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Making the Capitals, September 19 Edition

While most of the Caps roster is more or less set, there are still some roster spots being competed. Here's a look at those battles, and how each player is trending (to be updated regularly):

Goalies Trend Notes
Michal Neuvirth Perhaps out-performing Varlamov so far, Neuvirth still has an uphill climb to make the team.
Semyon Varlamov - Barring an implosion or a significant challenge from Neuvirth, the incumbent will be hard to unseat.
Defensemen
Karl Alzner - Bruce Boudreau has said that the Alzner would have to "wow" him to make the team. He hasn't. Yet.
John Carlson - There's no need to rush Carlson, and all indications are that the team won't.
Sean Collins Collins is a long shot to make the Caps, but a better bet to pass through waivers.
Tyler Sloan If there is a roster spot open on the blueline, Sloan is the clubhouse leader, not only because he would have to pass through waivers to be sent to Hershey, but also because of his solid, if unspectacular, play.
Forwards
Keith Aucoin
- If the Caps needed a scoring-line center, Aucoin would be in better shape right now.
Jay Beagle Beagle was strong in the first preseason game, scoring the game-tying goal, winning 70% of his draws, and taking four shots on goal. His sandpaper doesn't hurt, either.
Chris Bourque - The fact that he'd have to pass through waivers to be sent down - and he wouldn't - makes him a good candidate for a roster spot, but he still has to earn it.
Alexandre Giroux Dude just keeps scoring goals. If the Caps want to replace a top-six wing without juggling the other lines, Giroux could be the man.
Quintin Laing Boudreau loves Laing, and the gritty winger helps one of the weakest facets of the team's game - the penalty kill.

Comment 157 comments  |  4 recs  | 

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Comments

Display:

I like it and am looking forward to recurring updates.

"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 18, 2009 2:48 PM EDT reply actions  

Agreed.

A man must have a code.

by Rob Parker on Sep 18, 2009 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions  

If Alzner has to ‘wow’ anyone to make the team, the writing appears on the wall that he’s going back to hershey because its not ‘his game’ to ‘wow’

I find sometimes it's easy to be myself
sometimes I find it's better to be somebody else

by Fauxrumors on Sep 18, 2009 2:54 PM EDT reply actions  

Then again what it takes to ‘wow’ an Adams award winning coach is probably different than what it takes to ‘wow’ the average fan.

by David Getz on Sep 18, 2009 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions  

See Schultz, Jeff.

But I do think it’s a fair point that speaks to the reality of the situation.

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Sep 18, 2009 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions  

I don’t disagree. What I think is working against Alzner is time. I’ve read several places that the more you see him, the more impressed you are and I don’t know if he’s going to be playing at a sufficiently high level for a long enough time to ‘wow’ the staff.

by David Getz on Sep 18, 2009 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions  

at this point I would be okay if GMGM gave away one of our d-men just so we can create a spot for Alzner….

by bigity b on Sep 18, 2009 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions  

I don’t like the idea of giving away anything. Why rush Alzner?

by Bottoms Up on Sep 18, 2009 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions  

Normally I would oppose this; you don’t just make a spot for a guy that isn’t ready. But in this case I might be OK with it because the Caps are so good they are going to make the playoffs anyway; they can overcome the drop off. It also wouldn’t be the bad thing for the team to have to work a little harder early in the season and fight all year instead of running out to a fast start and coasting (Compare SJS with PIT). But ultimately defensive depth is just far too valuable to give away at the start of the season. Let Alzner polish his game in Hershey and watch the season unroll then adjust accordingly.

A man must have a code.

by Rob Parker on Sep 18, 2009 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions  

Great picture.

IS PAЯTY NOW

by EmilyB on Sep 18, 2009 2:54 PM EDT reply actions  

Very cool, J.P.

An NHL roster can carry 23, right? By that assumption, that’s 14-7-2.

Ovechkin, Backstrom, Knuble, Semin, Morrison, Laich, Steckel, Gordon, Bradley, and Clark make 10 of your 12 dressed. Nylander is one of your two healthy scratches, so there’s room for 3 guys from our list, two of which will start and one of which won’t? (Right? Fehr and Flash don’t count against this while they’re injured?)

Seven spots to be scrapped for between Green, Schultz, Pothier, Poti, Erskine, Jurcina, ShaMo, Sloan, Alzner, and Carlson. I think for now it’s safe to bet that Alzner and Carlson return to Hershey, but that still leaves eight. Does that mean, realistically, it’s a three-slot fight between Erskine, Sloan, Jurcina, and ShaMo thus far?

Three goalies, two slots, and a very cozy job as Bears starting netminder for whomever comes in third. I don’t understand the drama here at all. =)

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by winterion on Sep 18, 2009 3:30 PM EDT reply actions  

Feel free to correct me – I love the game, but I’m still learning the technical elements of the roster.

