Laing, Bourque, Sloan Make the Cut
"Quintin Laing, Chris Bourque and Tyler Sloan have all made the team and will be in Boston on Thursday night. All that is left roster-wise is whether or not Michael Nylander will still be with the team on Thursday." - via In The Room
over 2 years ago
David Getz
267 comments
0 recs |
Email
PrintComments
winterion helpful provided this virtual happy dance for us to do:
(>’.‘)> cha cha cha
cha cha cha <(’.’<)
I’m glad for all three of them. Hopefully they can make the cap math work.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
The cap won’t be a problem (otherwise, they wouldn’t be here), it was just a question of getting down to the roster limit.
Depends on whether you consider this a problem:
AUTO-GENERATED CAPGEEK.COM LINES
FORWARDS
Alexander Ovechkin ($9.538m) / Michael Nylander ($4.875m) / Alexander Semin ($4.600m)
Mike Knuble ($2.800m) / Chris Clark ($2.633m) / Nicklas Backstrom ($2.400m)
Brooks Laich ($2.067m) / Brendan Morrison ($1.500m) / Matt Bradley ($1.000m)
Eric Fehr ($0.772m) / Boyd Gordon ($0.761m) / Dave Steckel ($0.725m)
Tomas Fleischmann ($0.725m) / Chris Bourque ($0.578m) / Quintin Laing ($0.500m)
DEFENSEMEN
Mike Green ($5.250m) / Tom Poti ($3.500m)
Brian Pothier ($2.500m) / Shaone Morrisonn ($1.975m)
Milan Jurcina ($1.375m) / John Erskine ($1.250m)
Jeff Schultz ($0.715m) / Tyler Sloan ($0.640m)
GOALTENDERS
Jose Theodore ($4.500m) / Simeon Varlamov ($0.822m)
CAPGEEK.COM TOTALS
ROSTER: 25; PAYROLL: $58.367m; CAP ROOM: $0.083m BONUSES: $1.650m
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
The problem with that is that it’s a 25 man roster. Once Fehr and Fleischmann come back, the roster gets trimmed down and the team has a lot more space to work with.
Right, but even if you pop those out, you’re still into the bonus cushion. That roster is based on Fehr / Flash starting the year on IR.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
Won’t Flash start on LTIR, and does that change the numbers?
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
Flash at least has got to be on LTIR to start the season. No way he can be in hockey shape right now. And I wouldn’t be surprised to see them take it very slow with Fehr.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Sep 28, 2009 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions
IR, yes. Fehr won’t meet the 10 game / 24 day requirement for LTIR if he’s juset been cleared for contact. Boudreau thinks it’ll be two weeks. Flash might, though.
As for it affecting the numbers – IR only affects how many guys you can have on a roster. It still counts against the cap. With LTIR, you’re allowed to exceed the cap by the amount of that player’s salary. So, LTIR changes the cap picture, IR does not.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
Yup, winterion and I were both writing about LTIR. I would expect Flash to be out another month, and it wouldn’t shock me to see Fehr out another month too, despite what BB said. I hope they recover quickly, but both of them have had pretty serious medical problems.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Sep 28, 2009 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Right, but even if you pop those out, you’re still into the bonus cushion.
But only by ~$70,000, which is about $380 a day, so they’re not going to lose much next year.
But what it really comes down to, I would think, is that in all likelihood they’re not going to carry eight defensemen very long. Plus, you know, Nylander…
And where there’s smoke there’s fire, right?
Well, here’s hoping.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
Perhaps. For me it’s more that I can’t imagine Nylander being willing to sit out an entire season – 5.5M paycheck notwithstanding.
But it wouldn’t surprise me if it takes a surprisingly long amount of time to get sorted out.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Sep 28, 2009 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Also, according to Corey, Eric Fehr’s been cleared for contact.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
Another happy moment in my life as a hockey fan.
Last time I was this thrilled?
This.
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
I assume that picture is in honor of Chris Bourque making the club!! I bet his dad is thrilled. Of course, so is the rest of the family.
I actually became a Caps fan in 2004 when they drafted Chris Bourque. I was a big Ray Bourque fan, so I always rooted for the Bruins, then the Avs. When Ray won the Cup in that legendary seven-game series (still one of the best Cup contests of all time, IMHO) I was bouncing off the walls for weeks.
When Ray retired, I continued to watch hockey, but never really fell in as a fan of any particular club. When Chris became draft-eligible, I decided I’d root for the team smart enough to pick him up.
Wouldn’t you know it, the local team did! Talk about cool; my local team had the son of my all-time favorite player (plus some talented Russian kid I’d never heard of.) I’ve been a Caps fan since. (Though I do wish Ryan Bourque the best and hope he’s on his own NHL squad soon enough!)
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
Welcome to the Caps fandom. (Were you originally from Boston?)
I was a Caps fan, almost from the beginning. Went to lots of games at the Cap Center. Then, the kids came along and my game going slowed way down. I still had gone to some games but I got so wrapped up with kids’ activities that attending professional sports went way down on my list. I was thrilled when the Caps drafted a certain fellow named Alexander who’s the age of my elder child. (I must admit I’m partial to guys named Alexander who are born in September since I had a professional friend and mentor by that name who was born guess when.) So, I’m back and now a season ticket holder.
Were you originally from Boston?
Nope. The family’s from upstate NY, but I’ve lived in the DC area for quite some time.
