Making the Capitals, September 22 Edition
by J.P. on Sep 22, 2009 11:31 AM EDT
244 comments
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 as warranted):
| Goalies | Trend | Notes |
| Michal Neuvirth | ▲ | Very good in Chicago, but Varly hasn't stumbled. |
| Semyon Varlamov | - | Still his spot to lose. |
| Defensemen | ||
| Karl Alzner | ▼ | Alzner took responsibility for the second goal against Buffalo, and was on the ice for both. |
| John Carlson | - | Not quite there. Update: Carlson has been sent to Hershey. |
| Sean Collins | ▲ | Still very much a longshot, but Bruce Boudreau praised Collins after the Buffalo game. |
| Tyler Sloan | - | Wonder why he's only gotten one game so far... |
| Forwards | ||
| Keith Aucoin |
▲ | Aucoin scored the Caps' lone goal Monday (on a shot that was going wide), but it's still hard to envision a role for him right now. |
| Jay Beagle | ▲ | Received kudos after the Buffalo game, and has been winning a ton of draws. |
| Chris Bourque | - | Bourque had chances on Monday night, but failed to convert. Still, Boudreau seemed to be happy with his effort. Hopefully, getting his bell rung doesn't slow him down much. |
| Alexandre Giroux | ▼ | A double-minor in Chicago for an offensive-zone high stick followed by a mediocre outing against Buffalo may spell the end of the road (for now) for Giroux. |
| Quintin Laing | ▲ | When asked about Laing's performance in Chicago, Boudreau replied, "He did what he does, which is making coaches happy." |
1 recs |
244 comments
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I’m confused by Sloan only getting one game as well, considering the heaps of praise he got in training camp and the Buffalo game.
Can that be as much of a positive as a question? Maybe Bruce was happy enough that he wanted to look at some of the other guys before putting Sloan in another game.
If you look at it from BB’s perspective, he doesn’t need to see Sloan (he already knows what Sloan can do) and this suggests BB doesn’t personally need to make sure Sloan’s timing is up to snuff because Sloan won’t be making the opening night roster…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Sep 22, 2009 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions
You’re reading too far into it, I think. Boudreau also has a habit of forgetting some guys (Ok, so one game isn’t a habit) when he flat out forgot Backstrom and stuck him on the fourth line. One thing about his lines – they’re always fluid, and you really can’t read far into anything except he loves Care bears.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Sep 22, 2009 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Didn’t BB say that he was going to use the rest of the games as a “dress rehearsal” which means he wants more of the Caps starters to play. After last night I think they could use some more warm-up games so they are good to go for the season. I really don’t see the D changing from last year unless GMGM trades one of them.
I also think he wants to give Alzner and Carlson every chance to impress which is why they keep getting a sweater.
Honestly, I don’t think pre-season means anything but getting a dress rehearsal to the back-ups. You can develop rhythm and timing in scrimmages and practice, and in hockey, it’s on the coaches to do that. A good coach can minimize the amount of pre-season game time his stars need.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Sep 22, 2009 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Rhythm and timing is extremely difficult to develop just in practices because it’s impossible to recreate game speed and intensity. As much as you want the guys to go all out you know you aren’t going to get hit and the pace is just a little bit slower. Game timing requires games against people that really want to beat you.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Sep 22, 2009 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Jay Beagle ▲ Received kudos after the Buffalo game, and has been winning a ton of draws.
Holy crap, you weren’t kidding.
"Sometimes life leads a $100 bill on your dresser, and you don't realize until later that it's because it screwed you."
Makes you wonder if Beagle takes Brashear’s roster spot and pushes Gordon to wing…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Sep 22, 2009 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think this is entirely out of the question. Heck, you could envision an opening night Bourque-less roster in which Laich is pushed to the 2nd line, Bradley to the third, and Q and Beags on the 4th, no?
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I’m a sucker for having two centers on your fourth line. Sadly, both Gordon and Beagle shoot right, so you don’t get that synergy…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Sep 22, 2009 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions
I could see that, but then again I thought we needed an enforcer on the 4th line.
