Knubleve It? Mike's a Cap
by J.P. on Jul 2, 2009 7:00 AM EDT
348 comments
Mike Knuble
#22? / Right Wing / Washington Capitals
6-3
230
Jul 04, 1972
12
2 years/$5.6 million; UFA after 2010-11 season
1 (with autographed photo on eBay to prove it)
So Mike Knuble is a Cap - our wishes granted, Allan Muir vindicated, pundits blowing smoke, etc.
But now that the dust has settled a bit, what, exactly, do the Caps have in their newest addition, a winger who turns 37 this weekend?
- A goal-scorer. Knuble has averaged 27.5 goals over the last half-dozen NHL seasons, and lest you think he's slowing down, the past three seasons have been three of the top five per-game goal-scoring campaigns of his career. Since the outset of the 2002-03 season, Knuble is 19th in the NHL in goals scored (Alex Ovechkin, incidentally, is sixth, despite only playing in two-thirds of those seasons).
- A power-play presence. Did the League's second-ranked power-play really need a shot in the arm? As long as 25.2% is still less than 100%, yes, and Knuble has been a force with the extra man, finishing tenth among NHL forwards in goals-per-sixty-minutes of five-on-four time this past year (minimum 40 games and two minutes of five-on-four time per game). And with that big body causing havoc in front of the net, even when he's not deflecting shots past goalies or burying rebounds, the power play will be better. Scary.
- A veteran presence. While Knuble's career playoff numbers leave a bit to be desired, his leadership doesn't. Put simply, when the old man is crashing the net and getting beaten up in front, it sends the right message to a young team (and whether it's been due to the captain's injury or other veterans' unwillingness to play that game, it's a message that has been sorely missing in D.C. for some time). It's hard to think of a better player for guys like Brooks Laich and Eric Fehr to emulate.
- A durable winger. Knuble has played in all 82 games in four of his last five seasons (and that's a fact, not a jinx).
- A solid defensive forward. Knuble blocked 48 shots last year (11th among NHL wings and more than any Cap forward other than David Steckel), he's only been a minus player once since 2001, and he had 37 takeaways to just 26 giveaways in 2008-09. He even killed more than two minutes of penalties per game last season for the sixth-best PK in the League.
- A Penguin killer... Knuble has scored more goals (23) against the Penguins than he has against any other team in the League over his career, and lit the lamp four times in six regular season games against Pittsburgh last season (he added another two in the playoffs as well).
- ... with something to prove to Philly. "The terms were the same, a 2-year deal, the same terms, but the salary that [general manager Paul Holmgren] could offer, based on his cap situation just wasn’t what we were looking, wasn’t even fair," Knuble said of his efforts to stick with the Flyers. A little extra incentive against a Conference contender can't hurt, can it? (Nor can taking a top six forward away from that contender - the Flyers' loss here is easily overlooked, but shouldn't be.)
Mike Knuble isn't the final piece to the puzzle for the Caps (and no, despite the nickname, Rob Scuderi wouldn't be the piece either), but he's certainly a piece, and a big one at that. When one considers all that the Caps are getting in Mike Knuble and that they're getting it for just $300,000 per year more than they were paying Viktor Kozlov (who literally doesn't have a single one of the attributes detailed above) and only committed themselves for two seasons, there's no way around it - this is a great deal... on paper.
Oh, and one last thought - Knuble wouldn't even criticize the Verizon Center ice when given the opportunity, so you know the guy signing the paycheck is on board.
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Works for me. With rumor out of the Caps office that Laich’ll probably start as a second-line pivot, that leaves room for a couple of guys up front. Hoping for Hershey backfills, there.
Defense has yet to shake out – a lot of D is going to hinge on the RFA’s and what they decide to do. I don’t expect to see much more from the Caps in free agency – I think they’ve shot their wad given the cap unless they trade someone. Given the goalie FA market, I’m not expecting Theodore to move. I’m not expecting Nylander to move either – nice but now is a time to be realistic.
I’m okay with this. McPhee seems to have gotten a lot of bang for his buck, at least on paper. We’ll see what happens during the season. Let the D shake out however it’s going to before making any other moves.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Jul 2, 2009 7:39 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
What WSH D has yet to shake out?! The Caps D is 7/8 super-mega-crystal clear: 2, 3, 4, 23, 27, 52, 55. 26 is an RFA, has been qualified and may yet be traded. If he goes to arbitration the Caps may indeed let him walk. But he’s the least important of those eight guys right now. That’s seven-to-eight legit NHL D.
And I don’t understand the RFA thing. What depends on the RFAs (plural) and what they decide to do? The Caps will not be making offers to ANY RFA D. Period.
(The RFA D likeliest to be targeted by someone at this point is CHI’s Cam Barker, but I would expect that someone with tons of cap room such as TOR or NJD would offer CHI something in trade.)
by TylerG on Jul 2, 2009 7:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think the implication is, if someone like Jurcina signs an offer sheet (yeah, that’ll happen) or goes to arb. and gets overpaid, the Caps aren’t going to be falling over themselves to keep him if the price is too high.
Not likely, but it’s still an uncertainty over how much Juice and Schultz will be making.
by brs03 on Jul 2, 2009 8:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think the D still has to shake out, not in terms of who gets a jersey but in terms of where they play. Green’s #1, Poti’s #2, Schultz is probably #3, but after that I could see Alzner, Jurcina, Erskine, and Pothier falling in an order to round out the depth chart.
by David M. Getz on Jul 2, 2009 8:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That has nothing to do with the RFAs and what they (I’m not sure if that’s the RFAs or the Caps) decide to do though. The group is the group, with only 26 an ‘unsure.’
And in terms of lineup spots, that doesn’t matter in terms of GMGM “making any other moves.” There will be no RFA signings by GMGM. The 7/8 guys in WSH are the guys.
by TylerG on Jul 2, 2009 8:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t know – if Alzner falls on his nose in development camp, GMGM may try to keep ShaMo if he can. Remember that Alzner struggled up here by the time he was sent back down to Hershey, and that Sloan was called up over him come playoff time. I don’t think Alzner is that ironclad.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Jul 2, 2009 8:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Will Alzner be in development camp?! And even if he was, there’s no WAY that GMGM is going to make decisions on 27 — on whom the Caps have assembled a real solid body of coach/etc. work — based on development camp!
If I remember correctly, when Sloan was recalled Alzner was out with a concussion.
by TylerG on Jul 2, 2009 8:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They may use that as a barometer of where he is after the playoffs, although I think they have a lot of that from the playoffs, too. Remember last year the suicide drills that BB put all the guys through to test their conditioning? Bruce does stuff like that.
Alzner was not Hershey’s best D in the playoffs, even when he was back. He was solid, but he wasn’t their best.
And mmmm…no. Remember the whole “you guys have the flu” flap? Looks like I misremembered a bit – both were called up, but Sloan played and Alzner did not. Alzner was sent back down and got the concussion very shirtly thereafter.
Based on this, I’m not convinced that Alzner’s a lock. That’s all I’m saying.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Jul 2, 2009 8:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i'd like to give him the benefit of the doubt tho
he was pretty solid in his stint with the big club and the fact that he hardly took any penalties was a welcome change
by twistedlogic on Jul 2, 2009 8:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sure, I think he can do it, All I’m saying is it’s almost a given that the D spot will be there, but who gets it is far from a given. Here’s my thinking, bulleted out:
- Everybody has to earn their slot, so says Bruce. Nothing’s a given.
- Development camp may be a preliminary barometer of whether GMGM may need ShaMo or not. I don’t think he does, but a confirm is good.
- Sloan got chosen over Alzner in the playoffs and is half of Alzner’s cap hit.
I think ShaMo is probably gone, you’re right, but I don’t consider Alzner a lock to repalce him yet. That’s all I’m saying.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Jul 2, 2009 8:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
oh i agree with you
i hope he does tho cuz heaven knows we could use some D-men that don’t take a lot of stupid penalties (mike green is included in that).
i also agree that shamwow is prolly gone. i was suprised that he even made it past the trade deadline.
by twistedlogic on Jul 2, 2009 8:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There is no way on earth that GMGM and BB are making any decisions about the NHL roster based on (or informed by) a development camp full of pimply teens. None.
(And I still don’t think Alzner will be there.)
by TylerG on Jul 2, 2009 8:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
JP says you’re right, so I’ll concede that. My point remains that Alzner is far from a lock.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Jul 2, 2009 8:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
he was pretty solid in his first stint with the big club and the fact that he hardly took any penalties was a welcome change
/fixed that for you.
by Yoshietree on Jul 2, 2009 8:49 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Also remember that the team chooses the replacements based on how they compare to the guy who’s out. So, inserting Sloan over Alzer doesn’t necessarily say anything at all about how they feel about the player.
And given that Alzner had just recovered from the concussion, you can’t expect him to have been Hershey’s best D when he came back. That wasn’t until the finals.
by gfcaps fan on Jul 2, 2009 9:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Alzner won’t be at Dev’t Camp – it’s fotr first year pros.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 2, 2009 8:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ah, okay. Thanks for that. :)
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Jul 2, 2009 8:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey, I can only parrot what’s been told to me.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 2, 2009 8:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know, I was under the same impression. But they have a few guys going this year that played pro so I was hoping you had an explanation.
by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 2, 2009 9:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t. Filling out the roster, giving them another look, etc. I’m pretty surprised Perreault and Bouchard will be there.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 3, 2009 9:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
DMG – pretty sure you won’t agre with me on this and for sure the stats back up your posit that Schultz is #3 but I really, really wish GMGM would trade him or they’d get him his own strength and conditioning coach abd get him to bulk up his lanky frame. Injured or healthy I just don’t think he can hold his own in front of the net when you get into playoff games or games against gritty guys in a playoff run. That said maybe practicing against a guy like Knuble will help him learn how to do that. We certainly didn’t see him do it well this post season but the truth is he didn’t see much of it from his own guys except for Laich….
by markbona-capsfan99 on Jul 2, 2009 8:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t understand why everyone thinks that Schultz has to be the Incredible Hulk just because he’s 6’6". For myself, I don’t care what he looks like or how he gets his job done, as long as he does, and his stats suggest that he does.
Also, he’s only 23. Defensemen take longer to mature than that, and big defensemen doubly so (just ask Zdeno Chara). Trading him now would be a sin.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Jul 2, 2009 9:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
gotsparky: Sorry I know I’m the voice of dissent here and both JP and DMG as well as Pepper all would agree with you that the stats suggest Schultz gets it done as obviously it seems Coach Boudreau would too so far. I just don’t think he gets it done, yest he’s only 23 but remember he was a first rounder – check out our other first round guys who are about that age. Schultz has indeed shown flashes but he is so far here in the NHL “a defensive defenseman” – so you have to look at the last third of the season and the playoffs and weight his performance there heavier in my opinion.
