Centers of Attention
by J.P. on Jul 13, 2009 7:00 AM EDT
166 comments
If newly acquired center Brendan Morrison truly "has a clean bill of health" and "will be back and be skating well and feeling strong" next season, the 2009-10 Capitals may have something they haven't had in quite some time - a pair of legitimate goal-scoring threats at center. After all, Morrison averaged 21.8 goals for the five seasons leading up to his injury-riddled 2007-08 campaign, and scored at a 26-goal pace after he was traded to Dallas three-quarters of the way through last season (his return to form was not surprising, either, given that Morrison noted on Friday, "I felt the last 20 games of the season my legs started to come back").
Add a healthy Morrison to the ever-improving Nicklas Backstrom (who lit the lamp 22 times a season ago) and the Caps should have pretty decent fire power down the middle, a rarity in Washington for nearly two decades. To wit, back in 1992-93, the Caps had a trio of 20-goal-scoring pivots: Mike Ridley (who had 26 tallies), Michal Pivonka (21) and Dale Hunter (20). Since then, however, the team has only had a half-dozen individual 20-goal seasons from centers (no matter how he's listed, Brooks Laich is a wing in our book), and no two in the same campaign. Here's the list, chronologically:
(Note: Twenty-nine of Lang's goals in 2003-04 were scored prior to being traded from Washington to Detroit. Additionally, Adam Oates' 22-goal 1996-97 season isn't included here, as only four of those goals were scored as a Cap.)
Of course, the Caps have had plenty of productive playmaking pivots over that 15-season span, but a 20-goal center every 2.5 seasons, on average? Not impressive, and even less impressive when compared to the rest of the League - since 1992-93, there have been 548 individual 20-goal seasons by centers (at least nominally), and Caps have accounted for just 1.09% of those (and there weren't many near misses by Caps pivots, either - one 19-goal season, a couple of 18's and so on).
Morrison may or may not be "the answer," but in a Conference featuring teams with impressive trios of centers (Crosby, Malkin and Staal in Pittsburgh; Richards, Carter and Briere in Philly; Savard, Krecji and Bergeron in Boston; etc.), it's nice to have at least a second scoring center in D.C. Then again, we all thought the Caps were sitting pretty with Backstrom, Michael Nylander and Sergei Fedorov down the middle last year, so perhaps we'll hold off counting those chickens for a little longer.
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Boy, you’d think we were at the bottom of the League last year based on some of this commentary :)
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Jul 13, 2009 7:31 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
As fans, we have to keep analyzing and figuring out how to make our team better in the offseason (not like it matters, GMGM isn’t listening to us), while still trying to keep it light enough that we aren’t really just criticizing the team. I like that we don’t have the red blinders on here and think that everything is just fine…every team has some holes.
Hell, even the team that most of us look to as a model, with perhaps the fewest shortcomings of any over the last decade just lost the cup to the freaking pens. sigh.
At least we have good management here now in Washington, and good coaching. Even though the powers that be aren’t listening to our wish list, at least we have the fair expectations, proven again this offseason, that they will do what they can to make the team better, and not just be happy with the increase in ticket sales.
by HateOffSeason on Jul 13, 2009 7:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
(not like it matters, GMGM isn’t listening to us)
the knuble signing makes me question this.. :)
by Natty Bumppo on Jul 13, 2009 9:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
GMGM isn’t listening to us…
And thank goodness for that. He’s proven that he knows what he’s doing and doesn’t need all that much advice.
Even though the powers that be aren’t listening to our wish list…
It’s funny, for all that I don’t think McPhee pays any attention to what fans or press are saying, he’s been hitting the points on our wish list pretty well. Knuble was #1 on everyone’s list of free agents, and everyone was clamoring for a #2 center. There’s still time for something to be done on the blue line (if needed) before the season starts.
More broadly, Ovechkin is signed to a very long term contract. Mike Green is locked up for a few more years. The team is division champs and has done great in the regular season and fairly well in the postseason. My wish list for the Caps, at least, is doing fine, except for the one big shiny thing.
by Gould Old Days on Jul 13, 2009 9:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
he’s been hitting the points on our wish list pretty well
But it’s not very likely that he’s actually listening to us, though. More likely, I think, it’s because this is a smart, attentive community (unlike some other blogs/message boards I could name…)
by CapitalCentre on Jul 13, 2009 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with that, and I too appreciate the dose of reality. In truth, I read OFB, CI, and this blog – between them, I get a realistic picture of what is happening. Japers’ just tends to be on the negative side of the balance (a few people churlishly so). No one group has a full command of truth – it’s always somewhere in the middle.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Jul 13, 2009 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I prefer to think of us as ‘pragmatic’. The highs aren’t as high and the lows aren’t as low here as they are other places.
But I also think a large part of that is that this community is very much grounded in reality and recognizes that the jobs of guys like McPhee and Mahoney are much more difficult than they might seem and that building a successful NHL team is something that’s a lot harder to do in real life than it is on the xbox.
The Knuble signing was an example of that: the community here was pretty excited about the signing because it recognized that given the combination the team’s of cap space and needs and what was available, Knuble was the best option.
by David M. Getz on Jul 13, 2009 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I prefer to think of us as ‘pragmatic’. The highs aren’t as high and the lows aren’t as low here as they are other places.
well said, and rec’d
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 Jul 13, 2009 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s absolutely ridiculous to say that we’re on the negative side of the balance. Seriously. That’s a shockingly inaccurate description of this site.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 13, 2009 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
No question. Some people just want sunshine and butterflies instead of, you know, facts, reasoned, data-driven analysis and thoughtful content.
by TylerG on Jul 13, 2009 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with JP. For example, the discussion of Schultz and Fehr has been far more positive here than elsewhere.
by Gould Old Days on Jul 13, 2009 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There are a couple commenters here who seem to delight in threadjacking. (I mean, this stuff has NOTHING to do with Morrison and 2C. Maybe we can trade them for a fifth-round pick…..)