"Sometimes life leads a $100 bill on your dresser, and you don't realize until later that it's because it screwed you."
by Bald Pollack on Sep 22, 2009 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Laich-Steckel-Brads is not too shabby a third, but that means the Captain has come all the way back.
from the house that Red Jesus built
Laich-Steckel-Brads is not too shabby a third
I don’t disagree, but Ovechkin-Backstrom-Kozlov wasn’t a shabby first line and it wasn’t because Viktor Kozlov is a good NHL first liner.
by David M. Getz on Sep 22, 2009 3:48 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
It’s given that all this changes when Fehr comes back, of course, then Flash.
from the house that Red Jesus built
Ah, well I can buy Bradley on the third line as a temporary arraignment.
by David M. Getz on Sep 22, 2009 3:51 PM EDT up reply actions
And, some of this changes if the Semin experiment at the 2RW continues as well:
8-19-22
21-9-28
56-39-17
83-15-10
53
I guess it remains to be seen if Bourque could handle that 3LW…I think he can.
from the house that Red Jesus built
I think 3LW is his ideal position, personally, but my ideal lineup also had Clark skating with B.Gordon and Bradley, and who knows if that’s gonna happen.
I dunno.. I’d hate to be the front office right now. They’re flush with potential forwards (oh noes) and only have so many roster spots to work with. Argh. The NHL doesn’t make it easy with that 23 limit, do they?
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I can’t see the 3rd or 4th line having enough production to get this team where it needs to get. I love Brads, but he’s a 4th liner.
by Sct112 on Sep 22, 2009 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
We don’t need much production from the 3rd line, and don’t need any from the 4th. Our top 6 and PP are going to carry this team into the playoffs or we are in trouble.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Sep 22, 2009 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions
I won’t sneeze at production wherever I can get it.
Here’s the lines I’m thinking happy thoughts about, and kick me if I left someone out:
8-19-22
21-9-28
56-39-17
53-15-10
92
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
Those aren’t bad but as DMG has pointed out it leaves us with no flexibility unless BB wants to dress Nyls if someone goes down. I could definitely see both Giroux and Borque staying on the big club to start the season and given a chance to show they can make it. Neither would dress everyday but it would be better than pre-season assessments.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Sep 23, 2009 9:58 AM EDT up reply actions
Am I the only one who gets the vibe that his organization is afraid of bringing “AHL” caliber guys up (on a long term or permanent basis) when they have clearly outplayed some of the “NHL” caliber regulars.
Aucoin comes to mind. Is it because of a fear of waivers?
Aucoin was a Black Ace on a Carolina team that was shallow on goal-scoring talent to begin with. When people question his ability to score when he’s not playing against AHL-level people, I’m right there.
That said, he’s the only one who put a goal up last night, and that had to count for something, right? Even if it was telegraphed to go wide, you miss one-hundred percent of the shots you don’t take, and he shot.
Is Beagle auditioning for fifth-line center?
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Yeah, the bummer with Beagle is he’s ready for the NHL, but there’s clearly no spot for him at center.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Sep 22, 2009 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions
I like Beags and I could definitely see him as a 4th line winger for now and maybe getting some time at center depending on injuries. Once he is on the team he can move up the depth chart by playing hard.
top 6: Ovi, Backstrom, Knuble, Flash, Semin, B-Mo
3rd line: Laichoin – Fehr
4th line: Gordon-Steckel-Beagle
I kind of like the idea of 5 centers on your bottom two lines. (Sorry MattBrad and Q)
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Sep 22, 2009 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions
3 centers on the 4th line, just in case two get thrown out? I don’t see the point of having them there just to have them there.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Sep 22, 2009 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions
I actually think Beagle may be a better player than MattBrad, and I love the idea of Laichoin – Fehr from a scoring perspective. I worry about the 3rd line’s defense though.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Sep 22, 2009 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions
I think if we’re relying on our third line for scoring, we’ve got real problems.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Sep 22, 2009 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions
If we’re getting consistent scoring from our third line, the league’s got real problems.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Sep 22, 2009 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Flash forward to last night, and being alone coming down on Lalime.
"Sometimes life leads a $100 bill on your dresser, and you don't realize until later that it's because it screwed you."
by Bald Pollack on Sep 22, 2009 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions
And Matt Bradley isn’t a 3rd liner.
"Sometimes life leads a $100 bill on your dresser, and you don't realize until later that it's because it screwed you."
by Bald Pollack on Sep 22, 2009 1:29 PM EDT up reply actions
But at the end of the day the key is goal differential and I see that being higher with Steckel on line three over Aucoin.
by David M. Getz on Sep 22, 2009 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Yup. No dispute there. This isn’t actually a good idea. Just fun to noodle about.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Sep 22, 2009 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Are we just benching Clark now? And I am still a fan of the Laich-Steckel-Bradley line from last year’s playoffs.
