guys like David Steckel." Indeed.
The Bad: It's hard to ding a guy who got no power play time and skated with low-quality linemates for a lack of offense, so we won't, even though Steckel is a guy just two years removed from a 30-goal/61-point AHL campaign (in a much different role, of course). And while it's not really "bad" and more a function of Boudreau's reluctance to match lines, it is worth noting that Steckel didn't play against particularly difficult competition this year. Frankly, it's hard to come up with anything negative to write about Stecks other than noting the virtually empty net into which he didn't score in overtime of Game 5 against the Penguins - he is what he is: a very effective checking center who may be blossoming into a bit more.
The Vote: Rate Steckel 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: Can Steckel be the Caps' third-line center in 2009-10, or is he better-suited to man the middle on the fourth line? What will it take for him to earn a 10 rating next year?
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Gave him an 8. If I had known about that 30 goals in the AHL, my expectations for him might have been a bit higher though.
Steckel was great at faceoffs, great on the PK, and while he didn’t log huge minutes, he certainly wasn’t a weakness on the ice. Hell, he almost scored 20 points mired on a 4th line that just flat out didn’t score.
And he was flat out awesome in the playoffs. I think we all grew a bit of a man crush during that penguins series.
Next year, I think he has to be on the 3rd line. He was just too good on it during the playoffs. Besides, if he isn’t centering the 3rd, who is? Gordon is best on 4th line, and we want Laich on a wing. I wouldn’t think we would want to have to find two centers for next year.
To earn a 10 will be difficult for Steckel next year. As a role player, he had about as good a season as you can have. To earn that 10, he will have to step outside that role and get comfortable on the 3rd line. Keep faceoffs in the top 5 in the league, and stay our PK leader and shot blocker, but also provide some even strength offense from the 3rd line. With wingers of perhaps Laich, Aucoin, Flash, Fehr, Osala, Bradley, or Gordon, he should have some scoring talent, speed, and forechecking to work with. The above numbers and a 15/20/35 season easily get him a 10.
by HateOffSeason on Jun 19, 2009 7:18 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Stecks even strength TOI went from 9:55 per to 11:50 in the postseason, and he performed against both tougher competition and weaker linemates. Plus he can play well with others.
I think he’s capable of 15/15/30 if given the chance to.
by Bald Pollack on Jun 19, 2009 7:43 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I had to give Steckel a little love, as I watched him play when he was at Ohio State. He’s very capable, and I hope he improves to what the others think he can (30-35 pts/season).
by CraigD on Jun 19, 2009 7:51 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Got an 8 from me… I also believe he could be a valuable 2nd pivot if we choose to save some money against the cap, however, odds are strong that Aucoin will fill that role… 10/39/21 was such a valuable line in the playoffs, it would be nice to see them stick together for a good part of the season.
Stecks and Gordo’s PK capabilities, and mastery in the dot are infinitely valuable to this team. Maybe a 10 from me would be taking over the 2nd pivot role, putting up 40-50 points and helping Semin breathe down Ovie’s neck for the Rocket/Ross.
by FFSEnough on Jun 19, 2009 8:01 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I also believe he could be a valuable 2nd pivot if we choose to save some money against the cap, however, odds are strong that Aucoin will fill that role… 10/39/21 was such a valuable line in the playoffs, it would be nice to see them stick together for a good part of the season.
Disagree, disagree, agree, disagree
Stecks isn’t a good enough playmaker to be a top six pivot, Aucoin won’t be that guy either (due largely to size/faceoff/defense concerns), seeing that line come through was fantastic, but Matt Bradley is a fourth-liner. My 2 cents.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jun 19, 2009 8:05 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Steckel is not a top 6 pivot, yet, and probably forever. He is an extremely effective 3rd liner, where he played almost the entire season (someone said he played on the 4th line last season). I think the best thing about Steckel is that he understands his role, he embraces it and he excels at it. No need to make him more than what he is capable of. My expectations of Steckel were pretty much what we got from him. I give him an 8, he should have right around 25 points every season.
by JSchon on Jun 19, 2009 8:35 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
And, yes, Bradley is a 4th liner on this team.
by JSchon on Jun 19, 2009 8:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My question is, will he play like he did in the playoffs all next season?
by jakeshapiro on Jun 19, 2009 8:28 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I think that his type of checking play is most valuable in the playoffs. During the regular season, the skill guys get to show more of their stuff, but when the refs put the whistles away, it’s the hard workers that come out the most.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Jun 19, 2009 8:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
didn’t he this season?