As JP pointed out elsewhere here, he intends the morning links roundup as a venue for open-thread-style random-whateverness. It would be nice if the substantive, analytical posts generate on-topic-only comments so that those of us who want to talk about these topics can talk about them without diversions toward beaten dogs, or whatever.
by TylerG on Jul 13, 2009 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I definitely delight in threadjacking. Like for example, a threadjack where we talk about threadjacking is particularly fun.
It would be nice if the substantive, analytical posts generate on-topic-only comments so that those of us who want to talk about these topics can talk about them without diversions toward beaten dogs, or whatever.
Sounds like a pretty grim existence to me. Where would we be if we couldn’t speculate about which care bear each Capitals player is most like?
Here’s a thought, Tyler. When you spot a well written analytical substantive post what has numbers in it, and you have something to say about it, why don’t you reply to those? As for the goofy stuff, well, if it annoys you let it drift on by. Some of us are just entertaining ourselves and each other on the side with that. I, for one, am capable of both laying out why Dave Steckel was underused last year (with real stats!) and riffing on stupid puns in the same thread, and I enjoy both manners of discourse.
by Gould Old Days on Jul 13, 2009 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
This is the internet. You know, the wild, wild west of modern communications? If we want to slightly waver off-track, what’s the big deal? Should we go back to the old days when the Post decided how much and what we got to read about hockey? I, for one, enjoy the way threads kind of skip around. It’s kind of like Chaos Theory with words.
by b.orr4 on Jul 13, 2009 4:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I find that threadjacking can lead to very thoughtful discussions on different topics that maybe are only slightly related to the original post, but still are worthy of discussion and consideration.
And sometimes it just results in weird but funny stuff like people with 12 toes posting pictures, or Sidney Crosby showing off his terrible diving form. Or, somehow, Tomi Poti and goats….
by RedBirdie on Jul 13, 2009 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey RedBirdie — I have a confession to make. I pulled that 12 toe picture off the internet. I don’t actually have 12 toes…
by Gould Old Days on Jul 13, 2009 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
well, I loved it! Slightly confused by it, but loved it. “Who posts pictures of their toes? They’re kinda hairy. Oh….wait, is that 12 toes?!”
by RedBirdie on Jul 13, 2009 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It was a pretty dumb joke. Folks were talking about how toes were getting stepped on around here, and I figured someone with 12 toes would be extra susceptible…
Come to think of it, a really dumb joke.
by Gould Old Days on Jul 13, 2009 5:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
haha well I laughed so don’t be too hard on yourself
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 Jul 13, 2009 7:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t think that a string of comments that starts somewhere pertinent and goes somewhere else is threadjacking.
But if we’re going to go ahead and bust our asses to give you a Clips post that we specifically designate for off-topic conversations, why is it so much to ask that “BTW, I have read rumors about Afinogenov coming here, and thought to myself, what proof do these people have?” be posted in the comments to that Clips post and not in a post that has a specific, focused topic?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 13, 2009 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Having done regular link dumps, I know how much work goes into them, so please don’t think I’m being flippant here, but not having link dumps this offseason, I think people kinda got into the habit of dumping rumors/speculation/random crap into whatever the latest thread was.
by RedBirdie on Jul 13, 2009 4:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Right, and I’d like to think that they can be broken of the habit – they’re not puppies, for crying out loud.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 13, 2009 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
you know this demands a thread drift comment along the lines of “Some posters have the posting sense of a rabbit!”
by RedBirdie on Jul 13, 2009 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I understand your point and while I usually stay pretty much on topic, I can understand why a “threadjack” happens. Someone sees something, it sparks a thought and, bang, it’s part of the thread. Then it ends up like the mouse in the crate of ornages. I don’t think people come on here with the intention of screwing up your efforts, but people are human. Sometimes they just wander. In all honesty, compared to what goes on at the message boards or CI, this is like being in catholic school with the way we stay on track most of the time.
by b.orr4 on Jul 13, 2009 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
All I ask is for people to think before they type. This isn’t CI.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 13, 2009 4:50 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I think your expectations might be a bit unrealistic, and if you intend to strictly police the comments here (and God forbid, institute some kind of punishment system) this site will get a lot less fun in a hurry. Maybe you will like it more, because it will be a tightly-controlled community of disciples who only talk about what has been pre-ordained for them, but that’s a brand of blog not designed for mass popularity. The problem with designating the link-wrap as the open thread for the day is that it is posted at 7:00am EST, and by the afternoon there are often several new posts and the conversation just flows to the latest thread. It is rare (everywhere, not just here) for blog denizens to keep going back to older posts every time they think of something they want to say that might not necessary fit in the newest thread.
/yes, someone pissed in my Cheerios today, sorry
by Scott in Shaw on Jul 13, 2009 5:14 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
The problem with designating the link-wrap as the open thread for the day is that it is posted at 7:00am EST, and by the afternoon there are often several new posts and the conversation just flows to the latest thread.
But it doesn’t have to.
Look, I’m not telling people what to think, I’m just telling ’em where to think it – hardly a slippery slope towards “a tightly-controlled community of disciples who only talk about what has been pre-ordained for them.”