Given Flash and Fehr won’t dress right away I like the following…
Ovi-Nicky-Knubs
Sasha-BMo-Laich/Clark
Brads-Stecks-Clark/Laich
Beags-Gordo-Laing
Nope. Just forgetting him. You can put him in for Fehr on my goofy lines above.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Sep 22, 2009 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions
I think Clark looks sweet on the third line, especially if he’s finally healthy. That’s his best spot anyway. My only difference with your lines involves Fehr/Flash on the second line, and Laich-Steckel-Clark on the third.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Sep 22, 2009 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions
No doubt we’ll see some clash of the continents:
Ovi-Backs-Semin
Laich-BMo-Knuble
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Sep 22, 2009 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Bet you we see all of the above.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Sep 22, 2009 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions
I think Steckel has earned more than 4th line minutes. I like him as a 3C way more than Aucoin. That 3rd line is going to have to be able to hold their own defensively and I don’t think Aucoin is the guy to do that. If Aucoin plays in DC it’s on the wing.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Sep 22, 2009 4:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Backstrom, Nylander, Morrison(The good one), Gordon, Steckel, and Laich can all play center. Of those, two can play wing, and one is a non-factor. So, you have to convince people that Beagle is a better winger than Laing, Matt Bradley, Aucoin, Giroux, Bourque, and pretty much everyone else competing for a spot. I don’t see him doing that.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Sep 22, 2009 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions
I see him outworking everyone on that list excepting Brads and Laing, though. I also see him as a potentially more dangerous offensive threat than Laing, and he’s definitely been more productive than anyone else but Aucoin.
But if it’s a choice between Brads and Beagle, the Professor’s gonna get my vote each time.
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 22, 2009 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions
With Aucoin specifically it’s two factors. One is that his outplaying of the NHL regulars was only over a very short period of time. The other is that Aucoin’s most natural fit is on a scoring line and with Ovechkin, Backstrom, Morrisonn/Fedorov, Knuble/Kovloz, Semin, and Fleichamnn it’d be hard to see who you give him a sweater over.
On a bigger scale I think it’s just that it’s difficult for one guy to pass another because there are only so many sweaters to go around on a given night, although waivers can certainly play a role.
by David M. Getz on Sep 22, 2009 11:49 AM EDT up reply actions
Aucoin always seems like he’s running at 110%, and I think that’s my fascination with him. IIRC it felt like he was the only one ‘giving a damn’ on the ice late last season in a few of the games he played.
You’re absolutely right about where he fits on the team though, and I wasn’t really considering that. That being said, if Morrison goes down for the season, I have a feeling we’d be seeing quite a bit of Mr. Aucoin.
I wouldn’t mind seeing a third line of Laichoin-Clark.
Steckel would be the best 4th line center in the league…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Sep 22, 2009 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions
And our third line would win no face-offs. If I recall correctly, Aucoin’s faceoff percentage is dismal.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Sep 22, 2009 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Laich takes the faceoffs. Aucoin’s the playmaker. Put the two together and you have one good center and one good wing.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Sep 22, 2009 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions
The haters only hate the idea of him playing there in a role in which he’s the line’s playmaker. No one hates his faceoff ability.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
if you’re going to move Steckel to 4th line C (where I think he belongs), I’d rather give the chance to Perrault than Aucoin. I think I’ve seen enough of Aucoin to know he’s always going to be a tweener.
by next american idol on Sep 22, 2009 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Why do you think Steckel belongs on the 4th line, as opposed to the third?
by Knee high to a duck on Sep 22, 2009 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions
I thought I was the biggest Perreault fan here, and I don’t even think he’s ready to play C in the NHL yet.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Sep 22, 2009 4:26 PM EDT up reply actions
And definitely not 3C.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Sep 22, 2009 4:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Is he ever going to be a C at the NHL level? He seems awfully small for that, unless he packs a lot of muscle onto that frame. Wing I would buy, especially if he keeps developing.
by Knee high to a duck on Sep 22, 2009 9:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Addendum: I think he’s got the skills to play C, but I don’t know if the physical package will ever get to the point where he can be effective. The trend seems to be larger guys, or guys who are very stocky, a la Crosby or Backstrom
by Knee high to a duck on Sep 22, 2009 9:25 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m with you on the size concern. I said I thought he would be a wing for a long time but the Caps keep playing him at C. As Finley showed, they aren’t shy about moving players around if they don’t think they are fit for the position they are playing/were drafted at. Perreault was good on face offs v. CHI (he won the draw that led to the GWG), he was tenacious on the forecheck along the boards, he didn’t get pushed around, and he made either Campbell or Keith (both exceptional skaters and puck handlers) turn the puck over behind the net with his pressure. Granted, it all comes with the “but it’s only pre-season” caveat, but considering he held his own against an NHL lineup I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt on this one. He’ll obviously have to put some weight on but I don’t see why he can’t pan out to be a Briere-type C/W/PP specialist without the D-bag factor.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Sep 22, 2009 11:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, that’s my only concern. I love when he’s taking draws on PKs, but I’m worried about the logistics. It sounds way too simple, but if it was that simple, you’d probably see more of it in the NHL. Because right now, I can’t name one winger who is consistently the center on the dot.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Sep 22, 2009 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Someone did it 2 or 3 years ago, but I can’t remember the details. Might have been in St. Louis?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Sep 22, 2009 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Tkachuk?
