Monday Caps Clips: Injury News on Day One
by J.P. on Sep 14, 2009 6:42 AM EDT
in Caps Clips
153 comments
Your savory breakfast links:
- The journey of a thousand miles started with a few strides yesterday:
- For
gamblinginformational purposes, here are the three teams that will compete for the Duchesne Cup, as of now. Team A opens at 2-1. [Capitals] - Tarik on Michael Nylander, Tomas Fleischmann and other notes. [Capitals Insider]
- With Flash out, Bruce Boudreau put two Alexes together on his second line. [@TarikElBashir]
- Boudreau spoke with the media on Fleischmann and other topics, including the captaincy. [Caps365 (video)]
- The AP story on Flash. [NHL.com]
- Stefan Della Rovere gave it a go, but didn't last long. [@cmasisak22]
- Vogs on the new guys. [Dump and Chase]
- Dmitri on Alexander Semin. [Examiner]
- With "eleven NHL defensemen" in camp, something's gotta give. [Caps365 (video)]
- Recap of the day's events. [Peerless (with pictures), VFtCS]
- Pictures! [TTT Hockey (whose day was not without frustration), Caps in Pictures (Groups A, B and C), dagmar27 (from Raw Charge)]
- For
- Alex Ovechkin is the NHL's best player, and three of his teammates make the top fifty. [FanPost]
- Camp invitee Brandon "Sugar" Sugden has his own website, on which he lets us know that he is "Among the most feared enforcers in all of hockey!" If you hurry, Brandon, SugarLife25.com is still available. [BrandonSugden.com]
- Peerless starts in on projecting the forwards with a from-your-keybooard-to-gods-monitor look at Nicklas Backstrom. [Peereless]
- Another great Caps plate. [Simply Sensational]
- On this three years ago, the Caps signed John Erskine.
- Finally, happy 59th birthday to Orest Kindrachuk - we'll never forget those four games you gave the Caps.
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Poor Flash. He’s got the worst luck. Hope he recovers quickly.
In the meantime, though …that leaves very likely a top-6 forward spot open at LW. Fehr is gunning for opening night, but I’m not convinced he’ll make it, though he might be close. So, who’s in the running for that extra forward slot?
I see: Bourque, Aucoin, Giroux, and Beagle.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Sep 14, 2009 8:15 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Don’t count out Laing. I think he’s got a very good chance (of course, not to fill Flash’s role, but his roster spot, bumping up Clark and/or Laich).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Sep 14, 2009 8:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
For what it’s worth, this summer John Walton listed Laing, not Bourque, as the Hershey player with the best chance of making the Caps coming out of training camp.
by b.orr4 on Sep 14, 2009 8:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would love to see Laing on the team, but see two problems. His style of play, totally sacrificing his body for the team, just doesn’t work for 82 games. You get worn down and injured. In itself, that isn’t a problem, but if he plays a significant number of games, that line is going to have a hugely different play style when he isn’t playing which could be problematic for consistancy. Would be perfect if we could bring in another guy who could play that role as well to alternate games with. Someone like Pinezzotto.
Of course, the problem with that is a certain salary cap hog who will already be sitting in the press box. If he gets moved, I would love to see Laing and another defensive oriented grinder make the team for the 4th line.
If Nylander stays, I think you have to look for someone to play that 4th line spot who’s style of game will sustain throughout a full season, and unfortunately that isn’t Laing.
by HateOffSeason on Sep 14, 2009 9:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Guesses at opening night lines (what I think Bruce will do, not necessarily what I would do):
Ovechkin – Backstrom – Knuble
Semin – Morrison – Clark
Laich – Steckel – Bourque
Bradley – Gordon – Laing
I do think Laing stays on the team most of the year and becomes the 13th forward when Flash/Fehr return.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Sep 14, 2009 8:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Except the team already has a 13th forward, and he makes ~5 million dollars a year. There won’t be anyone in the press box from Hershey as long as he is still around.
by Sct112 on Sep 14, 2009 9:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That’s a pretty good guess, imo. Maybe Clark to 3R, Laich to 2R and Bourque to 3L.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Sep 14, 2009 9:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Will the team really bring up a guy from Hershey and put Nyls in the press box? As bad a Nyls has been, that seems like a bit of a stretch to me.
by Sct112 on Sep 14, 2009 9:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Nyls stays in WSH, he is destined for the press box. I don’t think there’s much doubt about that. I think the team has indicated that pretty clearly.
by TylerG on Sep 14, 2009 9:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nylander doesn’t strike me as the kind of guy you want coming in for spot service. If you’re going to use him, use him every day.
