Wednesday Caps Clips: Goalies Galore
by J.P. on Aug 19, 2009 6:42 AM EDT
in Caps Clips
196 comments
Your savory breakfast links:
- Today's must-read looks at the past, present and future of homegrown Caps goalies. Only four netminders drafted by the team (Peter Sidorkiewicz, Olie Kolzig, Byron Dafoe and Jim Carey) would go on to play 100 NHL games, and, as we've noted before, Semyon Varlamov and Michal Neuvirth are 9th and 11th, respectively, in regular season NHL appearances by a Caps-drafted goalies. Oy. [Capitals.com]
- At the other end of the spectrum from "must-read" is Allan Muir on his 11th-ranked Caps (spoiler alert: no crease-clearing D = oh noes!!1!1!). [SI.com]
- Whereas Muir has the Caps at 5th in the Eastern Conference, they're either first or second at THN. [The Hockey News]
- I guess it's fair to leave Mike Knuble off the list of top players over 35-years-old (though he did tie for the lead in goals among these "old-timers" last season), but leaving Ray Whitney and Daniel Alfredsson out of your top eight forwards is indefensible. Oh, and Michael Nylander didn't make the list either. [NHL.com]
- Dmitri Orlov blows up Alexander Svitov. [Smotri.com via Caps Message Board]
- Stefan Della Rovere's looking to follow up a "spine-tingling" 2008-09 with a bit more consistency over the full season in Barrie. [Barrie Advance]
- Craig Laughlin's (undrafted) son Kyle, has signed with the Reading Royals, where his name will apparently be pronounced "LOFF lin." [RoyalsHockey.com]
- It's red-on-red, and it's a mystery (though I'll suggest "1992 All-Star Game Superskills" as a likely partial answer). [Strange But True]
- Lurker or active commentor, there's something for everyone in this link. [Pension Plan Puppets]
- On this date back in 1998, the Caps traded center Jeff Nelson (who's still at it, btw) to Nashville for future considerations, thus providing us with an image for today's post.
- Finally, Happy 44th Birthday to David A. Jensen, whom the Caps acquired from Hartford in exchange for Sidorkiewicz (two Peter Sidorkiewicz references in one post?!) and... Dean Evason. Not a good trade.
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Kyle Laughlin
I guess he should have learned to dipsy doo more?
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Aug 19, 2009 7:20 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Well, he did go through A Completely New and Innovative System for developing Hockey Players for JUNIOR, COLLEGE AND PRO!
http://wewintrophies.com/ - 12 major trophies in national and international competitions. Be a part of the next one.
by Bald Pollack on Aug 19, 2009 8:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh dear GOD did they plug the hell out of that during the end of the season/playoffs!!!
I bet instead of a bonus, Locker just asked for endless plugs of his hockey school.
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Aug 19, 2009 9:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Craig is an ass in real life. One of my good friends was coached by him a number of years, says he is an idiot.
by zephyr on Aug 19, 2009 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Somehow this is not shocking news that this innovator, D-1 all star, & NHL standout moonlights as a a complete jackass.
by CaliCapsFan on Aug 19, 2009 10:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hmm. I guess he became an ass in the announcing phase of life. In the mid-80’s when our son was was about 3, we took him down to the Cap Centre ice after the last game of the season for fan appreciation nite and got a picture of him with Craig holding him in his arms. Then about 10 years later, he was in one of Craig’s camps, and I brought in an 8×10 of that picture and after the session, Craig signed it and talked to us for about 5 minutes.
by OldPhil on Aug 19, 2009 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
A few of my friends say the opposite. A while back, I met Joe B and Craig at Coyote Ugly after a game. They both seemed pretty cool to me.
by fullright on Aug 19, 2009 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sounds like some people have had good experiences with him and others haven’t. Ask folks about me and you’d probably here similarly…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Aug 19, 2009 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’ve never met you in person, but I’m pretty sure your a jerk :)
by Sct112 on Aug 19, 2009 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Totally.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Aug 19, 2009 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
How you act and how you are evaluated as a coach is different from how you act and are evaluated by fans. It seems entirely plausible to me that he is an ass of a coach but a nice guy out of that role. I’ve had a few of those guys in my past.
by Fehr and Balanced on Aug 19, 2009 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I can think of a swimming coach like that. She was perfectly nice to talk to outside of practice but the kids she coached did not like her as a coach.
by CapsFan1975 on Aug 19, 2009 5:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
two Peter Sidorkiewicz references in one post?!
Wiki says Pete was once traded for Craig Billington, in case you wanted to reference another more active goalie with the team.
http://wewintrophies.com/ - 12 major trophies in national and international competitions. Be a part of the next one.
by Bald Pollack on Aug 19, 2009 7:40 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The P-Sid hat trick would have caused the Internet to collapse upon itself.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Aug 19, 2009 7:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
In other news, D.C. United couldn’t beat a second-tier Honduran team last night. Their country is in the middle of a coup and they still beat us. I cried myself to sleep and prayed for hockey season to get here faster.
That Central American referees are about as unbiased as Central American politicians didn’t help DCU either.
"My face is my mask."
by jakeshapiro on Aug 19, 2009 7:51 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
At least Hava Nageelah played well.
http://wewintrophies.com/ - 12 major trophies in national and international competitions. Be a part of the next one.
by Bald Pollack on Aug 19, 2009 8:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Easy, some of us are actually following that situation.
What do you call it when the legislature votes to impeach a president for violating a constitutional provision, and the supreme court orders him out? Doesn’t sound like a coup to me….
by Gould Old Days on Aug 19, 2009 9:57 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Haha. I work in Western Hemisphere Affairs at State Department, so it’s sort of my thing.