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by winterion on Sep 18, 2009 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions  

I think you are mostly right but I think the Caps will only carry 13 Fs just because of salary cap considerations. I believe that’s what they did most of last year.

A man must have a code.

by Rob Parker on Sep 18, 2009 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions  

I wouldn’t be surprised to see 14 forwards this year as long as Nylander is on the team. Laing is paid the league minimum, and he’s a much better candidate as a reserve forward than Nylander.

Atta dinnin stick a who!

by Gould Old Days on Sep 18, 2009 6:16 PM EDT up reply actions  

Q is definitely a better alternative than Nyls, but I come to the opposite conclusion from yours. I think the presence of Nyls makes it more likely they only use 13 Fs because they are going to be much tighter against the cap.

A man must have a code.

by Rob Parker on Sep 18, 2009 6:24 PM EDT up reply actions  

They can carry 23 but the last 3 have to be scratches. In the playoffs you can carry 25 with the last 5 being scratches.

Comment first, think second, read third.

by zephyr on Sep 18, 2009 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions  

This is an awesome list JP. I really like the little trend arrows too, kudos.

I have a thing for Giroux making the squad. We both have the same number and he looks like an older me.

I see good possibilities with all the forwards listed. I think it’s going to come down to what pieces BB wants to plug-in. All of them offer slightly different qualities.

Comment first, think second, read third.

by zephyr on Sep 18, 2009 3:34 PM EDT reply actions  

My guess:
Varly, Sloan, Laing and Bourque stick for opening day. That’s the easy part. Once Flash and Fehr come back, some tough decisions are going to have to be made because both Laing and Bourque would never make it through waivers.

by b.orr4 on Sep 18, 2009 3:38 PM EDT reply actions  

Laing has made it through waivers before. Is there a greater chance he wouldn’t clear this year compared to last?

Comment first, think second, read third.

by zephyr on Sep 18, 2009 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions  

I could be wrong but I thought he was exempt to being claimed last year. Anybody?

by b.orr4 on Sep 18, 2009 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions  

no, he had to pass through waivers. Same with Sloan

by RedBirdie on Sep 18, 2009 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions  

And they both did quite successfully, to the benefit of all of us.

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by winterion on Sep 18, 2009 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions  

I went and read the the rules around then because I was confused. Of course, I don’t remember them very well now. I know he definitely had to clear on the way up, but I think not on the way down (post recovery would have had to be a re-assignment, no?). Something to do with the number of games played in the NHL in the prior year (maybe two years). See how vague it is already. Or maybe going back down didn’t matter because it was post season and you can’t play for the team that claims you for enough days that the season’s over. Somebody didn’t have to clear waivers that you’d expect.

by gfcaps fan on Sep 18, 2009 5:03 PM EDT up reply actions  

Kronwall didn’t have to clear waivers because there is an exemption period after a trade. Potsy didn’t have to clear waivers because there is an exemption for rehab assignments. I assume Q got a rehab exemption to go back down as well.

A man must have a code.

by Rob Parker on Sep 18, 2009 5:08 PM EDT up reply actions  

The difference that I see between last spring and now is that Sloan now has playoff experience under his belt and performed well in those games. He’s grown between then and now and might be interesting to a team looking for a quiet shut-down blueliner who can skate the puck out of trouble. Certainly the price is outstanding for a guy like that.

"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri

by gotsparkly on Sep 19, 2009 8:13 AM EDT up reply actions  

If Sloan sticks, and all the NHL defensemen from last year are back they’d be carrying eight d-men – do you see a trade going down?

by David Getz on Sep 18, 2009 3:48 PM EDT up reply actions  

It’s possible. If that were the case, probably the most likely candidate would be Jurcina and his $1,375,000 cap hit. Keeping Sloan and not Jurcina would save $735,000 in salary. I’m not that sold on Sloan, but I guess if management believes Carlson and/or Alzner will be back with the big club by January it’s a move you can live with. If schultz really does decide to use his size and play bigger, then maybe moving Jurcina isn’t that big a deal.

by b.orr4 on Sep 18, 2009 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions  

Sloan strikes me as a perfect 7th D. He can give you reliable minutes, won’t be greedy about ice (and let the lack of ice sour his attitude), won’t cost much, and (maybe most importantly) sitting him in the press box regularly won’t stunt his development.

A man must have a code.

by Rob Parker on Sep 18, 2009 3:43 PM EDT reply actions  

Who do you part ways with to make it happen?

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by winterion on Sep 18, 2009 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions  

To be honest, whoever brings back the most in a trade (of ShaMo, Juice, Erskine, Potsy). Alzner will almost definitely be ready for NHL duty by mid-season so even giving up ShaMo or Potsy (IMO the best of the lot) doesn’t hurt us that much. Get what you can, cut salary off the cap, go with 7 and then re-evaluate when Alzner is ready.

A man must have a code.

by Rob Parker on Sep 18, 2009 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions  

I don’t think Pothier’s going anywhere: it’s gonna be one of the other 3, if at all.