Yeah, it wouldn’t surprise me at all if the Caps carry a guy earning the minimum like Laing as a 13th F, and Nylander is #14 on the depth chart.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Sep 14, 2009 9:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree that Nyls is going to be in a suit a lot more than he’ll be in a sweater. I’m not familiar enough with the current cap situation to know whether or not that league min will come back and hurt them in the long run. They are going to be paying Nyls whether or not the suit him up.
by Sct112 on Sep 14, 2009 9:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
boudreau likes him as a person though
So he’s got that going for him. Which is nice.
Talk about damning with faint praise.
Your favorite meme is dead
by Edanger6 on Sep 14, 2009 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Does Laich play RW? He got next to no ES time with Ovechkin last year, and I thought the reason was that they’re both exclusively LW (when Laich isn’t a center)
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Sep 14, 2009 9:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oops – I meant Laich to 2L, Semin to 2R. My bad.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Sep 14, 2009 9:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You think? Certainly he’s got the work ethic for it. Maybe.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Sep 14, 2009 9:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It seemed Giroux was nothing but focused yesterday at camp.
He never chatted or looked around. He wasn’t out of breath and he seemed to be the hardest worker out of his group. He can tell the time is now to get in the NHL or it won’t happen at all
Clark and Laich though were chatty Cathys. Joking and playing most of the practice.
by MetalCap on Sep 14, 2009 8:38 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Poor Giroux: until he figures out how to score on NHL goaltending, he’ll never stick. I just cannot forget how he managed 2 or 3 breakaways in a single game (i want to say against Lundqvist), and looked completely lost as soon as he shot.
I like Giroux, but he’s going to be lucky to get more than 10 games in a Caps’ sweater, I’d have to think.
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 14, 2009 9:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah he looks awesome until it comes time to finish.
Comment first, think second, read third.
by zephyr on Sep 14, 2009 9:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I guess his instincts are good enough for AHL goalies, but not NHL ones. I’m sure he knows good moves, but out on the ice, in that split second when he sees he’s 1-on-1 with the goalie, instinct prevails.
by red army line on Sep 14, 2009 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think it might just be in his head. He wants to finish sooo bad or maybe he’s gripping the stick so tight he gets a crappy shot off.
Comment first, think second, read third.
by zephyr on Sep 14, 2009 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I didn’t watch enough of Hershey to know this for sure, but to me it sounded like a lot of his goals came when he found soft spots in the offensive zone and just fired one-timers home. NHL D won’t leave the same soft spots, and NHL G read that play and make that save more often. He doesn’t have blazing speed so I don’t think he was just racking up goals by getting 5 breakaways a game.
A man must have a code.
by Fehr and Balanced on Sep 14, 2009 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I didn’t watch either so I can’t say but the games he had in Washington it seemed like he really knew how to create awesome scoring chances.
Comment first, think second, read third.
by zephyr on Sep 14, 2009 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Anybody know what the schedule is for today or is it always the same?
by ChrisAm on Sep 14, 2009 8:45 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
In regard to Peerless’ Backstrom article, one has to wonder if improving from “69” is ever truly a good thing.
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 14, 2009 9:05 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
There is absolutely nothing I can say to that that isn’t off-color.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Sep 14, 2009 9:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why bother typing something that I know perfectly well that JP is going to delete?
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Sep 14, 2009 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Heh. You could call him the referee.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Sep 14, 2009 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I want to make a Don Koharski reference here, but I feel like I may get smote for that…
by Murshawursha on Sep 14, 2009 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey, I let a lot go…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Sep 14, 2009 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You do, but this one would not have gotten let go, TRUST ME. The thought that popped into my head was really, really raunchy.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Sep 14, 2009 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Now you’re just teasing.
