Thursday Caps Clips: Hey! It's Putin!
by J.P. on Sep 3, 2009 6:42 AM EDT
in Caps Clips
Email
Print
Your savory breakfast links:
- Vladimir Putin stopped by Team Russia's Olympic Camp, but you're more interested in the photos of Semyon Varlamov, Alex Ovechkin and Ilya Kovalchuk, AO and Sergei Fedorov, AO and Alexei Kovalev, AO lying down and, of course, AO and some other dude half-naked. [KHL via SlapShot]
- Varly on his chances at becoming the Caps' number one netminder this fall: "It is not very easy, but very achievable." Fair, no? [@dchesnokov]
- Craig Custance would seem to agree. [The Sporting News]
- NHL Coaches! They're Just Like Us! They contemplate line combos all summer long. [Capitals Insider]
- Gary Bettman confirmed for Caps Convention. Hilarity ensues. [Capitals.com]
- If you want the more realistic cyber-AO, NHL2K10 might be your game. [IGN via First Cuts]
- Then again, 2K Sports doesn't even think their cover boy is the game's best player. [Kotaku via First Cuts]
- Another writer leaves Mike Green off his Canadian Olympic roster... [Edmonton Journal]
- ... I guess he's not easily impressed by things like the fact that Green had the second-best Even Strength Total Rating (which "is comparable to GD/60, taking into account strength of teammates and opposition for all goals") among all NHL D's last year. [Ice Hockey Metrics]
- At least MTV is interested in Green. [Capitals Insider]
- A brief history of John Erskine's professional career. Because why not? [Examiner]
- While some members of the media might not be very good at simple math, even they have to realize that 741,992 is more than 708,835. [A Blog To Be Named Later]
- The Caps have a new video coach. Sadly, it's not Anton Gustafsson. [Capitals Insider]
- AO's making friends all over the NHL (two down, 27 to go), but is Leahy right that a (presumably non-Caps) Jaromir Jagr jersey is the worst you could wear into the VC? After giving it some thought, I'm going outside the box with my pick: a Sabres Daniel Briere. [Puck Daddy]
- Speaking of former-Caps-turned-Rangers, Donald Brashear was not warmly received by fans of his new team. [New Daily News]
- Corporate accounts payable, Nina speaking. Just a moment. Corporate accounts payable, Nina speaking. Just a moment. [HockeyJobs.NHL.com]
- Mark French is ready to roll in Hershey. [The Patriot-News]
- Former Cap player/coach Dennis Hextall is the new commish of the IHL. [Pantagraph.com]
- Unsigned 2007 draft pick Brett Leffler isn't giving up on the NHL dream quite yet. [Regina Leader-Post]
- Finally, happy 63rd birthday to Gerry Meehan and happy 50th to Greg Theberge. It's also Cristobal Huet's birthday.
92 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
No reference to one “rearing his head?”
tictactoehockey.blogspot.com
myunjustifiedego.blogspot.com
by turnituptoeleven on Sep 3, 2009 7:12 AM EDT reply actions
Dammit. I hate when you guys are wittier than I am.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Something tells me that if Mike Green won the Norris on defensive play alone, he’d still have the reputation he does.
“Haters gonna hate.”
"Haters gonna hate."
So says Dave Chappelle (as R. Kelly)
"You know you're an alcoholic when the bartender knows your name - and you've never been to that bar before."
World, keep on turning
Because it won’t be too long…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Sep 3, 2009 9:13 AM EDT up reply actions
The more you here from Babcock, you’d think Green was a lock.
The Edmonton writer paired Regehr and Phaneuf, naturally – Phaneuf is not defensively strong, despite his reputation as a hitter. And Green is far more accomplished o-ffensively.
Here’s the stunner: Green makes the team, Phaneuf sits. You heard it here.
I'm going outside the box with my pick: a Sabres Daniel Briere.
There are so many to chose from. Tho I agree that Yaya wouldn’t have been my first pick either. I might go with a Pens’ Petr Nedved jersey. Still stings. (Or maybe a Pens’ 666 LeMeow. On general principle.)
Nedved hurts, for sure.
And I’d likely kill anyone I saw with a Lightning Kolzig or Thrashers Bondra jersey. And heaven help me if I see a Johnny Pens sweater…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Actually, I take that back. Those might be kinda cool sweaters to see. Other than the Johnny one, of course.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Hmm. Olie only played eight games for the Bolts before getting injured and traded. I wonder if such a jersey was ever manufactured. I pity the fan who dropped $150+ on that sweater. Talk about a poor investment.
by Laich It Or Lump It on Sep 3, 2009 8:24 AM EDT up reply actions
Not as bad as the investment the Bolts made in him in the first place.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Sep 3, 2009 8:30 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Speaking of poor investments, did anyone ever buy a Rick Tocchet or Trevor Linden Caps jersey?