My view: the bottom line is that the military came and took him in the middle of the night and put him on a flight out of the country while he was still in his pajamas. That’s a de facto coup to me.
"My face is my mask."
by jakeshapiro on Aug 19, 2009 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
A coup would have been the military coming in the middle of the night, putting a bullet in his head, and hanging the body out the window by his own ceremonial sash. With a declaration by the new Commandante.
That didn’t happen.
Zelaya was organizing his own coup against the Honduran constitution, with a big assist from Hugo Chavez.
Now, how ‘bout that blueline? I watched Game Two last night on NHL Net, and I’d like to thank everyone here at Japers Rink University for my hockey education. I was finally able to “see the puck”, see some strategy, and see plays develop. Like going from silent films and their tinkly piano soundtracks and cue cards to IMAX in full THX in one day.
As Keanu reeves might say, “Whoa.”
Thanks.
IS PAЯTY NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Aug 19, 2009 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Per Wikipedia:
“A coup d’état is the sudden deposition of a legitimate government, usually by a small group of the State Establishment — typically the military — to replace the deposed government with another, either civil or military.”
It was a coup. It wasn’t a glamorous, Pinochet-style coup, but it was a coup. I’m not saying Zelaya is a great guy—he’s a huge douche—but that doesn’t change the fact that it was a coup.
"My face is my mask."
by jakeshapiro on Aug 19, 2009 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So if Federal Marshals come to the White House and physically remove Richard Nixon after he’s been impeached, convicted of a felony by the senate, and the conviction upheld in the Supreme Court, is that a coup?
I don’t think men with guns makes it a coup. In every legitimate use of government power, there is the potential for action by men with guns.
And in Honduras, the military/police distinction isn’t the same as it is here. If the high court in Honduras orders someone deported, the military is just as likely to do it as the police.
Bottom line: a democratically elected legislature and a high court acted in concert to remove an executive branch leader. That ain’t no coup. It may be legal, it may be illegal, but it ain’t no coup.
by Gould Old Days on Aug 19, 2009 11:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m pretty sure if men with (or without?) guns remove a leader without legitimate legal authority to do so, that makes it a coup. In Nixon’s case, it wouldn’t be because the United States Constitution explicitly defines impeachment in Article 2, Section 4. So, if Nixon was found guilty of high crimes, then the Marshals are legally obligated to remove him.
I’m not sure about the specifics of the Honduras case, but $20 says there wasn’t a fair trial.
by Murshawursha on Aug 19, 2009 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Since you say you actually follow the situation, you probably know this, but the Honduran system of government is incredibly broken. You can’t compare it to removing Richard Nixon from power, because the US government and Honduran government work on completely different levels.
But alas, it seems we agree on all the actual facts of the situation, and we’re debating over the dictionary definition of a word. In the end, what one considers a “coup” is subjective.
"My face is my mask."
by jakeshapiro on Aug 19, 2009 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
All that I’m saying, is that a coup is when a small group of un-elected people act to depose a leader. In Honduras, the legislature had a vote, the high court took action, and the decision was made to remove him from the country.
There are legitimate arguments over whether this was constitutional, just as there are legitimate arguments as to whether Zelaya was even still president at all after violating a provision of the Constitution that theoretically removes him from that position automatically, by pure operation of the Constitution. I think this is an interesting debate.
In the end, what one considers a "coup" is subjective.
This is dead wrong — George Orwell would be proud. The word “coup” has a real meaning. What I find infuriating is the unthinking labeling of this as a “coup.” Actions by two constitutionally defined, democratically elected branches of government are not a coup. And the fact that the military ultimately removed Zelaya from the country does not make it a coup because they were working under orders of the legislature and the court.
by Gould Old Days on Aug 19, 2009 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They were working under orders of the legislature and court, but I question the legitimacy of the legislature and court in the first place. All three branches of the Honduran government need a shakedown.
And as I said before, although according to your definition, it may not be a de jure coup, it is in every sense a de facto coup. Every single major news source—from the Washington Post and New York Times to CNN and the BBC—has referred to the crisis in Honduras as a coup.
By the way, the fact that we’re even having this argument on a hockey blog reminds me of what city we’re in. Oh, DC, how I love thee.
"My face is my mask."
by jakeshapiro on Aug 19, 2009 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
They were working under orders of the legislature and court, but I question the legitimacy of the legislature and court in the first place.
Call me ignorant, but what gives you…or anyone outside of Honduras…the right to question the legitimacy of the elected government of Honduras. I can’t find a source that questions the legitimacy of the Honduran Legislative Branch…granted I’m not trying to that hard, but I’d love to see a source that questions the 2005 elections.
by Yoshietree on Aug 19, 2009 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
By that reasoning, what gives you the right to question the legitimacy of the elected government of Iran?
The truth is, you do have the right. The same applies to every nation, including Honduras.
The world is full of corrupt politicians, but living in various Latin American countries for 6+ years of my life has made me realize how much of an amplified effect they have on third-world governments.
"My face is my mask."
by jakeshapiro on Aug 19, 2009 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You’re comparing apples and oranges…
The legitimacy of the government of Iran, specifically that of the President, is well documented in the media that you cited earlier (Washington Post and New York Times to CNN and the BBC)..not to mention that the government/entire country is one based on Islamic ideologies…so much so that the Supreme Leader (highest position) is not an electable office.
As far as I can tell the President (electable) is the highest office in Honduras. Forgetting about the fact that I was talking specifically about the legislative branch, not the executive.