A man must have a code.
by Fehr and Balanced on Sep 14, 2009 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I never tease. 0:D
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Sep 14, 2009 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
From Chesnikov, in the examiner:
Someone told me earlier this week: “If you take Alexander Semin’s skill, Alex Ovechkin’s determination and drive and mash it all together, you will have the best hockey player in the world.”
Back in the day, if you’d mashed Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippin together, you’d have had the best player in the NBA. If you’d mashed Wayne Gretzky and Jari Kurri together, you’d have had the best player in the NHL. Mash Jerry Rice and John Taylor and you’d have had the best WR in football history. Mash Pele and Garrincha together…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Sep 14, 2009 9:10 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
A Garrincha reference at your local hour? Kudos sir.
"Why the [frak] would I live to 100? I'm 73 and [stuff's] starting to get boring. By the way, there's no money left when I go, just FYI."
by Bald Pollack on Sep 14, 2009 9:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Some more information from Corey on Flash (via Twitter):
Apparently it was a combination of a blocked shot against the Penguins and the nine-hour flight home. He had to take six weeks off after the diagnosis (two weeks after the end of the season). Says his upper body is great but his legs need work.
Makes sense, but it means that he won’t be game-ready when he’s cleared for contact – sounds like it’ll be a couple of weeks after that and he may start slow.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Sep 14, 2009 10:16 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
a combination of a blocked shot against the Penguins and the nine-hour flight home
And I thought getting hit by a paintball hurt. Salute.
IS PAЯTY NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Sep 14, 2009 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah, that sounds very similar to how my mom ended up with a blood clot. Trauma, followed by inactivity.
by RedBirdie on Sep 14, 2009 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeowch. I’m so glad they caught it.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Sep 14, 2009 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sugar was huge but he was winded after the first drill. He was hunched over lookin at us fans as if to say this isnt as easy as it looks. Meanwhile OV was just in front of him yawning.
by MetalCap on Sep 14, 2009 10:21 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
“Bring it, meat.”
IS PAЯTY NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Sep 14, 2009 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Heh. I would have loved to talk to Cody Eakin yesterday – what’s it like to run a drill with your idol as your partner? (He was partnered with Ovi on a few of the drills in Group A, and he held his own too.)
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Sep 14, 2009 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah I can see why everyone is so high on Eakin. He’s got a good bit of skill and works hard on D. He skated hard for every drill and made sure he was leading the pack during the suicides.
by MetalCap on Sep 14, 2009 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He can skate and he can score, too – he’s made a few nifty moves in the various scrimmages and drills I got to watch at KCI both at development camp and at rookie camp. Anyone know where he’s slated to play next year?
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Sep 14, 2009 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
By my count the Caps are at forty-nine of fifty contracts and they won’t want to use another one on him, so it should be back to Swift Current.
by David M. Getz on Sep 14, 2009 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why would they use a contract on a guy they don’t have to sign yet? Definitely headed back to the W.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Sep 14, 2009 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
speaking of Contracts, Dubuc isn’t currently one of our 49. Is that because he had a minor leage only contract last year?
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 Sep 14, 2009 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My understanding is that Dubuc has a contract with Hershey, not the Caps. Any NHL team can sign him to an NHL deal if they want.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Sep 14, 2009 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Do the Caps have an option to match? I don’t want to lose this kid.
from the house that Red Jesus built
by bigonetimer on Sep 14, 2009 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Technically? No – they have no rights in the guy, I don’t believe.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Sep 14, 2009 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He was headed back to the W either way because he’s not ready for the NHL and can’t play anywhere else. The Caps signed Carlson even though he was going to be in the OHL so I wonder what goes into the decision of whether or not to sign a guy that is going to be in the CHL.
A man must have a code.
by Fehr and Balanced on Sep 14, 2009 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Right. So “why sign him now when you don’t have to?” is my point.
With respect to Carlson, unless I’m mistaken, his contract didn’t kick in until this year, when he was/is eligible for the AHL and they knew they wanted him there, so they signed him when they did.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Sep 14, 2009 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, exactly right. I knew he wasn’t signed with the NHL and wasn’t likely to be this season, but I wasn’t sure where he was playing, was all.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Sep 14, 2009 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So halfway through this season the Caps could sign a CHL player to a 2010-11 contract and not get hit with a contract for the 2009-10 season?