"You will remember the night you were struck by the sight of [18] thousand fists in the air" -Disturbed
by snowburnt on Jun 19, 2009 9:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Btw, Steckel finished 50th in Selke voting (light years behind Rod “minus-23” Brind’Amour). To say he’s underappreciated is an understatement.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jun 19, 2009 8:35 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
When you play as much as Steckel does that happens. He is a solid guy that isn’t terribly flashy.
You’re not going to get noticed like that.
"You will remember the night you were struck by the sight of [18] thousand fists in the air" -Disturbed
by snowburnt on Jun 19, 2009 9:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Btw, Steckel finished 50th in Selke voting (light years behind Rod "minus-23" Brind’Amour).
The voting on these awards is a joke as you noted about Bruce finishing 11th in the Adams. I’ve loved Stecks game ever since I saw him up in Hershey in ‘06. He’s never going to be the scorer he was in the AHL, but he’s the type of player you have to have if you’re going to win a Cup. And let’s not forget what a shrewd move it was by McPhee to pick him up after LA dumped him ( despite being a #1 choice) after just one year with their AHL club in Manchester where (surprise, surprise) he was coached by Boudreau.
by b.orr4 on Jun 19, 2009 10:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Green at 13
I think the bigger joke is Green finishing 13th in Hart voting (I’ll let Chara’s well-deserved Norris win slide). As we all know, he’s way more valuable than that.
by Scott in Shaw on Jun 19, 2009 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Considering Green plays on a team with Alexander Ovechkin, and the definition of the award, I find it hard to imagine he’d finish anything other than 31st.
by RPI93 on Jun 19, 2009 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why? There were two pairs of teammates in the Top 10.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jun 19, 2009 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If you vote for two players on the same team, doesn’t that kind of ignore the definition of the award? Then again, do some of these writers actually, you know, read?
I’m not saying that’s why two teammates would place in the top 10, but I caught a Pittsburgh writer saying he cast a vote for both Malkin and Crosby (don’t think he mentioned what rank).
And this thread has really gotten off topic, hasn’t it? :-)
by gfcaps fan on Jun 19, 2009 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If you vote for two players on the same team, doesn’t that kind of ignore the definition of the award?
I don’t think so. Say you’re filling out the ballot and you vote for Ovechkin as #1. To me the question of who to put second then becomes “Excluding Alex Ovechkin, whom do you feel was the player most valuable to their team?”
I think it applies in a less pedantic way too, though. For example Mark Streit was probably the most valuable player on the Islanders but Mike Green was probably more valuable to the Capitals than Streit was to the Isles.
by David M. Getz on Jun 19, 2009 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I accept your points, but I’m not sure I agree with the conclusion. It just seems to me that only one player can be the most valuable to his team in any given year. The next guy is the second most valuable to his team. He might be more valuable than someone who’s tops on another team, but then again, I tend to question the point of giving five voting positions for any award. In any sport.
by gfcaps fan on Jun 19, 2009 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Unless
a) Your team had an absolutely amazing kick-butt year (i.e. 140 points) or
b) The rest of your team sucks a lot
by red army line on Jun 19, 2009 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Two points:
First: You don’t get only one vote. So voters can vote for both. You rank em, and the points are based on how high someone is ranked.