Zetterberg takes a ton of draws and plays LW.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Either way, one of Datsyuk/Zetterberg takes the draw and one plays LW. I think Zetterberg has sorta become a C now, Datsyuk the wing.
by red army line on Sep 22, 2009 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions
And their drummer rules. Like Neal Peart with Tommy Lee’s schlong.
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by J.P. on Sep 22, 2009 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
that’s the most disturbing mental picture of Mike Babcock EVER.
by RedBirdie on Sep 22, 2009 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Mike Babwhat?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Sep 22, 2009 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
n
Last year, Zetterberg took nearly 1200 draws, and Datsyuk about 100 less. Datsyuk had the higher winning percentage.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Sep 22, 2009 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Point being, a wing who took a crapload of draws.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I get it. I just think it’s crazy rare. Also, didn’t they play on different PK units?
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Sep 22, 2009 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Last year it was on different lines altogether. Datsyuk-Hossa-Holmstrom and Zetterberg-Franzer-Hudler IIRC.
by red army line on Sep 22, 2009 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions
I think that is right when Hank played W, but most of the time Hank played 2C and Franzen played 3C. When Franzen moved up Hank moved to 2W.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Sep 22, 2009 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions
No, they were on separate lines last year. That’s why they both had so much. Both played C for most of the year, Hank moved to Wing on occasion but when he was in the C roll he was C, on W he was W. He wasn’t playing part-C and part-W in the same shift.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Sep 22, 2009 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Last year they played on separate lines. And they don’t switch positions mid-shift.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Sep 22, 2009 4:27 PM EDT up reply actions
But Aucoin’s the playmaking center on offense at least. It’s unconventional, but it makes the most out of their skillsets.
Basically, Laich is always the C on the dot. Laich is the C on the Caps’ side of the red line, and and Aucoin is the C on the opposition side.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Sep 22, 2009 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions
It doesn’t work that way, right off the face off defensive responsibilities kick in, especially in your own end. The guy that takes the draw is the C, the guy that doesn’t is the W. You can’t really have them playing different positions based on where they are on the ice.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Sep 22, 2009 4:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Steckel is already pretty high on the 3C list. I don’t see the need to have a stud 4C, with all of 5 ES minutes and some PK time.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Sep 22, 2009 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions
great shot by tictac
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
For anyone that listens to Type O-Negative… that picture looks JUST like Pete Steele in a Caps sweater. Sorry for the continuous OT from my account, those responsible will be “sacked”.
"I am... *grins* ... 'Nobody' "
- Odysseus
by war_capitals on Sep 22, 2009 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions
a trade was only ever going to happen if one of the other guys forced it. the trade wasn’t going to come unless they already decided to put someone else on the roster.
I disagree. I think a trade was only ever going to happen if they could make it happen. I’m sure GMGM would love to move Mo and be able to carry Alzner on the NHL roster.
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Sort of related: It kills me whenever this team defends (no pun intended) its defense with the “depth” claim – if anything it’s a logjam of mediocrity.
I think that’s a tad harsh, but there’s no question that the bulk of the depth is in 4-7 Ds and not top-3 guys… at the moment.
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Right, but how many teams have a glut of top-3 D? Not many. Depth is a good thing. We know someone is going to get hurt. I’d rather a guy that we know is NHL-capable be the fill-in than a guy that is a bit over his head.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Sep 22, 2009 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree, but a lot of the depth (excepting Green, Poti, Schultz and the two kids) is very replaceable. It’s nice that the Caps have it, but if they didn’t, they’d be able to go and get it without much difficulty.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Right, but they’d still have to give up something to get it. Either they trade something to bring a guy in or they (over)pay money to a UFA. Obviously they could trade a couple 4-7 guys now and use that return to trade out for more 4-7 guys when the injuries hit, but that seems like a lot more work than it’s worth. The guys we have now know the system and each other. I’d rather just let the season start and see how things shake out before we start making significant roster changes.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Sep 22, 2009 4:55 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t know about overpaying. Bouillon just signed with Nashville for less than Mo makes and is a comparable player. Emmy signed in Anaheim, and so on. That’s what makes trading these guys so hard – other teams can just write a check rather than parting with an asset to fill that need.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Good points. I didn’t really look at who is left and what the late FA signings were. I just have a basic presumption that you overpay on the FA market. Though I did put the over in parentheses to hedge it a little bit.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Sep 22, 2009 6:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Exactly. That’s who came to my mind as well and we’ve named all of 1 team (that has zero scoring depth up front, get ready for a ton of 2-1 barn burners).