I don’t think anyone would argue against a little more conditining and muscletone for him – I think they should trade him because I think that in a year we’ll be more than happy with Alzner and we’ll have Carrlson on his heels too – and both those guys so far sure seem to be predisposed to more grit, in my opinion than Schultz. Of course in that same period we’ll also pass the end of Poti and Pothier’s contracts and I’m not averse to keeping Schultz at $1M or less right now though it’s hard to argue how you pay him less than Erskine….So that’s why I, unlike you, am not averse to seeing him being traded, even for a draft pick…
I don’t see him ready to be the #3 D-Man for a Stanley Cup contender right now I see the 1,2, & 3 as: Green, Poti, Pothier. I see them paired with: Erskine, Jurcina, and Alzner…
by markbona-capsfan99 on Jul 2, 2009 9:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The issue isn’t whether he “gets it done” because he does, unless there’s something very, very odd happening with his statistics.
by David M. Getz on Jul 2, 2009 9:13 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
For some people, it’s obviously not the “what” but the “how”. Sure, there are things he can do to improve his game, but that’s true for almost anyone.
Not going out onto the ice with a broken rib is probably a good suggestion. (Snarky, but hey, I added something negative.)
by gfcaps fan on Jul 2, 2009 9:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
On even strength, Mike Green had as many points (9) with Schultz as with Shaone Morrisonn. Yet Schultz spent a third fewer shifts on the ice with Green as Morrisonn did. Schultz may not be a 2nd defenseman, but it would appear they work well together.
by Bald Pollack on Jul 2, 2009 9:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He played one game in the playoffs, dude, hurt, in a third of the season when the entire team was taking the month off? I’m sorry, I don’t think that’s fair at all.
You’re basically saying that because he’s a positional instead of a crash-bang defenseman, regardless of stats or actual effectiveness, because he isn’t exactly what you want to see yet, you want to get rid of him?
I suggest asking Bryan Murray of Ottawa whether getting rid of Zdeno Chara was a good move in the long term. I’m sorry, I just can’t support your position. It’s based entirely on opinions and personal preferences without any evidence of understanding of the game.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Jul 2, 2009 9:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
For Chara he should be talking to Milbury. In Ottawa (it was Muckler in charge btw, not Murray) it was about money, not giving up on the guy’s style. Milbury’s the one that traded him away before he turned into what he is now.
by brs03 on Jul 2, 2009 9:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
More like the Pisles getting rid of Chara because they were impatient. OTT chose Redden, who was at least a legit top pair D, people here are choosing Erskine and Juice over Schultz, which is a sin. Mike Komisarek is 26 and just had his two best years the last two years. Schultz is 23. I can’t say it enough, Schultz was our best D against Malkin this season, that alone is worth a roster spot.
by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 2, 2009 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I just don’t think he gets it done, yest he’s only 23 but remember he was a first rounder – check out our other first round guys who are about that age.
C’mon man, really? Yes, let’s look at that…for draft years prior to 2007
Players “better” than Schultz, and their 1st rd draft position. Schultz was drafted at #27.
- Alex Ovechkin #1
- Nick Backstrom #4
- Mike Green #29
- Alex Semin #13
So…the young guns. That’s it. And only one was drafted lower than Schultz. Now who would we say is worse than Sarge right now. Let’s see…
- Sasha Pokulok #14
- Joe Finley #27
- Eric Fehr #18
- Steve Eminger #12
- Boyd Gordon #17
- Semyon Varlamov – #23 debatable but he hasn’t proven himself over the course of a whole season, let alone 3.
So yes, he’s not as good as the best offensive defenseman in hockey, the best player in the world, one of the best young centers in the world, and one of the best skaters/snipers in hockey.
by wittcap79 on Jul 2, 2009 9:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
To add onto this…
Ovechkin, Backstrom, Semin, and Green are skill players, who’s offensive attributes have pushed their development and gotten to the NHL roster sooner rather than later. Schultz is supposed to be a mobile, positional, shutdown defenseman, so his developmental curve is supposed to larger than skill guys because his overall game needs to grow before he can become an NHLer. Yet, he’s getting solid minutes at age 23 and is one of the Capitals’ better d-men based on the stats. In my mind, he’s better at defense than Green, who’s offensive talent masks a good amount of his average defensive play, and he’s doing it at an age where most guys of his ilk would still be at the AHL level.
Personally, it’ll be foolish to dump him now based on what he’s given the Caps and where he could wind up once he reaches his prime. Schultz did struggle this season, but that was partially due to playing with injury and partially due to the simple fact that the coaching staff tried to change his game a bit to be more physical. This was more of an adjustment season for him.
by Forsch31 on Jul 2, 2009 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Doesn’t take penalties, was on the ice for the best ES GF/60 for any D not named Green, and is still 23.
by Bald Pollack on Jul 2, 2009 9:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why is it that “we” expect hits and physicality from Schultz and not Poti?
Poti averaged .596 hits per games
Schultz averaged .828 hits per game
Poti aint a small guy 6’3’ 210.
by JSchon on Jul 2, 2009 9:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There’s a reason folks call him “Poke-Check Poti.”
by D'ohboy on Jul 2, 2009 9:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
and Poti is also an effective defenseman. He faced the toughest quality of competition all last year, and I seem to recall the team doing fairly well…
by Gould Old Days on Jul 2, 2009 9:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
A good stick is paramount in the “New” NHL. You can’t just bearhug a guy to the boards anymore. If you can keep a guy from having the puck by taking away his stickhandling space or the passing lane to him then you are being just as effective as if you bearhugged him to the boards in the “Old” NHL.
by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 2, 2009 4:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
See also, the scalpel-like precision of Lidstrom and his poke-check. The guy’s amazing.
Rockin' the Red in Section 412
by boutros23 on Jul 2, 2009 5:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We certainly didn’t see him do it well this post season but the truth is he didn’t see much of it from his own guys except for Laich….
Schultz only played one game in the playoffs, for twelve minutes, and he was playing with a broken rib. The problems that the team had clearing out the front of the net in the playoffs had nothing to do with Schultz (and really nothing to do with strength, so much as defensive planning and awareness).
by David M. Getz on Jul 2, 2009 9:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
DMG: Agreed so again I say don’t you think he’d be more durable with a little nore strength and conditioning….
JSchon/D’ohboy: The reason they call him Poke Check Poti is indeed because his hits per game are low AND his poke checks generally are on the mark and work. I know a legion of Ranger fans would disagree and hate on the guy but I sure don’t.
I’ve pretty much said all I have to say on this one and I know in my heart you guys have a guy on your side of the debate who matters Boudreau and the real questions are: will they be able to resign Schultz for $1.5M or less – if they are then the only quesion left is is he the #3 or #4 and who is he paired with. However, I stand by my opinion that two years from now it won’t matter and both Alzner and Carlson will be with the Caps playing ahead of Schultz if he’s here, unless he bulks up some. Some folks will take that as hating on Schultz, it’s not – I hope you’re right, I’m wrong and he gets to spend a day next summer in Calgary showing off Lord Stanley’s Cup to his family and friends….
LETS GO CAPS!!!!
by markbona-capsfan99 on Jul 2, 2009 9:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
DMG: Agreed so again I say don’t you think he’d be more durable with a little nore strength and conditioning….
Maybe, but I don’t think he’s injury prone. The only things I remember him missing a decent amount of time with are the broken rib and the broken foot (iirc) and neither of those are strength or conditioning issues.
I don’t think anyone would dispute Schultz could stand to add some muscle, though.
by David M. Getz on Jul 2, 2009 9:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I believe it was a (Jeff) finger.
by Bald Pollack on Jul 2, 2009 9:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t take it as hating on Schultz, but I take it as putting a lot of faith in two young men who have yet to prove themselves at the NHL level. Alzner looked pretty strong his first time up, but atrocious the second time….and Carlson has yet to play against men for a full season.
I hope your optimism is correct…in fact I doubt anyone on here will argue the point. But the team has a first rounder in Schultz that has shown he can play at the NHL level and is only going to get better. Why move him now for a pick?
by Yoshietree on Jul 2, 2009 9:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Alzner was up here two separate times? I thought he got something like 6 games, went back down for a tad, then came back for the other 24, at the end of which he was struggling. I don’t remember it being a “he was so much better in his first call-up” situation.
by DrinkingPartner on Jul 2, 2009 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But as far as D upgrades on the whole it’s fairly established the question is, what are we going to get in return? At what cost? With what cap implications?
As much as I’d like to harp on the weak points of Caps defense (starting with Poti as our #2) in the unrealistic hope that it will somehow improve things, it’s more constructive to expect a replacement D coach will realize the position was open for a reason and be motivated in addressing improvements, coaxing growth out of the players we have. At least for the time being.
Or, as they say in Africa: Knuble matata
by Icebat on Jul 2, 2009 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Right, this. Give the coach a chance to address the issues.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Jul 2, 2009 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
For what it’s worth, I agree with you on Schultz. He just looks way too tentative on the ice out there. While that’s not necessarily always a bad thing, he has a tendency to not commit to a play when he needs to. Specifically on odd-man rushes. He’ll back right into the goalie before he’ll take a man. And he seems to have a tendency to screen the goalie, but let’s be honest, what Caps D doesn’t?
I don’t hate him, but I’m nowhere near as high on him as everyone here seems to be. In my eyes, he’s just another middling defenseman.
by Murshawursha on Jul 2, 2009 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You really, really need to switch to decaf, Tyler. You’re right, most is fairly clear, although I wouldn’t put Alzner in there juuuuust yet.
If ShaMo goes to arbitration? More like when. He’s the big question mark that I see on the board, and I think that GMGM will be watching Alzner and Carlson closely in development camp to figure out how fast he lets ShaMo walk and how hard he fights in arbitration. There’s also the possibility that Jurcina will go elsewhere, although I think he and Schultz will both stay.