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 13, 2009 5:25 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
To use that as a springboard (and of course, correct me if I am wrong on any of this, J.P.), I don’t think anyone is going to be upset if the discussion goes into something somewhat related. Comments on this post about the Capitals drafting history when it comes to center, how their center depth compares to the league-wide norm, and how Morrison’s offensive potential impacts line combinations are all great topics to discuss even if they’re not 100% the same topic as where this year’s team fits in historically at one position.
What is somewhat irksome is when someone comes in and posts something entirely unrelated to the topic at hand, especially given that SBN provides platforms for initiating discussion (Fan Shots and Fan Posts) and that Japers’ Rink is providing an open thread for those kinds of things. I know that I personally feel flattered people want to bring topics to this community to discuss and Heaven knows it’s where I’d bring a topic I wanted to discuss as well — but there are better ways to start that discussion than commenting in an unrelated thread just because it’s at the top of the page.
by David M. Getz on Jul 13, 2009 5:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
in this case, am i correct that the only comment that was a complete tangent on this post was the afinegenov comment and continued discussion? (jschon!!)
by Natty Bumppo on Jul 13, 2009 5:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There’s an expression that sums this up — It’s like herding cats.
Anyway, regardless of how off-topic it sometimes gets, I can’t help but marvel at how chatty the participants here are compared to other blogs — and it’s mostly friendly.
by gfcaps fan on Jul 13, 2009 5:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Credit SBNation’s amazing platform for most of that.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 13, 2009 6:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Seriously. If we are not constraining our behavior on the most productive ways, it’s because we have too damned much freedom. I continuously marvel at how well SB has designed their platform.
by Gould Old Days on Jul 13, 2009 6:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I meant it as a good thing. And I’ve linked to some of the other SBN hockey blogs, and we are way more chatty. We’re just more fun than other teams’ fans.
by gfcaps fan on Jul 13, 2009 6:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Look, I’m not telling people what to think, I’m just telling ’em where to think it
You know what, if you give the people a few days, they’ll figure out what goes where. After all, this is just the first day of the link-wrap in many months. And while we love what you guys write, some days we just don’t read every word of it. I would guess by Wednesday, you won’t have this problem.
by b.orr4 on Jul 13, 2009 5:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
JP, is there a way to pin the link wrap for the day? Would definitely help redirect some of the more random comments.
by brs03 on Jul 13, 2009 5:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We could, but we prefer to have a quality content on top rather than a collection of links. Whatever. This isn’t nearly as problematic as this discussion has made it out to be (and I’ll accept responsibility for that).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 13, 2009 6:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
All I ask is for people to think before they type. This isn’t CI.
And I would argue that most of the time they do, but you are dealing with a group of posters with varying degrees of hockey knowledge and experience. What may seem like a totally inane comment to one person may be perfectly logical to another. Admittedly, rumors about Afinogenov may not fit in a column about centers, but if you go back to the very first comments, this discussion got derailed way before that lazy Russian ever showed up.
by b.orr4 on Jul 13, 2009 5:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The way I see it is that threads are similar to us sitting in a room or a bar discussing topics. In this case, the center situation here in Washington is the topic of the day. Someone randomly blurts out the Afinogenov crap, and then the conversation “evolves.” Are threadjacks really that random or is just a way for the conversation to evolve into something else? Sorry, I’m just not familiar with threadjacks too much. I understand the term loosely, but not the technicality.
I for one do you see some of what was stated above about the negativity on these boards at times. It just seems there are a few personalities on here that place everything on a pedestal, and at times, I have made comments out of the intent of humor, and I am made out to be either an imbesol, piece of trash, or just inconsiderate prick. There might be a problem of maturity here, but I do my best to maintain MY formality. However, lets realize that I am a 22-year-old—one year removed from college—kid, and I happen to be a beer-guzzling, obnoxious, and raucous sports fan who has probably cursed in front of your children. Yes, your children in the 400-level. This has become a mindless ramble, or maybe even a “threadjack” to some people, but my main point is LIGHTEN UP PEOPLE!!!
ps I was thinking about not posting this because I know people will probably rip me to shreads over it, but oh well, it’s been a long Monday! Now let’s move on!
by bigmac1124 on Jul 13, 2009 5:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is the equivalent of us all sitting in a bar talking about centers, JSchon shows up late and says, “Hey guys, did you hear the rumor about Afinogenov?” and JP tells him, “Sorry, buddy, but you need to go to the bar next door if you want to talk about that.”
by Scott in Shaw on Jul 13, 2009 6:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not really. More like the equivalent of us all sitting in a bar talking about centers, JSchon shows up late and says, "Hey guys, did you hear the rumor about Afinogenov?" and JP tells him, "Hey, we’re having a good discussion about something else, but I know these guys at the next table would love to chat you up on this topic. Cool?"
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 13, 2009 6:04 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Not really, because the topic of discussion here is laid out. It’s more like someone having a seminar to discuss the recent history of Capitals centers and how this year’s group looks to shape up and someone walking to the front of the room, stepping in front a mic and going “Hey guys, how [x]!”
by David M. Getz on Jul 13, 2009 6:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
the repeated shots at OFB and/or TEB are definitely threadjacking by your definition, tyler.
by Natty Bumppo on Jul 13, 2009 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
….yes….so take the OFB trash talk to the link dump, as i don’t see how it relates to the 2C either.
by Natty Bumppo on Jul 13, 2009 4:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It actually was directly related to the criticism of this post as not being sunshine and lollipops enough.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 13, 2009 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
fwiw, the folks at OFB did make a good point today: when was the last time there was a waiting list for regular season pucks in the District?