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
Rockland County.. Ramapo, to be specific, the family house was in Monsey.
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
You call that upstate! You’re just a wannabe. Just because it’s outside NYC doesn’t make it upstate.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Rob Parker on Sep 28, 2009 4:34 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Roster = Work in Progress
As happy as I am for C-Bo, it’s only a matter of time until Fehr of Flash, or both, usurps his roster spot.
This is a strange ending for camp. Though many questions have been answered (Who will replace Flash/Fehr to start the season? Will Aucoin/Giroux finally stick? Will either Carlzner break camp with the team? Will C-Bo live up to his pedigree? Which of the two young goalies will rotate with Theo? What will the top-2 lines look like?), there are still a TON of unanswered questions, starting with the 195lb elephant in the room: Nyls.
Beyond that, the Caps still have an overabundance of defensemen (I thought for sure that one of: Morrisonn/Jurcina/Pothier would be moved before the end of camp), and after Sunday’s game, I’m more than a little worried about Varly. It seems that teams have noticed that Varly’s glove hand is a glaring weakness (not to mention his horrendous puck-handling). Donald’s goal yesterday was a perfect example. I think you’re going to see opponents playing dump and chase and going high-glove A LOT when Varly plays. How he handles that will go a long way toward determining how well he plays this year.
I also expected a defenseman to get moved, and it could happen still. Eight D means one gets happy-face time with the perishable-sell date extended 92 for three hours a night in what is now a doghouse.
[related: I loved this telling quote from BB yesterday re Nyls and preseason: “You guys watch him in practice and he’s the hardest worker we have out there. It’s not his conditioning.”]
Still, Sloan has earned some time. He’s got a good handle, is sound and still reminds me of a younger T. Poti, with better defense.
from the house that Red Jesus built
Problem with Sloan
… He’s not all that much younger than Poti at 28.
Anyhow, 8 defensemen won’t (ok, shouldn’t) stay that way for long. True, the team could experience a spate of injuries like they did last year, but they’ve still got Carlzner and Collins to call on.
Sloan being 28 isn’t a problem—that is prime for a defenseman; nor is his contract, and as you said below we got him for nothing. I trust him more than I trust Juice right now, and Poti is gone probably after next year (certainly not coming back to the Caps @3.5M).
from the house that Red Jesus built
Trust is a big thing. Sloan doesn’t seem to do any damage to his own team. He may not make many flashy plays or give incredible individual efforts, but I’ve never questioned which team he though he was playing for.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Rob Parker on Sep 28, 2009 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I should have been more clear
I meant the problem with Sloan being a “younger” Tom Poti. He’s not that much younger, and he’s probably near his developmental peak. There’s nothing wrong with Sloan, I just don’t think we have a prospect on our hands here. Also, as far as Poti leaving, Sloan’s contract is also up next year.
Also, I think Sloan’s “safe” play is somewhat a product of simplifying his game for the NHL. I watched him take plenty of chances in Hershey.
true, he’s no prospect, which is of some comfort frankly. And I agree with your assessment of Sloan playing a simpler game—he does make it look easy.
from the house that Red Jesus built
Background players like this are a blessing for the Caps. We’ll need plenty of pieces around here that DON’T make $9 million per season in order to round out the roster. If an NHL-caliber Dman can quietly help keep pucks away from our net, that’s a positive for the team (and for GMGM’s stash of ibuprofen, who has an unenviable task looming on his radar).
"I am... *grins* ... 'Nobody' "
- Odysseus
by war_capitals on Sep 28, 2009 5:29 PM EDT up reply actions
The entire quote
…also had this: “He’s 30 something years old, I didn’t think he need a lot of exhibition games to get ready.”
I’m not sure the puck handling in the goaltending situation gets much worse than Jose’s. Like the way he flips his stick around and controls it on his backhand. Yikes!
I respectfully disagree
One reason the Caps’ D got pinned in their own end so often against Pittsburgh during the playoffs was Varly’s complete and total unwillingness/inability to do anything with the puck other than occasionally go behind his net to stop a dump-around. Part of this could be chalked up to the moment of the occasion relative to his inexperience, but part of it was just that he’s a crappy puckhandler. Jose’s no Brodeur, but he’s light-years better than Varly. Hopefully, Arturs has him working on that and his glove…
I recall reading last spring that communication between D and 40 was strictly limited to “Stop it!” or “Leave it!”. You may have seen Varlamov’s newness to the team and language, rather than his incompetent stickhandling.
IIRC according to Varly, goalies in Russia don’t play the puck. It’s one of the things he had to get used to in NA hockey.
International Rink
It’s partly due to the width of the international-sized rink. It’s a long, long way from the crease to the corner.
Is there a trapezoid on the international rink? Would you even need one?
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
No, there is no stupid trapezoid. That was nowhere in hockey until the AHL invented it. The NHL and the ECHL adopted it later.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
I’ll admit, I don’t care for it visually. Looks weird back there.
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
I don’t care for it visually or practically. It’s dumb :-).
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 28, 2009 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions
The purpose is to make the game more forecheck-friendly, right? Is there a better way to do that than the trapezoid?
My (admittedly uninformed) perspective is that it looks like a rule implemented because a few goalies were too good at stifling offense all by themselves (I’m looking at you, Marty) and that was bad for the entertainment value of the game.