A man must have a code.
by Fehr and Balanced on Sep 14, 2009 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes – they did last year with Holtby and Carlson, among others.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Sep 14, 2009 1:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
To follow up on this thought, it’s similar to signing any other contract in this respect. For example, the Caps can negotiate Alex Semin’s next contract now, but it wouldn’t kick in until July 1, 2010 – the new deal would have no implications on the 2009-10 season.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Sep 14, 2009 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I understand that but it’s a little different because there are important salary cap implications. I’m not sure what concerns there are that make the distinction important with respect to the contract limit. If the Caps negotiate with Eakin now, but don’t sign him for 2 months the contract is put on the 10-11 year. If he signs now it’s on 09-10. Either way he’s not playing in the NHL. I’d say that only contracts of players that could/will play in the NHL will count. So Eakin’s prospective contract wouldn’t count against the limit until the Caps bring him to the NHL, while all NHL/AHL/ECHL (Caps Ks, not Hershey or SC only Ks) contracts count because at any time they guy could be brought up.
A man must have a code.
by Fehr and Balanced on Sep 14, 2009 1:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think that right now the Caps could, theoretically, sign Eakin to a 2009-10 or 2010-11 deal. Moreover, the deal only counts against the 50 SPCs if he plays in the NHL (see Della Rovere, whose contract won’t count against the 50 when he’s returned to Barrie).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Sep 14, 2009 1:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ok, that’s what I was unclear about. I thought all CHL Ks counted even if the guy was in the CHL.
A man must have a code.
by Fehr and Balanced on Sep 14, 2009 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think he has to go back to Swift Current, anyway, unless he make the big club. And while he looks extremely promising, he doesn’t like NHL ready.
by RedBirdie on Sep 14, 2009 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nah, he’s not NHL ready, not by a long shot, but promising is definitely a good word.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Sep 14, 2009 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Cody Eakin is a nice player, but I’m wary of prospect inflation. He’s still a tweener.
by TylerG on Sep 14, 2009 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Happy John Erskine day, everyone!
"My face is my mask."
by jakeshapiro on Sep 14, 2009 10:33 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I think I’ll take Group C as the dark horse to win the cup.
by J.B on Sep 14, 2009 10:40 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
That’s my vote as well. Lots of guys with something to prove.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Sep 14, 2009 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Makes sense.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Sep 14, 2009 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Does anyone here climb?
Comment first, think second, read third.
by zephyr on Sep 14, 2009 12:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Sugar needs to update. His “Latest News”, isn’t. LOL.
IS PAЯTY NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Sep 14, 2009 12:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I think he should pretend that the site doesn’t exist.
Comment first, think second, read third.
by zephyr on Sep 14, 2009 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
NHL 10 tomorrow.
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
by winterion on Sep 14, 2009 1:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
CAN’T FREAKIN’ WAIT. I’ll be sneaking out of work to pick it up.
And then wait the extra 5 hours before I can get home to play it.
but it’s gonna be SWEET!
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 14, 2009 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I studiously refuse to give EA $60 a year for updated rosters and minimal gameplay enhancements. Maybe I’m nuts, but I haven’t actually liked an NHL game since ’06.
by Murshawursha on Sep 14, 2009 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
See, I have a similar opinion, perhaps more adamant, about Madden. That series has been going downhill for me for years. I won’t even play it anymore, let alone buy it – whereas the year by year improvements to the EA NHL series have been immense, in my eyes, from 07 to 08 to 09 to this year.
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
by winterion on Sep 14, 2009 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’ll second this. EA doesn’t want (or need) to touch their cash cow, so nothing ever changes. I think the on-ice gameplay and the options in their other sports franchises (to the extent I’ve played them) have shown improvement.
by David M. Getz on Sep 14, 2009 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
especially if the addition of “board work” is successful.
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 Sep 14, 2009 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Board work seems to work very well.
Comment first, think second, read third.
by zephyr on Sep 14, 2009 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, in 07 they add the skill stick, in 08 they improve it, in 09 the defensive skill stick, in 10 board play and other little things. No video game can replicate ice hockey. But EA is making a fun game out of it
by red army line on Sep 14, 2009 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I
I seem to remember one of the NHL 2k games a few years back had an full-blown goalie mode. That’s something I’ve always wanted to see come back, but it never has (to my knowledge anyway).
by Murshawursha on Sep 14, 2009 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It was in NHL 09 and there is an improved version in 10.