I’m just trying to keep an open mind here.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Jul 2, 2009 8:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why do I need to switch to decaf? Because I disagree with you?
by TylerG on Jul 2, 2009 8:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, because you sound like you’re freaking out. ?! in Internet parlance is a borderline freakout, and you’ve been using it a lot lately. It really isn’t worth getting into a furball over. :D
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Jul 2, 2009 8:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tyler—tend to agree with gotsparkly on this one…
by kcfatts on Jul 2, 2009 8:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It would be nice if we could keep the conversations to hockey. The grammarian’s message board is over that-a-way.
by TylerG on Jul 2, 2009 9:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Treat people you disagree with more respectfully and the conversations won’t tend to stray.
by Cluster on Jul 2, 2009 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
They are punctuation marks, Tyler, and they mean something. Try to use the right ones.
by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 2, 2009 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just pointing out that the Hershey media guys (Walton, Leone) think that Carlson may have jumped Alzner in terms of development during the playoffs. There are a lot of mitigating factors, but it’s also a fact that Carlson has about half the cap hit that Alzner does due to bonuses. It’ll be interesting to see which of those two guys make the team.
by Gould Old Days on Jul 2, 2009 9:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This doesn’t surprise me at all. Not that I haven’t actually had the pleasure to sit down and watch Carlson play, but to this day, I still don’t think I’ve heard one bad thing about the guy. It seems like he’s definitely got the blinders on at this point.
by bigmac1124 on Jul 2, 2009 9:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Anything’s possible, but I just can’t believe that Carlson would make the team out of camp.
by DrinkingPartner on Jul 2, 2009 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He nearly did last year. And he’s a better player now.
I’m not saying whether I think he should or not. What I do think is that he should have the opportunity. Nothing should be pre-judged. The best 7 defensemen should make the team in October.
I realize there are salary cap issues that could have an effect, and I realize that if Carlson plays as much as half a season it advances his free agency. Those are all worthwhile concerns and should not be ignored. But after accounting for all that, if the team is a better team with Carlson than with one of the veterans, then he should make the team. And I don’t think it’s out of the question — not from what the folks who have been watching him most closely have been saying.
by Gould Old Days on Jul 2, 2009 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This.
Just keep an open mind. You never know who will wow you or fall on their nose.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Jul 2, 2009 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well Juice and Schultz currently don’t have contracts, so at least that has to shake out. What if Juice says he is worth 1.5-2 mill? He could be gone with Shamo. Until all those guys are signed there is a lot to shake out, even if you assume it’s a foregone conclusion that they will all be signed and on the squad come October.
by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 2, 2009 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Also, money quote ...
I like this quote from the Caps media website
Knuble’s role on [Ovechkin’s] line is essentially the same as it has been for the better part of this decade: to take the shortest route to the net, arrive in ill humor, and show little respect to the goaltender upon arrival.:
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Jul 2, 2009 7:46 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Fitting to paraphrase a Flyer great, I suppose.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 2, 2009 7:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hopefully my mild concern about people who pressure the puck
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZ0YFhR77DI
and go to the net
http://www.washingtonian.com/articles/people/11711.html
on Ovi’s line are unwarranted.
Either way, I’ve always thought if we ever had a primo screener/dirty goal guy he’d be better on a line where the shots are slower, fewer, and less wild, and the shooter isn’t often on a mini break ahead of the rest of the team by himself.
by Icebat on Jul 2, 2009 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
23, 21, 23, 25, 26, 25, 23, 27, 33, 23, 25, 31, 20, 23, 32, 26, 29, 26 and 21…
Those are the ages of our projected (my guess and before the Knuble trade) starting top 4 lines and 3 defensive pairings.
I’m guilty of this as much as anybody, but we really do need to lower our expectations a little bit with our youngsters and be more patient with them. This is not a veteran team, its just a whole bunch of talented kids.
As much as I am a ardent supporter of Fehr, Knuble is far and away the best RW for the 1st line job next to Backs and Ovie. So if we (I) have to wait for Fehr to get his chance in another year sobeit, he’s only 23 and if you take away his year missed with a jacked up back his development in age 22.
This team is built for the long haul, lets not make Schultz accountable for what a 10 year vet should, his best is still ahead of him. Same goes for Green, Semin, Juice, Alzner and anyone under 27. Guys Backstrom is going to get better, Ovechkin is going to get better.
Great move by GMGM, btw finding and getting what might be the “one player away” guy in Knuble.
by JSchon on Jul 2, 2009 7:46 AM EDT reply actions 3 recs
That is scary stuff right there.
One of my favorite stats from last year is that the average age of the PP was (about) their success rate.
PP% – 25.2
Avg age w/ Brooks: 23.4
Avg age w/ Feds: 26
Thats like shooting your age in golf. Just amazing.
by Sct112 on Jul 2, 2009 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Man, I cant wait to see what this guy does with players like Laich and Fehr, like JP said. Its like Fedorovs mentoring for Semin, OV and Backstrom. Hes just the perfect guy to come in and teach them how to play they game rough and dirty.
by amkcaps on Jul 2, 2009 8:09 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I might have charachterized his play as gritty vice “dirty” I’ve never thought of Knuble as a dirty player but otherwise I couldn’t agree more….
by markbona-capsfan99 on Jul 2, 2009 9:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not much to add. This is an absolute home run of a UFA signing, maybe the best in Caps history. To me he’s like a younger Gary Roberts without the surly disposition and injuries. With the number of shots Ovechkin puts on net and the passes he’ll get from Backstrom, I could easily see Knuble getting 30-35 goals this season. And you’re right, the way he crashes the net should be an eye-opener to guys like Fehr and Laich. When every Canadian pundit loves the move, the Philly papers are moaning about the loss and the Flyer message boards are in meltdown, you know you’ve got a winner. McPhee’s made a lot of good moves lately and this may be one of the best. Now get a #2 center before training camp and a tough D-man at the deadline and you’ll really be earning your paycheck.
by b.orr4 on Jul 2, 2009 8:20 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I think it’s too early to say “the best in Caps history”. Alex Ovechkin’s a toughie to beat.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Jul 2, 2009 8:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ovechkin wasn’t a UFA signing, though, he was a contract extension.
by David M. Getz on Jul 2, 2009 8:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think it’s too early to say "the best in Caps history". Alex Ovechkin’s a toughie to beat.
I was referring to trades and UFA signings. I’m giddy about this deal, but not stupid giddy :-)
by b.orr4 on Jul 2, 2009 8:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ah, okay, fair enough. I still think it’s too early to tell, though. Looks great on paper, but he hasn’t donned the red, white, and blue yet – my guess is he’s house-shopping right now.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Jul 2, 2009 8:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If you’re throwing trades in, it’s going to be hard to ever beat the Langway trade. Carpenter for Ridley and Miller ranks up there pretty high too. And the Jim Carey/Adam Oates trade. And we all love the Fedorov and Huet trades.
But for just UFAs, the bar is not nearly so high.
by Gould Old Days on Jul 2, 2009 9:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is an absolute home run of a UFA signing, maybe the best in Caps history
Not to pile on, but read first, then type.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 2, 2009 8:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
She just hasn’t had her morning coffee yet. ;-)
by gfcaps fan on Jul 2, 2009 9:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, missed that. Happens.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Jul 2, 2009 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not much to add. This is an absolute home run of a UFA signing, maybe the best in Caps history.
WHAT?!?!? DUDE, JASON DOIG!!
by David M. Getz on Jul 2, 2009 8:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
…I was thinking of Joe Sacco myself.
by Forsch31 on Jul 2, 2009 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hes just the perfect guy to come in and teach them how to play they game rough and dirty.
Without as many PIMs (cough, Fedorov).
by Bald Pollack on Jul 2, 2009 8:21 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Knuble had 31 minor penalties last season.
by JSchon on Jul 2, 2009 8:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
31 in 82 games, one every 2.6 games. Fedorov took 25 in 52 games, one every 2.08 games.
by David M. Getz on Jul 2, 2009 8:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i would imagine, based on the way knuble plays
that the majority of his penalties were for stuff like roughing etc. most of federov’s penalties if i’m not mistaken were lame stick infractions etc (not that im bad-mouthing federov or anything)
by twistedlogic on Jul 2, 2009 8:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fedorov had 18 HHTs and 19 restraining fouls; Knuble had 19 HHTs and 21 restraining fouls, so pretty similar proportions.
by David M. Getz on Jul 2, 2009 8:46 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
fair enough
you know what happens when you assume…
by twistedlogic on Jul 2, 2009 8:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That’s the fearsome stat of the day. Given that this bunch already has a discipline problem, come December we may all remember DMG’s comment…
by TylerG on Jul 2, 2009 9:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Washington was 24th in the league in penalty minutes per game. Personally, I think it’s the timing of the penalties more than the actual amount.
by Forsch31 on Jul 2, 2009 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
agreed
penalties late in the game are killer
by twistedlogic on Jul 2, 2009 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Penalties that end power plays are worse.
by Gould Old Days on Jul 2, 2009 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What about minor vs major and misconduct?
Major and Misconduct penalties give you a lot more PIM, but they don’t really hurt as much as minor penalties do (most of the time). Usually a 5 for fighting will go against a guy that isn’t much of an impact rather than an Ovechkin or Backstrom and you’re not down a guy for it. Whereas a minor penalty you lose a guy for 2 minutes (or less) and the other team has a distinct advantage.
It seemed like (just watching) that we take a lot more minor penalties than major.
"You will remember the night you were struck by the sight of [18] thousand fists in the air" -Disturbed
by snowburnt on Jul 2, 2009 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Capitals were 28th in the league in fighting majors.
by David M. Getz on Jul 2, 2009 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And in minors (HHT In particular)?
Does my analysis hold water?
"You will remember the night you were struck by the sight of [18] thousand fists in the air" -Disturbed
by snowburnt on Jul 2, 2009 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not sure – whenever I’ve done those, I’ve done them by hand and I can’t do that right now.