Also, would we accept only draft picks in return? Otherwise, I doubt it’s going to be anything where Sloan would be free to come up and take the 7th spot.

by DrinkingPartner on Sep 18, 2009 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions  

I’d trade ShaMo for picks at this point, if we could get value for him, given the 2 million he earns. That’s just me.

Winterion Game Studios
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by winterion on Sep 18, 2009 3:51 PM EDT up reply actions  

I’d have to think I’d rather have ShaMo for another year than Sloan. Unless it’s really only about the money.

by DrinkingPartner on Sep 18, 2009 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions  

Well yeah, I’d rather have Shamo than Sloan because Shamo is 4/5 on the Caps depth chart and Sloan is 7. But I wouldn’t mind our top 6 without Shamo and having Sloan as the 7 if Shamo brought more in a trade than Juice or Erskine would (which I think is likely), especially with Alzner on the horizon.

A man must have a code.

by Rob Parker on Sep 18, 2009 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions  

Which is the logic I went by. I think ShaMo is the guy who brings the most in return when traded, and I’m still comfortable with the front six and Erskine/Sloan as the seventh guy.

Winterion Game Studios
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by winterion on Sep 18, 2009 4:03 PM EDT up reply actions  

Also, he frees up the most cap room.

Winterion Game Studios
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by winterion on Sep 18, 2009 4:04 PM EDT up reply actions  

But for a playoff run, unless the return is fantastic on ShaMo, I have to think I’d rather have him stuck on the roster than not.

by DrinkingPartner on Sep 18, 2009 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions  

Now that depends on Alzner’s development. We have the 7 from last year, Sloan and Alzner. That’s 9 right there and if Alzner is ready for NHL ice then he’s immediately better than Sloan, Erskine and Juice hands down, maybe Shamo as well. You have to make room for him when he’s ready, and Shamo may be the best option to do that.

A man must have a code.

by Rob Parker on Sep 18, 2009 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions  

I’ll grant that. If Alzner’s ready, that immediately makes one of those expendable. And if they’re both ready for NHL duty – watch out WORLD.

by DrinkingPartner on Sep 18, 2009 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions  

Seriously. I don’t see Carlson being ready this year; he’ll play for Hershey in the playoffs even though he’ll probably see some regular season action. Watching him in the A/B scrimmage and watching Nathan Gerbe beat him in a puck battle in the corner last night pretty much convinced me there is no way he is going to buck the trend and skip the year apprenticeship in Hershey that GMGM loves our D to have.

A man must have a code.

by Rob Parker on Sep 18, 2009 4:17 PM EDT up reply actions  

Ya. Almost no way Carlson plays in the NHL this year, imo.

by fat_daddyo on Sep 18, 2009 4:38 PM EDT up reply actions  

Pothier does something that none of our other D, save for Green, does well…shoot the puck from the point and actually score.

He better stay.

by ns on Sep 18, 2009 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions  

This. He makes a fantastic point-man for the second-unit PP.

"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri

by gotsparkly on Sep 19, 2009 8:15 AM EDT up reply actions  

Juice or ShaMo, if I’m playing GM here. Lumberjack showed a surprising talent for being effective on pest control duty.

by RedBirdie on Sep 18, 2009 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions  

Too cryptic for the masses? Minus 87, I think we might need the lumberjack on occaision this season…

by Boodgiesdad on Sep 18, 2009 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions  

I don’t think Potsy will go anywhere either, but that’s because I don’t think there is much of a trade market for him, not because GMGM wouldn’t move him. For Sloan to have a spot it would have to be a trade for picks/prospects. If we are bringing in another roster player it’ll probably be a 2 for 1 type deal.

A man must have a code.

by Rob Parker on Sep 18, 2009 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions  

Oh, man. Dreams of picking up Foote or Salei from Colorado? =)

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by winterion on Sep 18, 2009 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions  

Foote is a relic. I want nothing to do with him. I could live with Salei but I wouldn’t go out of my way to get him because he’s not a huge upgrade over what we already have. We’ve got a bunch of 4-7 guys, that’s what Salei is. If we are going to bring in a new D from outside it should be a top 3 guy.

A man must have a code.

by Rob Parker on Sep 18, 2009 4:04 PM EDT up reply actions  

Yup.

Comment first, think second, read third.

by zephyr on Sep 18, 2009 6:09 PM EDT up reply actions  

Remember that FanPost saying Pothier before his concussion was as good if not better than Derek Morris?

by red army line on Sep 18, 2009 9:22 PM EDT up reply actions  

I don’t remember the fanpost, but I also didn’t think Posty was really that great pre-concussion. I don’t know how you’d compare that to DMo.

A man must have a code.

by Rob Parker on Sep 19, 2009 2:17 AM EDT up reply actions  

How do you rate him now?