Comment first, think second, read third.
by zephyr on Sep 14, 2009 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have ’09 for PS2… was it only in the next-gen versions?
by Murshawursha on Sep 14, 2009 10:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You’ve been missing out because NHL 07 and on have been the next gen hockey games with huge improvements every year.
This year one of the biggest improvements is they took out all animations and automation. Anything that happens is because you’re making the player do it.
There also is supposed to be no glitch goals this year. They made “unbeatable” goalies and then slowly scaled them back to their normal NHL level.
Comment first, think second, read third.
by zephyr on Sep 14, 2009 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
not good news for me….I had a hard enough time scoring with last year’s game
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 Sep 14, 2009 6:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s definitely the first game where I found SuperStar mode to simply be unfair. All-star is still challenging and a lot more fun. It did, admittedly, take me a long time to move to ‘09 from ’08. But I can’t deny that I’m really excited to use my Best Buy gift cards on NHL ‘10 and Scribblenauts tomorrow (though, I’d buy them both, anyway).
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 14, 2009 11:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Did any of you see the commercials for NHL 10 last night during the VAN / NYI game?
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Sep 15, 2009 7:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Group C beat group B 4-3.
Correy’s Twitter Feed
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 Sep 14, 2009 2:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
come on, you left out the most important part! “Steckel gets the game-winner.” That means he gets a 100 rating in NHL10, right?
by RedBirdie on Sep 14, 2009 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It means that Tom Poti and Mike Knuble better watch their backs.
"Why the [frak] would I live to 100? I'm 73 and [stuff's] starting to get boring. By the way, there's no money left when I go, just FYI."
by Bald Pollack on Sep 14, 2009 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
How so?
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Sep 14, 2009 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Caps Rankings from the Rink.
"Why the [frak] would I live to 100? I'm 73 and [stuff's] starting to get boring. By the way, there's no money left when I go, just FYI."
by Bald Pollack on Sep 14, 2009 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, I haven’t been following those :)
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Sep 14, 2009 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What can I say, sometimes the barbs work, and other times, they get diagnosed with DVT.
"Why the [frak] would I live to 100? I'm 73 and [stuff's] starting to get boring. By the way, there's no money left when I go, just FYI."
by Bald Pollack on Sep 14, 2009 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I gave up after about seventh. It was fun at first, but once I had to really think hard….. Also, got to busy for a while to follow and by then I think it was up to about 22.
by gfcaps fan on Sep 14, 2009 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I managed to catch the last two periods of the scrimmage and I’ve got to say that Perrault really impressed me. The kid is like a waterbug, he just skitters around the ice to the open spot and makes super sweet passes. The one to Gordon was Backstrom-like. I don’t know if the kid is going to stick this season, but he will be playing in the NHL sometime soon. His hockey instincts are off the chart.
by b.orr4 on Sep 14, 2009 2:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Who was the NHL quality talent he was playing against?
A man must have a code.
by Fehr and Balanced on Sep 14, 2009 3:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don’t remember all the pairings but Green and ShaMo were one of them along with Steckel’s line.
by b.orr4 on Sep 14, 2009 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks. So I assume he just looked good because Green can’t play D and Shamo put pucks in his own net.
A man must have a code.
by Fehr and Balanced on Sep 14, 2009 3:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is good to hear
He has been slowly climbing into the radar – I hope he gets a shot soon. McPhee and Gabby love the kid…
by S h a g g y on Sep 14, 2009 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
G.O.D. postulated earlier on lines given the recent news. I’ll attempt the same.
MVP – Backstrom – Knuckles
Laich – Morrison – Semin
Clark – Steckel – Bourque
Bradley – Gordon – ????
The ???? is filled by Osala, perhaps? Aucoin? And, has Clark seen any time on the left wing – make Chris go out there instead? Questions, questions.
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by winterion on Sep 14, 2009 2:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The ???? is filled by Osala, perhaps? Aucoin? And, has Clark seen any time on the left wing – make Chris go out there instead?