But the Caps definitely take fewer majors than most team and probably fewer coincidental minors – something reflected by the fact that they were shorthanded more often than all but two other teams this year. I think your assessment is correct.
by David M. Getz on Jul 2, 2009 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed. Fedorov more hooking penalties… Knuble more cross check and interference…
by JSchon on Jul 2, 2009 8:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That doesn’t seem right….Knuble had 6 more penalties than Fedorov in 30 more games, yet he has a higher rate?
by Forsch31 on Jul 2, 2009 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
it’s a lower rate. it’s games per penalty not penalties per game
"You will remember the night you were struck by the sight of [18] thousand fists in the air" -Disturbed
by snowburnt on Jul 2, 2009 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Knuble = .37 penalties per game
Federov= .48 penalties per game
"You will remember the night you were struck by the sight of [18] thousand fists in the air" -Disturbed
by snowburnt on Jul 2, 2009 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Knuble took possibly the most costly PIM of the Flyers season last year. He put the team down two men against PIT in OT with a terrible X-check. PIT scored. It was game 2 I think, when Carter failed to score on a wide open goal and then got hit with that ridiculous hook on J. Staal.
by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 2, 2009 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Correct me if I’m wrong, but wasn’t his the initial penalty and Giroux’s the one that put them down two men with a silly stick-breaking slash at the blueline? I seem to recall the announcers making a comment about how rookie the penalty was given the situation, but I could be misremembering.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 2, 2009 9:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, it was. He really flipped out in the box, too, it was quite amusing.
by brs03 on Jul 2, 2009 9:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You are right. Knuble’s PIM killed the PP that PHI was on and then Giroux took his slash 4 on 4 I think.
by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 2, 2009 9:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The most important organizational note in JP’s post is the impact Knuble could have on 21. Look at Knuble’s own development: He didn’t score more than 20 goals in a season until he was 30. He had to learn how to go to the net… and that took a while. 21 already knows that. 21 is ahead of where Knuble was…
by TylerG on Jul 2, 2009 8:32 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Now this I agree with. I’m looking forward to seeing what influence Knuble has on Laich and Fehr – and if he can get both of them to do what he does, this team could be real scary, real fast.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Jul 2, 2009 8:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Step one: take Fehr to the weight room
by David M. Getz on Jul 2, 2009 8:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, yes, but sometimes if you show him what happens, he’ll take himself to the weight room :)
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Jul 2, 2009 8:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Step two: Jesus/Oprah Winfery/whomever heal Fehr’s Shoulders
by MetalCap on Jul 2, 2009 8:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Stanley Cup —> Holy Grail?
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Jul 2, 2009 8:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
dr. phil maybe...
fehr is ripped tho. he’s just got shitty shoulders
by twistedlogic on Jul 2, 2009 8:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If he’s ripped, it’s because he’s so thin. Dude doesn’t have that much bulk (by NHL standards).
by David M. Getz on Jul 2, 2009 9:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
hes 6-4 215ish
i’m 6-3 180 and i’m not that thin
by twistedlogic on Jul 2, 2009 9:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
“Ain’t that thing” and “ain’t that thin by NHL standards” are two very different things, though.
by David M. Getz on Jul 2, 2009 9:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m listed at 5’11.5" and 175lbs and can benchpress a goat.
by JSchon on Jul 2, 2009 9:12 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
thank you for that
how big is this goat? is it a fehr-sized goat? or an “nhl standard not thin” goat?
by twistedlogic on Jul 2, 2009 9:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The summertime threadjacks/meandering nothingness are getting a little…
by TylerG on Jul 2, 2009 9:15 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Aw, lifting a goat ain’t that hard. Even a child can do it!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 2, 2009 9:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
what they aren't showing you
is that the kid is actually an “nhl standard not thin” person
by twistedlogic on Jul 2, 2009 9:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yea goats kinda have an awkward shape
pretty weird for benching i’m sure
by twistedlogic on Jul 2, 2009 9:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m 5’7" 175 and I’m not fat.
"You will remember the night you were struck by the sight of [18] thousand fists in the air" -Disturbed
by snowburnt on Jul 2, 2009 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m 5’11 and 180 and consider myself fat :(
Strange as it sounds, we do own TVs in Russia - Simeon Varlamov
by JustJeff on Jul 2, 2009 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He does win battles though, and draws penalties from winning those battles.
by JSchon on Jul 2, 2009 9:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The most underrated aspect of Fehr’s game, perhaps? He did it right on cue either towards the end of the regular season or early in the playoffs, I had to chuckle when Joe B. and Locker called it.
Perhaps we fans should take to heart the lesson that both Carolina and Pittsburgh showed us last season. Don’t panic if you don’t shoot out of the gate on fire, it’s how a team FINISHES the regular season that matters most. Which gives our shoulder-repaired guys some time to get truly ready for the playoffs instead of rushing back to action.
I also feel better knowing that we’ll have far better talent and experience on 8/19’s right side instead of the snake-bit Fehr. He seemed to miss so many golden opportunities in front of the net last year!
by war_capitals on Jul 2, 2009 9:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
DMG: JK sortof – so you take Fehr to the weight room but not Jeff Schultz?
by markbona-capsfan99 on Jul 2, 2009 9:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would; I said above that I didn’t think anyone would dispute that Schultz could stand to get stronger.
by David M. Getz on Jul 2, 2009 9:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry missed that point in your earlier post my bad
by markbona-capsfan99 on Jul 2, 2009 9:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fehr needs two healthy shoulders before he can even walk into the weight room.
by gfcaps fan on Jul 2, 2009 9:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He is rehabbing right now probably… In a private gym with Caps trainers.
by JSchon on Jul 2, 2009 9:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m sure. It was meant as adding on to the thread about him what, bulking up? This jumped way down from what I was responding to.
by gfcaps fan on Jul 2, 2009 9:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would dispute this, to a degree. Yes, he won’t improve his upper body strength until his shoulders are healed. But I think Fehr’s problem was lower body strength. He needs to do a ton of squats and leg presses so he has more strength in his core. He gets pushed around too much because his legs can’t anchor himself to the ice properly (think about that final hit he took from Fedostanko, he should have just gotten lower in his stance and braced himself, but he was upright and allowed ’stanko to get under his center of gravity, then he comes down on his shoulder and game over). Once the shoulder scars are surgically healed he can start doing leg work, and I think he has already reached that point.
by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 2, 2009 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lovin' It....
I love this add and though it’s probably already been highlighted in earlier comments (didn’t read the whole thread yet just the original post) this is indeed the player the Caps hoped Chris Clark would be the last two seasons. With Knuble on the right side of lines 1 or 2, Laich as the Pivot on line 2, assuming Ovie, Semin and Backstrom continue to play the more two way game that they did last season that’s five of the top six forward slots filled with guys who can both take cre of the puck and light up the red lamp in style.
I also love that Knuble is coming away from a Conference rival and he has proven to both be durable and knows how to beat the Penguins – speaks to thge fact I think the roads to the Cup next season will once again require the Caps to get through Steeltown.
LETS GO CAPS!!!
by markbona-capsfan99 on Jul 2, 2009 8:52 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
i laich brooksie
i think that he can make the jump and start playing better. i was amazed by the improvement he made on defense this past season. definitely a solid two way player and we could use a decent defender when semin is on the ice
by twistedlogic on Jul 2, 2009 8:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I dunno.
I don’t think Semin is hopeless in his own end – he was actually a pretty effective penalty killer.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Jul 2, 2009 9:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
he wasnt terrible
but i hate it when he resorts to his standard defense of just tripping the guy with the puck (its even worse when he trips the guy who just stole the puck from him after one of his 8,000 dipsy-doodles)
by twistedlogic on Jul 2, 2009 9:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed – he’s a borderline fantastic PKer. 5-on-5, though, he could be more committed.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 2, 2009 9:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That could be said of a lot of our forwards … :)
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Jul 2, 2009 9:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You mean invested-in-the-play? Because he couldn’t be crazier….
by TylerG on Jul 2, 2009 9:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Heh. I wasn’t going to say it, but since you said it first ….
5-on-5, though, he could bemorecommitted.
Fixed that for you.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Jul 2, 2009 9:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This divergence from my original thought is confusing to me so to be clear I think Semin, Ovechkin and Backstrom are all fine two way players. I doubt there is a GM and Coach in the NHL who wouldn’t want them on their roter.
The comments on Semin always crack me up from you guys who will cite all sorts of stats in support of guys like Schultz and then say “and he’s only 23”.
Semin is clearly one of the top 10 forwards in the league today, particularly when you look at his per game statistics. Yes he does occassionally exhibit his youth and have discipline lapses, but he’s an awesome talent and when he’s sent out on the PK as he was from time to time last season he shows that talent in ways I don’t think any of us imagined he would during his play under our prior coach.
As for Backstrom look at his play and development last season – I don’t worry about puck copntrol when he’s on the ice and I don’t know why anybody else would either.
Given I’m being lazy this morning I’m sure there could be some statistically backed up retor to my thoughts that will make me feel like JSchon diod and I should have done more research before spouting off but hey call it the youthful exuberance of an ignorant 49 yeqar old – I’ve got to be who I am….abyway since we’re really talking about non-statistical things and subjective items like “commitment” etc . why not just go with my gut here…
LETS GO CAPS!!!!
by markbona-capsfan99 on Jul 2, 2009 9:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The comments on Semin always crack me up from you guys who will cite all sorts of stats in support of guys like Schultz and then say "and he’s only 23".
…Why? No one’s disputing Semin’s talent level or his production. All people are saying is that he takes too many penalties (true) and that he turns the puck over a lot (true).
by David M. Getz on Jul 2, 2009 9:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Also: There are definitely at least ten forwards in the NHL I’d take on my team ahead of Semin.
by David M. Getz on Jul 2, 2009 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Even if you would take ten forwards, or more before him, that still makes him an asset. Now if he can only play like he did the first quarter of this past season, then there wouldn’t even be five forwards you would take before him.
by bigmac1124 on Jul 2, 2009 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Therein lies the rub with Sasha – he shows brief flashes of the player he could be, followed by spells of inconsistent play and injuries.
by D'ohboy on Jul 2, 2009 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think he’s learning consistency. And I don’t think his injuries are anything he can fix. Getting cross checked in the back, getting his thumb hurt, etc. Nothing he can do.
by DrinkingPartner on Jul 2, 2009 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sometime he plays effortlessly
sometime it’s without effort. See Jagr, Jaromir.
Your favorite meme is dead
by Edanger6 on Jul 2, 2009 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sometimes it's without effort
See Jagr, Jaromir.
Your favorite meme is dead
by Edanger6 on Jul 2, 2009 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not a great example. While Jagr was always an effortless player…he was also a lackluster, underachiever during his time in DC.
Not to mention that Jagr (I know I’m going to get eaten alive) may not have had the moves or shot that Semin does, but over the coures of his career (DC time included) he was, overall, a more consistent offensive threat.
A better example might have been Lang, but different position.
by Yoshietree on Jul 2, 2009 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Knuble is on EITM right now if you want to listen…
by vt caps fan on Jul 2, 2009 9:03 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Knuble is on EITM right now if you want to listen…
by vt caps fan on Jul 2, 2009 9:03 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
If Elliot meets him at Dulles, then we should be worried.
by Bald Pollack on Jul 2, 2009 9:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Somebody tell him to fly into BWi, it’s a way better airport.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Jul 2, 2009 9:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ah yes…I always enjoy having to take separate shuttles to terminals and having to take 90 minutes to drive 13.4 miles from SE to Fairfax. And that was only yesterday.
by wittcap79 on Jul 2, 2009 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If you can’t read the humor in the above statement about Dulles, how about we move along to bench-pressing goats, the golf tournament or some other off topic civic pride discussion which both as exciting and what my comment was not meant to start?
by Bald Pollack on Jul 2, 2009 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We all need to take lessons or something. Every smartass comment, like mine above should be followed by either. /snark or ;b
;b
by wittcap79 on Jul 2, 2009 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
now how about that golf tournament.....
by twistedlogic on Jul 2, 2009 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lots of toes being stepped on lately.