Second: Gretzky and Messier (and Coffey). Lemieux and Jagr. Hull and Mikita. It’s not all that rare for the two best players in the league to be on one team.
by Gould Old Days on Jun 19, 2009 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
First: You don’t get only one vote
Agreed, but I believe you should get only one.
by gfcaps fan on Jun 19, 2009 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
F’real. Conceptually, why should you get more than one vote for “best” or “most” or any other superlative?
“Who’s the best player?”
“Ovechkin and then-”
“No ‘and then.’”
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by J.P. on Jun 19, 2009 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If I remember correctly, if you model the way these votes work, you get a better, more accurate result (in that it better reflects what people really believe) if you have tiered voting like the NHL uses. But it’s been a long time since I looked at this.
by Gould Old Days on Jun 19, 2009 1:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Only if you think they’re “more better” – duh!
by S h a g g y on Jun 19, 2009 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But how valuable are they then?
by red army line on Jun 19, 2009 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The next guy is the second most valuable to his team. He might be more valuable than someone who’s tops on another team, but…
This is basically what I was getting at. Even if Mike Green is the second-most valuable player on the Caps (statistically speaking, he may even be first), it is possible (and quite probably true) that he is more valuable than the most valuable player on more than twelve other teams.
by Scott in Shaw on Jun 19, 2009 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Man that’s rough if you’re Richards. Lose by three points when there are clearly some guys who have no idea what they’re doing? Ouch.
by David M. Getz on Jun 19, 2009 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Interesting Stat: The Caps are 15-2 all-time (regular season and playoffs) in games in which Steckel scores a goal.
Well, yeah, but only because he only scores against Tampa Bay.
by David M. Getz on Jun 19, 2009 8:50 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
8
Steckel is the kind of player a team can sometimes overlook when they’re going through training camp, etc. But in the end, you’re glad to have him and glad you’re not playing against him. He’s in the same group of players as guys like Stephan Yelle…not greatly skilled, but you hate it when he’s on the other roster.
I went into the year thinking Stecks would be a 4th line guy who wold get lots of ice on the PK, and on certain defensive situations. He has emerged as the 3rd line center on this team and should be given a chance to play with more talented forwards in the coming season by being on the 3rd line. He’s never going to be a first line or second line center in the NHL, but he certainly deserves more ice than he gets. Given a winger with some offesnive talent and more ice, it’s not hard to see him moving up to chip in 10-15 goals in the coming season.
To get to a 10…. establish himself as the 3rd line center and get to double figures in goals, without losing anything in defense or tenacity.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Caps on Jun 19, 2009 8:56 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
He’s never going to be a first line or second line center in the NHL, but he certainly deserves more ice than he gets. Given a winger with some offesnive talent and more ice, it’s not hard to see him moving up to chip in 10-15 goals in the coming season.
Where would you find him that ice time? Personally I’m partial to the idea of trying Steckel on the second powerplay unit, telling him to win draws and get in front of the net, and seeing if he can show some of that offense he showed in the AHL.
by David M. Getz on Jun 19, 2009 8:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Personally I’m partial to the idea of trying Steckel on the second powerplay unit, telling him to win draws and get in front of the net, and seeing if he can show some of that offense he showed in the AHL.
My brother.
by Bald Pollack on Jun 19, 2009 9:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Aye. I feel like I’ve been asking for that for years. Well, at least one year.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jun 19, 2009 9:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It just seems to make sense:
Unit 1:
Laich-Backstrom-Semin
Ovechkin-Green
Unit 2:
Fleischmann-Steckel-Fehr/Clark
Poti-(Pothier? Jurcina? Alzner?)
by David M. Getz on Jun 19, 2009 9:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Slightly off-topic (but related), but I’d be thrilled to not see any more 2-minute PP shifts for 8 and 52. What’s wrong with 1 minute/30-second rest/30 seconds?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jun 19, 2009 9:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Apologies if you’ve posted this nugget elsewhere before, but here’s further proof that a stopwatch might be in order.
by Bald Pollack on Jun 19, 2009 9:39 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
After watching Detroit’s stopwatch, I think you’re right and that #8 and #52 need to be reined in a bit on shift time. The only time that doesn’t work is if you’ve got sustained pressure in the offensive zone – it’s hard to change up yourself when you’ve got the opportunity to wear down the PK’ers like that.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Jun 19, 2009 9:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow, great stat.