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Sep 3, 2009 9:22 AM EDT up reply actions
The Huet jerseys I see walking around aren’t that much better.
"You know you're an alcoholic when the bartender knows your name - and you've never been to that bar before."
Ah, quite true. At least Huet gave us seven games in the playoffs though. That’s almost as much as Olie gave them the entire season.
I liken these jersey purchases to O’s fans who bought Sammy Sosa jerseys a couple years back. Ill advised.
by Laich It Or Lump It on Sep 3, 2009 8:42 AM EDT up reply actions
im ok with this jersey. Huet was one of the most important pieces of the Caps’ 07-08 playoff run. those late 15 games or so were freakin breathtaking. the hysteria after the final regular season game vs Florida in VC is burned in my memory. so awesome.
by ns on Sep 3, 2009 9:12 AM EDT up reply actions
Ya gotta go with a Bondra SENS jersey, since that’s where he was originally traded to (for Laich, right?).
I died a little that day… no chick ever wounded me as much as GMGM did that day… (all could be forgiven with a nice parade down Constitution, tho)
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."
- Ferris Bueller
by war_capitals on Sep 3, 2009 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions
heaven help me if I see a Johnny Pens sweater…
I was happy to see that they finally booted Johnny Pens (and his buddy Jeffie Bolt) outta Kettler. Bye, guys! No hard feelings, but you are now and forever more The Enemy.
A Senators Bondra jersey would hurt much, much worse than a Thrashers Bondra jersey
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Sep 3, 2009 9:18 AM EDT up reply actions
But you could trade that for a Laich jersey, so it’d be all good.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Sep 3, 2009 9:19 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
But if you trade Bondra for Laich you value unproven potential over performance, which is the wrong way to build a team.
A man must have a code.
Man, you’re like an alligator that’s gotten hold of someone’s leg.
by Killer_Carlson on Sep 3, 2009 10:13 PM EDT up reply actions
A Scott Stevens Devils jersey hurts. Those cups were rightfully ours!
A Hunter Colorado jersey would be pretty cool. Konowalchuk, not so much.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Sep 3, 2009 9:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Kid in my section wears a Kono Avs 3rd (the maroon one with the diagonal lettering). It’s not bad.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I have more bitterness to the Stevens Blue’s jersey’s. I just shake my fist at the devils version of it…
What if…. what if…
Speaking of Stevens and the Blues and Devils, on this date back in 1991, Stevens was awarded to the Devils as compensation for the Blues signing Brendan Shanahan. How’d that happen? Per Wiki:
Becoming a free agent following the 1990–91 season, Shanahan was signed by the St. Louis Blues on July 25, 1991. According to the collective bargaining agreement, he was a restricted free-agent, and therefore, the Devils were due compensation. Ordinarily, this compensation would be in the form of draft picks, but the Blues already owed four first-round draft picks to the Washington Capitals for signing defenceman Scott Stevens the previous year. The Blues made an offer for compensation that consisted of Curtis Joseph, Rod Brind’Amour and two draft picks even further down the road. However, the Devils were only interested in Scott Stevens. An arbitrator eventually decided that Stevens was to be the compensation, so Shanahan joined the Blues in exchange for Scott Stevens.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
That led to the first lockout, correct?
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Sep 3, 2009 9:23 AM EDT up reply actions
Not sure about that (and the first one was a strike, assuming you’re talking 1992).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
For bad taste, there’s always “4 Guys In Limo” on a vintage 1980s jersey. I think that seriously would start a fight.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Sep 3, 2009 9:23 AM EDT up reply actions
Only with Geoff Courtnall’s wife
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Sep 3, 2009 9:25 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
But then someone would come over wearing a “Bucket of KFC” jersey and everyone would chuckle and make up.
by Laich It Or Lump It on Sep 3, 2009 9:45 AM EDT up reply actions
Varly on his chances at becoming the Caps’ number one netminder this fall: “It is not very easy, but very achievable.”
Just wondering, but what happens if Neuvirth comes into camp and blows everyone away? Keep in mind, of our three goalies, he IS the only one with a championship ring. Inquiring minds want to know.
Varly will start the season in Chocolatetown.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
That seems beyond the pale to me, JP. What is the basis of your bold prognostication?
How does the kid become an overnight sensation, a game away from vying for the Cup Finals, and is suddenly AHL meat?
What is the basis of your bold prognostication?
There is, in reality, one open roster spot in goal heading into camp. If “Neuvirth comes into camp and blows everyone away,” he’ll get it.