"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri

by gotsparkly on Sep 19, 2009 8:18 AM EDT up reply actions  

I think he was better than I expected him to be when he came back, but it’s hard for me to rate him. It sounds like he’s looked good in training camp but that’s not real NHL competition yet. My big problem with him before was that he was streaky; Hanlon had to bench him pretty regularly and he always played better after the benching. I wanted him to just bring that post-benching game every night and not go through the trouble of getting himself benched. Last year he didn’t play enough games to show me he’s not streaky anymore and this year games haven’t started. In short, I’m ducking the question, but I am excited by his potential. If he’s the puck-moving D on the 3rd pair I think that puts our D corps in a much better position than it was for most of last year.

A man must have a code.

by Rob Parker on Sep 19, 2009 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions  

Aren’t we at 49/50 contracts? I don’t think that GMGM would want to take more than one contract back for that reason – we don’t want to be at the contract ceiling come the deadline again.

My guess would be Juice simply because at 1.375 you can move him for picks and get fair value; with Shamo at 1.975 you’d have to throw in a prospect.

/beats the drum about deadline flexibility again

"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri

by gotsparkly on Sep 19, 2009 8:18 AM EDT up reply actions  

and i would posit that 26 is a better player than 23, which may mean a lot more than $600k

by mechanicsville on Sep 19, 2009 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions  

Agreed. It’s impossible to say whether to move 26 or 23 without comparing the relative return packages, IMO.

A man must have a code.

by Rob Parker on Sep 19, 2009 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions  

The deadline flexibility is an important issue, so keep beating that drum. The only thing I will point out is that because we are so close to the cap any deadline deal would necessarily have to move a roster player so we’ll get a little relief on the contract limit.

A man must have a code.

by Rob Parker on Sep 19, 2009 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions  

Are we willing to trade ShaMo for Sloan, though?

by DrinkingPartner on Sep 18, 2009 3:52 PM EDT reply actions  

Whoops, in reply to Winterion, there.

by DrinkingPartner on Sep 18, 2009 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions  

I would, but that’s just me. Rats voted ShaMo more valuable than Erskine, Pothier, Jurcina, and Sloan, and had him as defender six overall behind Green, Alzner, Schultz, Carlson, and Poti.

Personally, I take Pothier over ShaMo, especially knowing now about the truth behind Pothier’s health situation. I start Green, Poti, Pothier, Schultz, Jurcina, and Sloan, with Erskine as my seventh – knowing full well that if I have underperforming defenders, I’ve got two prime candidates to bring up from the AHL squad to take those minutes.

Winterion Game Studios
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by winterion on Sep 18, 2009 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions  

come trade deadline if either Alzner or Carlson are ready to come and contribute, then yes.

by ns on Sep 18, 2009 3:58 PM EDT up reply actions  

I’d wager that’s a pretty big “if.” I don’t see that as something a smart GM would do: downgrade from a borderline #3/4 to a borderline #7 D, just to gain a few draft picks, right before the playoffs begin. That doesn’t make sense to me.

by DrinkingPartner on Sep 18, 2009 4:04 PM EDT up reply actions  

I guess I live on the edge. Call me GM eXtreme.

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by winterion on Sep 18, 2009 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions  

Well it depends what the return is. Giving up some of that D depth may make sense if we are bringing in scoring depth, or filling some need. I don’t think it’s a big “if” to suggest Alzner will be ready by then. I think he’ll be ready for full time NHL duty before this season ends and I could easily envision a scenario where Alzner comes up as an injury replacement and doesn’t let GMGM send him back down. He’s not far away. If we weren’t Cup contenders he’d be a lock to be on the opening day roster.

A man must have a code.

by Rob Parker on Sep 18, 2009 4:07 PM EDT up reply actions  

I’d also be willing to give up ShaMo for Sloan. Sloaner is a reliable defensive d-man, who is low in PIM, and is great at blocking shots and making hits. ShaMo is a great foil for our more offensive d-men (read: Green), but we can get that with someone like Sloan for cheaper … and fewer trips to the box.

by RtR52 on Sep 18, 2009 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions  

Since we’re talking opening night rosters, take a look back at the team that hit the ice back in 2005. I think there’s been a slight upgrade in talent, particularly on D:

33 G OUELLET, MAXIME
37 G KOLZIG, OLAF
6 D HEWARD, JAMIE
8 L OVECHKIN, ALEXANDER
9 R ZUBRUS, DAINIUS
10 R BRADLEY, MATT
11 C HALPERN, JEFF
12 L FRIESEN, JEFF
15 R GORDON, BOYD
16 C SUTHERBY, BRIAN
18 L PETTINGER, MATT
19 D WITT, BRENDAN
20 C SYKORA, PETR
24 R WILLSIE, BRIAN
25 C CASSELS, ANDREW
26 D MORRISONN, SHAONE
27 R CLYMER, BEN
34 D BIRON, MATHIEU
44 D EMINGER, STEVE
47 D MUIR, BRYAN

by b.orr4 on Sep 18, 2009 4:06 PM EDT reply actions  

Ouellet was actually on the roster for opening night ‘05-’06?