/FWIW I’m still waiting on a source…or any other documentation in the public domain that questions the legitimacy of the Honduran Legislative Branch.
by Yoshietree on Aug 19, 2009 2:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s not apples and oranges. It’s more like apples (Iran) and smaller apples (Honduras).
My first search result, from the Washington Post: Honduras Losing Steam on Corruption Fight
The majority of the government in corruption in Honduras is in the judicial branch, but it’s everywhere.
"My face is my mask."
by jakeshapiro on Aug 19, 2009 2:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
*government corruption
"My face is my mask."
by jakeshapiro on Aug 19, 2009 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There is not one mention of the Legislative Branch in that article. As dirty as the judicial branch may be, it was simply upholding what the legislative branch voted on. Now again, I ask thee, find me one source that documents the legislative branch is dirty, corrupt and/or broken.
by Yoshietree on Aug 19, 2009 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You got me. The National Congress of Honduras is sqeaky clean and is completely devoid of any wrongdoing.
What effect does that have my original point?
"My face is my mask."
by jakeshapiro on Aug 19, 2009 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
*on my
I’m having another no-keyboard day.
"My face is my mask."
by jakeshapiro on Aug 19, 2009 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What effect does that have my original point?
See G.O.D’s original post.
And I’m not saying that the Honduran legislature is squeaky clean, I wouldn’t even say that ours is. But you implied far more than that…and I never did get what I asked for….a source for you generalization about the corruption running rampant through the Honduran government…specifically the legislature.
by Yoshietree on Aug 19, 2009 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Did the Caps sign a free agent from Honduras that I missed?
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Aug 19, 2009 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Give him some credit, Yoshie. He also said he works at the State Department. I’m sure he has plenty of sources that he could mention, but then he’d probably be updating his resume within 12 hours.
by Cluster on Aug 19, 2009 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Let’s halt the coup talk before DMG, Pepper and Tuvan get any ideas…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Aug 19, 2009 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I apologize, JP. I will cease the coup d’etalk.
"My face is my mask."
by jakeshapiro on Aug 19, 2009 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
My point is that even though it was constitutionally legal, the bottom line is:
The military forcibly exiled Zelaya from the country and there were riots everywhere.
You can pretend everything is honky dory because it’s legal, but that won’t stop the riots.
"My face is my mask."
by jakeshapiro on Aug 19, 2009 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
even though it was constitutionally legal
Then it’s not a coup!
by Gould Old Days on Aug 19, 2009 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I believe that’s checkmate, friend.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Aug 19, 2009 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You’re missing my point, that although it’s not a de jure coup, it is a de facto one.
And I thought this argument was over?
Oh well. Whatever.
"My face is my mask."
by jakeshapiro on Aug 19, 2009 4:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
By that reasoning, what gives you the right to question the legitimacy of the elected government of Iran?
The truth is, you do have the right. The same applies to every nation, including Honduras.
The world is full of corrupt politicians, but living in various Latin American countries for 6+ years of my life has made me realize how much of an amplified effect they have on third-world governments.
And until this year, a lot of people considered corruption problem #1 in Honduras to be Zelaya.
by Gould Old Days on Aug 19, 2009 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And as for Iran, if the Assembly of Experts and the Guardian Council met and voted to put Khameni and Ahmadi Nejad on a plane tomorrow, and the military executed their judgment, we would never call that a coup. Those are legitimate government entities doing what they are constitutionally entitled to do.
by Gould Old Days on Aug 19, 2009 4:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It works on any Ayatollah; Ayatollah Nakhbadeh, Ayatollah Zahedi….Even as we speak, Ayatollah Razmada and his cadre of fanatics are consolidating their power!!!!
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Aug 19, 2009 5:25 PM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
A wonderful conclusion to the debate.
"My face is my mask."
by jakeshapiro on Aug 19, 2009 5:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
One of my favorite moments. Classic Simpsons FTW.
by grapejoos on Aug 19, 2009 8:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Only 3 recs so far? For shame rink rats, for shame.
by brs03 on Aug 20, 2009 9:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I love the fact that this conversation probably wouldn’t be happening on, say, Mile High Hockey .
by CapitalCentre on Aug 19, 2009 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
Rec’d. They don’t call it “Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world” for nothing!
"My face is my mask."
by jakeshapiro on Aug 19, 2009 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Amen and rec’d as well, brother.
IS PAЯTY NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Aug 19, 2009 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Every single major news source—from the Washington Post and New York Times to CNN and the BBC—has referred to the crisis in Honduras as a coup.
Everyone, think hard about the subject area you’re a specialist in. For me it’s the law. For my wife, marine ecology. And ask yourself, do these news sources usually get it right when they report about that subject area?
Yeah, it’s possible for all of these sources to be wrong.
by Gould Old Days on Aug 19, 2009 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thankfully, news sources seldom try with my area. When politicians try it, we get the Intertubes.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Aug 19, 2009 5:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Network engineering.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Aug 19, 2009 7:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I feel like tech articles (as well as Sports and Business) are a different problem. There are dedicated reporters who theoretically know something about those areas. You seldom run into a sports reporter who doesn’t understand Icing, the way you run into reporters writing legal articles who don’t know basic stuff, like what it means for the Supreme Court to deny certification of a case (i.e., virtually nothing).
by Gould Old Days on Aug 19, 2009 8:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The curious part is that generally these reporters know less than they think they know. I’ve seen some exceptions, though.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Aug 20, 2009 8:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, here we go with the crease-clearing D meme again. I take just one thing out of reading all of this … someone’s in for a shock. And … offhand, whose hockey opinion do you trust, SI’s or THN’s?