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Sep 22, 2009 11:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Don’t they call that place the barn, or the red barn, or some such? And they have the scoreboard with the flamethrowers? I mean, that’s kind of an appropriate term for them.
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Way to tie it all together.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Sep 23, 2009 12:43 AM EDT up reply actions
But not many teams have eight or nine guys they’d be comfortable playing on their NHL blue line on a regular basis – the Caps have depth at the position.
by David M. Getz on Sep 22, 2009 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions
As JP noted above, most of the depth is 4-7 D’s. I feel the Caps are comfortable playing them because it’s all they have. There’s a huge drop-off in talent after Green (ignoring Alzner/Carlson etc) that sort of leaves a bad taste in your (my) mouth.
There’s no doubt in my mind that this defense will get better – it’s just a matter of time, but right now it feels as if there’s a clog that needs fixed.
I disagree. Poti and Schultz are legit top-4 guys, and Pothier/Mo/Juice/Erskine are all perfectly serviceable NHL defensemen.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I agree. In fact, I think the Caps can go two or three guys deep in Hershey before they get to someone who’s a liability on the blue line.
by David M. Getz on Sep 22, 2009 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions
I think that there is a huge drop off between Green and everyone else, but that is more a credit to Green than a knock on everyone else.
Whats missing from this team is a legit #2, Schultz/Poti/Mo are all 3-4-5 guys, Juice and Erskine are 5-6 guys.
If Schultz really is keeping the weight on…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Sep 22, 2009 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions
He’s going to be even slower this year, but the weight may protect his ribs (CIed).
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Sep 22, 2009 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Were you at the game last night? Just curious, because to me Schultz stood out in a good way.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
(CIed).
Meant in jest~
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Sep 22, 2009 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Still don’t get it? Hunh. Okay, intent taken :)
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
You guys and your semantics. Jeff Schultz suuuuuuuuucks,
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Sep 22, 2009 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Hahahaha, cled. I’ll use ci’d or Ci’d from now on, sirs.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Sep 22, 2009 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Double True!
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Sep 22, 2009 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions
I think it did, I just don’t know it’s connotation yet.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Sep 22, 2009 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Cled (adjective):
A modifier used to distinguish the ironic nature of a statement with one or more of the following characteristics:
1) Making baseless assertions devoid of fact
2) Resurrecting old disagreements long since forgotten
3) Making ad hominem attacks on one’s credibility rather than refuting a claim
4) Harping on insignificant details rather than seeking new, refreshing commentary
Ex: "Jeff Schultz sucks," WM asserted, to which gotsparky replied "Surely you can’t be serious?" "Cled," responded WM, "I was merely kidding… and don’t call me Shirley"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Sep 22, 2009 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions 12 recs
Very true. I guess if I were to modify that definition, I would add “pertaining to Capitals hockey” or something to that effect.
by Laich It Or Lump It on Sep 22, 2009 1:43 PM EDT up reply actions
If anyone wants to see some real-life Cled:
http://dcprosportsreport.com/2009/09/red-alert-caps-lose-2-1-schultz-not-a-roster-lock.html
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Sep 22, 2009 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions
If only as an excuse to use this:
"Sometimes life leads a $100 bill on your dresser, and you don't realize until later that it's because it screwed you."
by Bald Pollack on Sep 22, 2009 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions
I disagree – I think Sloan makes the team to make it 8.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Sep 22, 2009 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions
But if the team carries eight defensemen they can only carry 13 forwards, which means they have no one to rotate in and out unless they plan on using Nylander (which they don’t see to). Plus I think they’re wary of that given the Eminger situation from a couple years ago.
by David M. Getz on Sep 22, 2009 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions
I would carry 8 – Erskine needs games off at times, and we want to move Mo. I dunno, I have a feeling Sloan makes it.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Sep 22, 2009 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions
What’s Sloan’s waiver status this season? Can he go up and down with ease?