That said, this stat is pretty great, too, so perhaps we should all pipe down.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jun 19, 2009 9:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There’s no denying that the powerplay was successful, but my concern is more that those long shift catch up to guys later in the game (or season…)
by David M. Getz on Jun 19, 2009 9:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think the “long shift” concern is far, far greater at even strength than on the PP, simply by virtue of the amount of energy expended in the two situations.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jun 19, 2009 9:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, but the top ranked PP unit had no problem spreading the wealth over its top 8 guys.
That said, it’ll be interesting to see how the team compensates for Kozlov’s PP time, in-house or otherwise.
by Bald Pollack on Jun 19, 2009 9:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think that depends on who is brought in. If it’s say Chris Bourque, bet on him spending time on at least the second PP unit. A free agent depending on identity might do the same.
Fedorov is a bigger question, if he doesn’t come back. That still seems to be very much up in the air, but if he doesn’t come back, do they give Stecks some PP time to take Feds’ draws?
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Jun 19, 2009 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What about Steckel in Laich’s role on the top PP unit? Backstrom hasn’t shown that he can win 55% of his draws over 82 games yet.
28-39-19
8-52
14-21-16
2-3
by red army line on Jun 19, 2009 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Slightly off-topic (but related), but I’d be thrilled to not see any more 2-minute PP shifts for 8 and 52. What’s wrong with 1 minute/30-second rest/30 seconds?
Or something like 55-65 seconds on, 30 seconds off, 30 seconds on.
by David M. Getz on Jun 19, 2009 9:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Um… that’s what I was saying – 1 minute on/30 secs off/30 secs on.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jun 19, 2009 9:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Whoops. I read it as 1:30 on, :30 off…although I don’t know why. My mistake.
by David M. Getz on Jun 19, 2009 9:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Go to your room and write a 4,000-word post on what Tomas Fleischmann does well as punishment.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jun 19, 2009 9:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He provided cultural balance on the team? Because I think there’s a rule for if you have a Slovak, you also must have a Czech.
by RedBirdie on Jun 19, 2009 9:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good, good, I can flesh that part out to 500 words.
by David M. Getz on Jun 19, 2009 9:57 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
he’s also the only redhead. For the puck bunnies that crave that look….
by RedBirdie on Jun 19, 2009 9:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I consider Semin a red head as well. He has that deep rich auburn hair.
by CapsFan75 on Jun 19, 2009 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rec’d from a fellow online writing geek.
by Bald Pollack on Jun 19, 2009 9:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good, bring up Neuvirth. (Kidding.)
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Jun 19, 2009 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If memory serves, I saw the Poti-Pothier pairing on the power play (adequate alliteration) a few times in late March/early April, and was damn near floored by it.
by Bald Pollack on Jun 19, 2009 9:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t know, that one still seems a little front-loaded to me. I’m more in favor of two power play units, each with a serious weapon or two on them. If you put Semin out on the second unit (for example), which unit do you put your best PK’ers out against? It’s sort of the same principle as having three legit scoring lines.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Jun 19, 2009 9:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hear ya, but I feel like the first unit gets so much more powerplay time on this team that I’m okay with loading up there. If you put Semin on the second unit and it in turn makes that unit 25% more effective and the first unit 10% less effective, I think you still come out with a net loss because of the relative ice time. Plus I think the second unit has enough talent on it to score on a regular basis, at least to the point that they’re not just filling space until the first unit gets back out.
by David M. Getz on Jun 19, 2009 9:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But wasn’t JP just arguing for a cutback on PP shift time for #8 and #52? Totally makes sense, and control of Ovi’s shift lengths in general is a plus, but I think that if you do that, you’ve got to balance your PP units more.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Jun 19, 2009 10:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Overall, our first team PP unit does get a lot of time. It seems that if they don’t get something within the first minute or so of the PP, they’re ineffective for the rest of it (and the other team kills it off.)