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Aug 19, 2009 8:18 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Related (and I don’t vouch for the veracity of the following, but have no reason to doubt it), via the Caps message boards:
Props to Muir. I submit me comments via the mailbag and he gets right back to me.
From me:
QUOTE
Caps at 11? This is a team that won 50 games last year. It lost Kozlov (13 goals, 41 points), Fedorov (11 goals, 33 points) and Brashear. It gains Knuble, who, as you said, could very well have a 30 goal campaign on his own, and Morrison, who should be good for 45-55 points with Semin on his wing. Net gains all around. And speaking of net gains, Varlamov is a leading contender for rookie of the year. So, this team that really only improved, and that the Penguins squeaked by in 7, is 11th on the list? C’mon now.
His reply:
QUOTE
Like I wrote the Caps have lots of star power, but some major deficiencies. First, sketchy goaltending. Theodore is average, at best, and Varlamov’s weaknesses were exposed by the end of that series with the Pens. If you think other teams weren’t watching, or that he’s magically addressed all his issues since then, you’re extremely hopeful. He may be a great one in time, but for the beginning of the season, he’s a big question mark. Even your coach recognizes that much.
Your defense is alright, but again, lacks physicality and depth. And Brendan Morrison will make you think Nylander is Mark Messier. I saw him a lot last season and you’re making some wild assumptions about what he’ll bring to the table.
Look, you’re a fan. That’s cool. But I’m approaching this objectively. And the Caps start the season with real issues to address.
Thanks for reading, Al
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Aug 19, 2009 8:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I just cant believe theyre 11th! Carolina, the Canucks and Flames I don’t think are/ will be any better than the Caps. I’m also struggling to think of a bona-fide crease clearer on the Pens or Canes now.
The biggest thing though is the Nyls comment but hey you can;t keep up on every issue… unless you’re PAID to do so.
Whatcha gonna do?
by MetalCap on Aug 19, 2009 8:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pens still have Orpik, don’t they?
by Murshawursha on Aug 19, 2009 8:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with Muir that Morrisson is a risk. I’d bet that while we have seen a lot more Nyls in the last year than Muir, he’s seen more of BMo. Morrisson is a good signing because of the value for the price. The potential upside if he does play well is worth way more than the 1.5 he’s getting paid.
by Sct112 on Aug 19, 2009 8:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Nylander comment is odd in that the comparison made is to Messier, who clearly isn’t the most productive center of all-time but is above all else considered a great leader. Is he implying that BMo will make Nylander look like a Messier-type leader by comparison? I can’t imagine, but it’s odd.
And yes, I’m reading way too much into a throw-away “punchline.”
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Aug 19, 2009 8:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Muir didn’t remember BMo is coming off two surgeries and himself has said he was never 100% in the past few years
by red army line on Aug 19, 2009 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Granted he could have mentioned the surgeries, but the point regarding BMo holds true, the Caps really don’t know which BMo they’re getting.
by Yoshietree on Aug 19, 2009 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But isn’t it reasonable to guess that it’s more likely to be the one that was back in game shape for the last 1/4 of the season than the one who was still finding his groove for the first 3/4 (granted, by his own assessment)?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Aug 19, 2009 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’ll presume that the Caps coaching and scouting staff have access to better information than either the Rink or Al Muir, and made their choice with a purpose.
IS PAЯTY NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Aug 19, 2009 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No question. And since day 1 I"ve been saying I think it was a great move by the Caps…but let’s be real. He’s coming off of serious surgeries and he’s no spring chicken. Like I said, Muir was probably being overly pessimistic in his assessment but the points he makes/made in the secondary e-mail are relevant ones.
by Yoshietree on Aug 19, 2009 11:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He also missed a grand total of one game in seven of the last eight years (the injury-plagued season two years ago being the other).
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Aug 19, 2009 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I feel like I’m talking in circles…the only point I was trying to make is that he raised two good points in his secondary analysis.
by Yoshietree on Aug 19, 2009 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
agreed
i think BMo will be energized to play with this team. The comparison with Nylander is kinda useless, considering Nyles/BMo have completely different styles of play.
Bottom line: BMo has a better chance of melding with this team and its aggressive offensive play, and if not, is less of a cap hit if he disappoints.
by ns on Aug 19, 2009 9:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What I don’t understand is that he mentions the defensemen and goaltending as the main justifications for his ranking, yet both those aspects have remained unchanged since last year, and if anything our young defense corps have only progressed more. So logically, if the defense has improved (if only by nature though Poti is only getting older), the offense has improved, and the goaltending has at least stayed constant, I don’t understand how they’ve dropped so significantly.
by Mobsky on Aug 19, 2009 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Muir must be a huuuuge Brent Johnson fan.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Aug 19, 2009 9:37 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I just cant believe theyre 11th!
I’d rather be 11th on Mr. Muir’s list than 1st in mid august.
by Gould Old Days on Aug 19, 2009 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s good to be underestimated again. FINALLY.
by DrinkingPartner on Aug 19, 2009 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
A good point. It’s kind of fun, isn’t it? Just think of what could happen if the defense and goaltending sets out to prove everyone wrong?
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Aug 19, 2009 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think what’s more shocking is that SI.com is covering hockey in the summer time.
What did Favre retire again?
by vt caps fan on Aug 19, 2009 9:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Look, you’re a fan. That’s cool. But I’m approaching this objectively.
Unless I’m mistaken, “objective” is not a synonym for “correct.”
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Aug 19, 2009 9:08 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Unless I’m mistaken, "objective" is not a synonym for "correct."