I would bet that if Clark and Bourque are on the same line, Clark will line up on the right.
As for that last spot? Right now I’d bank on Laing as the 4L LW and Bradley as the RW
by David M. Getz on Sep 14, 2009 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Laing seems right to me, although I think that Giroux and Aucoin are going to have a thing or two to say about that.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Sep 14, 2009 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
what’s your take on how has Osala looked so far?
from the house that Red Jesus built
by bigonetimer on Sep 14, 2009 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
and that’s not good diction at all… : )
from the house that Red Jesus built
by bigonetimer on Sep 14, 2009 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I noticed him yesterday when he was close but he didn’t stand out either way to me. He could handle the drills unlike some but didnt dazzle either.
by MetalCap on Sep 14, 2009 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Laing seems right to me, although I think that Giroux and Aucoin are going to have a thing or two to say about that.
Those guys play such different roles that battle between those guys for a roster spot is: “which scenario would you rather have”?
A: Laing as a fourth liner, Clark as a third liner, Laich as a second liner
B: Giroux/Aucoin as a second/third liner, Laich as a second/third liner and Clark as a fourth liner.
In scenario A you get a guy in Laing who you know can play a fourth line role for a while; in scenario B you’re hoping a tweener can stick in the top two or three lines while moving Clark down. My guess is the coaching staff is more comfortable with ‘B’ (as am I).
by David M. Getz on Sep 14, 2009 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So very this.
Not to mention Laing helps the PK – a relatively weak special teams unit, whereas neither Aucoin nor Giroux would even sniff a stacked PP.
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by J.P. on Sep 14, 2009 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
A good point.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Sep 14, 2009 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’d bet the coaching staff doesn’t know yet, actually. According to Corey, Boudreau had good things to say about the Laich – Aucoin – Clark line today. Maybe Clark does stick on line #3, in which case Laing does make more sense.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Sep 14, 2009 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
According to Corey, Boudreau had good things to say about the Laich – Aucoin – Clark line today.
I wouldn’t put a ton of value on that. Barring injuries, Aucoin’s not going to play center if he’s on the Caps.
The staff may not know exactly what they want to do but I think they know Clark’s the guy who could wind up anywhere from second to fourth line and choosing Giroux or Aucoin over Laing moves Clark to the fourth line; ergo choosing Aucoin or Giroux over Laing is essentially choosing the player over Clark, and I think the staff is confident that Clark is better than those two.
by David M. Getz on Sep 14, 2009 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Depends on if they want a middle line guy or a 4th line guy. Can’t see Giroux playing on the 4th.
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 Sep 14, 2009 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
reading/reply fail on my part. didn’t notice the extra indented comments below for some reason.
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 Sep 14, 2009 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like yours better, it’s more succinct.
by David M. Getz on Sep 14, 2009 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree. And I think that if you’re looking at a middle line guy, there’s one spot open and Chris Bourque is the frontrunner.
by David M. Getz on Sep 14, 2009 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Excellent point both by DMG and yourself. Let’s expand the idea. It seems the decision is largely predicated on the usage of Clark as either an energy line guy, or a first three line guy, because it influences who gets called up from Hershey.
We’re working on the primary assumptions that Nyls is not a part of the everyday lineup, Fehr and Flash are out with injuries. We also assume a first line of AO – Backs – Knuckles.
Bourque is the frontrunner going into the season to be brought up to Washington, even if lines result in him being a healthy scratch. This is the first year Chris would be subject to waivers, so he needs to prove himself on the team this year or risk becoming trade bait. He remains a top-six-winger prospect with growing numbers by the year. The winger plays physical despite his size, shoots fairly well, has great positional sense and skating ability; he would be best served on the second line, probably plays on the third if put into the lineup.
In Scenario A (Clark As Fourth Line RW), Bourque likely finds his home on the third. This creates a third line of:
(Laich / ????) – Steckel – Bourque
Or a second line of:
Bourque – Morrison – Semin
Depending on the second person to be brought up, I’m generally more interested in seeing a third line of Laich, Steckel, and Bourque. Each gets to play native position – the question will be chemistry, but I feel like Bourque could do more with this third right wing position than Clark, unless Chris returns to Calgary form.