Really?

by DrinkingPartner on Sep 18, 2009 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions  

I’ve got a jersey signed by that team. Think I can talk to someone about getting it swapped for the 09-10 team?

A man must have a code.

by Rob Parker on Sep 18, 2009 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions  

Keep it. When the Caps win a Cup it’ll be worth something.

by b.orr4 on Sep 18, 2009 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions  

As far as I’m concerned between AO and Kolzig it’s worth something now. i was just making a joke.

A man must have a code.

by Rob Parker on Sep 18, 2009 4:18 PM EDT up reply actions  

I know. So was I.

by b.orr4 on Sep 18, 2009 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions  

Bah. My bad.

A man must have a code.

by Rob Parker on Sep 18, 2009 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions  

Just for ovi’s rookie season

by hockeyman33 on Sep 18, 2009 7:19 PM EDT up reply actions  

Ovie, Brads, Mo, and Gordo need something that says “I SURVIVED…..the 2005-2006 Capitals Season”

by RedBirdie on Sep 18, 2009 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions   1 recs

That’s good – i offended someone at work with my giggle.

by DrinkingPartner on Sep 18, 2009 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions  

Only four members of that team will skate on opening night. Whole bakeries don’t have that many turnovers.

If you've read this far...seek help.

by ThePeerless on Sep 19, 2009 7:26 AM EDT up reply actions  

Its interesting how the situation has changed so much in just a few months. Last December lots of people said Alzner should be called up full time, then he was going to be called up for the playoff run for sure, then he was a lock to make the team from camp this year, now, there is a legit (likely?) chance that he will end up back in Hershey from the the outset, (Replaced by Sloan?).

I’m not saying that is wrong but I found it interesting.

My question is whether it makes sense to bring up a younger guy and let him learn on the job: Bourque, Beagle, Alzner over an Aucoin, Giroux or a Sloan. Maybe Sloan brings more to the table right now, but is the cost of shortening the learning curve worth it in the long run?

by Sct112 on Sep 18, 2009 4:11 PM EDT reply actions  

Very good points. I think one big difference from mid-season last year is that Shamo, Erskine, and Juice all stepped their game up late in the season and in the playoffs. That made people re-evaluate our needs on D. Potsy came back and that wasn’t even in the discussion last December.

Sloan is only likely to supplant Alzner because he is cheaper, can’t be sent through waivers, and won’t be a total waste in the press box. While Alzner could certainly learn on the job in the NHL, and not hurt the Caps too much while doing it, he can also learn a lot in Hershey still. So much about playing D is reading the play and knowing what is coming. The experience he’d get in Hershey will still help him, even if the skill level of the opposition is lower.

A man must have a code.

by Rob Parker on Sep 18, 2009 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions  

Everyone is always making a big deal about how great Detroit drafts in the lower rounds. While it’s true the Red Wings do see talent that a lot of teams pass on, a major reason many of their low draft choices succeed is that they’re allowed to stay an extra year or two in the minors and really develop. Winning teams have that luxury of not having to rush players because they have so much depth and that’s where the Caps find themselves right now. If Alzner and Carlson need another year in Hershey, they can stay and the big club won’t really be hurt. And when they do come up, they’ll be ready to play and contribute significant minutes. The AHL isn’t the NHL, but if you’re not quite ready, it’s the right place to be.

by b.orr4 on Sep 18, 2009 4:32 PM EDT up reply actions   1 recs

I agree with all of this. It especially is true for D, which take much longer to develop than Fs do. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, 50% of drafting is player development.

A man must have a code.

by Rob Parker on Sep 18, 2009 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions  

Winning teams have that luxury of not having to rush players because they have so much depth and that’s where the Caps find themselves right now.

Here’s my problem with that: the Caps’ depth at D is in the 5-7 range (if you’re even generous enough to say that the Caps have the two top pairs of a Stanley Cup-caliber team). Detroit’s defense is pretty solid, top-to-bottom, which is why they can afford to keep their D prospects down for a bit longer. If we think any of our D prospects can play right now better than the Jurcinas/Erskines/ShaMos of the world, then there’s not really any point in leaving them down on the farm.

by Scott in Shaw on Sep 18, 2009 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions  

We can, at least for the regular season. Not as if the Caps (barring something unforseen) should be in the 6-10 dogfight.

by red army line on Sep 18, 2009 9:29 PM EDT up reply actions  

not to mention the fact that I liken this years caps more to the ‘95 red wings then say the ’08 redwings… The team is on an upswing and will be competitive for a long time… but they haven’t quite gotten to that spot just yet…

by JustJeff on Sep 18, 2009 10:26 PM EDT up reply actions  

From what I’ve seen in the last two seasons, I think that the Caps’ real strength is in identifying the undrafted free agents.