Agreed. But I think his response here is much better than his original description. Is he being overly pessimistic? Probably. But he does raise good points/real concerns regarding both with keeper and with BMo.
by Yoshietree on Aug 19, 2009 9:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow. No more posting until I find coffee…just plain horrible English.
by Yoshietree on Aug 19, 2009 9:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That’s unpossible!!
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Aug 19, 2009 9:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree, and I don’t see the Caps equalling either the 50 wins or 108 points from last year. But they are still probably a 100-point team. I’m not seeing the love for Carolina. They might be in the top five in average age this year (according to Mirtle in a post last October, they were 13th in average age to start last season). I think Brind’Amour actually got three years older by himself.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Aug 19, 2009 9:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So you also feel that they’ve taken a step back?
by Mobsky on Aug 19, 2009 9:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think the Caps have stayed about even, and the rest of the division has improved markedly. Points will be harder to come by. But hopefully that means the team is better tested heading into the playoffs.
by Gould Old Days on Aug 19, 2009 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The point total may get higher, although it’ll be difficult. The team tried to cakewalk through what were supposed to be easy wins against the SE, but had better records against the ATL and NE. Consistency is key, and after the playoffs last year, I think the players will realize that they need to find their game and keep it.
by red army line on Aug 19, 2009 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think the way they went into the offseason makes a huge difference too.
Last summer I was hearing: “We could just as easily have won the series against the veteran Flyers. And we learned a lot. We just need to keep doing what we’re doing, get stronger, get better, and good things will happen.”
This summer I’m hearing: “We can’t believe what an egg we laid in game 7. How could we have been so unprepared. If we’d won that one game, we could have been hoisting a cup. And we shouldn’t even have been there — we could have beaten the Pens in 5. We need to redouble our efforts, put teams away early, and never give anyone any breathing room”
I like that second one better.
by Gould Old Days on Aug 19, 2009 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yup. :) I have to admit I’m having a hard time believing how many pixels are getting wasted on Si’s opinion.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Aug 19, 2009 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They’re like the ESPN of magazines.
Except for ESPN the Magazine, I guess.
by Murshawursha on Aug 19, 2009 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The worst sports periodical since the Gutenberg press
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Aug 19, 2009 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Guternberg in Heaven: “ESPN the Magazine is clearly a sign that the Devil has gotten his hands on my invention. The End is Near!”
by RedBirdie on Aug 19, 2009 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey now, the “If Larry King Wrote For Us” piece is journalistic gold.
by Cluster on Aug 19, 2009 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Where did CAR step forward? Is Aaron Ward really that big a difference maker?
by Fehr and Balanced on Aug 19, 2009 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They’ll have a full season of Cole, and I don’t know if it would be possible for Brindy to be as bad as he was last year, so that should help them from the start.
Ward is nice, but him and Alberts don’t really match up to Seidenberg and Babchuk IMO.
by brs03 on Aug 19, 2009 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly. They didn’t add more than they lost. Maybe Brindy can’t be worse than last year, but do you really think he’ll be much healthier? His body has taken and absolute beating over his career and I think it’s caught up to him. Until Cole puts together a full season I’m not buying the hype.
by Fehr and Balanced on Aug 19, 2009 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, not necessarily, at least not one that can’t be dealt with. First, the SE will be stronger this year, even if Carolina slips a bit. Second, if Varlamov gets the nod in October as the #1 goalie, it won’t come without growing pains. In this respect, I suspect Muir is right in that teams will learn from the Penguins’ experience. What flaws he has aren’t exactly unknown to Caps fans — he lacks a certain technical development, he has to prove that he can stay healthy/handle a load, and his aggression sometimes betrays him.
But that said, the Varlamov of April won’t be the Varlamov of October, either. The biggest improvement he might ever see will be in that span of time. Unfortunately, green goalies do not have a lot of success in winning Stanley Cups. There is Ken Dryden, Patrick Roy, Cam Ward, and…. well, it’s a really short list (we covered this in our scribbles a little while back). Goaltending is this team’s Achilles’ heel. It is either too inconsistent (Theodore) or hasn’t yet caught up to the skill level of the rest of the club (Varlamov).
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Aug 19, 2009 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
Rec’d for truth and eloquence.
http://wewintrophies.com/ - 12 major trophies in national and international competitions. Be a part of the next one.
by Bald Pollack on Aug 19, 2009 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Psst...
When you say “Rec’d,” you might want to actually rec the comment.
by Scott in Shaw on Aug 19, 2009 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah. Liar.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Aug 19, 2009 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey, I did it when I posted.
http://wewintrophies.com/ - 12 major trophies in national and international competitions. Be a part of the next one.
by Bald Pollack on Aug 19, 2009 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fifth, behind some order of PIT/DET/BOS/SJ. I could even see PHI above, but I think they have to prove losing Lupul and Knuble isn’t going to slow them down up front too much.
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
by winterion on Aug 19, 2009 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
For every good move PHI makes (getting Coburn for Alexei Zhitnik’s rotting corpse, the Carle deal), they make several inexplicably dumb ones (trading Upshall for Carcillo, a goaltending tandem of Emery and Boucher, which sounds like a 70s soul act, the Pronger deal). They’re the ultimate “one step forward, two steps back” franchise.
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Aug 19, 2009 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Or that their goalies are going to stop anything. If we have a quetion mark in net what does PHI have?
by Fehr and Balanced on Aug 19, 2009 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
A fight waiting to happen.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Aug 19, 2009 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Much better and truer answer than my thought, which was an interrobang.
by CapitalCentre on Aug 19, 2009 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was going to go for “ampersand” or some other snarky punctuation related comment, but it was too tough to tie together in the end.
by brs03 on Aug 19, 2009 2:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You mean something like &@#$#@$%* BAFF* #^$^#%&% POW (think Adam West)
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Aug 19, 2009 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fair enough, the Caps do have issues. But these are the same issues they had to deal with last year (minus the lack of a crease-crashing forward, thanks to Knuble) and they still mustered 50 wins in the regular season. And he explicitly says his rankings aren’t projections on the playoffs or where they will finish, so if he’s only looking at predicting the regular season I don’t see how he predicts the Caps to fall so far when the have no NEW issues (and have potentially solved some as well with additions and experience).
