Going on the Record
by J.P. on Sep 30, 2009 6:39 AM EDT
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The fates conspired against this morning's Clips post (but remember, there's always plenty of good stuff to pass the time in the "What We're Reading" sidebar), so instead we'll use this space to put everyone on record with their 2009-10 predictions. In the comments, let us know how many wins and points the Caps will have this year and how the season will end, and make at least one bold prediction you won't find anywhere else. Winner gets an OFB mug.
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51 – 27 – 4, 106 points
Bold prediction: Sasha Semin’s contract drive results in career highs in G, A and points, and a Top 5 in the Hart voting.
huh??
Damn dirty neutrals.. you never know where they stand!
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by DrinkingPartner on Sep 30, 2009 9:57 AM EDT up reply actions
54-20-8, 116 Points
Jose Theodore is going to use the tragedy in the offseason to regain the form he had when he won the Hart. Caps bring home the Stanley Cup. Ovi gets 70 goals!
53-19-10
GMGM trades away Theo, ShaMo, ($6.5M salary) plus a slew of picks and prospects, and lands Ilya Kovalchuk at the deadline. After doubling down on offense, the Caps blow away the competition in the playoffs. Dynasty!
by Ninjak on Sep 30, 2009 7:24 AM EDT reply actions 2 recs
Bold Prediction
Vote For Rory Jeff. Schulz makes his first all star appearance and he becomes the toast of message boards everywhere.
"Where there is beer, there is hope." - me
I bet...
… VoteForSarge.com is available…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Sep 30, 2009 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions
103 points, and five guys with over 30 goals. Two more will have more than 20, including Dave Steckel(?).
"Hey friend, an avatar makes you more personable, friendly. Have I mentioned we serve cigars and flavored vodka?"
Whoops, 49-28-5, Conference Finals bowout.
"Hey friend, an avatar makes you more personable, friendly. Have I mentioned we serve cigars and flavored vodka?"
by Bald Pollack on Sep 30, 2009 7:55 AM EDT up reply actions
46-24-10, 1st in SE, 2nd in East, season ends in the Cup Finals (won’t say who wins, though)
Bold Prediction: Caps PK improves to top three in league. Semin leads league in shorties.
season ends in the Cup Finals
I want to see us face Los Angeles, St. Louis, or Vancouver in the final. Kill this stupid thing once and for all.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Sep 30, 2009 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions
That’s a pretty selective curse. Flyers, (North) Stars and Penguins came in during expansion too, and they’ve done alright.
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by Ben Rothenberg on Sep 30, 2009 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions
51-21-10 (112)
Ovechkin hits 65, possibly even 70. Green comes down to earth with an abysmal 25 goals. Semin hits 40 goals and stays healthy for once (Note: still lays on the ice with soccer player “give him a yellow card!” impressions). Backstrom stays put < 25, but breaks 100 points.
BOLD prediction: Caps hit 3.5 goals per game (3.27 last year – only Detroit hit 3.5)
ITALICS prediction: Ovechkin leads the league in shots
105 points, second in East, first in Southeast, 6 points ahead of Carolina, third round exit in the playoffs (we progress one round each year). (Not so) bold prediction: Ovie is up for a third straight Hart trophy but looses out to Evgeni Malkin.
Can we add another prediction category? I propose “What player will uninformed fans turn on next?” My prediction, after much consideration, is Chris Clark. My reasoning: he will be under closer scrutiny because of his clean bill of health. People will expect him to return to his 06-07 numbers, but he will serve more as a forechecker and a grinder.
by Laich It Or Lump It on Sep 30, 2009 7:51 AM EDT reply actions
I vote Eric Fehr in that category
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Sep 30, 2009 7:54 AM EDT up reply actions
Any specific reasoning or just the normal grief he gets?
by Laich It Or Lump It on Sep 30, 2009 7:56 AM EDT up reply actions
Many consider this to be Eric Fehr’s last chance. Reasoning: He must not be producing enough offensively for BB to give him ice time. He doesn’t use his size to advantage. We should have taken Ryan Getzlaf instead with that first-round pick, because he’s not getting us anything.
(I don’t buy it, that’s just the noise I see about him.)
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
Noise is a good word to describe it. I can’t stand the “doesn’t play his size” argument. With anyone.
by Laich It Or Lump It on Sep 30, 2009 8:07 AM EDT up reply actions
Why?
The old cliche goes: “A little guy needs to prove that he can play, a big guy needs to prove that he can’t.”
