Tuesday Caps Clips: The Chase for the Cup
Your savory breakfast links:
- The first game of the Duchesne Cup tourney highlighted yesterday's camp action:
- Group C jumped out to a 1-0 start with a 4-3 win over Group B. Kind post-scrimmage words for Andrew Gordon, Mathieu Perreault and Sean Collins, among others. [Capitals, In The Room]
- Vogs recaps the scrimmage, including Q&A's with Bruce Boudreau, Matt Bradley and Brendan Morrison. [Caps365 (video)]
- Five-hundred words on "opportunity," and two of 'em are "Jan" and "Benda." [Dump and Chase]
- Peerless recaps the day (with photos to boot). [Peerless]
- As does OFB. [OFB]
- Tarik on the goaltending situation. [Washington Post]
- Corey on the captain. [Washington Times]
- More on Tomas Fleischmann's injury. [In The Room]
- Can Alexandre Giroux make the jump from Chocolatetown to Chinatown? [John Walton Hockey]
- Pictures! [TTT Hockey, Caps in Pictures (and again), sk8]
- Neither Mike Green nor his ride are bound by conventional rules. [Rock the Red.net]
- The Caps shot their video open last night and (spoiler alert!) it doesn't appear that there's any eye-liner or hairspray to be found. Check out some quick vids here, here and here and pics here.
- TSN.ca's fantasy rankings are out, and you can check out their point projections here. Apparently Michael Nylander has a 48-point season ahead of him. In the NHL. We'll take the under (and the over on Alexander Semin's 66 points). [TSN.ca]
- There are "currently only two NHL players that are bigger than the sport." Sorry, Schultzie, you ain't one of 'em. [XM204]
- Pierre LeBrun's got some burning questions. Perhaps someone can suggest a soothing ointment to help him out. [ESPN]
- CapsChick gives her take on the goalies. Jason Bacashihua sheds a single tear. [VFtCS]
- In the second installment of "Behind the Bench," Boudreau recalls his 9/11 story. [Capitals]
- Finally, happy 56th birthday to Ken Houston and happy 51st to Joel Quenneville.
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105 comments
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Comments
There are “currently only two NHL players that are bigger than the sport.” Sorry, Schultzie, you ain’t one of ’em.
Lies! I call shenanigans!
by David M. Getz on Sep 15, 2009 6:42 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
But he does have a bigger wingspan than the sport
by Laich It Or Lump It on Sep 15, 2009 7:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
New intro video is made of win for lack of hairspray and eyeliner.
"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 15, 2009 6:50 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I’m just waiting to see if it talks about revenge.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Sep 15, 2009 7:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Anvil of Crom!!! Oh please oh please oh please…
"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 Sep 15, 2009 9:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Anyone know where I can find an old video of the opener when Oates was the captain? The Mission Impossible theme? Definitely my favorite.
by bigmac1124 on Sep 15, 2009 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Btw, I should’ve used this card for today’s post:
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Sep 15, 2009 8:15 AM EDT reply actions 3 recs
that’s a Redskin’s Redskin right there. rec’d
from the house that Red Jesus built
by bigonetimer on Sep 15, 2009 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Ovie is better than +5 and Green better than 36 helpers (though I think 24 goals is about right). I like the Backstrom at #5.
by red army line on Sep 15, 2009 8:36 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Though I don’t see Backstrom topping the A list with 71
by red army line on Sep 15, 2009 8:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You don’t see him reaching 71 or you see others (Malkin) topping it?
by Laich on Sep 15, 2009 8:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nevermind, I’m up too early to actually comprehend.
I doubt 71 will do it as well.
by Laich on Sep 15, 2009 8:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Malkin and Crosby topping it, and Thornton coming close
by red army line on Sep 15, 2009 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nah, my comment was bad. Both interpretations were valid, and I only intended one of them
by red army line on Sep 15, 2009 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey, I would have shown Bacashihua the love if he’d been on a contract with the big club – doesn’t he just have an AHL deal? I don’t know. My brain was so addled I could barely remember how old Varly was without looking it up so…yeah.
Here’s my take on him: he’ll be in Hershey. :D
by Becca H on Sep 15, 2009 8:46 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, just an AHL deal… but his goal is to be in D.C.!
