Making the Capitals, September 24 Edition
by Stephen Pepper on Sep 24, 2009 11:00 AM EDT
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PrintIt all comes down to a home-and-home versus the New Yawk Rain-juhz to settle the opening night roster. Who will have their names emblazoned on those precious few dressing room stalls that are yet unclaimed? Here's a look at the remaining battles, and how each player is trending (to be updated as warranted):
| Goalies | Trend | Notes |
| Semyon Varlamov | ▲ | Acquitted himself well last night in DC, particularly in the second-half of the third. Coach said post-game, "I gotta believe he's got a good chance of being here [on October 1]." We do too. |
| Michal Neuvirth | - | Your final move, Neuvy. Or it is already "Czechmate," Varly? |
| Defensemen | ||
| Karl Alzner | - | No waiver worries may mean some more time in Hershey to better incorporate that new-found "aggressiveness" into his game. |
| Tyler Sloan | ▲ | Twenty three shifts of goodness, as good as any of the six D on the ice, a late second frame strike, and four more blocked shots last night. |
| Sean Collins | - | Sloan's gain is perhaps Collins' loss. For now. |
| Forwards | ||
| Keith Aucoin |
▼ | Anything you can do, Mathieu Perreault can do, well, just as well. And with more upside. |
| Jay Beagle | - | It's abundantly clear now which bubble players at center can win draws at the NHL level and which struggle at the dot. Good thing for him that Beagle's in the former category. |
| Chris Bourque | ▼ | Still day-to-day. When do we start "call[ing] it a concussion?" |
| Alexandre Giroux | - | Perhaps at least one more game to redeem himself from Monday. No room for further ringing-it-off-the-iron error. |
| Quintin Laing | ▲ | A couple of blocks, a couple of shots, a lot of energy. Looked real comfortable with Captain Clark and B. Gordon. Solid again on the PK. Gabby: "He's giving it a good chance to make the team." |
| Andrew Gordon |
▼ | Four preseason games, four sweaters. But don't read anything into that, says Coach. And precious few shifts or marks on the score sheet to make it all that interesting. Update: Gordon has been cut. |
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What does he do outside of shot-block that’s better than anyone else?
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 24, 2009 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions
Or, rather, I understand what Laing brings and why he’d be valuable. What I don’t understand is why hotdog88gt thinks Laing “needs” to be on the team.
I would guess it was more of hyperbole on his part using the word ‘needs’ as opposed to the exact literal definition of the word ‘needs’. As in “I need to get Winter Classic tickets.” But obviously that is just a guess on my part.
by DarkHorseCards on Sep 24, 2009 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think Laing should be on the team for 82 games + playoffs. But if at any time there are work ethic and effort issues, bring him on board.
by red army line on Sep 24, 2009 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Maybe they should canonize him too.
That said, I think he makes the team because, in part, he helps an area in which the team struggles, namely the PK.
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Hopefully, he isn’t martyred too soon.
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 24, 2009 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t know enough about the rest of the Bears to judge their PK ability but Beagle, Wilson seem to have the tools. I’m guessing if you tell those guys they need to block more shots to be in the NHL they’ll go face first.
by next american idol on Sep 24, 2009 11:37 AM EDT up reply actions
Or it is already “Czechmate,” Varly?
I’m thinking that’s the case.
"Sometimes life leads a $100 bill on your dresser, and you don't realize until later that it's because it screwed you."
I was honestly thinking from the beginning that the position was Varlamov’s to lose. He hasn’t lost it; ergo, Neuvirth starts the year in Hershey and if either Varlamov or Theodore goes down or struggles, we’ll see him again. No worries, he’s barely old enough to drink, let him be the number one man in Hershey.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
Your final move, Neuvy. Or it is already “Czechmate,” Varly?
Neuvirth resigns
or
Varly W+ mate?
by red army line on Sep 24, 2009 3:41 PM EDT up reply actions
As a related aside, I kind of liked Wilson yesterday, hope he continues to do well tonight/Sunday.
"Sometimes life leads a $100 bill on your dresser, and you don't realize until later that it's because it screwed you."