Don’t make me bring out the polydactyly picture again.
by Gould Old Days on Jul 2, 2009 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Stanley Cups: 1 (with autographed photo on eBay to prove it)
I wonder if the eBay seller takes pre-orders for the 2010 version of Knuble with the Cup on VC/MCI ice? :D
by Kerry Fraser's Hairspray on Jul 2, 2009 9:17 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
errr…I guess that photos actually from ’97 at the Joe, but my point stands.
by Kerry Fraser's Hairspray on Jul 2, 2009 9:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Knuble didn’t get his name on the Cup. He was included in the team picture, but he didn’t play enough games to be listed. I’m not sure if the Wings gave him a ring.
by RedBirdie on Jul 2, 2009 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
damn, I always forget that (i’ve blocked most of the ’98 final from my memory)
by RedBirdie on Jul 2, 2009 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
are the caps better right now with
Ovechkin-Backstrom-Knuble
Fleischmann-Laich-Semin
than they were with
Ovechkin-Backstrom-Kozlov
Fleischmann-Fedorov-Semin
?
obviously lines are fluid…but second line C was still the biggest hole and i don’t think laich or nyls is a fit. if pressed, i’d take last season’s top 6.
by Natty Bumppo on Jul 2, 2009 9:33 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I disagree I like this year’s top six better. Do I wish Feds was still a Capital – yes but he’s not and at ~$4M I don’t think we could have afforded him.
To me Knuble is a much, much better fit and need than Kozlov and I like Kozy. I also think Laich can and will do great as the second line pivot. I don’t thionk of Flash as the second line LW I see the toip two lines at the start of the season now as:
Ov-Backstrom-Knuble
Semin-Laich-Fehr.
While the jury is still out in my opinion of Fehr I think he works better than Flash with Laich…the third and fourth lines get interesting third could be:
Flash-Nyls-Bradley and fourth could be: anybody – Steckel – Gordon…..
by markbona-capsfan99 on Jul 2, 2009 9:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’d be pretty surprised if Nylander, Fleischmann, or Bradley start the season on the third line.
by David M. Getz on Jul 2, 2009 9:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I could see Steckel as 3rd line center before Nyls
"You will remember the night you were struck by the sight of [18] thousand fists in the air" -Disturbed
by snowburnt on Jul 2, 2009 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wanted to do this yesterday but I didnt have the time and then I forgot to do it… Until now… Kozlov and Fedorov will be team A. and Laich and Knuble will be team B. in a head to head showdown in 5 categories.
Kozlov $2.5M
Fedorov $4.0M
Total $6.5M
Laich $2.06M
Knuble $2.8M
Total $4.86M
WINNER TEAM B
Kozlov 67 games played
Fedorov 52 games played
Total 119 games played
Laich 82 games played
Knuble 82 games played
Total 164 games played
WINNER TEAM B
Kozlov 13 Goals scored = .194 goals scored per game played
Fedorov 11 Goals scored = .211 goals scored per game played
Total = 24 goals scored in 119 games = .201 goals per game played
Laich 23 Goals scored = .280 goals scored per game played
Knuble 27 Goals scored = .329 goals scored per game played
Total = 50 goals scored in 164 games = .305 goals per game played
WINNER TEAM B
Kozlov’s best quote = "It’s not in my hands to control these kind of things, so it’s not disappointing."
Fedorov’s best quote = "[The rumors] are true, … We were married, albeit briefly, and we are now divorced."
Laich’s best quote = “If you want money, go to the bank. If you want bread, go to the bakery. If you want goals, go to the net.”
Knuble’s best quote = "I think it’s a stretch to think I’ll put up 50 goals like he did, … But I’d like to see myself in a role where I’m counted on to score goals."
WINNER TEAM B
Kozlov – In Russia
Fedorov – In Russia
Laich – in DC
Knuble – in DC
WINNER TEAM B
by JSchon on Jul 3, 2009 7:56 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I don’t disagree, but it’s a false dichotomy, since Laich isn’t replacing Feds on the roster even if he is in the lineup. More appropriate comparison would be Knuble vs. Kozlov alone (an easy win for the Knuble side, imo) or Knuble, Feds vs. Knuble, Beagle/Nylander/whomever gets a sweater now.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 3, 2009 9:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s hard also because Laich wasn’t a C last year (for more than a few games). It might be interesting to see what playing C did to Laich’s numbers.
Knuble will replace more than just Kozlov’s minutes due to his special teams play. Knuble should be a mainstay on the power play, and last year Knuble was the Flyers’ #4 penalty killing forward.
Kozlov averaged 13:15 even strength, 0:01 shorthanded and 2:22 on the power play for 15:39 overall. Knuble averaged 13:03 even strength, 2:12 shorthanded, and 2:54 on the power play for 18:10 overall. It’s funny — one member of Team B (Knuble) probably takes away some of the other member’s PP time with the first PP team (Laich), although Laich will no doubt still be on the second PP unit.
By the way, Knuble’s average shift length was a manageable 48.0 seconds. I hope he can help get some of the shift lengths down for the Caps.
As for who gets Fedorov’s minutes, Laich is definitely a candidate. Last year, Laich averaged 11:41 even strength, 2:57 short handed, and 2:38 on the power play for 17:16 overall. If he’s the 2C, he’ll get more even strength time for sure. But then the question is who takes Laich’s minutes on wing. Fehr is obviously a good candidate to see his minutes increase from last year (10:28 ES, 0:00 SH, 0:45 PP, 11:14 total) and as JP mentioned, another player or two will likely get a sweater. My money’s on Bourque.
by Gould Old Days on Jul 3, 2009 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kozlov + Fedorov < Laich + Knuble in general and in line speak.
by JSchon on Jul 2, 2009 9:34 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
but the end result is one less C on a team that really only had 1 and 1/2 Cs to begin with. i probably over-rate kozlov.
by Natty Bumppo on Jul 2, 2009 9:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fedorov was not a 2nd line C in practice, no matter how you slice it. Points-wise Laich is probably an upgrade there (although obviously it’s less optimum usage of Laich in that role) and he should take less penalties to boot.
I’m not saying #2 C isn’t a weakness, it is. But it was equally a weakness last season despite the “depth,” and we still came close to leading the league in offense.
by brs03 on Jul 2, 2009 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed.
Honestly I think the team would have been better served to open the season with Nylander on the second line and Fedorov on the (sort of) checking line. Fewer even strength minutes for Fedorov and Nylander might not have lost his game.
by David M. Getz on Jul 2, 2009 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Did the League's second-ranked power-play really need a shot in the arm? As long as 25.2% is still less than 100%, yes. . .
Totally REC. (With a big chuckle too. Thank you JP.) Time to saunter to the front of the line, ladies and gents. I adore this signing and I wish GMGM was sittin’ right here so I could shake his hand. Knuble make everyone better = PP, full strength, PK, locker room, mentoring, credibility, the whole kit-n-kaboodle.
He isn’t the trophy wife that Feds was, but he is more serviceable, IMO. Bravo, Georgie.
by Uncle C on Jul 2, 2009 9:36 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
kit-n-knuble!
Perfection! (I love this blog.)
by Uncle C on Jul 2, 2009 9:39 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
What I Knot Believe
Is that the rest of the NHL is so stupid as to vastly undervalue a player of Knuble’s quality. We’re talking about a guy who has consistently scored around 25 goals+/year, isn’t prone to massive production fluctuations (check out the consistency of his shooting %), who screens the keeper on the power play, kills penalties, works hard in the corners, is a great presence in the locker room, makes the players around him better, etc. etc. etc. . .
. . . and the rest of the NHL isn’t willing to pay this guy a little over $2.5m/year??? I know his skating stride isn’t beautiful, and that he spent much of his career as a grinder/healthy scratch until he got his chance, but every year since then he’s been money in the bank. He reminds me a little of Andrew Brunette – the kind of player you don’t fully appreciate until he’s not on your team anymore and he’s scoring his 20-25 goals and dishing his 30-35 assists out for some other team. Sure, he looks like a three-toed sloth on skates while doing it, but since when did the NHL start handing out points for style?
Watching this feeding frenzy at the free agent trough has only reconfirmed my belief that the NHL general manager ranks are ripe for the kind of revolution that has taken place in baseball over the last 10-15 years. At some point, an owner is going to wake up and realize that he’s handed the keys to his multi-million dollar investment over to a guy who’s primary qualification is that he used to get bumped on the noggin for a living before helmets were mandatory. He’s going to watch as his pricey free-agent signings fail to give a decent return on investment and he’s going to ask himself if he can’t find someone slightly more intelligent to run his franchise. He’s going to go out and grab the hockey equivalent of a Theo Epstein and then he’s going to sit back and beat the ever-loving crap out of the other franchises until they figure it out.
To my eyes, the only team that has figured this paradigm out yet is Detroit. (GMGM has done a pretty good job with Knuble, but I’m still not quite ready to forgive him for the summer of 2007.) It’s no surprise that if you look around the league at the more successful GMs, the majority of the good GMs (Burke, Lamoriello, Holland) had little to no success as hockey players.
by D'ohboy on Jul 2, 2009 9:46 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
It’s no surprise that if you look around the league at the more successful GMs, the majority of the good GMs (Burke, Lamoriello, Holland) had little to no success as hockey players.
And strong academic backgrounds.
by David M. Getz on Jul 2, 2009 9:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Also, like the early stathead GMs in baseball, they tend to have their own mentor-acolyte networks. Lamoriello begat Burke, who begat Nonis . . . In much the same way that Alderson begat Beane who begat Ricciardi, and so on.
by D'ohboy on Jul 2, 2009 9:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Interesting; good point.