Call it the Brodeur-Box?
by Knee high to a duck on Sep 28, 2009 3:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, that’s exactly why they created the rule. I was always against it, personally; if the goaltender is a good enough stickhandler to be a 3rd Defenseman, then that team is extremely lucky to have him. I hate rules that limit a player’s effectiveness because they’re too good at something.
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 28, 2009 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t know, I can get behind the obstruction change even if it was put in place to stop players like Derian Hatcher from grabbing someone and hugging them until they lost the puck. He was very good at that and it wasn’t particularly good for the game.
by Knee high to a duck on Sep 28, 2009 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions
That’s not a skill I would consider a skill. Stickhandling is a hockey skill, hooking someone from behind is not a skill. Chasing a puck into the corner, and dumping it out is a skill, keeping someone pinned to the boards (depending on the situation) is not that kind of skill.
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 28, 2009 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions
The problem was that Goalies couldn’t be hit either. If they want to play like a third defenseman, then they should deal with all potential consequences. If you are going to protect them when they are acting like a normal skater, then their movements should be restricted
You can’t make it open season on the goalies or things would devolve into Lord of the Flies, but I do think incidental contact outside the crease should be allowed when the goalie is trying to play the puck.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
You know exactly what I mean D’ohboy. You’d be the guy going out there to destroy the opposing goalie the first time someone nailed your goalie behind the net. Maybe you like the idea because it gives you another avenue of hockey employment. The NHL has to protect goalies for a similar reason as the NFL has to protect QBs, and in both cases the leagues currently don’t do it right.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
Open season, no, but they shouldn’t be protected the way they currently are if they take that risk to go play the puck.
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 28, 2009 4:40 PM EDT up reply actions
It wasn’t just about the skill though. It was about the entire way the game was going. Teams like NJD were trapping the shit out of the game and slowing it down. They made it impossible to gain the zone with control so you had to dump, but Brodeur moved the puck so quick you couldn’t chase. Goalies making the outlet wrongly became associated with the trap and boring hockey. I’m principally opposed to implementing rules that restrict/punish a player for having an extra skill.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
Damnit
The devolution of the NHL was due to a number of factors, of which the trap and improved puckhandling by goalies were two. Expansion diluted the talent pool enough to offset the influx of european players who brought with them an increased emphasis on defense. There were many, many marginal players and franchises trying to keep up with the Detroits, Colorados and yes, Pittsburghs. They did this by trapping, clutching and grabbing. The near extinction of stand-up goalies by 2000 and their replacement by butterfly goalies also cut down on scoring to a great degree.
Given that the NHL didn’t want to contract and that the players union opposed more radical changes to goalie equipment, the only recourses left to improve the game were cutting down on the obstruction and restricting the goalie’s ability to play the puck.
Oops
The damnit comment was because the formatting of the comments section has gone all wonky on me and I’ve lost my right margin, not because of anything in the preceding comments.
Speaking of which, is this happening to anyone else?
The other idea I’ve heard bandied about is expanding the blueline, to some size larger than it currently is. That would make it tougher to force and offsides, as well as make it easier to gain the zone with speed, no?
by Knee high to a duck on Sep 28, 2009 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions
IIRC the Hockey News did a mock-up of this a while back.
Looked ok. Not sure how it would have worked in real life.
I agree. The gains would be marginal.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
As long as they promise never to have those giant blue “THANK YOU FANS” letters plastered up and down the two blue lines ever again. Man, that was hideous.
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
It was distracting, more than anything: I couldn’t see the damn puck sometimes because of that.
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 28, 2009 4:40 PM EDT up reply actions
We’ve rewarded your return to our idiotically-led sport by obscuring your view of the action. You’re welcome. LOL!
"I am... *grins* ... 'Nobody' "
- Odysseus
by war_capitals on Sep 28, 2009 5:32 PM EDT up reply actions
This is priceless. From Wiki:
Canadian punk band Propagandhi also satirized the glow puck in their song “A Speculative Fiction” on the album Potemkin City Limits. The song, which describes an imagined future war between the United States and Canada, cites the glow puck as a casus belli with the line “your stupid ****ing laser-pucks were just the start”.
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
Yeah I understand all that, and trust me I was just as upset with the boring hockey as you were but I think the NHL has to draw the line at “skill enhancing” rules versus “skill restricting” rules. Not letting the goalies play the puck is skill restricting and I think takes away from the quality of the game.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
Unless
You’re a forechecking forward. In which case, the inability to touch the goalie who was playing the puck in lieu of a defensemen restricted YOUR skill. ;)
Right, hence the incidental contact allowance I mention above. I don’t think a forechecking forward should have to pull up just because the goalie gets to the puck behind the net; then again I don’t think it makes the goalie open season to get boarded. There’s got to be a happy medium but with guys like Ryan Hollweg and Douche Bag Ruutuu (you know which one) it’s hard to let any contact against the goalies.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
Agreed
Which is why I think that the current rule has it about right – protect the keepers, but don’t let them use their special protection to short-circuit forechecking.
IMO – with the exception of the size of the goalies’ equipment and touch-up icing – I think the NHL has it pretty spot-on with the rules right now.