Dude’s quick, smart and forechecks well. Good combination.
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I do like the EA Sports version of Wilson. Always a handy call-up when someone gets hurt.
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 24, 2009 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions
Wilson really mixed it up a lot last night, I was impressed. Maybe not making the cut impressed, but impressed.
by DarkHorseCards on Sep 24, 2009 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t expect him to break camp with the club, but I think what he does in the A to advance his game this year is going to shape how long a look he gets next year, especially with Aucoin being a UFA.
"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 24, 2009 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions
Do you see anyone else in the league picking him up on a NHL 2C contract, though? Even teams like ATL and PHX have better options.
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 24, 2009 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions
Oh God no, I’d suspect his role would be somewhere in the bottom 6 forwards. Organizationally, they are going to be a little thinner at center on ready to step in players, but that’s another discussion for another time.
"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 24, 2009 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions
Clark’s really impressing me in the preseason. He’s around the net, gritty… Putting up points and getting in netminder’s way to let a certain 89 get a point. Part of me feels like the 4th line would be a bad place for him. Maybe when 14/16 come back, sure, but for right now…I’d love to see our two three lines each with a down-low hammer. Bring back the 10/39/21 from the playoffs, and use the 4th line for the call-ups/Nyls.
Based on total ice time perhaps, but otherwise the 4th line is really no place for Nyls based on the game he plays.
by PaintDrinkingPete on Sep 24, 2009 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions
Fourteen of seventeen draws won falls into the good category for me, yup. :)
Plus, he wasn’t content to sit back and wait for other people – if he had the puck and a clear lane, up the ice he went, and not in a leisurely fashion.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
And just like that, Andrew Gordon’s red arrow turns into a black “x”:
Andrew Gordon is heading back to Hershey. – @hersheybears
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They expect more. I haven’t heard anything, but it’d surprise me if they made a cut of just one player.
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Corey says Osala has been cut.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I wasn’t impressed with Osala last night. I thought his forecheck was a little weak as well as his stick handling… I was rooting for him too, its too bad.
by DarkHorseCards on Sep 24, 2009 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions
the Double O lobby takes a tough one today, but we’ll be back. Oh yes, we will be back.
from the house that Red Jesus built
by bigonetimer on Sep 24, 2009 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m still very optimistic on Osala – even if he’s not ready for the NHL club just yet, I’m confident he will be with time.
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
I’m already on record that he gets back to the big club by the end of next month (in fact, I got a six of my favorite brew on it—hey I like to share!) … I continue to have a hunch about this kid, too. He can skate for a big fella and he can shoot, and he’s physical (3 hits credited last night).
the 2L, down the road, is not out of his reach.
from the house that Red Jesus built
by bigonetimer on Sep 24, 2009 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Wow, now that’s a bold prediction. I like Osala and what he brings, but I personally don’t see him here except in a really unfortunate injury scenario. I think he might be bottom-6 NHL ready next year, with a hopeful upward trend.
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 24, 2009 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Not surprised, ‘cause he was a dark horse to make the roster anyway with Bourque ahead of him. But the Caps obviously still like the guy with four preseason starts, and my impression is that he made a good impression on them in a good, long look. He’s still on a normal developmental curve of a third-line checking winger with offense.
I’d like to see Aucoin pull through. The guy works harder than most of the guys out there. The question is whether his hard work is good enough for the nhl. He looked good at the end of last season, and was really noticeable on the ice because of his constant digging for the puck.
But was he noticeable because he was good or because everyone else was bad?
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 24, 2009 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions
Just based off of last season and this year’s training camp, I’ve seen speed, grit, and a noticeable presence on the ice. I’ve only seen one preseason game this year, so I can’t really judge on that. Wouldn’t it be nice if Center Ice aired preseason….
If you’re commenting on our horrible regular season finish last year, I see your point. But, he did seem able to hang with the best of them.