/ducks
from the house that Red Jesus built
by bigonetimer on Jul 13, 2009 4:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i’ll submit that continuously inserting sideways shots at OFB will always push the discussion away from the post subject. but i respect and support the idea of allowing a comment on the post itself to lead us in different directions.
by Natty Bumppo on Jul 13, 2009 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
OFB may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but there’s no denying they’re hard-core Cap fans and they work hard at what they do. There’s no reason to crap on someone just because they might like that site AND this site.
by b.orr4 on Jul 13, 2009 4:45 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 13, 2009 5:17 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
In (regrettable) lieu of that, recirculating this for those who have JIP over the last few months may be useful.
"Yes, It is a 'Beautiful Game.' It's because we see something meaningful that we hope to someday, somehow, see in ourselves."
by Bald Pollack on Jul 13, 2009 5:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nice. Thanks – that’s actually constructive.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 13, 2009 5:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
or maybe revamping it into a sort of “code” for commenting? stay away from personal attacks, cite sources, support your arguments, limit random thoughts to morning links posts, etc.?
by Natty Bumppo on Jul 13, 2009 5:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We’re actually in the process of putting together a “Community Guidelines” doc (it’s not as fascist as it sounds – here’s an example , though I can’t imagine ours being that aggressive) that should help.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 13, 2009 5:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s more historical commentary than anything else, but I feel pretty comfortable saying that Brendan Morrison should be a better player this year than Sergei Fedorov was last (and at 1/3 the price).
But if you think the Caps got top-notch production out of the center position in 2008-09, cool.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 13, 2009 7:43 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t. :) I’m just also reminded that we’re not beaten dogs, either.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Jul 13, 2009 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Where do I say “we” are “beaten dogs?” If anything, this post is saying that a busted up old center who had the worst year of his career last year is a threat to score 20 goals. How on earth is that negative? Jesus.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 13, 2009 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I’m pretty sure that if you want someone to whisper nothing but sweet sunshine into your monitor that there are infamOus capitals Fan Blogs…
by TylerG on Jul 13, 2009 7:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
coming up with new and interesting ways to diss OFB…i like it.
by Natty Bumppo on Jul 13, 2009 9:12 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Down boy. We’re all Caps fans here.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Jul 13, 2009 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not convinced Morrison is the 2C answer. He’s cheap, he’s impermanent, he’s motivated and as a result he’s got substantially more upside than downside. But I’m not sold that the Caps won’t still be in the market for a C come February.
by TylerG on Jul 13, 2009 7:58 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
But I’m not sold that the Caps won’t still be in the market for a C come February.
this rings true. i thought to look for a list of centers entering the last year on their contracts (savard?), but i’m not sure the caps could afford a 2C’s salary mid-season. will we have any flexibility come march?
by Natty Bumppo on Jul 13, 2009 9:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He may not be the answer, but he is almost a zero risk opportunity. Hell, we could just line Steckel up with Ovie to win draws to him, and have Backstrom center Semin and probably put up enough points to be in playoff position come February. With all the holes we see on this roster, we still aren’t a bad regular season team without adding new people to the roster.
So, even if Morrison isn’t the answer, it doesn’t really matter, we will still be ok, at least until the playoffs.
by HateOffSeason on Jul 13, 2009 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The draft
In a related story, the Caps have not been shy about drafting Cs in recent years, including on each of the last two first rounds and in three of the last four:
2006: Backstrom (1), Lynes (4), Gwidt (6), Perreault (6).
2007: de Simone (3), Bruneteau (4), Taylor (6), Larson (7).
2008: BabyGus (1), Broda (5).
2009: Johansson (1), Eakin (3).
by TylerG on Jul 13, 2009 8:32 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Count me among those guilty ones who last summer crowed about how deep the Caps were down the middle, so I’m not counting on Morrison for anything until I actually see it with my own eyes. That said, IF he really is over his injuries, I could easily see B-Mo putting up a 50-60 point season playing with Semin and Flash. The guy that I didn’t see mentioned who I think is really about to emerge is Dave Steckel. Let’s not forget, this is a guy who scored 30 goals in Hershey. Admittedly, last season he got only 8 goals but he only averaged 13:40 TOI and a lot of that was on the penalty kill. If he gets to play on the third line all season with Laich and maybe Fehr, I could easily see him doubling his goal total from last season.
by b.orr4 on Jul 13, 2009 9:02 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
There is nothing wrong with David Steckel being a really good 3rd line C on a offensively potent team. I’m not saying he has maxed out his potential, just advocating not fitting square pegs into round holes. I have seen little in terms of him being slick with a pass or any resemblance to what Backstrom can do with a puck or even skating for that matter from Steckel. Steckel is right where he belongs, 3C.
BTW, I have read rumors about Afinogenov coming here, and thought to myself, what proof do these people have? He is an UFA, russian and has a great history with Team Russia and has struggled the past 2 years. Why hasn’t he been gobbled up by the KHL by now? My guess is that there might some truth about rumors. Where else in the league could go to revitalize his career in a offensive system that messes perfectly with his style of play and have a few fellow comrades playing significant roles? Here, thats the list.
Ovechkin/Backstrom/Afinogenov
Semin/Morrison/Knuble
Laich/Steckel/Clark or Fehr
Beagle or Bourque/Gordon/Bradley
There about 6 different ways you could match the top 6 lines, all of it looks good.
by JSchon on Jul 13, 2009 9:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think the only way he’s coming here is if he’s taking close to league minimum and the Caps already have a deal lined up that requires them to move Flash.