The crease rules area CF. Sometimes you can touch the goalie in the crease, but sometimes you can’t touch them out of the crease? Fuck that. Inside the crease contact with the goalie is a PIM. End of story. Outside the crease anything short of willful contact to interfere with a goalie is fair game. We’ll see how many goalies want to set up shop 2 feet out of the blue paint.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
Also, be careful what you wish for
The NHL instituted two of its most God-Awful rule changes with the aim of “increasing skill.” The first was the ridiculous expansion of the area behind the nets which actually decreased offense because it allowed enough space behind the nets for the defensemen to go back there and grapple with guys like Gretzky. Second, the temporary ban on “touch-up” offsides was instituted because certain GMs thought that NHL defensemen were just dump-in machines. As we all know, the rule led to a crapload of whistles and unnecessary stoppages of play and didn’t do one goddamn thing to “improve” the skills of NHL defensemen.
Actually, I’d say the worst added rule is the over-the-glass DoG.
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 28, 2009 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions
This one never bothered me
And it actually seems necessary if you want to punish teams for icing the puck by not letting them change lines. Why bother icing the puck if you could put it out over the glass with no consequences?
Well technically you could just treat it as an icing and not allow a change, but it’s too easy to just clear it over the glass if you are in trouble; much easier than even icing it. I’m not against this PIM, at least it’s objective so the refs can’t fuck it up too much.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
Just a side note: Varly’s DoG penalty in the Rangers game would have still been called even before the lockout/rule changes. The rule pre-lockout was that the DoG could only be assessed to a goalie that shot it over the glass. After the lockout, they changed the rule to include all players in their defensive zone.
I have as many wins in a Capitals uniform as Michael Belhumeur does.
Right, but those were just dumb rules that weren’t thought out well/studied at the AHL level. The general goal of enhancing skill is a good one.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
I'm not arguing with enhancing skill
I just think that there is a law of unintended consequences and that the NHL isn’t exactly being run by a bunch of geniuses who are capable of foreseeing said consequences.
Well that’s why I should get Bettman’s job. Obviously.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
I’m principally opposed to the game going back to the Devil’s model.
Using your feet to manipulate the puck is a skill, why shouldn’t you be allowed to score with “a distinct kicking motion”?
Marty is one of my favorite players because he was so skilled in different categores, but watching the games got to be mortally boring at times.
by Knee high to a duck on Sep 28, 2009 4:26 PM EDT up reply actions
This, of course, should read categories.
by Knee high to a duck on Sep 28, 2009 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions
You shouldn’t be able to score kicking the puck for the same reason you can’t score by batting the puck out of the air above the cross bar; it’s a safety issue. Skates are blades and you don’t want people kicking when there is a scramble around the net and at least one player (the goalie) likely to be lying on the ice. I think the rule should be related to whether the skate blade comes off the ice, not the specific motion. I think it’s more clear, which in itself is a benefit.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
Fair enough. I could definitely live with that rule revision.
by Knee high to a duck on Sep 28, 2009 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree with F&B, with the caveat that I think they severely need to redefine their “distinct kicking motion.” The current one is kind of ridiculous.
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 28, 2009 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions
In defense of the AHL
IIRC, the NHL “invented” it and mandated that the AHL use it for a year as an experiment.
Maybe it looks silly visually, but it accomplished what it was intended to. I don’t know how many folks on here are old enough to recall the way the game changed from the 80s → 90s → 2000s → post-lockout, but honest-to-GOD if I wanted to watch “Team 1: dump it in, and prepare to trap; Team 2: goalie grabs it, passes to defense man, dumps it in and prepares to trap” one more fucking time, I was going to cry. The trapezoid may look silly, but combined with calling the rules the way they’re written, it’s helped the NHL’s on-ice product immensely.
Now, if they could just shrink the goalies’ pads back to 10 inches wide, or better yet, 9".
by D'ohboy on Sep 28, 2009 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
+1 for “I don’t know how many folks on here are old enough to recall the way the game changed from the 80s → 90s → 2000s → post-lockout, but honest-to-GOD if I wanted to watch "Team 1: dump it in, and prepare to trap; Team 2: goalie grabs it, passes to defense man, dumps it in and prepares to trap" one more fucking time, I was going to cry.” I hate the trap.
I’ll believe it when I see it. MIN wasn’t exactly a dynamic offensive team.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
they also didn’t have much skill to work with, save for an oft-injured, occasionally disappearing marion gaborik.
Russian Machine Never Breaks
They had more skill than they get credit for. They have a goalie capable of making a big save, one of the best offensive D in the game, one of the best two way C in the game, Brian Rolston, and on occasion Gaborik. They didn’t have to play so deep in a shell.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
Schultzie
Wasn’t on the ice today at practice. Is he hurt or is something else happening? Anyone know?
Good question. Corey’s tweets suggest that Semin is “under the weather” and Clark “had the day off”. Dunno about Schultz.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
I wonder if Semin has the same “crap” I have. I was at the Caps convention and started getting a headache towards the end of it. I initially attributed it to the loud music and not eating right. On the ride home, I felt a little queasy and weak. I think I picked up some low grade virus. I’m not that sick but not really “right” either.
I’m a little disappointed that Alzner is not here. When he was drafted he was supposed to be the most ‘NHL-ready’ player. Now – he is still super young, and he does play defense…but it’s not exactly like we’re fielding 6 other Norris candidates to go with Green. I’m not buying into the theory that we are so deep on defense that he can’t crack the lineup. We’re pretty deep on guys who are marginal 4-7 D-men.
Russian Machine Never Breaks
We’re pretty deep on guys who are marginal 4-7 D-men.