I don’t have a problem with his characterization of the Caps’ problems, but throughout the entire rankings he is very selective on picking out problems for teams. So the lack of a crease clearing D is a deal breaker for the Caps, but apparently it isn’t a big deal that the Flyers are relying on Emery and Boucher in net? Anyone who has watched any hockey for the past 15 years knows how well a stacked team with no goalie has worked out for Philly in the past. I also love how Calgary, a team that struggled with scoring depth to begin with, loses their leading goal scorer and yet they warrant a huge jump in the rankings because they added another big piece to an already great blueline.
There is nonsense like this throughout the rankings, but I’ve already wasted too many words on a guy who has proven over and over again how limited his hockey knowledge is.
by Killer_Carlson on Aug 19, 2009 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not sure I get it. Could you expound, please?
by Fehr and Balanced on Aug 19, 2009 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well well, look who all of a sudden has a problem with long winded rants…
by Killer_Carlson on Aug 19, 2009 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t suppose the username is a reference to Radiohead’s Killer Cars?
Winterion Game Studios
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by winterion on Aug 20, 2009 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, it’s a reference to Dave “Killer” Carlson from Slapshot (and of course to a highly touted Caps prospect).
I like Radiohead a lot, but I’ve never heard that song.
by Killer_Carlson on Aug 20, 2009 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great killer instinct there.
by Fehr and Balanced on Aug 20, 2009 4:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Aug 20, 2009 6:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn’t worry too much Muir’s predictions when you consider these gems he wrote last summer.
Sept. 9, 2008-
“The Lightning open the season with back-to-back games in Prague, and then have six days before their home opener and another five until their next contest. That should give Melrose plenty of time to tinker, without losing any ground in what should be a competitive Southeast.”
July 9, 2008-
“No arguing that this group, which now includes 15 players on one-way NHL contracts, looks more formidable, both in terms of talent and character. If it gels.. the Lightning have the depth to challenge for a playoff spot, and maybe even the top seed in the wide-open Southeast.”
June 23, 2008-
“As much as Tampa Bay improved, top marks go to the Phoenix Coyotes, a team that last week lost Blake Wheeler and desperately needed some positive news. They got it by adding a veteran No. 1 center, Olli Jokinen, in a swap with the Panthers, and now have established themselves as a team ready to make life interesting in the Western Conference.”
by b.orr4 on Aug 19, 2009 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And, of course:
June 18, 2008-
“A goaltender wouldn’t be a surprise at this spot, considering the disappointing development of 2006 first-rounder Semen Varlamov…”
April 17, 2009-
“Boudreau’s option is Simeon Varlamov, a 21-year-old Russian whose resume is pretty much babysitting and lawn mowing at this point.”
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Aug 19, 2009 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nice. And it should be mentioned that when Muir wrote that last entry, Varlamov was still 20 years old. (he turned 21 on April 27th)
by b.orr4 on Aug 19, 2009 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Geez, I need to get a job writing for SI. I can be snarky, wrong, and do it with a bad haircut, too.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Aug 19, 2009 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Just remember that taking that job requires looking in the mirror every day and asking yourself, “Can I be a complete and total douchebag today?” while referencing your 1986 copy of “The Hair Fashions of ‘Flock of Seagulls.’”
by DrinkingPartner on Aug 19, 2009 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And get paid!
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Aug 19, 2009 11:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He’s going to get the Melrose chair on ESPN.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Aug 19, 2009 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is it bad that the first image that entered my brain was an electric chair?
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Aug 19, 2009 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You sure it wasn’t a tanning booth?
http://wewintrophies.com/ - 12 major trophies in national and international competitions. Be a part of the next one.
by Bald Pollack on Aug 19, 2009 1:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Or you can write incessant inanities in your NFL columns about coffee and shampoo at hotels
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Aug 19, 2009 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why: Alex Ovechkin and his mates are the most electric team in the NHL. The Caps have lost some veterans to the Kontinental League, but none were the straws that stir the drink. Last season’s crushing playoff loss to the Penguins taught hard lessons about team defense, ones that will resonate this season and keep Washington near the top of the East.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Aug 19, 2009 10:16 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
So let’s recap…
We had the crushing loss in Game 7 against the Flyers in 2008
We had the crushing loss in Game 7 against the Penguins in 2009.
The answer…
No more series against teams from Pennsylvania.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Aug 19, 2009 10:17 AM EDT up reply actions 6 recs
rec’d.
I hope the next post season the caps know how to sweep teams. That will make things a lot less stressful for us.
by vt caps fan on Aug 19, 2009 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I meant ‘LEARN’ not know how to sweep teams
by vt caps fan on Aug 19, 2009 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Penguins are still the Capitals kryptonite. =\
I’d like to see them start getting stuff done in 5 or 6 games for one. 3 series with 3 game 7’s is leaving too much to chance.
I’m sure Kozlov would love to read the quote about him not being the straw that stirs the drink. The Russian guys love those old sounding sayings.
by zephyr on Aug 19, 2009 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m sure Kozlov would love to read the quote about him not being the straw that stirs the drink.