I don’t think he’s coming here, and I don’t think he’d be a smart addition, but I guess if it actually were to happen it might be acceptible if the deal were cheap and were the precursor to a good trade or something.
by brs03 on Jul 13, 2009 9:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There about 6 different ways you could match the top 62 lines, all of it looks good.
by JSchon on Jul 13, 2009 9:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No line with Afinogenov looks good to me.
by Killer_Carlson on Jul 13, 2009 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What about Afinogenov-Nylander-Jagr over in Omsk?
by David M. Getz on Jul 13, 2009 3:12 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
that line looks freaking fabulous. Maybe I can help out my donating a few dollars to cover airfare?
by RedBirdie on Jul 13, 2009 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’ll take it. I should have said no line on the Caps with Afinogenov looks good.
by Killer_Carlson on Jul 13, 2009 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
where did you afinogenov-to-the-caps rumors?
by Natty Bumppo on Jul 13, 2009 9:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Afinogenov? This is ridiculous.The Caps don’t have the cap space or the room for him in the top-six. He’s not a GMGM kind-of-player. He’s not even an NHL-kind-of-player. (Number of times Afinogenov has scored 25 goals in a season: Zero.)
by TylerG on Jul 13, 2009 9:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I find very unlikely as well that he comes here, not ridiculous, but very unlikely. Semin isn’t really a GMGM kind-of-player either, whatever than means. More importantly is he a Boudreau type of a player and does Ovie think he would fit in and at what cost. Money drives everything, even Ovie would be unattractive @ $25M per year.
by JSchon on Jul 13, 2009 9:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh good lord. I’m engaged in a conversation with someone arguing about whether or not Ovie would be attractive at two-and-a-half-times the NHL-legal max salary. Get me to development camp.
by TylerG on Jul 13, 2009 9:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My point TylerG, is that its the cost of an item that either makes it a bargain or not a bargain. Fleischmann $725k, bargain, Fleischmann $3M, not a bargain.
by JSchon on Jul 13, 2009 9:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i don’t disagree with you tyler, but you often mention “GMGM kinds-of-players.” how does someone that drafted alexander semin, traded for chris clark and continues to roster tomas fleischmann get pigeonholed as having one preferred type of player? was there a quote or something else i missed that makes you think he’d avoid a flighty european winger?
by Natty Bumppo on Jul 13, 2009 9:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Chris Clark is absolutely a GMGM kind of guy. Gritty, etc.
GMGM is stuck with Flash because he’s cheap. None of us — not even JSchon — think GMGM considers him foundational.
by TylerG on Jul 13, 2009 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for the backhanded compliment, and yes, Flash is very expendable.
by JSchon on Jul 13, 2009 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
right, but a trade for afinogenov would not be “foundational,” either. especially since GMGM so often references the red wings, i don’t see the caps building a roster of purely clarks/knubles any time soon.
by Natty Bumppo on Jul 13, 2009 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The idea of trading for a UFA is as nonsensical as discussing Afinogenov-as-a-Cap was in the first place.
by TylerG on Jul 13, 2009 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Especially in a THREAD ABOUT CENTERS.
by TylerG on Jul 13, 2009 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
not my point, but whatever. this was the third time recently that you’ve said GMGM has a “type of player,” and i was looking for some justification.
by Natty Bumppo on Jul 13, 2009 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
(note: you changed the topic in all three of your comments and never justified why you think a GMGM-type-player is “gritty.” particularly on a team that we all wish had more top-6 grit. kozlov: another signing that’s not in your GMGM mold. seems to me GMGM is after a balanced line-up that fits with BB’s system.)
by Natty Bumppo on Jul 13, 2009 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fine. Whatevs. This is a post on centers and I was using shorthand to point out that Afinogenov is a silly conversation.
by TylerG on Jul 13, 2009 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But you have never explained to anyone on this site what a GMGM player is, despite being asked to clarify by several people.
by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 13, 2009 6:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
GMGM still traded for Flash, correct? He didn’t get stuck with him on the roster. GMGM has had the keys to the team for over a decade, it would be hard to say that anyone in the organization isn’t here because GMGM wants him here.
by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 13, 2009 6:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What exactly is a GMGM kind-of-player?
by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 13, 2009 6:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hockeybuzz, I know its Eklund stuff, 98% of which I ignore but the Afinogenov stuff makes sense… Looking at it from a purely “Does it make sense” viewpoint.
by JSchon on Jul 13, 2009 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t see it from a ‘does it make sense’ standpoint. The caps have four spots on the top two lines and three of them are definitively spoken for and with Fleischmann, Bourque, Fehr, and Laich on the team the other one should be easy enough to fill with guys already on the roster. Then add in that the team is close to the cap, and I just don’t see it.
To me it sounds like classic Eklund, trying to use some anecdotal, questionable facts (hey, there are a lot of Russians in DC!) to create something out of nothing.
by David M. Getz on Jul 13, 2009 9:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t think it makes sense at all…
Frankly, I’m surprised to hear that you even visit hockeybuzz.
by Yoshietree on Jul 13, 2009 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
just for the uninitiated: a link to the scientific study on eklund’s rumors. along with greg wyshynski’s well-researched novella on the same topic.
by Natty Bumppo on Jul 13, 2009 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
that would really make things interesting, with all those combo’s. BB would go crazy.
of we could get him for cheap, then it would work. yeah he has struggled greatly, but the caps line-up could spark him
by hockeyman33 on Jul 13, 2009 9:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I too am somewhat surprised that Afinogenov has not signed with a KHL by now. I don’t put any credence in the Caps rumors though. As Tyler bluntly put it, there just ain’t the cap space, and to be honest I wouldn’t want him here anyway.