But that’s probably where Alzner is right now, realistically. Then factor in that he doesn’t need to clear waivers and that he might benefit just as much from 27 minutes a night in Hershey as from 14 a night in Washington and I think it makes sense.
I agree that we have more 4-7’s than we need, but would you be willing to risk losing Sloan for nothing through waivers so Alzner can take that spot? I for one would not.
from the house that Red Jesus built
Meh
We got Sloan for nothing. It’s part of GMGM’s “sign a bunch of college FA’s and hope one of them turns into something valuable” strategy – although in the case of Sloan, he was an ECHL FA. His value comes from, well, his value: he’s cheap.
The other thing I think that Sloan brings (right now) that Alzner does not (right now) is a willingness to shoot the freakin’ puck. Alzner doesn’t contribute on offense yet – Sloan does.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
I know it’s a different season, but in 07-08:
Alzner: 31 shots in 30 games
Sloan: 8 shots in 26 games
Partly situational
When I saw Alzner play this preseason, he was paired with Green. When you’re Green’s D-partner, methinks you don’t get many chances to shoot. I wonder what ShaMo and Sarge think?
Plus, there’s more to offensive contribution by D-men than shooting. I think Alzner has excellent instincts on the breakout.
I don’t know, he just seems raw to me, like he’s not ready. One day, he absolutely will be a beast, no doubt about it. Just … not today.
Fortunately for us all, he doesn’t have to be.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
Let's remember
We’re talking about a kid who won the CHL Defensemen of the Year in 07-08 when he scored only 7/29/36 in 60 games for the Hitmen. What we can infer from that is that he was so unbelievably good defensively that the voters overlooked his relative lack of offensive prowess. I think we’ll probably have to do the same thing at the NHL-level.
I think my disappointment is actually more Alzner-based rather than team based. I find it hard to argue with the decision, especially given the waivers situation.
Russian Machine Never Breaks
We’re just about on schedule for Alzner to begin being regarded as a “disappointment” given how highly touted he has been. Kid turned 21 less than a week ago. He’s still ahead of schedule and still showing mountains of promise.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Sep 28, 2009 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions
So, by next year, we complain that he isn’t playing physically enough, watch in abject horror when Brandon Dubinsky burns him around the corner, then marvel the year after when he puts up spectacular GA/60 numbers?
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
Nicely done, for someone without an avatar.
"Hey friend, an avatar makes you more personable, friendly. Have I mentioned we serve cigars and flavored vodka?"
by Bald Pollack on Sep 28, 2009 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I can’t tell how far your tongue is in cheek, if at all – but yes, probably Alzner has been a victim of very, very high expectations. Then again, those are the expectations we were sold, when he was picked one slot ahead of Sam Gagner – who would look pretty damn decent right now in the RW&B.
Russian Machine Never Breaks
I’d rather have Alzner. Forwards develop faster.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Sep 28, 2009 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t know if I feel the same conviction as I once did and you still do. Not to mention Gagner is a center, which is a particularly big need for this organization.
Regardless I do expect Alzner to be a permanent NHLer by the beginning of next year, and pretty good as well.
Russian Machine Never Breaks
It’s easy to look at Bogo or Doughty and think, “Alzner should do that!”, but they’re different cases. They’re both much more physically developed than Karl and Doughty hit the same wall that Karl did last season. Bogo broke his leg and only played in 40 games and didn’t start off all that well, certainly not as well as he played at the end of the season.
Alzner is still ahead of schedule for NHL D-men normally are, even high draft picks. I think he’ll be fine.
by Knee high to a duck on Sep 28, 2009 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions
And neither of them had playoff quality D in front of them.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
Also true. Atlanta and LA weren’t exactly overflowing with talent on the blueline. We’re not overflowing with top 4 talent, but we’ve got a lot of legit NHL defensemen on our roster.
by Knee high to a duck on Sep 28, 2009 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Eric Brewer
There was a time when he was “the next big thing,” and then fell off the face of the earth. I’m much more worried about what Karl does between 25-28 than 20-23.
I think we’ll see Alzner for the playoffs unless he’s hurt. I have a feeling he’ll earn his permanent spot this season, it just may take him 6 more months to do it.
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 28, 2009 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions
I think “Pearless Progosticator” put the Alzner situation in perspective in one of their posts earlier this month.
http://peerlessprognosticator.blogspot.com/2009/09/2009-2010-previews-defensemen-karl.html
It boils down to the fact that he’s the only first round defenseman of his class who’s even played in the NHL. Plus, the other first round defensemen of his draft class have barely even gotten any AHL action.
Pear-less? I, for one, am also pear-less, but I truly wish I weren’t.
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 28, 2009 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Is it better to be a Pearless Prognosticator or a Peachless Prognosticator?
by Laich It Or Lump It on Sep 28, 2009 5:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Alzner is NHL ready and probably is on the opening night roster of at least 25 NHL teams right now. Just not the Caps.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
The Chris Bourque lobby is satisfied with the decision. Very, very satisfied.
"Only by great risks can great results be achieved." - Khashayar
As is the Boudreau/McPhee fan club. Bruce did exactly what he said he would — he allowed the roster to be determined by quality of play. Management didn’t really let salaries, politics, etc. determine things. These were the right decisions based on how the players performed.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Sep 28, 2009 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Also unlike the majority it seems of fans they realized that there was no sense in making trades and paring down roster in July/August. Injuries and illnesses are always going to happen.