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Sep 15, 2009 9:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey, everyone’s got to start somewhere. (And look at it this way – people actually want to come to DC now.)
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Sep 15, 2009 9:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, he did start somewhere… and went nowhere. Then started again somewhere… and went nowhere. Then started again somewhere… and went nowhere. Now he’s starting again somewhere.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Sep 15, 2009 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The presence of the other goalie prospects does not help his cause.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Sep 15, 2009 9:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
MAN, it’s nice to be able to say something like that, isn’t it? Remember the days when our goaltending depth consisted of names like Ouellet and Charpentier?
by Becca H on Sep 15, 2009 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know, right? Goalie depth is a rare and beautiful thing. It was no accident that when GMGM was exploring the idea of Pronger, the first thing ANA named was one of our top goalie prospects.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Sep 15, 2009 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So he’s the goalie version of Nylander?
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 15, 2009 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That’s not fair. Nylander has had a very, very good NHL career.
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by J.P. on Sep 15, 2009 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was referring to your cyclical description of his career thus far — not actually comparing him to Nylander.
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 15, 2009 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh. Right on.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Sep 15, 2009 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ya mean instead of a butterfly he makes a circle?
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Sep 15, 2009 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
how is it pronounced? We ended up calling him “Chihuahua”
by RedBirdie on Sep 15, 2009 10:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ba-CA-sha-wa
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by J.P. on Sep 15, 2009 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He teammates call him Cash, IIRC.
IS PAЯTY NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Sep 15, 2009 10:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yup.
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by J.P. on Sep 15, 2009 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, yeah – get in line, Jason ;)
Although I hear that he did pretty well in the scrimmage yesterday so I guess we’ll see. Holtby’d better step it up (and, you know, heal that groin) or he’ll be in South Carolina – which as a 19 year old might not be such a bad thing.
by Becca H on Sep 15, 2009 9:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, I think he’s going to end up in SC regardless. Won’t hurt him any. He’s only 19.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Sep 15, 2009 9:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
In many ways, the ECHL will be better for him – better to carry the load down there than to get 25 games in Hershey, I’d think.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Sep 15, 2009 9:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly. He only got the call to the AHL last year because Varly was up here – I’d love to see him get a full pro season under his belt for the Rays before getting thrown into Hershey and getting minimal work.
Same reason I think Jose is easily the starter and I’m amazed people question it. Go slow and steady with these goalies, we need to give them the best shot at developing so they work for us in the long run.
by Becca H on Sep 15, 2009 9:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bingo. It’s a hell of a lot more important who the #1 is on the last day of the season than on the first.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Sep 15, 2009 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This. Honestly, I think that’s where he’ll end up – SC. I think you’ll see Varly backing up / sharing time with Theodore in Washington, Cash backing up Neuvirth in Hershey, and Holtby in SC.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Sep 15, 2009 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree that this is the most likely scenario to open the season (and would add “Stretch in Arlington”).
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by J.P. on Sep 15, 2009 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
How could I forget Stretch? :D
Anyone else notice that Stretch replaced his stick? I’m thinking he’s keeping his goalie equipment NHL-legal. You know, just in case.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Sep 15, 2009 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I bet he puts anvils on his pads too.
by red army line on Sep 15, 2009 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yup! You might say I started with the least controversial of the “battles” to attempt to analyze…I’m thinking the D battle will be much more interesting and much less DUH.
…that’s the technical term.
by Becca H on Sep 15, 2009 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
When are you going to get to “The Battle for JP’s Heart”?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Sep 15, 2009 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, that’s the big finale!
…you mean an epic showdown between Jeff Schultz and Boyd Gordon, right?
by Becca H on Sep 15, 2009 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Indeed, with darkhorses Brooks Laich and David Steckel.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Sep 15, 2009 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jeff Schultz, Boyd Gordon, David Steckel, Brooks Laich. “one of these things is not like the others, one of these things doesn’t belong…..”
by RedBirdie on Sep 15, 2009 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ooh, I know! Boyd’s a brunette, all the others have blonde-ish hair.
…did I get it? :)
by Becca H on Sep 15, 2009 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, no – that’s the battle for MY heart. Hands off my boys, JP.
by Becca H on Sep 15, 2009 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, pretty much. The battle for RW and for Flash’s spot should be interesting as well.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Sep 15, 2009 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Vogs recaps the scrimmage
BMo: Needs a bit more acclimation. Try to refer to the Caps as “we” instead of “they”. Give him time!