In Scenario A, we find ourselves in need of a productive wing who need not necessarily be defensively stout, given the talent of Morrison and Semin. This scenario seems to lend itself to Aucoin. If Bourque were to end up as a second line left wing, however, and Clark remained on the fourth, the third line of Laich and Steckel might be best served by Osala or Laing. (However, one might safely say that the idea of Bourque being higher on the LW depth chart than Laich is a bit far-fetched.)
In Scenario B (Clark As Third Line RW) , Bourque likely finds his home on the fourth. There’s a native gap at right wing there, and it might provide the line more ability to turn the cycling into a legitimate scoring chance, given his maneuverability and shot. This creates a fourth line of:
Bradley – Gordon – Bourque
Or, a second line of:
Bourque – Morrison – Semin
Or, a third line of:
Bourque – Steckel – Clark
in the event that they decide to go with someone like Laing or Osala for the fourth line.
In Scenario C, Clark is up on the second line with Semin and Morrison. This commits Laich to the third line with Steckel, making a perfect third-line slot for Bourque and committing the second call-up to the fourth line, again making it seem like Osala and Laing are the competing parties.
Then again, this is all itself contingent to the fact that Bruce likes to go a lot of line shuffling, so people able to play in more than one position instantly become preferential.
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by winterion on Sep 14, 2009 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Personally, I think the best assembly I can make out of this puzzle thus far is:
Laich – Morrison – Semin
Aucoin – Steckel – Bourque
Bradley – Gordon – Clark
It is just flexible enough to move Clark, Bourque, Laich, and Aucoin around as necessary, which might be critical if BB decides to put Semin up on the first line at times during games, and Knuble suddenly skates on the second line.
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by winterion on Sep 14, 2009 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know Boudreau doesn’t really like to match lines but I think if you put Clark on like three in that scenario you’ve got a very solid defense/checking/energy group.
I also think the added value of Laing on the penalty kill is greater than the added value of Aucoin getting a couple more minutes at even strength than Clark.
by David M. Getz on Sep 14, 2009 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The name I keep seeing there – and I think it’s completely justified – is Bourque’s. He has the attitude to play on an energy line and (we think) the skill to play in an offensive role and he play both wings. Given the high priority on being able to play different roles and different positions I’d be shocked if he doesn’t make the team.
That’d leave only one forward spot and, as J.P. mentioned, it’s more likely to go to the penalty killer whom Boudreau loves than AHL scorers.
by David M. Getz on Sep 14, 2009 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
In all fairness, I’m getting the impression I’m head of the Bourque lobby around here… =)
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by winterion on Sep 14, 2009 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Heh. I’ve had a hockey crush on Bourque for a long time, but I play devil’s advocate with myself too.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Sep 14, 2009 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Delicious.
"Why the [frak] would I live to 100? I'm 73 and [stuff's] starting to get boring. By the way, there's no money left when I go, just FYI."
by Bald Pollack on Sep 14, 2009 6:21 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Then the Bourque Lobby happily accepts another FF gamer into its ranks.
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by winterion on Sep 14, 2009 10:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Whom Boudreau loves? Everybody likes Laing that I’ve read.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Sep 14, 2009 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah but only one of everybody is the coach of the team.
by David M. Getz on Sep 14, 2009 4:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You sure? Just ask half of Caps Nation :)
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Sep 14, 2009 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Okay, what is PensBurgh going on about? I see they have a post up in “What we’re Reading”
<<——- over there on the sidebar
Taking a shot at “Washington”, but I can’t read it, on account my work blocks all Pittsburgh blogs. Go figger.
Hooks, what up wit’ dat?
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by Your Nation's Capital on Sep 14, 2009 3:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
J.P. called him out pretty well right off the bat. I don’t think there’s much more to say about it.
A man must have a code.
by Fehr and Balanced on Sep 14, 2009 3:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I actually think I might be wrong – they may be calling out the coverage as whiny, not Flash, in which case…
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by J.P. on Sep 14, 2009 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I saw OFB’s post and just chuckled. I’m pretty sure the “blaming Pittsburgh” thing was meant as a joke.