I’d always rather be deep and let things transpire as they will at the beginning of a camp and season then try and dump players just to create cap space for that mythical player at the deadline.
Not sure Aucoin would agree with “the best man got the job” as I think he outplayed Bourque (and Bourque was hurt). But I agree these were the right decisions.
I think Bourque is the right fit. I have seen him play in Hershey and Washington. He is a go getter. Both he and Laing are guys that coaches love to have. They are the guys that no matter what lay everything on the line. They play every game like it is their last and that is what the Caps need to win a cup. We have the fancy dancy talent (AO, Semin, Backstrom, Green) we just lacked the energy, selfless guys (Clark, Knuble, C-Bo, Laing). Throw in Laich (arguably my favorite player right now) and B-Mo… I get… excited?
Caps 'n Bears
Yeah I just had to say it because ChrisAm isn’t around.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
I don’t know him outside here so your guess is as good as mine.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
You know, I think knowing Chris will be playing Thursday up in Boston is reason enough for me to finally break down and order that white 56 I’d been agonizing over.
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
I’m this close to making 56 my first personalized jersey purchase. Uh…he won’t be switching to something with a 7 in it, will he?
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Sep 28, 2009 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions
That’s the only thing keeping my trigger finger back right now. I think I’ll wait for Thursday to verify he’s wearing 56.
Still, the Bourque Lobby proudly encourages jersey consumption!
Clark is wearing his AHL number of 17. He wore 19 with BU, back when he helped them win the Beanpot (you don’t think Boston is going to cheer up a storm the first time he steps on the rink?) Admittedly, 56 is kind of out of his usual range, but I suspect he’ll be wearing it nonetheless.
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
Just remember it took Alzner, what, 10 games to change from 47 to 27? You might want to wait a while…
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 28, 2009 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Fair point, sips.
Maybe I should.. hmm.. just go to a practice and ask him personally? =)
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
We ALL should get to a practice, now whether any of us can is a different story. “Sips”… nice nickname, I second that one.
My guess is that he sticks with #27, but that’s just another internet dork’s opinion. Once my current contract’s up, I plan on practically LIVING at KCI on practice days. I’ll be the one with the stack of resumes in my hand. : p
"I am... *grins* ... 'Nobody' "
- Odysseus
by war_capitals on Sep 28, 2009 5:38 PM EDT up reply actions
We were talking about Bourque’s number staying at 56, which I don’t think any of us see realistically, especially if he ends up earning a real longterm stay with the team. I’d give it until after November to see if he changes, and then it’d be my personal opinion that it’s safe to buy a Bourque 56 jersey.
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 28, 2009 7:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Maybe, but at least you’ll be able to direct your potential future employers to a really kick ass charity website you put together…
by HateOffSeason on Sep 28, 2009 7:49 PM EDT up reply actions
We ALL should get to a practice,
I’m generally there on alternate Mondays — I have a compressed work schedule, and I like to go so I can skate when it’s less busy after watching practice. Of course, my next opportunity is going to be Columbus Day, when it might be a touch more crowded. But still.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Sep 28, 2009 8:34 PM EDT up reply actions
So, is it time to wrangle over lines yet? :)
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
In that case, I’ll throw out an opening night lineup.
Ovechkin – Backstrom – Knuble
Laich – Morrison – Semin
Bourque – Steckel – Clark
Laing – Gordon – Bradley
(Nylander)
XFehr, FleischmannX
Green – Poti
Pothier – Schultz
Jurcina – Sloan
(Erskine)
Theodore
Varlamov
Don’t see any real controversy up front, but given how well he played in the preseason, do you sit Erskine?
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
Edit, meant to put ShaMo next to Erskine as a healthy-scratch D.
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
I’d guess the same for forwards, but I don’t see Poti with Green and I don’t see Mo getting scratched.
My guess would be:
Green-Mo
Poti-Schultz
Pothier-Sloan
but to me picking that last defenseman is like picking a name out of hat.
Green – Poti was statistically dominant for the short 41 minutes they saw last year. Why the aversion to it? Skewed numbers from playing on the PP? Positioning? Uncertainty of what that does to the second pairing?
I guess what I’m wondering is, Green – ShaMo was the top pairing time-wise last year, but why?
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
My take is that they’re both puck-movers who can start the breakout, albeit in different ways. If we were swimming in those types of defensemen, it would make more sense to pair them up. We definitely are not. That was a huge problem we had against the Pens last year, our breakout was awful.
If every pair has a puck mover, you’re less likely to get stuck against the forecheck and in a situation where you’re chasing around in your own zone for a minute, resulting in a penalty or a goal against.
by Knee high to a duck on Sep 28, 2009 5:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Excellent point re: breakout. Pothier had a rink-long breakout that resulted in a turnover and a 2-on-1 that last preseason game. If Green and Poti are split up because they’re your reliable breakout artists and the setup of the offensive play revolves around their first pass and offensive vision, hey, I’m all behind it.
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
Stylistic Synergy
At least that’s what I see. The standard is to create pairings with one offensively-minded defenseman and one defensively minded defenseman, while also trying to have lefty-righty balance.
Green – Poti was statistically dominant for the short 41 minutes they saw last year. Why the aversion to it? Skewed numbers from playing on the PP? Positioning? Uncertainty of what that does to the second pairing?