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 Jul 13, 2009 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
BTW, I have read rumors about Afinogenov coming here, and thought to myself, what proof do these people have? …
See this morning’s Clips:
Ed. note: We’re going to try keep up with a clips post every morning to collect some of the links that might otherwise fall through the cracks and to give you all an open thread to talk about anything you want (which means we hope that the comments to the more single-topic/substantive posts can stay better focused than they sometimes tend to be). Cheers.
C’mon, peeps. Work with me.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 13, 2009 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
The guy that I didn’t see mentioned who I think is really about to emerge is Dave Steckel. Let’s not forget, this is a guy who scored 30 goals in Hershey. Admittedly, last season he got only 8 goals but he only averaged 13:40 TOI and a lot of that was on the penalty kill. If he gets to play on the third line all season with Laich and maybe Fehr, I could easily see him doubling his goal total from last season.
Steckel’s most frequent linemates last year:
441 shifts: Just Boyd Gordon (shorthanded)
372 shifts: Matt Bradley and Donald Brashear (a recipe for offensive success!)
321 shifts: Bradley and Gordon
306 shifts: Laich and Fehr (finally, some talent)
288 shifts: Brashear and Gordon
Those 8 goals in the regular season are starting to look pretty good, eh?
by Gould Old Days on Jul 13, 2009 9:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Your 2C also needs to dish out assists, create, Steckel just isn’t that creative with the puck and his skating is fair but nothing amazing.
by JSchon on Jul 13, 2009 9:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Where are you getting second line center for Steckel? If you’re going back to my opriginal post, I thought I was pretty clear that Morrison is the #2 center andStecks needs to play on the third line full-time. Noone thinks Dave is second line center material
by b.orr4 on Jul 13, 2009 9:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ok, I misunderstood your point in pointing out Steckel, I thought you were advocating more of a role for him. My apologies.
by JSchon on Jul 13, 2009 9:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No problem. The point I was making (or at least trying to) was that I think Stecks can be a lot better oiffensive player than he has shown.
by b.orr4 on Jul 13, 2009 9:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
right. Last year he spent most of the season in a 4th line role with Gordon, Bradley and Brashear. So we are advocating more of a role for him — 3rd line. And if the playoffs are any indication, I think he could double his scoring easily.
by Gould Old Days on Jul 13, 2009 10:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
any way you can show what lines he scored the goals with?
by hockeyman33 on Jul 13, 2009 9:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Using Dobberhockey for both lines and line production:
3 points
Flasch – Steckel – Fehr
2 points each:
Semin – Steckel (shorthanded)
Brashear – Steckel – Gordon
Bradley – Steckel – Gordon
There were eleven combinations with one point each. My favorite of those was Ovechkin – Steckel (shorthanded)
by Gould Old Days on Jul 13, 2009 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
warning: small sample sizes
Steckel’s quality of teammates was very low during the regular season. Of the regulars, only Gordon, Bradley, and Brashear had lower quality of teammates scores.
To bring it full circle, Steckel skated 201 shifts with Flasch and Fehr, and the line scored 3 goals. That’s about a goal every 70 shifts. Steckel skated more than 4600 shifts overall and the Caps scored 24 goals while he was on the ice. That’s about one goal every 200 shifts. So there’s reason to believe Steckel would flourish with better linemates.
by Gould Old Days on Jul 13, 2009 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If I could shill my fanpost on mobile, I would.
"Yes, It is a 'Beautiful Game.' It's because we see something meaningful that we hope to someday, somehow, see in ourselves."
by Bald Pollack on Jul 13, 2009 10:37 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Natty, let me ask you a question. What do you think of someone who only does the bare minimum? Hmm?
by David M. Getz on Jul 13, 2009 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
My honkies.
On a slightly related topic, anyone know what was written on the back of the shirts of the off-ice rookies?
"Yes, It is a 'Beautiful Game.' It's because we see something meaningful that we hope to someday, somehow, see in ourselves."
by Bald Pollack on Jul 13, 2009 10:46 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah it said “If you’re here to threadjack take it to the Links post.” I’m not sure what that means.
by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 13, 2009 6:08 PM EDT up reply actions 7 recs
Awesome.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 13, 2009 6:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Better than what it actually said, but rec’d nonetheless.
"Yes, It is a 'Beautiful Game.' It's because we see something meaningful that we hope to someday, somehow, see in ourselves."
by Bald Pollack on Jul 13, 2009 6:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Glad you picked up the humor, it seems like an uptight group today.
by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 13, 2009 6:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We’re all grieving for Manny Acta in our own way.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 13, 2009 6:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought it was just a case of the Mondays.
by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 13, 2009 6:37 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Back to back, what’s gotten into you?