"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri

by gotsparkly on Sep 19, 2009 8:21 AM EDT up reply actions  

Unless I’m forgetting someone, I don’t think the Caps have any undrafted FAs on their team or playing prominent roles in Herhsey, but I could be missing someone. Who were you thinking of?

by David Getz on Sep 19, 2009 8:34 AM EDT up reply actions  

Jay Beagle? Hauswirth? Bruess?

Atta dinnin stick a who!

by Gould Old Days on Sep 19, 2009 8:38 AM EDT up reply actions  

Don’t get me wrong, I’m excited to see what Hauswirth and Bruess can do, but they’ve haven’t played at all as pros yet, so right now it’s speculation.

I like Beagle, although I think he was technically signed out of the ECHL.

by David Getz on Sep 19, 2009 8:54 AM EDT up reply actions  

I think Beagle is the most likely to play in the NHL but I doubt it’s more than a 4th line roll. I like that GMGM is constantly trying to find those hidden gems, but I wouldn’t say it’s been a particularly valuable part of the team yet.

A man must have a code.

by Rob Parker on Sep 19, 2009 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions  

But which would make a "better Alzner" in the 10-11 season. Minutes as a 6/7 D-man in the NHL, or top mins in Hershey?

by Bottoms Up on Sep 18, 2009 4:34 PM EDT up reply actions  

Top minutes, without a doubt. He needs the experience from the rigors of playing 30 mins a night. Hershey’s the best place for him.

by DrinkingPartner on Sep 18, 2009 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions  

I’m with sips. Get him top minutes in Hershey if he isn’t starting here. Like Carlson, Alzner benefits from some more AHL game.

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by winterion on Sep 18, 2009 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions  

So everyone is agreed about Alzner, does the same thing apply to the guys on Offense? Does Beagle or Bourque (especially) make the jump just because he’s more valuable to the team in the long run than Aucoin or Giroux?

by Sct112 on Sep 18, 2009 4:38 PM EDT up reply actions  

Aucoin and Giroux both suffer from the same malady in that they’ve been allowed to play comparably weak defense their entire pro careers: it’s not too late to curtail that trend in Beagle in Bourque.

Also, frankly, given the choice between watching Giroux hit goalies in the pads and seeing if Bourque can cut it, I’d rather the kid.

by DrinkingPartner on Sep 18, 2009 4:40 PM EDT up reply actions  

Bourque’s got nothing to prove in the AHL. If he’s not going to play for the Caps, they should do the right thing and find him a spot with another NHL team. He’s been a loyal soldier and he deserves the chance to get his big league career going.

by b.orr4 on Sep 18, 2009 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions  

This – though I’d die a little inside if he got picked up by the waddle-birds.

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by winterion on Sep 18, 2009 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions  

That would be my worst nightmare…

"Only by great risks can great results be achieved." - Khashayar

by Steck It Out on Sep 18, 2009 4:45 PM EDT up reply actions  

My worst nightmare would be waking up to a newspaper with the headline: “NHL mourns as Midnight Panty Raid turns fatal” with a big, smiley picture of Alex on the cover.

by DrinkingPartner on Sep 18, 2009 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions   1 recs

“Crosby an early suspect, Malkin’s whereabouts unknown”

"Only by great risks can great results be achieved." - Khashayar

by Steck It Out on Sep 18, 2009 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions  

"Only by great risks can great results be achieved." - Khashayar

by Steck It Out on Sep 18, 2009 4:54 PM EDT up reply actions  

Tripod owned your hotlink.

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by winterion on Sep 18, 2009 5:29 PM EDT up reply actions  

I already had that nightmare when Johnny signed with the Fowl. And I saw it coming, too, when the let their previous backup go.

by gfcaps fan on Sep 18, 2009 5:11 PM EDT up reply actions  

If Bourque doesn’t land with the Caps when this is all said and done (and I really, really, really, really hope he does), he’s getting picked up off waivers by someone else. Almost zero doubt. He was too good last year in the AHL not to be, and he’s still scouted as a top-six winger.

And yes, I think, in the long run, he’s more valuable than Aucoin or Giroux – that said, Giroux might give the team the best chance of winning in the short-term as Flash’s replacement on the wing, if he can translate how he’s been playing thus far into the regular season.

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by winterion on Sep 18, 2009 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions  

Which is the question mark that’s remained over his head for some time re: playing well against weaker opposition and poorly against NHL-calibre foes.

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by winterion on Sep 18, 2009 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions  

Which is the exact opposite of the Washington Capitals. Perhaps the addition of Bourque will allow the team to destroy weak foes, while also destroying the strong ones, as usual.

by DrinkingPartner on Sep 18, 2009 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions  

It’s easier to sneak someone like Bourque through waivers in late September than in November…

Atta dinnin stick a who!

by Gould Old Days on Sep 18, 2009 7:26 PM EDT up reply actions  

The offensive game is generally easier to develop and pick up than the defensive side. Once a forward is physically mature and understands the systems and responsibilities it’s easier to throw the into the fire because it’s less thinking and more doing.