To many eggs in one basket, or hurting your depth on the second pair. However you want to look at it.
I think it’s more that Mo doesn’t get scratched, and that he’s a lesser partner with Schultz than Green.
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 28, 2009 7:37 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think there’s any way that Erskine and ShaMo get scratched in favor of Juice. ShaMo is a better player and Erskine has been playing very well in the preseason, absent some brain farts with the puck on the power play, which he won’t be on in the regular season anyway.
by Knee high to a duck on Sep 28, 2009 5:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, my logic was to have one offensive and one defensive guy on each line, but I tend to be generous about Jurcina as an offensive defenseman, what with that only-so-aimed howitzer of his.
I could see him and Sloan as the two healthy scratches and Erskine/ShaMo skating out.
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
I’d take Pothier over Juice 10 times out of 10 as an offensive defenseman – he’s better at moving the puck, has an accurate shot that he can get off without having it blocked and is a better passer once he’s in the zone. Plus he skates better.
by Knee high to a duck on Sep 28, 2009 5:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Making a good first pass is a bigger building block for an offensive Dman than a howitzer that you can’t get off in time.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Rob Parker on Sep 28, 2009 5:25 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I could see him and Sloan as the two healthy scratches and Erskine/ShaMo skating out.
I would think the top five are set and it’s between Sloan, Erskine, and Juice for that last spot. My guess is it ain’t gonna be Juice.
I think it's Erskine
For his toughness and PK abilities. And though the PK might seem more valuable, with the Donald gone, don’t underestimate his pugilistic deterrent.
Defensive Logjamming
One thing that struck me during the game on Sunday was just how much John Erskine has improved over the last few years. He’s never going to be mistaken for a natural skater, and he’s got no offensive upside, but the guy has really learned how to play defense. He’s still too aggressive on occasion when he’s looking to hit someone, but he has essentially worked his way from being a marginal 6/7/8 defenseman to being a reliable defensive stalwart. I’ve not always been the biggest Erskine fan, so this feels strange to say, but I have difficulty imagining other guys playing him out of the lineup after his performance in the playoffs last year.
Brian Pothier was another revelation on Sunday. It’s fun to watch a defenseman who’s that smooth of a skater and who routinely makes good passes. Plus, he’s the best Caps D-man at getting his shots on net for deflections and rebounds. That being said, if he EVER blindly dumps another backhander up the center of the ice as he’s heading to his own net, I think Boudreau and Woods will have a collective coronary.
The upshot of Pothier’s return to health and Erskine’s development into a serviceable everyday defenseman is that we’ve got WAY too many guys for only 7 spaces.
Yup, this. No doubt about it.
I also think that trading Pothier as some have suggested would be a mistake given his play at the end of last year and the beginning of this year. Dmen who can skate and move the puck cleanly, and have a accurate shot, don’t grow on trees, and we wouldn’t get a lot of value for him at this time given his injury history.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
yep, I agree. Erskine wins “most improved” without a doubt.
Pothier has been a godsend. I actually think he’s looked better this pre-season than he’s ever looked in DC.
A lot of that has to do with the pressure he’s got to outplay everyone to keep his job. He’s never had that before, and it’s lit a fire under his ass, and we’re going to reap the benefits.
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 28, 2009 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree also, though I have been an Erskine fan myself (my son even got me a #4 jersey for Fathers Day). I guess he reminds me of the way I used to play in my inline league.
It’s pretty tough to play Erskine-style hockey in a no-check league.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
The Potomac Mavericks play out of my home rink. =)
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
Sweet. I used to play for the Fairfax Falcons and the D.C. Mad Dogs…good times.
Well done is better than well said.
I’m currently playing for the college inline B team, which is essentially a glorified middle-of-the-road house league team, but it’s still a lot of fun. =)
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
Are the Mavericks in the MLRH or PIHA? I thought the MLRH folded a couple years ago…i could be wrong. I know a few guys who play for the Mavs, as well as the coach…never got to play at The Box, I moved away before it was done being built. We played out of the Planet Slash n Play rink (shoebox) as the Falcons, and the Dulles Sportsplex as the Mad Dogs. Ahh, those were the days, now I’m old and broken. :)
Well done is better than well said.
this is true. I played as physical as I was able within the limits of the rules such as the were in the league I played in. This was back in the early 90’s in Frederick though we did join a league that played in New Carrolton later on.
I agree with all of this, but I want to point out one thing. I’ve pointed out Pothier’s inconsistency on a few occasions, and most of the times Hanlon benched him were after horrible passes up the middle and other such nonsense. It seems to be all mental and I’m not sure how well you can grow out of that.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
Yes, Bourque makes the team with a great game yesterday in spite of missing time from being cheap shotted. The little French guy who could, so to speak. Too bad about Aucoin. He’s looked good to me but he’s comparatively old and small.
If down to the two little French guys, yes I would have picked Bourque for his youth. (I’d say, if anything ever happens to Brendan Morrison, bring up Aucoin.)
Sloan is definitely an inspirational story. Laing deserved a shot due to hard work.
I know that, sooner or later, we’ll have to trade some D-men to clear some room for Carlson and Alzner. They seemed to jell well together in training camp.
I’m still thinking Alzner will be called up some time this season again. Carlson probably next year.
"Only by great risks can great results be achieved." - Khashayar
by Steck It Out on Sep 28, 2009 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions
If they’re going to carry 8 D on the roster, I hope we don’t lose enough D to warrant a call-up.