I don’t see a reason to carry an 8th when Alzner and Carlson can and will be going up and down (assuming they both start in Hershey).
What’s Sloan’s waiver status this season? Can he go up and down with ease?
No. Has to clear.
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That’s another reason, in my eyes.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Sep 22, 2009 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions
That was before he played playoffs – and I’m not sure he had to clear last year (help me here)? Last season was his NHL debut.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
But every team in the League had a chance to sign him this off-season and didn’t.
And he did have to clear last year, too, based on his age.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Best time to pass someone through waivers is just before the season starts. Everyone’s got the same problems then.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Sep 22, 2009 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m not sure that necessarily means nobody wanted him, JP. I swear I can’t find the link anymore but I know he said he had other offers and chose to come back to the Caps because they gave him a shot.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
I don’t recall seeing “other offers” (not that I doubt you), but why would a guy his age pass up NHL opportunities to re-sign with a team that had 7-9 NHL defensemen ahead of him? Loyalty only goes so far…
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I’ll keep trying to find that link.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
I think the Caps guaranteed him a one-way deal and the “better” offers were two-way. So he had the potential for more money, and the potential for less.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Sep 22, 2009 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions
I think it’s worth throwing out there that the waiver wire is pretty full at the season’s outset so even if a team has interest in Sloan they may have more interest in another guy they can grab and add him instead.
by David M. Getz on Sep 22, 2009 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Sure. I’m not saying it doesn’t make sense to send him down, rather than carry 8 Dmen, just that the possibility of him getting taken isn’t zero. :)
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
Of course, the bigger issue is that we let Staffan Kronwall get away.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Sep 22, 2009 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Comment first, think second, read third.
by zephyr on Sep 22, 2009 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I wouldn’t count out Sugar for an opening night roster spot (for one game only). Still looking to play in the NHL for one game before his father dies of terminal cancer, physical opponent in Boston, McPhee probably has a soft spot for enforcers, Caps like feel good stories, etc. I wouldn’t mind seeing him pummel Lucic and head back to Hershey.
by next american idol on Sep 22, 2009 12:04 PM EDT reply actions
Sugden’s contract is with Hershey, not the Caps, and given that they’re at 49 of the 50 they can carry, I don’t see him getting one.
by David M. Getz on Sep 22, 2009 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions
that’s too bad. I was rooting for the guy. I guess they dont’ have 10-day contracts like the NBA, huh?
by next american idol on Sep 22, 2009 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Lucic would feed him his lunch. Fighting isn’t all about being tough. If you can’t skate with an NHL player you can’t fight him.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Sep 22, 2009 4:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Case in point: Komisarek got into a scrap with Jordan Staal, who is quite a big boy and can look out for himself. Komisarek apparently pummeled him so thoroughly that he was holding Staal up by the jersey to prevent him from going down so that he could get a few more hits in.
Lucic has beaten the crap out of Komisarek, twice.
by Knee high to a duck on Sep 23, 2009 7:34 AM EDT up reply actions
Okay, last time I listen to a Leafs fan, heh.
Although, the play was pretty cool. Komisarek decked Cooke in a corner, Staal came over to check Komisarek and Komisarek then deposited Staal on top of Cooke. Then he started throwing with Staal before they both fell over a few punches later.
by Knee high to a duck on Sep 23, 2009 7:49 AM EDT up reply actions
And why Semin beat the crap out of Marc Staal
by next american idol on Sep 23, 2009 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Nylander
I know he’s not a question mark to making the team given his NMC, but this situation has got to get resolved. When Boudreau can’t even give a straight answer as whether he’ll even play a preseason game, you know there’s something really bad going on. Like most, I want him moved but now I’m starting to feel that they’re purposely humiliating the guy in the hopes he’ll leave. I just don’t like the way this is being handled.
It’s a tough spot, to be sure, but I don’t think anyone is purposely humiliating him. In the Caps’ collective dream world, they trade him. So why risk him getting hurt and jeopardizing the (admittedly small) chance to do so?
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I’d like for them to at least give him a game or two to prove if he can play or not.
Comment first, think second, read third.
Watching him in the pre-season scrimmages he didn’t seem any different then last year… still Circles…
He has always gone in circles. That’s not going to change. The difference this past season is he was doing 360s all over the place while coughing the puck up or just not doing anything productive.
Spinning around is a great way to make time and space.
Comment first, think second, read third.