Look at the flip side – if Varly struggles in the pre-season and Neuvirth is lights out, how do you not give the #2 slot to the guy who actually won a championship last year?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Prognosticator, if Varly and Neuvirth both perform like we anticipate in camp and Varly gets the #2 spot, how many games do you prognosticate Neuvirth to play in DC this season?
"My face is my mask."
by Jake Shapiro on Sep 3, 2009 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions
With all due respect
1) Neuvirth won an AHL championship; many great goalies have sprung from the AHL, to be sure, but it is not the caliber of the NHL, clearly. I dont assign much cred for this accomplishment, much as we place Giroux so far down the depth chart of the Caps despite his awesome AHL achievements.
2) Varly went into one of the toughest arenas , MSG, and stole the series back from Lundy, with 2 SO, and was THIS close to playing for the right to go the Cup Finals.
3) Varly has statistically been more dominant against NHL competition – his save percentage was .918 in both his NHL regualr season and playoff starts, with 2 SO in the playoffs; Neuvy’s was .892 in his 5 NHL appearances. Not a large sample, but is camp really going tell us more about Neuvy’s NHL readiness?
1) Agreed that the AHL isn’t the NHL, but comparing a prospects accomplishments at the AHL level to a career minor leaguer’s isn’t fair.
2) Yes, Varly had a nice strech of games. No one is denying this.
3) Ancient history. The hypothetical supposed that Neuvirth blows everyone away. If he does that, he earns a spot.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Yeah, but let’s remember those two shutouts were against a Ranger team that couldn’t score in the playoffs.
Coming into camp, does Varly have an edge for the other spot? Sure, based on playoff performance and little else. But if Neuvirth comes in and does a better job in camp, then he’s earned that spot ahead of Varly, period.
"You know you're an alcoholic when the bartender knows your name - and you've never been to that bar before."
by Bald Pollack on Sep 3, 2009 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions
How much blowing away will he actually have to do? Does he have to be better than Varly? Significantly better than Varly? Better than Theo and Varly? It seems like Varly has a bit of a headstart and some capital to burn before Neuvirth would overtake him.
Also, if Theo settles in and actually gets the bulk of the starts (not saying he will) do they play the goalie game and move Varly and Neuvirth back and forth. It would seem silly to have Varly playing up only to get 15 starts the entire year. Seems like that might set his development back rather than helping groom him to be the next one.
if Theo settles in and actually gets the bulk of the starts (not saying he will) do they play the goalie game and move Varly and Neuvirth back and forth. It would seem silly to have Varly playing up only to get 15 starts the entire year. Seems like that might set his development back rather than helping groom him to be the next one.
Very good point.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I also think that Theo may be carrying some personal heartache around, following the tragic loss of his baby boy. Maybe he will play out of his mind and I hope to God he does. But there are more important issues than hockey he is dealing with now. He and his wife must be devastated.
Let’s not speculate. All that matters (to us) is his on-ice performance.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Given Neuvy’s age, and Varly’s well deserved higher status, I think most if his breaking out will be of the unsightly blemish variety.
Even if Varly has a subpar camp, I think he is the assumed No.2 and has a very good shot at supplanting Theo, based on his play in the white hot heat of the SC playoffs.
For the record:
Neuvy DOB 3-23-88
Varly DOB 4-27-88
"You know you're an alcoholic when the bartender knows your name - and you've never been to that bar before."
by Bald Pollack on Sep 3, 2009 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions
Varly’s well deserved higher status
Let’s be real here – neither has accomplished much of anything at the NHL level yet. Varly may have a slight edge, but no one has a “well-deserved higher staus” yet.
Not sure why you’re hating on Neuvy so much.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Let’s be real here – neither has accomplished much of anything at the NHL level yet. Varly may have a slight edge, but no one has a "well-deserved higher staus" yet.
To further than point, Varlamov had a good regular season but he also played against some pretty weak competition: only one team he played against (Montreal) made the playoffs. Then he shut down an offensively weak New York team. Then he posted a sub .900 save percentage against the Penguins.
I think that right now, overall Varlamov is better than Neuvirth. However, the Pens seemed to figure him out. From my eyes it looked like they were holding on to the puck a little longer to change the angle, thus taking advantage of Varly’s not-so-great positioning, and shooting into a place he wouldn’t be able to reach with his athleticism. Right now though both goalies have their weaknesses. Both need to get better. I think the best for development may be split 50-25-25, with Theo getting about 40 games during the regular season, and the Neuvirth/Varlamov tandem going backup-Hershey starter.
by red army line on Sep 3, 2009 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m wondering. If Varly does make the Olympic squad, how would he take being sent to the minors after playing at such an elite level. Let’s face it, the guy’s played and starred in the Russian Super League (not the NHL but still a high-caliber league), played and starred, at times, in the NHL regular season and playoffs. If he were to make the Olympic squad, I’d have to think it would be a major blow to his pride to be sent down to the AHL. Career-wise, it might not be a bad thing, but psyche-wise, I’m not sure how he’d take it. Neuvirth, on the other hand, knows Hershey and probably expects to be sent back. Given those parameters, in answer to my orginal question, I’d have to say Neurvith would have to play lights out and Varly would have to slide considerably for the two to swap positions.