I appreciate his work ethic but I think Aucoin is a pretty known commodity at the nhl level. Give one of the younger guys a shot in reg season. Can always bring Aucoin back up.
by next american idol on Sep 24, 2009 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions
The main problem with Aucoin is that he’s not Marty St. Louis – he’s not so good you can’t ignore him. He’s decent, but his size and sometimes-defensive-lapses make him expendable. There’s almost always a better option, unfortunately for him.
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 24, 2009 11:37 AM EDT up reply actions
How many games did he get last year with the Caps?
by DarkHorseCards on Sep 24, 2009 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions
A dozen. Here are his career NHL numbers.
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just a handful. played more for carolina a few years ago. i think he’s a great injury call up in the long days of winter when the team needs a spark. not an 82 game guy.
by next american idol on Sep 24, 2009 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions
ONE WEEK FROM TODAY....
any body know of any decent bars that DONT have direcTV to watch the game thursday???
Tyler Sloan is looking sharp…looked good last postseason and here again…hope he sticks. Alzner…back to Hershey, buddy.
I’d check out Buffalo Wings and Beer, but, now that i think about it, they may very well be DirecTV.
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 24, 2009 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions
I’d be happy to see him stick too. Just can’t see it (or Alzner).
by next american idol on Sep 24, 2009 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions
Tyler Sloan just might stick, depending on whether a trade of some kind happens or not.
Alzner needs to spend another year in Hershey, agreed. No worries – he’s just turning 21 (happy birthday, Karl!) Absolutely no heartbreak if he needs to spend another year in Hershey.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
Alzner needs some more time in HER, but I highly doubt he needs a full season. I think he’s on the Caps by the Olympics.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
Were you making a dirty reference there, F&B?
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 24, 2009 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions
No. I’m not even sure which one you see in there?
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
You might want to rethink your abbreviations…
by Scott in Shaw on Sep 24, 2009 5:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Almost all “sports” bars are going to have DirecTV because the NFL Sunday Ticket monopoly. It has been noted that ESPN Zone in the district will have the game, and I guess the Caps have a sponsorship with Hard TImes Cafe and have a viewing party at the Springfield location (?—I think I read that on a fanshot here…?), so other Hard Times might be a place to check if you’re not near the Springfield area.
Your best bet is to (obviously) call ahead first where ever you go.
by PaintDrinkingPete on Sep 24, 2009 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions
UPDATE
Yeah, here is the quote from the Ice Chips newsletter the Caps sent out on 9/22:
Kickoff the season
The Caps may start the regular season on the road in Boston on Oct. 1, but fans can catch all the excitement back in the District with a 7 p.m. viewing party at the Hard Times Cafe in Springfield, Va.
by PaintDrinkingPete on Sep 24, 2009 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions
Yup. I at least and it sounds like a few others will be at ESPNZone in downtown DC. That might be a better option if you’re coming from Maryland – Springfield is a really, really bad place to get to if you’re coming from Maryland in high rush hour.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
I don’t feel like Varly was tested much last night, but I’m interested to see Neuvirth on Sunday (if in fact, Theo is starting or Neuvy doesn’t get a period).
One more year in the AHL won’t kill Neuvy and with Theo likely gone after this season, something about a Varly Neuvy tandem sound good.
Capitals Kremlin the second line center of the Caps blogosphere.
by CapitalsKremlin on Sep 24, 2009 1:49 PM EDT reply actions
Varlamov wasn’t tested much but he was there when he had to be (the 3rd period PK, specifically).
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
Like I said, in the first I wanted to toss the poor lad a book.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
Little Women?
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by J.P. on Sep 24, 2009 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions 8 recs
You’ve done it again, Magoo, REC!
"I am... *grins* ... 'Nobody' "
- Odysseus
by war_capitals on Sep 24, 2009 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Florida
|
51 | 24 | 16 | 11 | 59 |
|
Washington
|
52 | 27 | 21 | 4 | 58 |
|
Winnipeg
|
54 | 24 | 24 | 6 | 54 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
51 | 23 | 23 | 5 | 51 |
|
Carolina
|
54 | 20 | 25 | 9 | 49 |
(updated 2.7.2012 at 3:17 AM EST)
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