by CapsFan75 on Jun 19, 2009 5:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with this. Get 8 and 52 to the bench after 1:15 or so and put in 28 and 3 (and maybe Carlson in a year).
by Scott in Shaw on Jun 19, 2009 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Or maybe using 8 at the half-wall, so using 6 forwards and 4 D on the 2 PP units.
by red army line on Jun 19, 2009 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That is a weak, weak second unit, though. We’ve got a destroyer of worlds in Unit 1, and a whimper in 2. Let’s hope Carlson turns out ready to QB that second unit.
by DrinkingPartner on Jun 19, 2009 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not so sure about that. Fleischmann does well with time and space and when he’s not having it taken to him physically, so he should be fine, Steckel is the big body and can win draws, and Fehr was productive this season.
But I do think the Capitals go get some help up front this offseason and that whomever they get probably replaces one of the forwards on the second unit.
by David M. Getz on Jun 19, 2009 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
….or for that matter, bumps Laich to unit two. For example….
Semin-Backstrom-Knuble
Ovechkin-Green
Laich-Steckel-Fleischmann
Poti-Pothier
by David M. Getz on Jun 19, 2009 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think that depends on just who you get as a free agent, again, but I see what you’re saying.
I’m still more in favor of evening out the PP units by moving Semin to the second line, though.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Jun 19, 2009 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The thing about moving Semin to the second unit is that you’ve now got one of the most productive players in the NHL on the second unit. To me, that’s only justifiable if the two units are of the same overall quality and are getting the same amount of ice time and I just don’t think the Capitals have the depth to be as productive as they were with the man advantage this past season by putting out two balanced units.
by David M. Getz on Jun 19, 2009 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Detroit IMO didn’t have two balanced units. If I recall correctly Holmstrom-Datsyuk-Hossa-Lidstrom-Rafalski was #1 and Hudler-Zetterberg-Franzen-Kronwall-Stuart was the other.
by red army line on Jun 19, 2009 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t know how Detroit fits in to this, but we can run with it.
Stuart wasn’t a PP guy, he only averaged 19 seconds a game. So I took the first unit you recall and the second unit you recall with Samuelsson in for Stuart. The first unit had a combined average PP ice time per game of 17:23 and scored 44 powerplay goals; the second unit averaged 14:57 and 40 goals. That’s 16% less ice time; 10% fewer goals for the second unit. That’s pretty balanced.
But big picture the issue is maximizing total powerplay effectiveness and balancing the units in terms of talent only makes sense if you balance them in ice time and I don’t think the Capitals have enough depth to balance the units in terms of ice time and be as effective as they would be with an unbalanced unit.
by David M. Getz on Jun 19, 2009 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think that it’s a good idea to have Semin on the second unit and 2 D on the top one. That way, especially in the postseason, the team is better equipped to handle 5-on-5 (less tired from long shifts and better chemistry) and also can score gritty goals.
by red army line on Jun 19, 2009 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The third line should get 10-12 minutes even strength each night, and certainly Stecks will get quite a bit of PK ice time as well. Plus if he’s on the 3rd line with someone like Laich, you could get them out there against the opponents top line, also getting more minutes…
A 10-15 goal season could happen if he can get into that sort of role.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Caps on Jun 19, 2009 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The third line should get 10-12 minutes even strength each night, and certainly Stecks will get quite a bit of PK ice time as well.
Right, and Steckel skated 11:50 of ES time per game last year and led team forwards in SH ice time. It’s hard to find him more without putting him on the PP.
by David M. Getz on Jun 19, 2009 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If we keep playing short-handed to the degree we seemed accustomed/resigned to this season I would prefer he be a PK specialist.
It’s that under-appreciated/rated/respected status that positions him well for breakaway goal opportunities. Damn, if Feds only still had legs I could see them racking up serious short-handed points – especially paired with Semin like a number of us have been saying for a while.