Not true. Escape curls are a great way to make time and space, but you need to do something with the puck once you’ve made that space. With the Caps he hasn’t done that, he just spins his tires, so to speak.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Sep 22, 2009 4:40 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m so off today. I thought you were being sarcastic.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Sep 23, 2009 12:18 AM EDT up reply actions
I think the past 15 years have proven he can.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I do, but I really don’t think Nylander has to prove anything right now – he’s a known commodity.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
The Nylander of 3 years ago is a known commodity. I’m hoping the 2009 version isn’t a known commodity — otherwise, there’s no prayer to trade him.
by next american idol on Sep 22, 2009 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Yup. That’s the situation.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Sep 22, 2009 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m not sure I believe that though. Its not like Giroux or Aucoin are really a great fit either. Beagle (or Bourque) okay, he’s young give him an extended tryout. But 2 guys that are career AHLers over a guy that has been a very productive player in the NHL for years (even if he is the square peg) seems illogical to me.
I think it does. Beagle, Bourque, A. Gordon, Perrault, Bouchard, all have been brought up in the Boudreau/Woods system since being brought to the NHL (and at least in the last few years in the A). Nylander is his own entity with his hockey, and Boudreau’s misplaying of him His own struggles<strike age His crazy wife a variety of reasons, Nylander and the Capitals have refused to click. As a Whalers guy, I love Nylander, but the way this is going down, it’s time to cut bait. And you’ll not find a bigger defender of Nylander than me.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Sep 22, 2009 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Backstrom and B-Mo are top 2 centers. Nylander is a top 2 center. there’s only room for 2 of them. It’s gotta be Backstrom and B-Mo. and Nyles is the odd man out.
They tried him on the 3rd line last year. That was a failure. (by the way, they also tried him on the top two lines, and that was a failure)
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Sep 22, 2009 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions
And you’ll not find a bigger defender of Nylander than me.
Where’s ChrisAm?
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Sep 22, 2009 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Square Peg Round Hole theory.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Sep 22, 2009 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Well I don’t think playing him decreases his chances of getting traded. If he sits nobody thinks he can play so they don’t take him; if he plays everyone sees he can’t play so they don’t take him. If he plays and gets hurt we are in the same position as if he doesn’t play (assuming it’s not an LTIR worthy injury), IMO.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Sep 22, 2009 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Like most, I want him moved but now I’m starting to feel that they’re purposely humiliating the guy in the hopes he’ll leave. I just don’t like the way this is being handled.
Does it rub you the wrong way that they won’t play him or that Boudreau won’t give a straight answer?
by David M. Getz on Sep 22, 2009 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Honestly, I think it’s both. The guy may be a flop as a UFA, but as a longtime veteran he deserves a chance to at least get out on the ice and practice his profession. I mean, it’s just preseason. If he shows something, then that only ups his possible trade value. If he gets hurt, well that kind of solves one problem (not that I in any way hoping for that). Sitting him in favor of guys who have no chance of making the team is just demeaning and in the long run can only hurt the lockerroom.
I agree with some of this, but I think a flip side is that by essentially segregating Nylander from the rest of the team, you limit any distraction.
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How long until we see a “Nylanders Only” entrance at the Phone Booth? He’ll get his own private hallway and elevator to a box upstairs.
Even his own drinking fountain.
Make him buy a ticket!
I find sometimes it's easy to be myself
sometimes I find it's better to be somebody else
Make him buy me season tickets.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Sep 22, 2009 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree with some of this, but I think a flip side is that by essentially segregating Nylander from the rest of the team, you limit any distraction
Yeah, except he practices with them every day. He dresses in the lockerroom with them. It’s not like he’s invisible. When they see the roster for the next game on the wall, they notice his name isn’t on it. It’s got be a little awkward. And let’s not forget, you’ve got a kid in Backstrom who’s apparently close to Nyls. How is it affecting him? I don’t mind him not being given a jersey in the regular season. It’s just that he’s almost become a non-person on the team because of his contract.
It’s just that he’s almost become a non-person on the team because of his contract.
I’d amend that to say that “It’s just that he’s almost become a non-person on the team because of his performance.”
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Would we be on his case so much if he only made 1.5M or if he could be waived/traded? His performance certainly plays into it, but his contract is hurting his team more
I don’t disagree that his contract hurts “more,” but if his performance was that of a 2nd line center, he’d just be a slightly overpaid guy who’s helping the team.
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I have that feeling like there’s FAR more going on begind closed doors than we know—or will know for that matter.