A man must have a code.

by Rob Parker on Sep 18, 2009 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions  

So you are advocating the young guys over the older players? or?

by Sct112 on Sep 18, 2009 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions  

Well with Fehr and Flash hurt I think we can accommodate both. Give Giroux a shot but don’t hesitate to bench him if he falls back to old form. My point was more that it’s less important to slow-cook a forward than it is a D (although DET is seeing good results slow-cooking Helm and Abdelkader).

A man must have a code.

by Rob Parker on Sep 18, 2009 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions  

Agreed. Green has said repeatedly that the best thing for him was to play in Hershey on that Championship team and log 30 minutes game.

by b.orr4 on Sep 18, 2009 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions  

I would tend to agree. But I think there is something to be said for getting used to the speed/size of the NHL. So maybe the best solution is top min in Hershey and the occasional call up when need . . . or for the playoffs.

by Bottoms Up on Sep 18, 2009 4:38 PM EDT up reply actions  

If anything gets done at the deadline, I think it means Alzner is ready to come up. If not….

by DrinkingPartner on Sep 18, 2009 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions  

I don’t think that any of us can answer that. But it won’t stop us from trying. :)

by Sct112 on Sep 18, 2009 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions  

I think the real reason for this is not that Alzner isn’t good enough, but that there are too many D that would have to pass through waivers to keep Alzner in DC.

by red army line on Sep 18, 2009 9:23 PM EDT up reply actions  

Poor Aucoin – he’s the odd man out.

"Only by great risks can great results be achieved." - Khashayar

by Steck It Out on Sep 18, 2009 4:33 PM EDT reply actions  

I’m sure no small part of that is the present need being at wing rather than center, where the team seems pretty stably set with Backstrom, Morrison, Steckel, and Gordon, in that order.

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by winterion on Sep 18, 2009 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions  

And Nyles, even, if Hell freezes.

by DrinkingPartner on Sep 18, 2009 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions  

Agreed. We’re pretty much set at center. Has Aucoin played wing before?

"Only by great risks can great results be achieved." - Khashayar

by Steck It Out on Sep 18, 2009 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions  

I think he was rostered as one while a member of the Black Aces, but don’t quote me on that.

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by winterion on Sep 18, 2009 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions  

*for the Hurricanes

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by winterion on Sep 18, 2009 4:49 PM EDT up reply actions  

Wikipedia says he has played some wing before.

"Only by great risks can great results be achieved." - Khashayar

by Steck It Out on Sep 18, 2009 4:50 PM EDT up reply actions  

Where is ChrisAm? I’m with him on this, I’d like to see a little more depth at C (but I don’t subscribe to his solution).

A man must have a code.

by Rob Parker on Sep 18, 2009 4:49 PM EDT up reply actions  

I always worry about C depth, but the more I see of Jay Beagle, the more I like. As posted earlier, he had a quick and accurate one-timer (I know, I’m a sucker), and 60% in the dot is nothing to sneeze at either.

That whole line, in tact, deserves an encore in Chicago.

from the house that Red Jesus built

by bigonetimer on Sep 18, 2009 4:55 PM EDT up reply actions  

Amen.

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by winterion on Sep 18, 2009 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions  

sp. fail…that’s intact

from the house that Red Jesus built

by bigonetimer on Sep 18, 2009 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions  

I could give that line an encore in CHI, but Beagle doesn’t assuage my concerns one bit. I’m not concerned about our depth at 4C (or even 3C really because of Gordon). I’m concerned with our depth at 1 and 2C. If BMo or Baxter go down we don’t have a suitable long term replacement (but then again, most teams can’t replace their top 2Cs for any period of time).

A man must have a code.

by Rob Parker on Sep 18, 2009 5:10 PM EDT up reply actions  

Exactly, who (Pitt?) can actually replace a top 2 center and feel comfortable? There is a steep drop between 2 and 3 on the Caps, but I think that most teams have the same issue.

What is a bit of a concern is that there isn’t anyone that is being groomed into those two spots. Hershey doesn’t have anyone that in 2 years can step in and be a productive backup for Nicky.

by Sct112 on Sep 18, 2009 5:53 PM EDT up reply actions  

As far as who can replace a top-2C I’d say SJS just because they have Marleau playing wing, and DET because out of Hank/Datsyuk/Franzen they can always have a strong 1-2 down the middle.

I share your concern about the lack of 2C in the organization, and I don’t see one coming in the next two years. Johansson is the best bet but he’s probably 3 years away at least (1 year in SEL, 1 in Hershey, then DC is probably the quickest he could make it) but GMGM may be able to cobble together a solution via trade and FA until that happens.