8 is fair for Steckel.
For a 10 next season… I’d like to picture him capable of getting 20 goals, not sure he can, so I’ll rate every SHG equal toh 2.5 even-strength goals for him. (And if he maintains or exceeds his other positive attributes)
by Icebat on Jun 19, 2009 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I really do need a “modify” button for my posts, or to re-read before posting after chopping and moving things around:
Damn, if Feds only still had legs I could see them racking up serious short-handed points.Steckel needs to be paired with Semin on the PK more consistently like a number of us have been saying for a while.
by Icebat on Jun 19, 2009 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Stecks is the kind of player aspiring championship teams have to have…especially at his salary.
I still think he has a 15 goal season in him and Ill be interested to see if BB will give him some second unit PP minutes so he can plant his 6’5" frame in front of the net to screen and deflect and generally make things difficult on the other teams PK. I would rather have Stecks out there than Flash. Also having him out for some PP draws would seem like a no brainer.
by Direction 87 on Jun 19, 2009 9:06 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Steckel is an absolutely treat to watch. Game winning overtime goals and absolutely dominating Pittsburgh in the face-off? A really awesome added bonus. This year, I really noticed an improvement in his skating skills, too. He’s really got that Fedorov-style low glide down and he really uses it to his advantage because of his size. How many times did we see him on the PK, challenging the other team to try and carry the puck out of their own zone, and then he’d just reach out with that massive arm span and poke the puck away?
I hope that Caps lock him up for a few more years. He really is one of the supremely under-appreciated guys in the league, and there are probably 29 other teams that would love to have a guy who wins face-offs like a machine, kills penalties on a regular basis, and is a next-to-nothing cap hit. Fortunately, given his history with the Caps, I think he’ll take a hometown discount for a long time.
by RedBirdie on Jun 19, 2009 10:03 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Ha, I googled Steckel to get his stats and THIS SITE comes up as #2 for him.
Poor guy.
Anyway, he was clutch in the playoffs in hershey and has proven he can translate it to the NHL playoffs as well. Exactly the kind of guy you need to win championships.
Steckel Hershey Playoff Stats
GP G A PTS
2005-06 Hershey Bears 21 10 5 15
2006-07 Hershey Bears 19 6 9 15
by Stormblue on Jun 19, 2009 10:07 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
well, Steckel was voted “Hottest Capital” in an informal survey at a recent backyard bbq. There are untold numebrs of women in the DC area willing to throw themselves at him.
by RedBirdie on Jun 19, 2009 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Like THAT's important to a young dude
;)
by S h a g g y on Jun 19, 2009 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Steckel was voted "Hottest Capital" in an informal survey at a recent backyard bbq.
What were you grilling? ;)
by Bald Pollack on Jun 19, 2009 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
atta boy, get to the important stuff!
from the house that Red Jesus built
by bigonetimer on Jun 19, 2009 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ribs :) Big huge meaty ribs with homemade rub and sauce. With large amounts of bourbon.
by RedBirdie on Jun 22, 2009 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Whoa whoa whoa
Is Laich getting dethroned here?
God, I hope not!
by :hsughrofl: on Jun 19, 2009 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I’m surprised at that, what with Laich, JT, and Semin on the team. Way to go, Stecks, I guess :-).
by DrinkingPartner on Jun 19, 2009 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Laich doesn’t have enough hair for my group of ladies. But in that same vein, we just couldn’t get past the old JT and Propecia story! And, yeah, Semin’s not quite doing it for us.
by RedBirdie on Jun 19, 2009 4:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s not a coincidence that he has one of the few non-ridiculous photos of all these Wrap posts.
by CapitalCentre on Jun 19, 2009 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So who’s hot enough to be the other wing on the 3rd line with Steckel and Laich? I’m not sure Bradley looks good enough (although I never get tired of this)
So who’s it going to be?
Aucoin? Kind of a kid next door charm.
Bourque? The classic bad boy?