I think McPhee did pretty well for himself in 2007, though. He addressed the team’s need and, with Poti and Kozlov, did it with reasonable contracts. Nylander obviously hasn’t worked out that well but if he were playing a different system and Sergei Fedorov had never come to DC, things might be very different.
by David M. Getz on Jul 2, 2009 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hence, if Hanlon was still the coach…
by bigmac1124 on Jul 2, 2009 10:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The team would totally suck, but Nylander would be putting up monstrous stats. ;)
by D'ohboy on Jul 2, 2009 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And we’d all be hailing Mike Green for almost getting to double digits in goals
by David M. Getz on Jul 2, 2009 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jumping JC on a pogo stick, Hanlon was an atrocious coach. I remember how many times the broadcast team would mention “what a great teacher” he was, and I would think to myself about all of the first-round draft picks and talented players who were underachieving and kind of wish that they’d share whatever drug they were taking, or at least give me a glance through their rose-colored glasses.
by D'ohboy on Jul 2, 2009 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Player development starts way before the NHL. You can question GMGM’s prior drafting, the player development that happened in the AHL before the Hershey alliance, and to an extent Hanlon. But you can’t just say “Hanlon was an atrocious coach” because some of the first round picks didn’t pan out. He barely had any time with the Young Guns (even though he didn’t shine when he did have them). But Hanlon got every player to compete, on a team that was not competitive. That was the biggest mark for him. Everyone learned how to play D (imagine where Green would be now if he was allowed to freewheel from day 1). Everyone worked hard every shift. While BB has seen a gigantic increase in offensive output (and standings points) he can’t claim to get every player to compete hard every game, much less every shift. BB can’t claim that every player is defensively responsible under his watch. Hanlon wasn’t the best coach ever, nor is he the best coach for the current Caps (or the Caps when he got fired) but he was invaluable to the development of the team through the rebuild and certainly was not an “atrocious” coach.
by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 2, 2009 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Hanlon was an atrocious coach for more than just the lack of development displayed by the young players in the system. His forechecking system was woefully unsuited to the players he had during his last year. For all of his talk of “puck possession,” the team played dump and chase consistently. Their power play breakout was just godawful, their PK was underwhelming. . .
The lack of development was just one aspect.
If you look at Green’s career stats going back to junior hockey, you’ll notice a massive dip in offensive output that coincides with – you guessed it – the time he spent playing under Hanlon. And it wasn’t just Green; Laich and Flash also foundered on his watch.
With regards to the players playing hard under Hanlon, I’ll say this: of course they did. First, it’s their job, for which they’re paid ludicrous sums of money. Second, 90% of the players on the Caps back then were marginal NHL’ers. They HAD to play hard, because if they didn’t, they knew that there was a bus waiting for them down in Portland or Hershey or South Carolina. Shitty teams almost always get lauded for their “effort,” because it’s about all they have to give. I should know, I was a crappy hockey player – but goddamn if I didn’t give it my all every time I touched the ice, because I knew it just might be the last time. Fear and money are potent motivators.
As teams get more talented, better paid and more successful, motivation becomes more difficult. I’m not disagreeing with you that I thought the Caps’ effort needed more consistency this year under Boudreau, but that’s sometimes what happens when you’ve got a playoff spot locked up in January.
by D'ohboy on Jul 3, 2009 12:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If you look at Green’s career stats going back to junior hockey, you’ll notice a massive dip in offensive output that coincides with – you guessed it – the time he spent playing under Hanlon. And it wasn’t just Green; Laich and Flash also foundered on his watch.
This just in: Making the jump to the NHL is the toughest jump in all of hockey. Sometimes (usually) young players struggle with it. I wonder how many other coaches you could condemn because rookies saw their output decrease from their youth levels.
With regards to the players playing hard under Hanlon, I’ll say this: of course they did. First, it’s their job, for which they’re paid ludicrous sums of money. Second, 90% of the players on the Caps back then were marginal NHL’ers.
It’s still their job, they still get paid ludicrous sums of money to do it, so that incentive hasn’t changed. While back then the players may have been marginal NHLers and thus fighting for a job, today the Caps roster is much, much deeper, and playing time is harder to come by; they are still fighting for their jobs with the Caps.
Bad teams play dump and chase; bad teams have bad PPs; bad teams have bad PKs. The Caps were a bad team under Hanlon because they were far outmatched in the personnel department, not because Hanlon was a bad coach.
by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 3, 2009 3:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hanlon was a bad coach because he wasn’t able to see the pieces he had and use them properly.
Boudreau saw that they had enough horses to play his style and made it work. Although he didn’t inherit all the pieces he needed, his style proved to be the right one for this particular group of hockey players for the most part. Hanlon went 6-14-1 with same talent BB went 37-17-7.
by JSchon on Jul 3, 2009 7:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, the transition from junior to AHL to NHL is difficult. However, most players show consistent development curves that reflect their talent level as well as that of the players around them. Green was a consistent offensive contributor his ENTIRE career until Hanlon put the reins on him. Tell me you didn’t see the absolutely amazing end-to-end rush that Green scored on versus Colorado in 06-07 and think to yourself, “where the F—k did that come from?” Hanlon neutered Green’s game. His treatment of Laich was similar, and I’m not even going to start discussing the absolute hash that he made out of Steve Eminger.
As for “fighting for their jobs,” do you really think that Fedorov, Kozlov, Semin, Laich, Poti, or Green is fighting for their job in the same way as say. . . Joe Motzko? Realistically, there’s absolutely no way that 95% of the current Caps roster goes back to the AHL. They all have one-way contracts and would get picked up on waivers.
As far as “bad teams” go, I’m perfectly willing to give Hanlon a pass for his first couple of years. The team was atrocious and outmatched talent-wise every single night. But by the start of 07-08, the team had massively upgraded its talent. Even he realized that, preaching puck possession during preseason. And yet the team sucked ass under his direction. I remember sitting in the stands watching their power play and thinking to myself that I’d seen pee-wee teams with better organized breakouts.
During all this, I remember Joe B., Craig C. and to a certain extent Vogel defending Hanlon for “being a good teacher.” Yet I can’t think of a single example of this. Name me the player who (barring post-Hanlon injury) performed better under Hanlon than under Boudreau. The only one I can think of is Gordo, and that’s because Gordo got a lot more playing time when the team sucked and he had an unsustainably high points total in 06-07.
by D'ohboy on Jul 3, 2009 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was fortunate enough to be able to particpate in McPhee’s course at Georgetown last year. He was very insightful about sports management and even provided the flowchart below that he said he used when making all important decisions regarding the Caps:
by Cluster on Jul 2, 2009 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
ROFLMAO. I need a copy of that for my cubicle wall.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Jul 2, 2009 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just posted it on my cubicle wall :-)
Cluster, you’ve made my week… that beats the Knuble signing (as of right now) … come next july, I’m hoping to be signing a different tune!
by Scofield on Jul 2, 2009 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
awesome
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 2, 2009 6:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
One part of Ovechkin’s game that is underrated is his ability to toss lobs for tip-ins. Knuble’s a right-handed shot. That means that when he’s got his ass in the goalie’s face back to the net he’s in perfect position for a tip-in.
Anyone know how good Knuble is with the tip-ins?
by Gould Old Days on Jul 2, 2009 10:05 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I suspect the total distance for all of his goals last season was about 75 feet….he can tip the puck or poke in a rebound.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Caps on Jul 2, 2009 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t know about goals, but here’s a fun stat of the day:
Average shot distance:
Eric Fehr: 29.5 feet
Mike Knuble: 30.0 feet
Average wrist shot distance:
Eric Fehr: 28.0 feet
Mike Knuble: 31.7 feet
by David M. Getz on Jul 2, 2009 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Here’s the important stat to me: Knuble’s average shooting % since turning 30= 15%. One year since turning 30 he dipped down to around 11% and that was, coincidentally, the same year he put up his lowest goal total since turning 30 (21).
For reference, Fehr would have scored 20 goals had he shot 15%. (FWIW, Ovie would have scored about 80 goals last year had he shot 15%.)
Guys with consistently high shooting percentages are extremely valuable. They make the most of their opportunities and aren’t prone to massive or lengthy slumps. If Knuble can show guys like Fehr and Laich how to consistently go to the net and score ugly, thereby upping their shooting percentage and goal totals, he’ll be worth triple what they’re paying him.
by D'ohboy on Jul 2, 2009 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
You busy working on a don’t-get-too-excited-about-Knuble post? (I mean, please do SOMETHING to spare us any more of these comments about goats, airports or punctuation.)
by TylerG on Jul 2, 2009 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think that’d be more likely to make it in to a “Eric Fehr: Better than you think” post before one criticizing Knuble.
I couldn’t be happier about the signing, to be honest.
by David M. Getz on Jul 2, 2009 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think some mad scientist should find a way to graft Fehr and Schultz together into one person: Jeff Fehr, so that we can all go absolutely nutty over his uber-tall and gangly frame and wet our collective trousers extolling just how amazingly underrated he is.
On second thought, a hybrid Jeff Fehr might cause some of us to spontaneously explode.
by D'ohboy on Jul 2, 2009 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Let’s see, good but not great offensively, smart defender that you can count on, tall & lanky body though not overly physical, does the little things well…
So we’d have a second David Steckel?
by David M. Getz on Jul 2, 2009 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
trivia question
first comment re: knuble on the new SB nation japers rink:
Aw poor little Mike Knuble can’t handle getting hit?
by DMG on Dec 20, 2008 12:11 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
by Natty Bumppo on Jul 2, 2009 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
IIRC he was upset about being hit legally (and not all that hard).
by David M. Getz on Jul 2, 2009 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
just poking fun. :)
i was actually looking for the first person to call “we need knuble on the caps” and the winner is…d’ohboy!
by Natty Bumppo on Jul 2, 2009 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think that was even pre-DMG’s joining the team here.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 2, 2009 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
and you picked him up after THAT? :-) :-P i kid, i kid! DMG does great work!
by Scofield on Jul 2, 2009 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I mean, please do SOMETHING to spare us any more of these comments about goats, airports or punctuation.
Solution: Don’t read it.
by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 2, 2009 5:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not an ideal solution – as soon as people with intelligent thoughts to contribute to the discourse stop reading because of all the unintelligent thoughts that don’t add anything, we’ve devolved into… well… you know.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 2, 2009 9:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
As soon as I see a thread dealing with the Orioles, Redskins, bench pressing goats or anything I don’t really care about I just skip down to where hockey picks back up. Skimming can be a quite effective.
by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 2, 2009 9:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And I believe he was criticizing the content, not the intelligence of the comments. There are several people here willing to let someone hear it for an uninformed comment, and I don’t see any risk of that stopping. But there is no need to request censorship of content you find uninteresting.
by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 2, 2009 10:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Point taken, but the more focused/on-topic the discussion, the better and more useful.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 3, 2009 9:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is a Great Signing
First of all, I rec’d this posting before reading it, only because of the headline! :)
Anyway, what was the one thing that JP, DMG, and all of the other acronyms here have been harping on the past season: The Caps need to go to the net. They asked, “Who is our Tomas Holmstrom, our Mike Knuble”.