What, he had a problem with being the rug that tied the room together?
http://wewintrophies.com/ - 12 major trophies in national and international competitions. Be a part of the next one.
by Bald Pollack on Aug 19, 2009 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Putting the Rags away in 4 or 5 would have dramatically altered the look of the PIT series I think. Oh well. All we can hope is the lesson was learned.
by Fehr and Balanced on Aug 19, 2009 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Amen to that (and ironic, given how much of the foundation of this team is tied to Central PA).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Aug 19, 2009 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No more series against teams from Pennsylvania.
I’ve been screaming that for years. Er, decades.
by CapitalCentre on Aug 19, 2009 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I vote we just nuke the damn state.
by RedBirdie on Aug 19, 2009 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Be sure to clear out Hershey first, though. OIther than that… bombs away!
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Aug 19, 2009 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Can we please make the epicenter of that blast Happy Valley on a Saturday? Kthx.
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Aug 19, 2009 1:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Please keep the device to the western part of the state. I-95 is bad enough as it is, if Philly’s annhilated it would be downright Hell.
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."
- Ferris Bueller
by war_capitals on Aug 19, 2009 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Though destroying Philly would certainly get parts of NJ, which wouldn’t be bad. Plus it would take out the Eagles and the Phillies. This is a difficult choice.
by Sct112 on Aug 19, 2009 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Now now…I don’t know about you guys but I’d much rather make the Flyers and Pens suffer at the hands of the Caps than wipe them off the map. Surely, one of these days, the Caps will take them down in the playoffs again on their road to the promised land. And nothing would be more satisfying than the Caps winning the cup while taking the path through PA for me.
by grapejoos on Aug 19, 2009 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I vote we just nuke the damn state.
This blog is sounding more & more like CI all the time.
by Sidehillman on Aug 19, 2009 8:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Them’s fightin’ words…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Aug 19, 2009 9:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not going to apologize for having way too many springs cut far too short at the hands of those barbarians north of the Mason-Dixon.
Residents of said barbarian state are parked very illegally in front of my house. Because apparently being able to read isn’t a requirement for getting a license in PA.
by RedBirdie on Aug 19, 2009 10:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can someone PLEASE explain to me why every media outlet is in love with Boston this offseason, putting them higher than teams that BEAT and/or outplayed them?
Of course they’ll win their division, but who cares when they can’t perform in the playoffs? Their biggest ‘success’ this past season? Sweeping an injury riddled Montreal team.
by Laich on Aug 19, 2009 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Have they even signed Kessel yet? I HATE what amounts to this whole gentlemen’s agreement-esque system of not singing other teams RFAs
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Aug 19, 2009 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
-should be “signing”
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Aug 19, 2009 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And it’s doubtful he can sign without someone big leaving, so making use of the current roster plus Kessel doesn’t work.
by red army line on Aug 19, 2009 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t think it’s a gentleman’s agreement. Kessel’s just not worth what it would take to get him in terms of an offer sheet, not yet at least.
If there’s any agreement, it’s simply that signing guys to slightly large-but-not-large-enough contracts solely for the purpose of screwing up a team’s cap situation is a bad business practice.
by brs03 on Aug 19, 2009 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Its a gentleman’s agreement in the sense that anyone who does it is looked on with absolute scorned, and almost kind of “shunned”. The whole thing with Burke and Lowe started over the Dustin Penner offer sheet, and the St. Louis/Vancouver Steve Bernier/David Backes offer sheet thing didn’t go over so well either.
Its not an overt case of mass collusion, but it definitely seems to be something that other GMs have agreed upon as sort of an unwritten rule.
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Aug 19, 2009 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s called conscious parallelism (and if anyone cares it’s not illegal). But it’s not just a gentleman’s agreement not to poach, the compensation is a huge deterrent. It’s not just a matter of signing Kessel to a 5+ million dollar deal (or Mike Green last year), it’s a matter of signing them to that kind of salary and giving away 3 first round picks. It’s just not worth it to give away that much to sign one guy. I’d bet Hossa didn’t bounce around like he did if teams had to give away picks to sign him every off-season.
by Fehr and Balanced on Aug 19, 2009 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s called conscious parallelism
And it’s why text messages cost $1300 per megabyte, and why the voice mail instruction messages for every cell phone carrier have gotten longer and longer.
by Gould Old Days on Aug 19, 2009 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well…if you’re a good team, and those are going to be low draft picks, why not?
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Aug 19, 2009 5:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mike Green. Jeff Schultz. John Carlson. Low first round picks mean something.
by Fehr and Balanced on Aug 19, 2009 5:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And high picks mean nothing in the wrong hands.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Aug 19, 2009 5:55 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Detroit’s last great first round pick was Steve Yzerman in 1984. They haven’t even HAD a first round pick play in the league since 2000.
I’d say they’re doing okay?
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Aug 19, 2009 9:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well two ridiculous late round gems will make your drafting record look better, but I don’t think it’s a wise model to give away all your first round picks, wherever they are. That’s only going to be more true going forward as the depth of the prospect pool continues to grow.
by Fehr and Balanced on Aug 19, 2009 9:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Because you have to pay the player way more than they’re worth either way.
by brs03 on Aug 19, 2009 6:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
For some reason they probably see Morris as a big improvement over Ward. I don’t really get that, but…
by brs03 on Aug 19, 2009 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And Pothier is not at least as good?
by red army line on Aug 19, 2009 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe? Different games for sure. I’m not a Morris fan at all (at least not at that money), but I guess with Potsy the question really is “how well has he recovered” and “to what form has he returned.”
by brs03 on Aug 19, 2009 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He was solid in the playoffs last year and down the stretch, once he came back to full form.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Aug 19, 2009 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Aaron Ward is underrated. I call that move a net loss for Boston, net gain for Carolina.