The Captain? Oooh, intense.
by Gould Old Days on Jun 19, 2009 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Laich-Stecks-Clark would be my first choice for next year’s 3rd-line (with the caveat that I’m talking about a healthy Clark).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jun 19, 2009 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Laich not on a top 2 line? I assume you are expecting a free agent to fill a top 2 slot…
by Moonage Daydream on Jun 19, 2009 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I protest the threadjacking. I was asking “hot or not” and I got a discussion of actual hockey talent.
by Gould Old Days on Jun 19, 2009 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
aucoin might be better off just losing that front tooth and going ovie style, rather than the gap. just me.
by Natty Bumppo on Jun 19, 2009 3:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bourque or a healthy Clark. I’d be happy with either.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Jun 19, 2009 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’d be fine with/like to see C-Bo given a shot there.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jun 19, 2009 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn’t mind seeing Bourque be given a shot on the top line, either, but third line should work too.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Jun 19, 2009 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe at some point but Clark’s had success with Ovechkin before and Bourque will be just entering his first full NHL season. Seems like it would make more sense for Clark to go to line one and Bourque to line three.
Plus I think Ovechkin could really benefit from someone who creates traffic in front and I think Bourque’s somewhat limited in that regard because of his size.
by David M. Getz on Jun 19, 2009 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fair enough. The other thing that line needs, though, is someone who can do the
chase part of “dump and chase” and come up with the puck more often than not. My thought was that Bourque’s got the hustle and skating speed to do that, but I don’t know if Clark does. Comments?
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Jun 19, 2009 2:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m hesitant to say anything for certain about Clark because we haven’t seen him much in two years and when we have he’s been hurt, lacking match fitness, or both. If he’s close to the player he was two years ago he’s going to have plenty of speed, strength, and skill. If he’s more like what we saw this season….well, that really puts the Caps in a tough spot.
I think you’re right that having a guy who can play that dump ‘n’ chase style on that line would help (although more so because Ovechkin misses the net so much since he and Backstrom don’t dump and chase too often) and that Bourque has the speed and tenacity to do it, I’d just be wary of throwing him on that line out of camp.
Another note: a line with the talent of Ovechkin and Backstrom coupled with the work ethic of Bourque would draw a lot of penalties. A lot.
by David M. Getz on Jun 19, 2009 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Plus, a line you could call “BOB” has its weight in gold in bad jokes waiting to happen."
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Jun 19, 2009 3:12 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I find it extremely hard to believe that Bruce will go from not calling for or using Bourque to putting him on the first line. And if there’s any player who, by reputation, should have to earn everything he gets, it’s C-Bo.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jun 19, 2009 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That’s fair enough, but I’m also musing on what would fit. I have no issue with throwing him on the third line, I’m just pondering the dilemma of what to do with the top line. Put Fehr there?
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Jun 19, 2009 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe, though with him possibly being out through November and then having to get in game shape, I dunno…
Frankly, I think the top line RW is not currently in the organization. Neither is the #2 C. But we’ve heard me say this a thousand times.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jun 19, 2009 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah. I’m just wary of bringing in too many outside guys in and bottling up NHL-ready talent at the AHL level. We all know that free agents alone won’t get you to the promised land (just ask Glen Sather). Guess we’ll see what happens at free agency, and for that matter, at the draft. As others have said, how’s that Eminger trade looking about now?
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Jun 19, 2009 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think the top line RW is Alex Semin. And I think that line will surprise us all and actually hit on all cylinders.
Which makes the second line a complete mystery.
by Gould Old Days on Jun 19, 2009 3:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Which makes the second line a complete mystery.
Well I’m told Tomas Fleischmann should be a forty goal scorer, so….
by David M. Getz on Jun 19, 2009 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And by “mystery” you mean “disaster.”