I’m not sure it will. Eminger’s never really got more interesting, and Kolzig’s departure really went immediately from huge story to nothing.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
I suspect there’s actually less going on than we think. Seems like a lot of nobody dealing with it right now to me.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Sep 22, 2009 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions
I really don’t have an opinion on if there are huge things going on behind closed doors or not. I just know that in general when a stink goes down in hockey almost all parties keep very closed mouth.
Comment first, think second, read third.
See also, Dany Heatley.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Sep 22, 2009 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions
The fact that Nyls hasn’t brought his family to the DC area(citing housing issues) should make it clear that he doesn’t believe he’ll be staying there long, no?
I find sometimes it's easy to be myself
sometimes I find it's better to be somebody else
Or maybe he’s just tired of living in a house with an assertive mother and a plethora of children. Maybe Nylander is this winter’s Jon.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
Six, if I remember correctly.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
And he’s not done yet, if you ask him!
by Scott in Shaw on Sep 22, 2009 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions
I think that Backstrom is closer to AO than Nyls. I honestly can’t see the Nyls situation having any negative impact on Backstrom’s play.
I also disagree with your assessment of the locker room impact. You don’t think every guy on that team realizes he hasn’t produced for the Caps? You want BB to continue to play him just because he makes more money and has been around longer? That is what poisons a locker room. I played on a team with a guy who was terrible, but his dad was high up in the regional USA hockey brass. We all knew he wasn’t as good but he got ice time. If BB dresses Nyls because he’s a veteran that “deserves” a shot instead of a guy like Borque that has toiled in the organization for years, that is more likely to piss off the younger players on the team (most of whom went through HER themselves).
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Sep 22, 2009 4:49 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I thought I was pretty clear that I was perfectly cool, in fact in favor of not giving Nyls a jersey in the regular season. However, holding him out of meaningless preseason games seems like a punishment of sorts and a bit mean. That was the point I was trying to make. I NEVER advocated that Nyls deserved a spot over a younger, better player. In fact, it would make my year if he found a spot in Russia. As for Nyls and Backstrom, of course Nik is closer to AO, but he and Nyls are countrymen and Nyls took him under his wing when he arrived in the states. I’m sure there’s some loyalty to the guy on Niks part. Then again, what do I know.
These games aren’t meaningless to any of the Hershey kids. Makes sense to me BB values looking at them more than giving Nyls courtesy minutes.
I just don’t see what the point of BB playing him is if BB has his mind made up. Why give him a token pre-season game? If BB wants to see what Nyls can bring or if his game has gotten better, then that’s one thing; but it appears that BB has no such thought. Once he’s written the guy off he may as well use every pre-season roster spot wisely. There are guys that need rust knocked off and guys that need to make a statement.
I’m sure Backstrom feels some connection to Nyls the way AO felt a connection to Zubrus and then Fedorov (although Fedorov has the hero worship that neither of the other can claim). I simply can’t believe that Backstrom’s connection with Nyls is strong enough to make it a locker room issue. The coach and the player don’t get along, I’d put money down that every guy in that room has seen that situation before and can handle it.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Sep 22, 2009 8:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Just speculation, but I think ice time is the only bargaining chip the caps have in getting Nylander to flex on his NMC. Its possible there have been/still are trade options that Nylander has nixed.
His play and lack of fit put him in a situation where he needs to be traded, but my guess is its off ice politics that’s keeping him out of preseason games.
I hope/assume the organization has carefully considered their approach with Nylander although on a human level, I feel bad for him. However, the last thing the Caps want is a Heatley-like distraction, not that it’s reached that level yet. All bets are off if it leaks that Nylander refused to waive his NMC, provided someone wants him of course.
Is there anything in the CBA that speaks to this issue, i.e. can the Caps scratch him for every game if they choose to?
as a longtime veteran he deserves a chance to at least get out on the ice and practice his profession.
As far as I know he’s not relegated to the press box for practices. He’s still allowed to practice his profession, just not when it can cost the team in the standings. Why not sign Chelios if longtime veterans “deserve” a chance. Sports is one of the ultimate meritocracies, you earn your play. Nyls can’t earn playing time on this squad, and won’t let them move him. He gets to skate a few times a week and collect a huge paycheck. Call me jealous.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Sep 22, 2009 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions
A half-dozen more cuts. Discuss ’em here.
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Washington
|
82 | 54 | 15 | 13 | 121 |
|
Atlanta
|
82 | 35 | 34 | 13 | 83 |
|
Carolina
|
82 | 35 | 37 | 10 | 80 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
82 | 34 | 36 | 12 | 80 |
|
Florida
|
82 | 32 | 37 | 13 | 77 |
(updated 4.12.2010 at 9:21 AM EDT)
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