Hatin’ is way too strong a word. I like the kid.
But I think GMGM and Bouds prefer Varly. As do I. I feel, and I know I’m not the only one, that at times, Neuvy very much looked like a deer in the headlights.
But let’s leave it at this: I feel the No. 1 is well within Varly’s grasp, and the No. 2 is his to lose even with a crappy camp.
Varly has no shot at No. 1, I feel, and I don’t see how he climbs over Theo and Varly to stay up.
But I think GMGM and Bouds prefer Varly.
Why?
I feel, and I know I’m not the only one, that at times, Neuvy very much looked like a deer in the headlights.
I think deer in headlights is a bit extreme. And he’s been just as successful (atleast) as Varly in every level he’s played in. Both of their sample sizes are waaaaay too small in the NHL to draw any real conclusions. You can argue that Varly had a superb first series against hte Rags…but a Neuvirth supporter can just point to the Penguins series and say “see what happens against a real offense”.
I agree with Shaggy, I remember a shootout loss where Neuvirth just looked totally confused on how to stop the guys shooting on him. After that game (and for the life of me I can’t remember which opponent we were facing) I had a hunch that he was the 3rd option in the franchise – at that moment. Which still casts a bit of a shadow over his AHL accomplishments, as awesome as they were.
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."
- Ferris Bueller
by war_capitals on Sep 4, 2009 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions
I agree with Shaggy, I remember a shootout loss where Neuvirth just looked totally confused on how to stop the guys shooting on him.
In the NHL or AHL? Neuvirth never played in an NHL shootout loss.
“Mark French is ready to roll in Hershey.” – but the interesting info. is in the full article notes section, not the teaser from yesterday afternoon…“Finley, drafted as a defenseman, played as a winger during July’s prospects camp. The expectation is that he will remain at forward during preseason camps, French said.”
http://www.pennlive.com/hersheybears/patriotnews/index.ssf?/base/sports/1251936617265160.xml&coll=1
OT: great to see Tim Leone back after summer vacation :)
On another note, we now know of 2 free agent invites the Caps rookie camp: Ryan Jasinsky and Ryan Kerr (Calgary Hitmen). It’s the year for FAs named Ryan :)
13 days until NHL 10.
Also, wow.. really? Sid gets 99 speed, 99 passing, and the highest overall rating amongst forwards? Fail. There’s no way he’s even in the same class as Cogliano or Raymond.
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
What’s bad is the player ratings are averaged simply, not weighted. No way Ovie is a better defensive forward than Mike Richards.
I was really p’d off in NHL 09 about Steckel being a 50 on draws. I had to pump him up to 90.
by red army line on Sep 3, 2009 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions
This year, Caps fans are going to have to bump Steckel up to a 90 across the board b/c he had a few goals in the playoffs.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Well, coming after the year he was #7 in draws, I’d say that’s the stat to radically raise, if any. Also poise, now come to think of it.
by red army line on Sep 3, 2009 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
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
Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Florida
|
53 | 25 | 17 | 11 | 61 |
|
Washington
|
54 | 28 | 21 | 5 | 61 |
|
Winnipeg
|
56 | 26 | 24 | 6 | 58 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
53 | 23 | 24 | 6 | 52 |
|
Carolina
|
55 | 20 | 25 | 10 | 50 |
(updated 2.10.2012 at 9:27 AM EST)
The Vault
In Association With
Latest Puck Daddy - NHL from Yahoo! Sports
- Puck Previews: Blackhawks reeling; Sabres streaking; Holmstrom’s 1000th game
- Will Teemu Selanne remain with the Anaheim Ducks through the trade deadline?
- Nikolai Zherdev takes stick to crotch, elbow drop in KHL game (Video)
- Puck Headlines: Accused coach Pravilov dead; more Tim Thomas heat; Junior team goes nuts post-shootout
- After Scott Gomez scored, other candidates for NHL goal drought obsessions
Latest stories and headlines from NHL.com
- Lightning forward Dominic Moore fined $2,500 for hit on Rangers Ruslan Fedotenko
- Lightning forward Dominic Moore fined $2,500
- Blue Jackets place Lebda, Methot on injured reserve, add Prout, York on emergency recalls
- Blue Jackets put Lebda, Methot on injured reserve
- Lightning's Dominic Moore fined $2,500
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