I usually ignore PensBurgh. Sorry, Hooks, I like your comments here generally, but most of your readers compete with Puck Daddy commenters and sea slugs.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Sep 14, 2009 3:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was just about to say that. Regardless, it could have been done better. As long as Hooks leaves it at Pensburgh, he can say what he wants. Honestly, I just saw the OFB comment as a way to add a lighthearted touch to a serious issue.
by gfcaps fan on Sep 14, 2009 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Right. Either OFB is “whining” (they’re not) or Hooks is taking their tongue-in-cheek lede a bit too seriously (he is).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Sep 14, 2009 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
shame, because I thought their lede was amusing. Of course blaming the Penguins for such a bizarre medical condition couldn’t be passed up! It makes it all the more amusing because it was those damnable Penguins.
Its not like Flash said “I’ll know the extent of the injury once I watch the video.”
by RedBirdie on Sep 14, 2009 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Heh. Truthfully, there’s an angle there where the Pens fans could be said to be drama queens for taking an obvious joke overly seriously and then accusing someone else of whining.
I’m not going to bite, not really necessary, but I see the angle.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Sep 14, 2009 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah I saw your clarification over there. The way it’s presented hits me more like they are accusing Flash of whining. Either way it’s a bit far fetched.
A man must have a code.
by Fehr and Balanced on Sep 14, 2009 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I read the post.. seems pedestrian. If anything, it’s not the angle or the narrative I would pursue, especially given the serious nature of the condition (afaik).
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by winterion on Sep 14, 2009 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What’s with the bird?
A man must have a code.
by Fehr and Balanced on Sep 14, 2009 5:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Okay, maybe this picture reference was a bit Farfetch’d.
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by winterion on Sep 14, 2009 10:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Or, it’s just an angry bird wielding a leek. Really, you can go either way with it.
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by winterion on Sep 14, 2009 10:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
my work blocks all Pittsburgh blogs
Your employer obviously has good taste. :-)
by gfcaps fan on Sep 14, 2009 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That is awesome, yes.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Sep 14, 2009 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
C’mon, jp. Hooks was taking a shot and you know it. I know you like him and all, but let’s not forget his true allegiance.
by b.orr4 on Sep 14, 2009 3:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
C’mon, jp. Hooks was taking a shot and you know it.
Yes, but the question is whom the shot is direct at.
by David M. Getz on Sep 14, 2009 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Right – it’s a shot at OFB/“whining” Caps fans.
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by J.P. on Sep 14, 2009 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Or his hit counter. ;-)
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by Your Nation's Capital on Sep 14, 2009 4:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Talk at me about this Kindrachuk guy. Twas before my time. Was it just 4 games, or did something memorable happen in one of them?
01-20-13...the end of an error
by hotdog88gt on Sep 14, 2009 8:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I’d never heard of him before doing my daily b-day check.
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by J.P. on Sep 14, 2009 9:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Reserving the right to take the following statement back should he have a stellar 2009-10 season: I’ll take Kindrachuk’s 1 goal in four games over Eric Fehr’s production any day.
01-20-13...the end of an error
by hotdog88gt on Sep 14, 2009 9:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gratuitous Fehr shot. Killer.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Sep 14, 2009 9:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Last season Eric Fehr’s even strength production exceeded Sergei Fedorov, Brooks Laich, Viktor Kozlov, Tomas Fleischmann, David Steckel, and Mike Green.
by David M. Getz on Sep 15, 2009 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Apparently missing from JP's shoebox
via Empty Netters, we learn:
He [went on to serve as the Pens] captain for parts of three seasons from 1978 through 1981 and owned arguably the greatest porn ’stache in franchise history.
IS PAЯTY NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Sep 14, 2009 9:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Correction – Pens first, then Caps. Caps ’stache status uncertain.
IS PAЯTY NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Sep 14, 2009 9:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wait, was the waddle-bird’s stomach ever yellow in the logo? Or, is that just a trading card flaw?
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by winterion on Sep 14, 2009 10:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Washington
|
59 | 41 | 12 | 6 | 88 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
57 | 25 | 21 | 11 | 61 |
|
Atlanta
|
57 | 25 | 24 | 8 | 58 |
|
Florida
|
58 | 24 | 25 | 9 | 57 |
|
Carolina
|
58 | 21 | 30 | 7 | 49 |
(updated 2.9.2010 at 9:00 AM EST)
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