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
by winterion on Aug 19, 2009 9:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The thing about the Bruins is that they got beaten by an exceptionally hot Carolina team. Carolina’s usually not that good. i think the Bruins’ ranking is fine, because I’d say it’s likely they’ll beat the pants off of those few teams that gave them trouble last year in the reg. season.
Except us, of course.
by DrinkingPartner on Aug 19, 2009 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hear you on Boston. On the one hand, they were great last year and did not seem like they were doing things with smoke and mirrors. On the other hand, they had a lot of guys have career years last year and it sure doesn’t sound like Kessel is coming back. I’m not sure they slip, but I’m definitely not sure they have another year as good as last year. I still give them the regular season nod for now, but they just feel like a team that had a magical year last year and will come back to earth a little.
by grapejoos on Aug 19, 2009 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Peerless:
Dig your realignment. Here it is visually:
http://tiny.cc/Adams716
http://tiny.cc/Patrick463
http://tiny.cc/Norris504
http://tiny.cc/Smythe
Wish I knew how to get those on just one map.
by Gould Old Days on Aug 19, 2009 10:40 AM EDT reply actions 4 recs
Cool. Rec’d for effort and execution.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Aug 19, 2009 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dude, rec Google for giving us a phenomenal piece of software for free. I typed a bunch of city names into a list… (but thank you)
Looking at those maps, Minnesota is a bit of an outlier in the Norris and Carolina is an outlier in the Patrick. I wonder if there’s a way to shift them around. I’d also like to create a Carolina – Atlanta – Nashville rivalry. Maybe Minnesota could go to the Wales and Carolina to the Campbell.
by Gould Old Days on Aug 19, 2009 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, how about something like?:
Carolina to the Norris, Minne to the Adams and Boston or Buffalo to the Patrick?
by Sct112 on Aug 19, 2009 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I tried to preserve the old Patrick, Adams, Norris, and Smythe as best I could, which meant keeping Boston and Buffalo together. The major accommodation in that was moving Detroit to the Adams, but if a team has to come east with KC and Vegas coming in, Detroit was the logical choice.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Aug 19, 2009 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I do like your proposed reorg. And I guess it just goes back to the old method of determining playoffs? Does it remain the top 8 per conference regardless of the division?
by Sct112 on Aug 19, 2009 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No. Intradivisional matchups in the first two rounds make it necessary that the top four from each division get in. It makes divisions matter again, another way to build a healthy amount of hate
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Aug 19, 2009 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Love it. Great idea. Love the team in Vegas. I guess it makes sense to put DET in the east but I don’t love the idea (and I know the other western teams hate it).
by Fehr and Balanced on Aug 19, 2009 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Plus that way, a SE Division Champs banner might have some relevance.
by CapitalCentre on Aug 19, 2009 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Adams Road Trip!!!
Rockin' the Red in Section 412
by boutros23 on Aug 19, 2009 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We should all pitch in to buy Brashear’s bus and re-paint it as The Rink Bus. We could sing catchy tunes on it like the Partridge Family!
C’mon Get Happy!
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."
- Ferris Bueller
by war_capitals on Aug 19, 2009 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like the pairing of Columbus and Pittsburgh. That has the potential to be a HUGE rivalry because the cities are so close together (not to mention the Penn State/Ohio State Big 10 tie in).
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Aug 19, 2009 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
why does the Patrick look like the Rolling Stones tongue thing?
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Aug 19, 2009 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And the Patrick is just brutally tough.
Eventually the Islanders will win a few games right?
by Sct112 on Aug 19, 2009 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, but eventually the sun will go dark, too.
The issue is which one comes first.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Aug 19, 2009 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The poor Isles. At least they had a few good years.
by Sct112 on Aug 19, 2009 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Largely at the Caps’ expense, in the early-mid 80’s that is.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Aug 19, 2009 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That’s the truth. The Islanders used to be my most hated hockey team until they got bad. I can’t even feel that sorry for them when they’re in last place. There’s something about New York teams that makes them hateable when they’re at all good. Comes from being a Yankee hater since the 70’s and a Mets hater in the 80’s.
by CapsFan1975 on Aug 19, 2009 5:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Am I the only one who wants to see a line consisting of Tuomo Ruutu, Jordin Tootoo, and Johnathan Cheechoo?
Think of the nickname possibilities.
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
by winterion on Aug 19, 2009 10:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Fedor Tyutin is part of the back line. Any idea for a second D and a G?
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
by winterion on Aug 19, 2009 10:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
In a couple years Colten Teubert will be ready for the other D.
by Fehr and Balanced on Aug 19, 2009 10:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They could always bring Martin Brochu out of mothballs
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Aug 20, 2009 7:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rooty, Tooty, Fresh and Fruity?
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Aug 20, 2009 8:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
YES! The Denny’s Line! Mmmmm… Moons Over My Hammy….
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."
- Ferris Bueller
by war_capitals on Aug 20, 2009 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rooty, Tooty, Fresh and Fruity?
Ruutu, Tyutin, Dan Fritsche, and…
…Briere?
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Aug 20, 2009 10:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Washington
|
22 | 13 | 5 | 4 | 30 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
19 | 8 | 4 | 7 | 23 |
|
Atlanta
|
18 | 10 | 6 | 2 | 22 |
|
Florida
|
20 | 9 | 9 | 2 | 20 |
|
Carolina
|
21 | 4 | 12 | 5 | 13 |
(updated 11.21.2009 at 12:53 AM EST)
Certain photos copyright © 2009 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