"Yes, It is a 'Beautiful Game.' It's because we see something meaningful that we hope to someday, somehow, see in ourselves."
by Bald Pollack on Jul 13, 2009 6:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
must be the new captain murphy avatar!
and the second well-timed office space reference in these comments.
by Natty Bumppo on Jul 13, 2009 6:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I struggled between choosing normal Murphy and Bizzaro Murphy. Adrian Barbeaubot Murphy would have been the best though.
by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 13, 2009 7:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I must have gotten into some bad (or good) Cat Nip after a long day of work.
by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 13, 2009 7:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The question is: Is a 50-point season from your offense-minded second-line center good enough?
by TylerG on Jul 13, 2009 9:12 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
no
unless semin is dropping multipoint performances left and right
by twistedlogic on Jul 13, 2009 9:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
partly depends on how much PP time he sees.
by Natty Bumppo on Jul 13, 2009 9:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Morrison will see diddly poo PP, so 50 points from him would be great at 2C.
by JSchon on Jul 13, 2009 9:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Eh, probably some 2nd unit time. Depends on Clark’s health I guess.
by brs03 on Jul 13, 2009 9:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The 2nd unit hardly sees any time
by red army line on Jul 13, 2009 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, but it’s more than zero, and I have a feeling it will be more than it was last season as well, if only by a bit.
by brs03 on Jul 13, 2009 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’ll be a hell of a lot more than ‘diddly poo’ on the powerplay for BMo…
from the house that Red Jesus built
by bigonetimer on Jul 13, 2009 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’d say it’s probably moot whether or not its “enough”; it’s better than we’ve gotten from Nylander or Fedorov, so as long as BreMo doesn’t become a defensive liability and doesn’t take a ton of penalties then the team will be better for having him.
FWIW I think 50 points is definitely enough unless Ovechkin or Semin are seriously underperforming or missing a large chunk of time for some reason.
by brs03 on Jul 13, 2009 9:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, when you compare it to what we got last year (Feds and Nyls each with 33 points), it’ll seem like we just picked up Gretzky. Is it great? No. But good enough? Probably.
by b.orr4 on Jul 13, 2009 9:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
One of the things that makes Morrison a ‘better signing’ is that the two centers behind him, Steckel and Gordon, are defensive whizzes who kill, and the center ‘ahead’ of him is a good PKer too. As a result, the Caps don’t really need a 2C who is defensively superb or a PKer.
by TylerG on Jul 13, 2009 9:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
…but can any of those Cs outright play defense?
i think not!
by Natty Bumppo on Jul 13, 2009 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They certainly don’t look as cool in a Dr. Seuss cap.
by b.orr4 on Jul 13, 2009 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
fwiw, Backie got those hats from some friend in Sweden..
ZING! ZANG! ZUNG!
by crabchowdah on Jul 13, 2009 7:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
this is a fact. The Caps need a 2C who can actually be a goal scoring threat., and play on the top line if Backs is out. And while I concur that Morrison might not be the guy for 82 games at the 2C, his versatility (if healthy, natch) is key.
here’s a thought I’m sure Bruce has had recently: 8-9*-22*
from the house that Red Jesus built
by bigonetimer on Jul 13, 2009 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Interesting…. We all know that anybody with 2 hands can get OV to score. If BMo gets back to 20 goal pace, Im sure his assists will go up too lining up with OV. Knuble also will get his goals doing what he does best. This puts Nicky with Semin and Fehr/Flash/Laich. 2 very very solid scoring lines. Im sure by the end of the season we will see 8-9-22 play together at least a few times
by amkcaps on Jul 13, 2009 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Let’s assume that BMo does post a 50-60 point season, which I would assume a lot of folks around here would take at this point. That still doesn’t seem like it stacks up all that well against second-line centers of other top teams in the league. Does he make up for that in some other way? Superior defense? He’s certainly not a big body. I just don’t see how this move improves the team at all.
If he plays 3C then that means Laich probably has to move up to the second line. I the Laich-Steckel-Bradley combo has the potential to be one of the best 3rd lines in the NHL based on the 2009 playoffs, and breaking that up would be a shame..
by Kolzilla on Jul 13, 2009 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Of all the players listed by the NHL as centers last year, the 45th in points (smack in the middle of the “2nd line” or so, meaning #s 31-60) had 48 points. 55 points would have been something like 34th (Stajan), so if he can somehow do that he’d be one of the better 2nd line centers at least going by the logic of points ranking.
And I’d venture to say that, while our #2 C doesn’t match up favorably with other top teams, our 2nd line winger (Semin) is better than the 2nd line winger on basically any other team in the league. It’s give and take.
by brs03 on Jul 13, 2009 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yes, this. It’s not about the C-C matchup per se, except in the dot. It’s forcing your whole line’s will on your opponent. That’s why I like 8 with 9* the more I chew on it; 28 and 19 together is just a solid counterpunch to the former (esp. with 22* up top with Ovi and BMo).
As a side note (and operating under the assumption that Flash yet again overstays his welcome in the top six): Laich-Steckel-Clark….man, that is not too shabby if the Capt’n is healthy.
from the house that Red Jesus built
by bigonetimer on Jul 13, 2009 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Am I literally the only one around who thinks Fleischmann is an effective scoring forward when he’s fully healthy? I think he could easily score 30 if paired with Backstrom and Semin. I’m not sure I can say the same about Brooks Laich.
I’m not saying Flash is better than Brooks. Their games are so different, I think that’s very hard to assess. But the team is better with Flash on the 2nd line and Laich on the 3rd, if they’re both playing well.
I’m also not saying Flash is an all star. He doesn’t need to be on this team. But he scored a lot of goals in the first half, and only 3 players scored more goals than him during the playoffs. Flash can put the puck in the net. That’s a valuable skill.
by Gould Old Days on Jul 13, 2009 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
for me, it’s about toughness and consistency. he has his moments, but he is S.O.F.T.
from the house that Red Jesus built
by bigonetimer on Jul 13, 2009 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, you’re not. And FWIW (more than most opinions for certain) Bruce seems to agree.
As do I.
by brs03 on Jul 13, 2009 4:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The guy was on a great scoring pace before he ended up with what, iirc, was pneumonia in the middle of the season, lost a bunch of weight and a bunch of time and never quite hit his skating stride again.