A man must have a code.

by Rob Parker on Sep 18, 2009 5:58 PM EDT up reply actions  

You are a non-believer in little gus huh?

by Sct112 on Sep 18, 2009 6:11 PM EDT up reply actions  

Yeah. I put it in my A/B Scrimmage fanpost but basically I don’t see him becoming more than a 3C.

A man must have a code.

by Rob Parker on Sep 18, 2009 6:12 PM EDT up reply actions  

Me neither, but with Aucoin, Laich and yes, Nyls, if BMo went down we could make it to the trade deadline. If Nik goes down I think BMo can skate with Ovie; if they both go down, well, I got a condo in Kiawah that’s just a peach in May…

And at the moment, I got my eye on Tomas Plekanec M. Johansson for that 2C-of-the-future-maybe. I have very little faith in Angus right now, but he’s got some time.

from the house that Red Jesus built

by bigonetimer on Sep 18, 2009 6:34 PM EDT up reply actions  

He’s got time, no doubt, and some raw skills, but he got less ice than Finley last night.

A man must have a code.

by Rob Parker on Sep 18, 2009 7:11 PM EDT up reply actions  

This.

"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri

by gotsparkly on Sep 19, 2009 8:38 AM EDT up reply actions  

Does anyone think Angus gets to play another pre-season game? Or that he isn’t cut the day Hershey training camp opens?

A man must have a code.

by Rob Parker on Sep 18, 2009 5:15 PM EDT reply actions  

Maybe and no.

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by winterion on Sep 18, 2009 5:16 PM EDT up reply actions  

Huh! I didn’t realize the Sharks also picked up Manny Malhotra.

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by winterion on Sep 18, 2009 5:25 PM EDT reply actions  

I’m not sure if he’s on a try out or if he signed an actual contract yet, but that’s another good addition for them if he stays.

A man must have a code.

by Rob Parker on Sep 18, 2009 5:42 PM EDT up reply actions  

I think he’s just on a tryout so far.

Fight, you time-wasting figure skaters!

by boutros23 on Sep 18, 2009 6:26 PM EDT up reply actions  

Just went over to Fear the Fin and they are saying he’s close to finalizing a 1 year deal with the team. It also says he turned down a 2 year, 8 million dollar deal to “play for a winner.”

A man must have a code.

by Rob Parker on Sep 18, 2009 6:32 PM EDT up reply actions  

wait, didn’t you just contradict yourself? Oh, maybe he meant regular season winner.

by Sct112 on Sep 18, 2009 7:19 PM EDT up reply actions  

Careful: that has been (and could still be) the Caps.

by RPI93 on Sep 18, 2009 9:33 PM EDT up reply actions  

If we need some sort of tiebreaker, can we vote Bourque because (according to the media guide) his favorite athlete is Dustin Pedroia?

"Baseball is drama with an endless run and an ever-changing cast." - Joe Garagiola
Chowdah Chatter - an outlet for my random thoughts and such.

by crabchowdah on Sep 18, 2009 9:50 PM EDT reply actions  

Dustin Pedroia? He’s not even my favorite Red Sox player. That would be Clay Buchholz. Why? Anyone?

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Sep 18, 2009 10:09 PM EDT up reply actions  

You hate the Orioles.

A man must have a code.

by Rob Parker on Sep 19, 2009 2:20 AM EDT up reply actions  

Because you’re a big McNeese State baseball fan? Or is it this:

Buchholz was arrested shortly before the 2005 draft when he and a friend stole 29 laptop computers from his high school to sell them. Buchholz admits it was a mistake, but stated “I was hanging out with the wrong person. But I think it helped me out in the long run.”

by David Getz on Sep 19, 2009 8:36 AM EDT up reply actions  

Both wrong. This:


Erica Ellyson, the 2008 Penthouse Magazine Pet of the Year, is dating Boston Red Sox pitcher Clay Buchholz.
Google her at your own risk.

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Sep 19, 2009 8:48 AM EDT up reply actions  

I always thought Buchholz’s blood ran cold.

Atta dinnin stick a who!

by Gould Old Days on Sep 19, 2009 8:52 AM EDT up reply actions  

In April 2009, he was reported to be engaged to Lindsay Clubine, a former suitcase model on Deal or No Deal and host of HDNET’s Get Out.

You could still do a lot worse, though.

by David Getz on Sep 19, 2009 8:56 AM EDT up reply actions  

[Link to recent OTM FanShot]

"Baseball is drama with an endless run and an ever-changing cast." - Joe Garagiola
Chowdah Chatter - an outlet for my random thoughts and such.

by crabchowdah on Sep 19, 2009 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions  

that’s not bad for AAA.

I do love her honesty on her home page when (self) queried about books: “yea….not really.”

from the house that Red Jesus built

by bigonetimer on Sep 19, 2009 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions  

Chris Clark is a Tim Wakefield fan, ftr.

"Baseball is drama with an endless run and an ever-changing cast." - Joe Garagiola
Chowdah Chatter - an outlet for my random thoughts and such.

by crabchowdah on Sep 19, 2009 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions  

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