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jun 19, 2009 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tomas Fleischmann, Keith Aucoin, and Alexandre Giroux doesn’t do it for you?
by David M. Getz on Jun 19, 2009 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’d rather see Graham Mink, Aucoin and Giroux. Now if we can just get the Norfolk Admirals and Binghamton Whalers on the schedule…
by Gould Old Days on Jun 19, 2009 4:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
How about Fleischmann, Sedin and Sedin?
A fella can dream, can’t he?
by Gould Old Days on Jun 19, 2009 4:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
In a cap-less world, maybe. But boy, would that be beautiful to watch.
by Scott in Shaw on Jun 19, 2009 4:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Or a Theodore-less Nylander-less Fedorov-less Morisonn-less world.
by red army line on Jun 20, 2009 12:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I gave him a 7. He performed above expectations in a few categories, but for a checking role guy to get a much higher score, the regular season points need to go up a bit. That being said, he was awesome in the playoffs.
To get a 10 next year, I’d like to see 15-15 and more ass kicking in the playoffs
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Jun 19, 2009 10:58 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
8: 5 for regular season, 11 for playoffs (how many times did 10-39-21 dominate 87’s line for a shift?).
For a 10 next year: 12+ min TOI/G, 10+ goals, 25 points, 58%+ faceoffs. And the same sort of deal in the playoffs next year.
by red army line on Jun 19, 2009 11:33 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I’ll give him an 8 and a 10 for the hottie I saw him with last night.
by sincitycapsfan on Jun 19, 2009 12:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
do tell
from the house that Red Jesus built
by bigonetimer on Jun 19, 2009 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That’s about all there is. I saw Fehr and Steckel with two puck bunnies coming out of Rain. I did a double take because I was surprised to see them there – I suppose they were out supporting (partying with) Green
by sincitycapsfan on Jun 19, 2009 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah, it’s a tough assignment…the wingman!
from the house that Red Jesus built
by bigonetimer on Jun 19, 2009 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Easy now, unless that was Mrs. Steckel (spouse, not Mom) he was with, let’s not get him in any trouble. (Insert annoying, cliched Vegas phrase here)
by Cluster on Jun 19, 2009 1:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just a thought for those thinking Steckel might merit a bigger role (i.e., top-two line time)…
12 games, 6-5-11, +7
130 games, 7-13-20, -4
The first line is Steckel’s line against Tampa Bay over the last two years. The second line is his production against everyone else.
Steckel had a fine year, but that doesn’t mean he’s given any indication he is top-two line material. He has to show more than he has thus far.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jun 19, 2009 12:12 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
9…great progress for Dave this year. I have to say I had low aspirations for him to extend his game beyond the PK., but he was more productive than I dared hope in the offensive zone, and became a playah in the second season. Let’s get this fella some linemates who can score!
from the house that Red Jesus built
by bigonetimer on Jun 19, 2009 12:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
An 8
Stecks did what he was supposed to do during the regular season. He stepped up big time during the post season which helped give us this result . If he turns out to increase to a 25-30 point player next year, in any combination listed in the above posts, then steps up again in the postseason, gotta say he’s within grasp of getting a 10. I do see him as being the third line center, barring anything out of the ordinary after July 1.
During the finals the guy on Detroit that I totally found my self watching was Darren Helm. In a sense I kinda want Stecks to mimic that level of intensity next post season while still bringing what he did or more this year.
Promote the game, it's the NHL, not SCHL
by kurlNdrag on Jun 19, 2009 12:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I wasn’t a big fan of Steckel coming into this season. I recognized him as a decent player but I really didn’t expect much from him except to win faceoffs and cycle the puck deep to wear out teams with Brash.
After going to almost every game I became a big fan of him and enjoyed seeing him on the third line often.. He’s one of the hardest working players on the ice and is just a great role player.
I hope to see him stay on the 3rd line and continue his PK’ing of awesomeness.
by zephyr on Jun 19, 2009 1:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Not a single vote at 4 or lower. Looks like Stecks either met or exceeded everyone’s expectations this season.
by Moonage Daydream on Jun 19, 2009 1:47 PM EDT 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 8:36 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.