If he can avoid terrible afflictions during the season, I’d like to see what he can do, especially for the price we’re paying for him. 20g guys don’t grow on trees. 20g guys for 725,000 in cap hit hardly exist. Maybe he’s over-utilized, but it’s hard to argue that a guy that was on his pace before illness didn’t deserve ice time.
by Knee high to a duck on Jul 13, 2009 4:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Personally I’m not sold on Fleischmann, but I’d like to see what he can do having regained his health and strength and I’d have to think the he should be in the top six at the beginning of the season.
I don’t see thirty for him though, just because I don’t see him getting enough powerplay time to make it happen.
by David M. Getz on Jul 13, 2009 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t see thirty for him though, just because I don’t see him getting enough powerplay time to make it happen.
Don’t worry, 10 SHGs will make up for the lack of PP production.
by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 13, 2009 6:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Of course! How could I have forgotten?
by David M. Getz on Jul 13, 2009 6:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The problem with Flash is that he has now been pushed around and knocked off the puck in the playoffs for two consecutive seasons. The Penguins series showed, if anything, that we have a clear need for more guys like Knuble and Laich and for less guys like Flash.
That said, if he can either bulk up and/or stay healthy (then again, who’s truly healthy in May?), then he could perhaps he can serve as a useful top-six wing on a Stanley Cup caliber team.
by Kolzilla on Jul 13, 2009 11:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nylander?
1) Will the signing of Morrison affect the way Nylander approaches waiving his no movement clause? Does he just want to collect his 4.5 mil pay cheque and move on? The writing is VERY clearly on the wall that assuming no major injuries, he’s not going to play very much in 09-10
2) Would seem if he intends to play beyond this next season it would be in his best interest to play/get ice time somewhere? Of course what kind of market is there in the NHL for him anyway?
I find sometimes it's easy to be myself
sometimes I find it's better to be somebody else
by Fauxrumors on Jul 13, 2009 1:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I’m guessing Morrison’s addition doesn’t affect Nylander all that much. The team sent pretty clear messages to him about where he stands in benching him during the playoffs and openly talking about Brooks Laich as the team’s second line center in the offseason. I’m sure the situation in DC is less than ideal for him (to say the least), but if it’s an issue of having to come to practice every day and sit out games in order to stay in DC with his family and collect his $5.5 million dollars, I think he takes it even with the downside.
by David M. Getz on Jul 13, 2009 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
when you have 6 mouths to feed at home, I’ll venture you take the bad with the good in your seven-figure worklife.
from the house that Red Jesus built
by bigonetimer on Jul 13, 2009 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
From TEB, GMGM on Morrison:
“He turned down offers for more money to come here,” McPhee added. “So he’s coming here for the right reason.”
very very interesting
by RedBirdie on Jul 13, 2009 1:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I also find it somewhat interesting. I figured the offers were comparable, but then, if he turned down an offer that was for $1.6 million, that would have been more money, but not significantly more, especially if the team it came from isn’t perceived as a contender. Always take care in parsing anything GMGM says.
by gfcaps fan on Jul 13, 2009 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’ll wager BMo’s best option for TOI was in DC. I’m telling you this: when healthy, his game is perfect for the Caps’ system and I don’t give a rip if he’s “just” 5’10".
from the house that Red Jesus built
by bigonetimer on Jul 13, 2009 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would think the biggest upside was in DC in terms of potential linemates (and thus, stats). Obviously BMo is playing for his next contract (and his status as a potential impact player). I have to think he may have had offers from other teams both better and worse than the Caps that did not have a center of Backstrom’s caliber, but I think the prospect of having Ovi or Semin on the wing must have made his eyes turn into dollar signs for a year from now.
And I’m sure a shot at the Cup doesn’t hurt either (knock on wood).
by grapejoos on Jul 13, 2009 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with you about BM playing for his next deal — sort of. Even if Morrison (by some miracle) has a 70+point season, how much is he realistically going to make somewhere next year, as a 35-year-old 2C? Probably a little more than $1.5M, but probably not a ton more, right? His max next deal is probably… $2.2Mish?
So I’m choosing to think he’s playing for a Cup.
by TylerG on Jul 13, 2009 4:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
aren’t we all playing for our next deal at the end of the day? : )
Side note: I think 20-50-70 +10 is fully within a healthy reach.
from the house that Red Jesus built
by bigonetimer on Jul 13, 2009 4:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not sure that 20/50 is in reach, simply b/c I don’t think he’ll get enough PP time to pad his ES numbers. Gotta think he’s second unit, barring injury, no?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 13, 2009 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
definitely second unit PP assuming everyone is healthy…it’s the 50A that’s the reach I suppose (and I did say healthy reach). He has performed at a high level on the PP in his career, and again, his versatility to play as a 1 will push Nicky.
from the house that Red Jesus built
by bigonetimer on Jul 13, 2009 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, I’m totally in agreement. I think he made the right decision for all the right reasons. He’s not going to be here for the long term, no matter how well he plays, and he knows it, but if he has a good year, he can cash in next summer for one last decent contract (salary cap willing).
by gfcaps fan on Jul 13, 2009 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Washington
|
23 | 13 | 5 | 5 | 31 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
20 | 8 | 5 | 7 | 23 |
|
Atlanta
|
19 | 10 | 7 | 2 | 22 |
|
Florida
|
21 | 10 | 9 | 2 | 22 |
|
Carolina
|
22 | 5 | 12 | 5 | 15 |
(updated 11.22.2009 at 12:47 AM EST)
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