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 28, 2009 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Laing deserved a shot due to hard work.
Hard work is all well and good, but without being able to play at the NHL pace and the skills to go with that pace, all the hard work in the world doesn’t matter.
Happily, Q brings more to the table than that.
by Knee high to a duck on Sep 28, 2009 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions
He does, he’s a great penalty killer, gives up his body and is generally sound in his own end, all while being able to skate at NHL speed.
If he didn’t do all of that, as well and bust his ass (and spleen) constantly, he wouldn’t be on the roster.
by Knee high to a duck on Sep 28, 2009 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions
The “little French guy” is a native Bostonian. Dad was born in Quebec, but Chris was born and raised in Mass. There really isn’t much anything French at all about Chris. =)
Aucoin is definitely the replacement for Morrison, for now. In time, it’ll be Perreault.
And hold on to your hat, I have a feeling that trade happens sooner than later.
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
Chris is — of French ancestry. Even if he was raised in Mass and dad is from Quebec.
Pothier is another guy from Massachusetts of French ancestry. And Boudreau is also of French ancestry.
(I assume Perreault is the only one of our guys whose native tongue is French.)
I guess, still seems like a Leonhart.
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
Incidentally, Keith Aucoin is another small forward of French ancestry who is from Massachusetts. No idea about his parents, though.
I wasn’t sure about where Aucoin was from. The parallels between him and Bourque are many. Both are small forwards of French ancestry from Massachusetts. There are been several posts saying that Bourque is a younger version of Aucoin.
I guess there are a lot of French in Massachusetts. Then again, it’s not far from Maine which is French heavy.
So the caps have 8 D on the roster, all of whom have earned their spots, and two others in Hershey who would be getting on the job training in the NHL on nearly every other team in the league. As we have all been thinking, this situation seems ripe for a trade, even with the possibility of injuries thinning things out a bit. But if you were GMGM, is it better to wait until the trade deadline when the trading value of D-men is usually higher and just ride along with a surplus for now?
I think as GMGM, you neither press for a trade nor hold back. Take a good deal whenever it comes. Call other GMs now, call them later, call them at the deadline. I’m not sure there’s a better or worse time for it — what matters is the contents of the trade.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Sep 28, 2009 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
After looking at some of the guys on waivers today
I think we might be hosed. There are lots of NHL-caliber players or guys with upside getting waived. Randy Jones, Christoph Schubert, Rob Schremp. . . Something tells me we don’t get a trade done.
the upside of lots of NHL-caliber guys on the waiver wire today is that Aucoin and Giroux are more likely to get back to Hershey.
Getting back to the big club, however, may be unaffected.
by Knee high to a duck on Sep 28, 2009 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions
If I understand the CBA correctly
If you have to go through waivers, you only have to go through on the way down, not the way up.
it depends of how many games you’ve played. Some people have to pass through re-entry waivers, some do not.
So what do the d-pairings look like? Boudreau seemed pretty high on Sloan…
by sixsevenfiftysix on Sep 28, 2009 3:57 PM EDT reply actions
I guessed a couple days ago they’d look like this:
26-52
3-55
2-4
23-89
from the house that Red Jesus built
26 is half of 52 and 2 is half of 4. Hooray numbers!
by Knee high to a duck on Sep 28, 2009 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions
It’s funny, I’m making a lot of progress at work today, despite these posts. I think I code better when I’m jovial.
(>’.‘)> cha cha cha
cha cha cha <(’.’<)
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
There’s a Kirby on QDB that I dearly want to post, as it never fails to elicit a puerile chortle from from me when I see it. It is, however, very much inappropriate.
by Knee high to a duck on Sep 28, 2009 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Formatting issues
Is anyone else having problems with the right margin of their commenting pane? I’m using the most up-to-date version of FF and whenever I set the SBN thing to “wide view” I lose the right margin on my commenting pane, so my words just disappear behind the blue border to the right.
I think SBnation in general has issues sometimes. Right now, for example, the only way I can load the main page for Japers is in Compat. Mode in IE8. Today, that is. Other days it works just fine. Some days it doesn’t work at all, and just gives me a jumbled mess of a page, while the rest of the Internet seems to work fine. I’m inclined to blame SB.
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 28, 2009 4:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah
This has never happened to me before. Since FF is usually pretty stable/compatible (which is why I use it vice Safari), I’m also inclined to blame SBN.
sorry guys, site seems to be working fine for me. It was loading REALLY slow earlier, but that might have been a network issue here at the office.
I do notice that the site pretty much always works when I’m at home (except for the outage just a week or two ago). Always works perfectly. Other places it doesn’t, and I honestly cannot figure out why. It doesn’t seem like there should be any difference.
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 28, 2009 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Japers' Rink
Related FanShots on Japers' Rink
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
FanShots
Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.
Recent FanShots
The Vault
In Association With
Latest Puck Daddy - NHL from Yahoo! Sports
- Why the Devils and the Kings are evidence the Capitals shouldn’t trade Alex Ovechkin
- Eulogy: Remembering the 2011-12 New York Rangers
- Stanley Cup Final: 5 keys for New Jersey Devils and Los Angeles Kings
- Friday’s Three Stars: Devils head to Final; Brodeur, Kovalchuk the difference in Game 6
- Devils eliminate Rangers in Game 6, ending fear of the past, setting course for the future