Vogs: I revere you, deeply respect you and your contributions but, please, get a haircut!
by Uncle C on Sep 15, 2009 8:49 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Some love for CBo in today’s Examiner.
IS PAЯTY NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Sep 15, 2009 8:51 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
IMHO, the Examiner’s only useful function is as birdcage liner – but hey, birds watch hockey, too. Right?
(Seriously, glad to see Chris getting some more press.)
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by winterion on Sep 15, 2009 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
my dad makes sure to leave the examiner laying about the house when I come visit, just to get me ranting.
by RedBirdie on Sep 15, 2009 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
“Joe Finley uses a teammate to demonstrate his world-class lawnmower throwing skills.”
by RedBirdie on Sep 15, 2009 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
If he throws defensemen like he throws lawnmowers, I’ll take it.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Sep 15, 2009 10:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
At least he wasn’t doing a Falcon kick.
Comment first, think second, read third.
by zephyr on Sep 15, 2009 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Falcon punch does around 30 damage in SSBB. It’s scary.
by red army line on Sep 15, 2009 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Via Empty Netters, check out Wojtek Wolski’s silly stickhandling skillz (video).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Sep 15, 2009 9:01 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Whoa. Now that’s some sick hands.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Sep 15, 2009 9:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Holy crap.
Fight, you time-wasting figure skaters!
by boutros23 on Sep 15, 2009 9:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, it’s impressive, However, I will say I routinely saw Kozlov do drills very similar to that after practice last season.
by b.orr4 on Sep 15, 2009 9:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey, no one’s saying this translates to anything during a game. It’s just fun to watch the very definition of having the puck on a string.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Sep 15, 2009 9:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Seriously, can you see him trying to thread the puck that delicately around a defenseman coming at him at top speed? Makes for good video, though.
by gfcaps fan on Sep 15, 2009 9:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Amazing how fast he moves the puck around…also was impressed with his balance and ability to change direction…not so easy on skates, lol. These guys are terrific athletes…
by fat_daddyo on Sep 15, 2009 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Especially with his head down… now that would make for good video. :)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Sep 15, 2009 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
While that remark made me spew, I wouldn’t wish a hit to the head on anyone.
by gfcaps fan on Sep 15, 2009 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well J.P. didn’t necessarily say anything about a hit to the head. Depending on who the D was, though, that might be the likely outcome.
A man must have a code.
by Fehr and Balanced on Sep 15, 2009 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maxim Afinogenov is a prime example of that. Probably the sickest hands in the NHL that has no consistent game to go with it.
Comment first, think second, read third.
by zephyr on Sep 15, 2009 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I want to see Semin do that drill.
A man must have a code.
by Fehr and Balanced on Sep 15, 2009 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Via Empty Netters, check out Wojtek Wolski’s silly stickhandling skillz (video).
Pfft, whatever, I could do that if I were him.
by David M. Getz on Sep 15, 2009 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I prefer this guys moves: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uAjmpC5Mks
Comment first, think second, read third.
by zephyr on Sep 15, 2009 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, he used his skate and controlled a rolling puck. He also doesn’t dwell on the same area so it’s a bit more realistic.
A man must have a code.
by Fehr and Balanced on Sep 15, 2009 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
this guy ain’t bad either
from the house that Red Jesus built
by bigonetimer on Sep 15, 2009 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Apparently Michael Nylander has a 48-point season ahead of him. In the NHL. We’ll take the under
Will you take the over or under on Nyls being in the home opener video?
by b.orr4 on Sep 15, 2009 10:16 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
See, you keep teasing me with the prospect that Nylander just might, maybe, somehow, some way, not be on the roster this year.
It would be great, but I have to think it’s too much to hope for. I feel like we’re stuck with him for another year.
by fat_daddyo on Sep 15, 2009 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, they could put him in the video and later remove like they used to with the old Soviet Politboro.
by b.orr4 on Sep 15, 2009 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Heh. If they manage to air-brush him off the salary cap, I’m all for it.
by fat_daddyo on Sep 15, 2009 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who could we possibly move him to? Even sending him back to Broadway is a pipe dream – they’re shallow at center, and they do have a history of taking expensive problems off our hands, but does it seem all that realistic?