The upshot of this is that a huge number of players get drafted purely on size. Scouts fall in love with a 6’ X" frame and lose sight of the fact that the guy’s not a terribly good skater or puckhandler. (Cough, Hugh Jessiman, Cough)
I haven’t given up hope on Fehr yet, but the fact is, if he’s 6ft even, he doesn’t get drafted in the first round. There are TONs of prolific junior scores under the 6ft mark who fall lower in the draft. The reason that Fehr and his ilk get drafted where they do is the “projectability” of their frame. Fehr isn’t a good skater. Fehr doesn’t have a blistering shot. He’s not a good puckhandler. If he doesn’t learn to “play his size” and start acting more like Mike Knuble (i.e., crashing the net) and less like Tomas Fleischmann (i.e., taking floaty wristers from 40ft out), he’ll be riding buses in the AHL before long.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
My objection is not the argument itself. It’s the way that phrase is thrown around with reckless abandon (see: Jeff Shultz). It is a stock observation that is rarely elaborated on and usually does not account for varying playing styles. If that observation is backed up with something, as you have just shown, then I’m completely fine with that.
by Laich It Or Lump It on Sep 30, 2009 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions
Cool
I just always recall the ‘98 Portland Winterhawks. That team was stacked (Marian Hossa and Brenden Morrow). On the back end, they had two future NHL-ers in Andrew Ference and Matt Walker. Ference was probably the best defensemen in the WHL that year. Walker was oft-times a useless pylon. Ference fell all the way to 208th in the draft. Walker was taken at 83rd. The difference? About 4 inches of height and 20lbs. Interestingly, Ference has gone on to have a pretty good pro career, while Walker has only recently turned himself into a poor-man’s Erskine.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
Alzner will be the next young Caps fans eat.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Rob Parker on Sep 30, 2009 9:53 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I agree, the “uninitiated” fan is one that judges the defense unfairly. Given the fact that every major “news” outlet has commented how this stud Alzner is going to come in and solidfy a mediocre defense, he’s destined to fail in the eyes of the casual fan.
Defense, goalies, cornerbacks, relief pitchers.
Sense a theme?
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
usually only noticed when they play badly?
"Baseball is drama with an endless run and an ever-changing cast." - Joe Garagiola
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Nothing surprises me about this team any longer...
I honestly wouldn’t be shocked with anything that happens this year, whether it be a first round failure or winning the entire thing.
Who knows with this team any more….I’m just gonna enjoy the ride
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Sep 30, 2009 7:53 AM EDT reply actions
46-30-6, 98 points, 1st in SE by a hair, 3rd in East behind Boston and Philadelphia. Cup Finals is Chicago vs. Washington.
Bold Caps prediction: A blockbuster deal at the deadline for the Cup run is for neither a defenseman nor an enforcer.
Bold sorta-Caps prediction: President Obama freaks and calls out the military when a sea of red surges down 7th Street screaming at the top of their lungs.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Sep 30, 2009 7:59 AM EDT reply actions 3 recs
49-23-10, 108 points. First in SE, tie for first in East with Pittsburgh, second overall due to fewer wins.
Crazy wild prediction: Nylander makes a resurgance and grabs the second line away from BMo, thus allowing the Caps to send him back to NYR, who send Brandon Dubinski to Nashville, who in turn sends Shea Weber to Washington.
I need 100% of you guys to give 110% 100% of the time.
He might want to keep to the HFBoards with ideas like that, haha.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
by zephyr on Sep 30, 2009 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
REGULAR SEASON: 1st in the Southeast. 2nd in the East.
PLAYOFFS: Montreal in the quarterfinals, Boston in the semifinals, Pittsburgh in the finals, and San Jose for the Cup.
BOLD PREDICTION: Semin gets more points overall than Ovechkin this season.
WISHFUL THINKING: Both Ovechkin and Semin score hat tricks against Toronto this Saturday, and I don’t mean the Alexander Semin Hat Trick either, although that’s more likely.
1) 106 points good for the division title and 3rd seed in the East
2) Second round playoff loss to the Bruins(who are our Cup favourites)
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You have heard BOS lost their leading scorer and didn’t replace him right? How did they get better?
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
In fairness
A (potentially) full season of Bergeron, Sturm and Krejci should offset the loss of Kessel’s scoring. And they play in a pretty weak division (who’dve though we’d be saying that about the NE?). Still, I don’t think they put up the points they did last year.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
They crumbled in the playoffs and I don’t see how they improved that. TOR got better, OTT got better, BUF is better if Miller is healthy, and MON is still a crap shot. That division isn’t as weak as last year.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
My prediction: 1)Bos, 2)Tor, 3)Mon, 4)Buf, 5)Ott
I think Toronto’s improved. I think Montreal took two steps backward and that they’re ruining Carey Price. I think Buffalo lacks scoring and defense and is one Ryan Miller groin tweak away from a two-week losing streak. As for Ottawa – wow, what a clusterfuck. Cheechoo and Michalek for Heatley? Maybe I’m wrong on this one, but Ottawa looks dead in the water to me.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
Cheechoo needed a change of scenery and Michalek is more than serviceable. And it got Heatley out of the locker room. I think the team’s pretty improved, actually.
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 30, 2009 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions
Locker Room
So they’ve replaced one douche-nozzle (Heatley) with a wacky enigma (Kovy). I’m not sure that’s a certain improvement. At least their team didn’t get uglier.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
Here’s my thought on OTT:
They got (much) better when Clouston took over last year. The Heatley they traded wasn’t the real Heatley; he was skating and acting like a bum so it’s not like they lost full value Heatley. They had ZERO scoring depth last year and at least now they have two guys that could put the puck in the net (though I think Cheechoo is washed up already). It may not have been the return Heatley should demand, but it makes them a better team. If they get any goaltending they’ll be better than last year (a low bar for sure) even if they aren’t close to the playoffs yet.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
I think you’re right on Clouston, but they still weren’t a terribly good team. They’re weak down the middle of the ice after Spezza (unless Fisher miraculously stays healthy), and none of their moves addressed that. Their defense didn’t improve – this is a team that plans to rely on CHRIS CAMPOLI for big minutes. And there’s Pascal Leclaire in net.