As it turns out the, answer to “Who is our Mike Knuble?” is Mike Knuble. Just think about how effective the Power Play was last year. Over 25%, #2 in the league. Now imagine how good it would be with someone like Knuble parked in front of the net rather than Viktor Kozlov on the side, or Sergei Fedorov forming a point umbrella with Green and Ovie….
Yeah, looks pretty good doesn’t it. The Caps should lead the league in power play percentage in the coming season if folks stay healthy. With Backstrom distributing, Semin shooting from face off circles, Knuble in front, and Ovie and Green bombing from the point… should be fun.
The only thing to find now is either a second line center, or a Fountain of Youth that we can toss Nylander into…a 28 year old Nylander would be a terrific option as a second line center for the Caps.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Caps on Jul 2, 2009 10:07 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
nylander is only like 86 years old
…hes not THAT old
by twistedlogic on Jul 2, 2009 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This signing makes me so happy.
In part because it’s so satisfying that we’re not like the dumb Rangers (or my R*dskins) who are desperate to add talent and spend a ton of money in FA.
by smutsboy1 on Jul 2, 2009 11:01 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Who would you rather have?
Both Knuble and Brashear sign identical contracts….who would you rather have :-).
by CapsFanSince1979 on Jul 2, 2009 12:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Brashear is 2.8 million over two years; Knuble is 2.8 million per year for two years
by David M. Getz on Jul 2, 2009 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for correcting, my bad
by CapsFanSince1979 on Jul 2, 2009 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Which of course brings up the question, which would you rather have: Mike Knuble or two Donald Brashears?
Brashear – Gordon – Brashear would be one hell of a fourth line.
by Gould Old Days on Jul 2, 2009 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
lots of brash bashing
but not much else. they would probably have the record for slowest line on the ice ever
by twistedlogic on Jul 2, 2009 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But nobody would mess with him!! (so the myth goes)
by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 2, 2009 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
any way you slice it
i’d rather have knuble.
i wonder how well blair betts is gonna play with brash
by twistedlogic on Jul 2, 2009 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Isn’t Betts still an FA?
"You will remember the night you were struck by the sight of [18] thousand fists in the air" -Disturbed
by snowburnt on Jul 2, 2009 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
good point
he might be. cant tell you for sure tho
by twistedlogic on Jul 2, 2009 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Defense
To those of you calling for a veteran defenseman, a different defenseman, any change to our roster on the defensemen’s side, I have this to say:
Give Bob Woods a chance before you start making roster changes.
Woodsy has yet to coach day one up in Washington, but those of us who have been watching the Hershey Bears – who play the same system as the Capitals – all season last year are well aware that defensive responsibility and grit are a part of their game. Yes, they’re young kids, but they get in the corners, they make the plays. How much of that is talent, and how much is coaching?
Here are my reasons for saying to give Bob Woods a chance:
1) Woods has coached with Boudreau since they won a Kelly Cup with the Stingrays. He KNOWS Boudreau’s system, knows it well, and can work with him readily.
2) Woods coached the Bears to a Calder Cup twice – once with Boudreau and once on his own. I’d say that’s some good coaching right there.
3) Three of the Caps’ defensemen played for the Woods-Boudreau team:
Erskine (2005-06) – Bears won the Calder
Green (2005-06) – Bears won the Calder
Schultz (2005-06) – Bears won the Calder; he also played in 2006-07 – Bears went to the final
4) In the wings, we have:
- John Carlson (+3 for his 16 games, 2 goals, 1 assist) – won’t be ready this year, but might next.
- Tyler Sloan (+14 in the regular season, 2 goals, 10 assists; +15 in the playoffs, 0 goals, 5 assists) – gritty, tough, and willing. I don’t consider him “career AHL” like some do; he’s got definite potential, and could join the Caps Blue Line this year. As a Cap last year, Sloan posted 1 goal, 4 assists, and a +4 rating in 26 games.
- Karl Alzner (+23 in the regular season, 4 goals, 16 assists; +0 in the playoffs, with 0 goals, 2 assists – and a concussion, so he missed six games). As a Cap last year, however, Alzner was -1, with 1 goal and 4 assists over 30 games.
- Staffan Kronwall (+3 over 17 games in the regular season, with 2 goals and 7 assists; +6 in the playoffs, with 3 goals and 9 assists). He was a -1 with 3 games with the Caps, 0 goals, 0 assists, but very new to the team when he played. He’s the baby brother to Niklas Kronwall, who is a very gritty defenseman.
I am not in the very least worried about our defense this year. Not until Woods has had a chance to work his magic.
by IRockTheRed on Jul 2, 2009 12:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Also, in regards to Alzner, everyone needs to remember that, for the most part (please don’t kill me with your exceptions to the rules), rookie d-men go through a tough spell later in their first year ( i think Schenn dropped off in production, as an example). I think that you need to look at what they were able to in the beginning of their playing time to see what potential might be there in the second year….the conditioning can be taught.
by WolfPackof1 on Jul 2, 2009 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
One correction
We don’t “have” Kronwall right now. He’s a UFA.
by D'ohboy on Jul 2, 2009 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
oh no!
pillar of our defense there
/snark :-)
by twistedlogic on Jul 2, 2009 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What are you talking about? I had him penciled in for at least 22 mins/night and some power play time next year??? ;-)
Actually, I watched most of Hershey’s playoff games and he wasn’t half bad down there.
by D'ohboy on Jul 2, 2009 1:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually, no he's not...
…he’s a Calgary Flame. ;)
Just for the sake of accuracy, as we’re not getting him back in the short term.
by brs03 on Jul 2, 2009 1:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
wait, Baby Wall went to the Flames? (or do I need yet another cup of coffee?)
by RedBirdie on Jul 2, 2009 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
if he can’t break our lineup, how the hell is he going to break that lineup?
from the house that Red Jesus built
by bigonetimer on Jul 2, 2009 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
OK, fine, fine. So Kronwall went elsewhere. Whoop-dee-doo. :-p
The rest of my comment stands! Quit pickin’ nits and look at the meat of the comment:
WE DO NOT NEED TO MAKE ANY CHANGES TO OUR DEFENSIVE LINES UNTIL BOB WOODS HAS BEEN GIVEN A CHANCE TO PROVE HE CAN COACH D!!!
by IRockTheRed on Jul 2, 2009 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Also, Kronwall isn’t showing up on NHL.com’s Free Agent tracker yet… what’s your source?
by IRockTheRed on Jul 2, 2009 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think it was a Calgary paper… I’ll find it and post the link.
by brs03 on Jul 2, 2009 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
http://www.calgarysun.com/sports/hockey/2009/07/02/9998486-sun.html
Bottom of the article.
by brs03 on Jul 2, 2009 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The problem with that is, if Woods doesn’t make enough of an impact it may end up being too late to make the right moves.
If you want to make a move, make it now. Getting a better Dman isn’t going to hurt the team (much, depending on who you give up to make it happen) just because Woods would have made an impact on his own… it just means his impact is even better now.
Again, that’s if there’s a legit desire to make a noted upgrade. If the desire is there it needs to happen in the offseason. Woods’ impact won’t be felt until a month+ into the season. At that point your best hope is a deadline-day patch if needed. That might be enough given GMGM’s comments.
by brs03 on Jul 2, 2009 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Where’s the trust?
I personally watched quite a few Bears games last year, and knowing what I know of the composition of our team and of the Bears that have a good chance of cracking the lineup, I would like to show Woods a bit of that trust before I make a snap judgment that says we have to have to have to have another defenseman who might or might not work out with the team, the system, and the salary cap.
by IRockTheRed on Jul 2, 2009 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
As I said, it’s a question of how big the issue is, and it sounds like its not a big one to GMGM.
My point is only, if you’re dead set on improving the D (I don’t think GMGM is) you can’t afford to just wait and see what kind of NHL impact Woods will have.
by brs03 on Jul 2, 2009 1:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually, I watched a lot of the Bears toward the end of the season – I meant to write up a second “scouting report” from my trip up there, but work-life intervened. Anyhow, I was unimpressed with the play of the organization’s defensemen as a whole. I’m not sure whether it’s coaching or the system (probably a bit of both) but I’ve never seen a group of defensemen so consistently fail to take point shots and get them on net. It’s a problem that the Caps had, and from what I saw, the Bears had it, too. Not only do the defensemen rarely shoot from the point, but the shots they do take are frequently blocked or miss the net entirely.
Maybe this will improve this year, but I’m not going to be at all surprised if it doesn’t.
by D'ohboy on Jul 2, 2009 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m pretty sure most of us could find a complaint about our D corps that is not related to the offensive zone play. Fine, I’d like the D to shoot more, but I’m not worried about our offense. I’m more concerned about how the D corps plays as a group inside their own blueline.
by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 2, 2009 5:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The problems in the defensive zone are all different – by that I mean that there are 7-8 different D-men and each has his own issues, but they’re individual issues. The shooting issue is systemic – it’s all of the defensemen from Alzner to Schultz, including Green when he’s not on the PP.
by D'ohboy on Jul 2, 2009 6:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So loose rebounds and unmarked opposition around the crease isn’t systemic? That was a bigger reason we lost to the Pens than our D not shooting.
by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 2, 2009 6:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The breakout completely fails when Mike Green isn’t healthy, not systemic?
by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 2, 2009 6:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That seems to have a lot to do with defensive awareness and support, to me, and support is definitely something that adding one body won’t fix.
See, in my line of work, when you’re trying to fix something, you change one thing at a time, never more, never less. If you change more than one thing at a time, you’ll never know what the real problem was if it fixes it, and you’re just as likely to blow something else up.
I think the correct move now, since we know we have enough to get us through the regular season in one piece unless injury hell strikes, is to see how the D does under Woods. If we find we need that blueliner in the spring still, we have the flexibility to go for it. But, come aspring, we’ll have a better idea of our real needs and the flexibility to play, heaven willing.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Jul 3, 2009 9:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The problem with the breakout was multi-faceted and, I would argue, not even primarily the responsibility of the defensemen. During the playoffs, the Caps breakout broke down for a bunch of reasons, but I think the primary one was that the Rangers did a damn good job of keying on the Caps’ weakness (gimpy Green) and cutting off other options aggressively. The Penguins just followed that blueprint.