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by winterion on Sep 15, 2009 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who could we possibly move him to?
I think at this point Europe is the only viable option.
by David M. Getz on Sep 15, 2009 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I apologize in advance for this, as I know it’s a topic that has been thrashed to a pulp…but if I recall correctly, if he goes off to play in Europe, he comes off the salary cap books too, right?
by fat_daddyo on Sep 15, 2009 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes. DMG’s great primer on the matter here.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Sep 15, 2009 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I didn’t click the link but I assume it’s Jagr. The differences are that we still paid Jagr’s salary and the current CBA doesn’t allow that; also there is a salary cap so NYR can’t afford to have Nyls on the roster.
A man must have a code.
by Fehr and Balanced on Sep 15, 2009 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tarik and Corey are reporting that the first cuts have been made. Grant McNeill and Darren Reid have been sent to Hershey, and Stefan Della Rovere has been returned to his junior team.
I’m taking the latter to mean that Delly isn’t going to recover during training camp. Poor guy.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Sep 15, 2009 10:55 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, tough break. I FanShotted the cuts for anyone who wants to discuss ’em further.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Sep 15, 2009 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cool, thanks.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Sep 15, 2009 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Muffins… ftw!
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Sep 15, 2009 2:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Do tell. Some of us don’t can’t get Twitter…
IS PAЯTY NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Sep 15, 2009 2:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
according to Mr. Bird, who went today:
Fehr in baby blue again (Mr. Bird felt the need to burn my retinas with a picture message)
Ovie & Aucoin scored in the first, 1-1
Brads scored, so did someone else he didn’t catch, score tied 2-2 end of second.
no one scored in the third
Gordo was the shootout hero, Team A wins. (went 5 rounds, apparently)
From Corey, Ovie’s skate cut Neuvy. I have no idea how serious it is, but Neuvy stayed in the game and was in goal for the shootout.
by RedBirdie on Sep 15, 2009 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I beileve “deep scratch” to the neck is how Tarik described it. Sounds like the Caps got a bit lucky…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Sep 15, 2009 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Anything to the neck is extremely lucky, not just a bit. If he stayed in the game then I’m sure it’s nothing too cereal but I’m sure it gave Neuvirth a scare.
A man must have a code.
by Fehr and Balanced on Sep 15, 2009 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yikes. I’ll have to ask how bad it looked in person (and if he got any pictures) when I make it home tonight.
by RedBirdie on Sep 15, 2009 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hopefully it gave Ovi a scare.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Sep 15, 2009 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Also sounds like AO was unnecessarily zealous on the play.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Sep 15, 2009 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That could be said about his play in general. If the guy only has one speed, I’d prefer that it be top speed.
A man must have a code.
by Fehr and Balanced on Sep 15, 2009 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
more: “there were a ton of people there for the 1st period – the whole stands were full and most of the standing room was 2 deep – it was like all of arlington used lunch to go to caps practice”
by RedBirdie on Sep 15, 2009 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
From In the Room:
Neuvirth had to defend a 5-on-3 in the third period and stopped Ovechkin, Backstrom and Kunble in the shootout
Your move, Varly.
IS PAЯTY NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Sep 15, 2009 3:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Pretty much. Neuvirth’s a sharp kid.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Sep 15, 2009 10:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wonder if Ovechkin doesn’t need to rethink his shootout mantra. It’s been a problem for him for a while now. He’s too good to be missing them at the rate he is. I wonder if he shouldn’t take a Brad Richards approach, and just snipe the goalie as he’s drifting back, just pick the open corner and ping it home.
Perfect example of what I mean – Richards’ best move in the shootout is rushing the goalie at a full tilt from a slightly off angle, just enough to try and make a spot open up, shoot at the dots.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMUcj3OcgUo
Winterion Game Studios
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by winterion on Sep 16, 2009 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Also for your consideration, against Carey Price:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlWg-m4gSr8
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
by winterion on Sep 16, 2009 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Same idea against J-S-G, this time the open space is the five.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6K64NnzswI
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
by winterion on Sep 16, 2009 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

