From the Caps’ perspective, the main failure I saw was that the forwards failed to properly support the puck. I saw numerous times when a Caps defenseman would gain possession, look up ice and see nothing but black jerseys because the Caps forwards would all be well up into the neutral zone.
by D'ohboy on Jul 3, 2009 11:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That happened, but the D blew chances to make quick D to D passes to get the puck out as well. Our D didn’t seem confident with the puck and didn’t seem like they knew were they had to go with it, and that is coaching. The forwards weren’t always in position but this isn’t men’s league; there weren’t 3 guys routinely circling around the red line. If you don’t think our D looked woefully inadequate with the puck behind the goal line then I don’t know what else to say.
by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 11, 2009 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, because the reason it happens is different for each player. For example:
Green: often focuses on the puck rather than the man or tying up the stick, primarily because he’s looking to grab the puck and start the rush
Morrissonn: sometimes he’s away from the net because he’s out of position covering for Green, and at other times, ShaMo’s just pulling one of his disappearing acts
Poti: Like Green, often fixates on the puck rather than on the man – this was a knock on him well before he got to the Caps
Schultz: usually uses his wingspan effectively, but if he doesn’t, he can’t recover quickly enough back toward his net, leaving odd-man situations down low, he’s also easily muscled off the puck
Jurcina: part of Jurcina’s problem appears mental to me – he doesn’t look consistently focused every game, and he’s sometimes more focused on blocking shots than on tying up players’ sticks
Erskine: usually good around his own net, but has problems when he takes himself out of position to make hits, thereby leaving the net uncovered, also guilty of choosing the cross-check over the more effective (not to mention legal) stick lift
Pothier: like Green and Poti, sometimes guilty of focusing on the puck, unlike Green and Poti, he lacks the size to muscle people out down low.
If you’re going to note one systemic problem, it’s that the Caps D-men could be better at checking their opponents’ sticks. Otherwise, the failure to clear players and rebounds from the crease is different from player to player.
by D'ohboy on Jul 3, 2009 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Slow down, killer. The whole Kronwall thing was a bit of a lark.
On a serious note, who’s proposing changes to our defensive corps? The fairly consistent them I’ve seen on this blog (and I include myself in this) is that we needed a skilled gritty winger and a #2C. Check on the winger, #2C TBD.
You’re kinda arguing with people who generally agree with you. . .
by D'ohboy on Jul 2, 2009 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Caps don’t have an NHL-quality version of Bryan Helmer. Tom Poti is the closest thing, but he’s not quite that kind of leader. That’s the kind of player I’d like to see the Caps acquire, but I doubt it’ll happen.
by Gould Old Days on Jul 2, 2009 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
By having a low cap hit. They’re penny pinching now, at least until they can move someone expensive to relieve the pressure.
by brs03 on Jul 2, 2009 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
we are talking about S. Kron, not his savage brother, yes?
from the house that Red Jesus built
by bigonetimer on Jul 2, 2009 5:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Because with Regehr, Bouwmeester, Phaneuf they are going to need to dress 3 AAAA players to fill out their roster under the cap.
by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 2, 2009 5:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
With Aucoin gone, Adam Pardy, Cory Sarich and some fella named Giordano round out their top 6 defenseman…I suppose Kron has a shot at #7 or injury call up, kind of like he had here.
from the house that Red Jesus built
by bigonetimer on Jul 2, 2009 6:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sarich is on his way out. They can’t afford to pay him 3+.
by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 2, 2009 6:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
wow
the habs and the hawks got a lot better…..gionta to the habs and madden to the hawks. although that means the devils get worse :)
by twistedlogic on Jul 2, 2009 1:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
yea that signing isnt that great
but the habs got a lot better. i always liked gionta for some reason.
“Bob Gainey appears to be creating a team that’s quick, offensive and isn’t tall enough to ride most roller coasters.”
by twistedlogic on Jul 2, 2009 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think the jury’s out on the Habs. Gomer isn’t a #1 center, and if he didn’t like the pressure of playing in NYC. . . welcome to the hell that is Montreal. Cammalleri is quite talented, and so’s Gionta, but someone will need to center them. Additionally, I’m not sure that Spacek+Gill is a big upgrade over Komisarek.
by D'ohboy on Jul 2, 2009 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i think you'll likely see gionta and gomez on the same line
but i hate komisarek (am i the only who doesnt think hes so special?)
by twistedlogic on Jul 2, 2009 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Most TOR fans agreed… until yesterday.
by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 2, 2009 5:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Habs/Hawks are prelim winners. They both improved, on paper, dramatically. Montreal is no longer a pussyfoot team.
by DrinkingPartner on Jul 2, 2009 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
scotty gomez sucks
but combined with gionta, they could provide a good punch
by twistedlogic on Jul 2, 2009 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Plus they’ve got experience with each other back when they were Devils. I wouldn’t cough at that, personally.
by DrinkingPartner on Jul 2, 2009 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Um… how did MON not become a pussyfoot team? They lost their toughest defender and brought in 3 small, non-physical forwards.
by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 2, 2009 5:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed 100%. Montreal did a lot, and they scare people less today than they did on June 30.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 2, 2009 9:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not so sure about the Habs getting better…they lost a top pair defenseman (and downgraded the replacement) and got really small up front. And if Price can’t stop bothering to try and set the cigarette chugging poster child of the NHL and get his game together, none of these moves they made matter one bit.
from the house that Red Jesus built
by bigonetimer on Jul 2, 2009 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m with this analysis. I think the Habs lost as much as they gained. Also very skeptical about how much better the Hawks got.
by Gould Old Days on Jul 2, 2009 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Hawks are lacking in goal. And they’re kinda screwed next year re: cap space.
Rockin' the Red in Section 412
by boutros23 on Jul 2, 2009 5:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But this year the Hawks are going to be dangerous if Huet gives even average goaltending.
by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 2, 2009 5:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yup, they kind of have to go for it this year because their cap looks like ass beyond that.
from the house that Red Jesus built
by bigonetimer on Jul 2, 2009 5:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
eklund saying kovalev to caps on his twitter. take it for what you will.
by eeyeats on Jul 2, 2009 1:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I was literally just about to post that…being as its Eklund, i’m not putting too much stock into it
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 2, 2009 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i agree, i just wanted to share. makes for good conversation if nothing else.
by eeyeats on Jul 2, 2009 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
with what cap space? (oh, Eklund…..)
by RedBirdie on Jul 2, 2009 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
KOVALEV??! With what for money?
Alexei Kovalev’s cap hit is… unknown, according to nhlnumbers.com – could be elsewhere.
Again – what is the source? Neither TSN.ca nor NHL.com show this anywhere.
by IRockTheRed on Jul 2, 2009 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Its Eklund, so its probably made up
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 2, 2009 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Its Eklund, so itsprobablymade up
by Natty Bumppo on Jul 2, 2009 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If you scoll down his list of blatant guessing, he also said “Kovalev to Kings”….so take this with a barrell of salt
by WolfPackof1 on Jul 2, 2009 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wonder if Klessel and Bruce Garrioch really are the same guy…like Garrioch goes into a phone booth and comes out as Eklund
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 2, 2009 1:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn’t even be surprised if he just said “Nyls and Theo to Sens for Heater”
by WolfPackof1 on Jul 2, 2009 1:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
didn’t GMGM say in a round about way that he wasn’t interested in heatly?
something about his trade request being unprofessional?
Strange as it sounds, we do own TVs in Russia - Simeon Varlamov
by JustJeff on Jul 2, 2009 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yea
but if we got rid of theo and nylander all at once, i wouldnt complain. that said, heatley is a bum
by twistedlogic on Jul 2, 2009 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’d love to get rid of Theo and Nyls but not for that D-bag. That trade effectively frees us of the services of: Nyls, Theo, Semin, and either Alzner or Carlson down the road. All for a guy that signs a long term extension, proclaims that he wants to be a leader on the team, and demands a trade (and nixes the trade) all within a year.
by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 2, 2009 5:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Because he’s got an army of knuckleheads that pay money for his “information”
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 2, 2009 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes yes, I know I know. Just seems to me that with so much free information, that is more in-depth and reliable that he would have faded into the night by now.
Better question is what kind of person pays eklund for information?
by Yoshietree on Jul 2, 2009 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The same people that still pay for internet porn….rubes
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 2, 2009 1:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My brain just put porn and rubes together and came up with . . . yeah.
by D'ohboy on Jul 2, 2009 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I cannot confirm at this point if Rube Goldberg has ever done any porn (E5)
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 2, 2009 1:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
difficult to say. to do so… you’d almost have to be too stupid to read. but then why would you pay for a text-based service? oh the contradictions.
by eeyeats on Jul 2, 2009 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I miss Fake Brian Burke on Twitter
“Ran into Eklund last night. He kept grilling me about trades and rumors. Finally I just paid him for the pizza and slammed the door.”
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 2, 2009 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't visit his site very often...
what does the (E_) notations mean???
by PaintDrinkingPete on Jul 2, 2009 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
With what for cap space? This makes no sense.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Jul 2, 2009 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kovalev Eh?
So we have a go to the net guy to mentor Laich and Fehr, and a russian enigma to mentor Semin
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 2, 2009 6:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Semin takes anything away from Kovalev then we should trade him ASAP. Kovalev is qualified to mentor a too-cute Russian like I’m qualified to mentor a room full of recovering alcoholics.
by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 2, 2009 6:55 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I’m sure that was meant to be sarcastic. [not to put words into someone else’s post]
by gfcaps fan on Jul 2, 2009 7:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was 50/50 but wanted to make sure. I just hate Kovalev so damn much…
by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 2, 2009 7:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
haha yeah. it was sarcasm. well 85% sarcasm by my best estimate.
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 3, 2009 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Take anything Eklund says with a grain of salt… or in his case, a salt mine
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Caps on Jul 6, 2009 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
if we sign/trade for anyone else, it better be a C
by eeyeats on Jul 2, 2009 1:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
How is Scuderi's nickname not
Scuder? Pronounced Skooter.
Your favorite meme is dead
by Edanger6 on Jul 2, 2009 2:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Its too bad Qadry Ismail ruined “The Missile”
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 2, 2009 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The rocket?
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 2, 2009 9:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Raghib, his older brother (and the better one), was “The Rocket.” Qadry – the Syracuse wideout – was “The Missile.”
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 2, 2009 9:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
One of the above won a national title…one, well, he didn’t.
by wittcap79 on Jul 2, 2009 10:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
knuble is here because...
…Let’s give an assist on this signing to Chris Pronger!
by capsfan12345 on Jul 3, 2009 2:42 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.