The Michalek pickup was good, but this was already a team with too many scoring wingers.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
The team had 2 scoring wingers, and lost one. I agree they arent’ that good, but they were much better under Clouston. I’m just saying I think they’ll be tougher to beat than they were last year. Without looking up their record v. BOS last year I’d guess they win two more games against BOS this year.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
Ifs and Buts
Maybe. But I look at their defense and goaltending and their lack of quality (healty) center depth after Spezza (who was unimpressive last year) and I just think that team could be cringe-worthy.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
I also think Spezza is very overrated. If he was drafted out of the SEL nobody would be on his jock like they are (but then again he’d probably know how to play some D).
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
But at the same time they love him. I was shocked there was any outrage at all about him not going to Team Canada camp (or rather, not being invited initially; I think he went as an injury replacement). If he wasn’t an OHL golden boy people would tear him apart for his attitude and lack of D.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
It’s a weird relationship. They love him like they love Crosby/Tavares/J.Bouw because he’s one of the 16y/o who made the WJC team. But you’re right. He’s not that good, especially when compared to other #1s. He’s a good 2C, though, I’d take him for that.
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 30, 2009 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions
He’s not that good, especially when compared to other #1s. He’s a good 2C, though, I’d take him for that.
He’s averaged 96 points per 82 games since the lockout.
I stand corrected by stats. Whenever I actually see him play, I’m not impressed.
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 30, 2009 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions
He’s not really a game-changer.
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
I wonder how those stats fall with Heatley gone.
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 30, 2009 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think Heatley helped him all that much. Alfredsson is due for a bounce back, too.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Sep 30, 2009 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Not on the Caps he’s not.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
Talent-wise, yes
I just always feel that Spezza puts up some empty stats, and that he should be better than he is. It’s kind of paradoxical. On the one hand, I think his stats are inflated. On the other, I think he ought to be better.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
See also: WSH getting worked by Carolina late regular season.
Caro’s a good team, I don’t fault BOS for that.
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 30, 2009 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions
Really? Carolina’s in the SE which is a weak division.
"Hey friend, an avatar makes you more personable, friendly. Have I mentioned we serve cigars and flavored vodka?"
by Bald Pollack on Sep 30, 2009 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m more looking at CAR’s lineup and showing against PIT. They weren’t that good; certainly had little depth. A team with BOS’ skill should have been able to roll CAR.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
Sorry, I should have deadpanned that a little harder.
"Hey friend, an avatar makes you more personable, friendly. Have I mentioned we serve cigars and flavored vodka?"
by Bald Pollack on Sep 30, 2009 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t know if I “fault” BOS for that. But it sure took the shine off. They were nowhere near as good as people thought they were.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
BOS had too much time to rest between series :-).
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 30, 2009 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m standing with my assertion that an over-rated team lost to an over-rated team that got swept but the Pens.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
Carolina I think was underrated until last playoffs. Now they’re overrated I think. But a big factor I think was that Ward was facing 40 shots every other night for a month. That’ll tire anyone out.
by red army line on Sep 30, 2009 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions
105 points, division title, knocked out in the second round
Bold prediction: Varly pulls a Cam Ward, and sucks for most of the season.
tictactoehockey.blogspot.com
myunjustifiedego.blogspot.com
by turnituptoeleven on Sep 30, 2009 8:53 AM EDT reply actions
i was referring to the season after his brilliant playoff debut.
tictactoehockey.blogspot.com
myunjustifiedego.blogspot.com
by turnituptoeleven on Sep 30, 2009 9:54 AM EDT up reply actions
Of course...
…Ward has since become one of the best goalies in the league… so it can still end well even if your prediction comes true.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Sep 30, 2009 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions
Is the OFB mug supposed to be a clever joke? I don’t get it.
tictactoehockey.blogspot.com
myunjustifiedego.blogspot.com
by turnituptoeleven on Sep 30, 2009 8:54 AM EDT reply actions
Sorta – they often have contests in which that’s the grand prize.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I just wasn’t sure whether it was a shot. I eagerly await the “Japers Loot” section of this site, by the way.
tictactoehockey.blogspot.com
myunjustifiedego.blogspot.com
by turnituptoeleven on Sep 30, 2009 9:00 AM EDT up reply actions
there was stuff on cafe press a year or so ago, right?
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Sep 30, 2009 9:27 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah. Not sure it’s still there. I think there’s something on the horizon, but I can’t imagine there’s too much demand for Japers’ Rink mouse pads and such (though beer coozies…)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
(though beer coozies…)
would be awesome
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Sep 30, 2009 9:38 AM EDT up reply actions
As much as I love the rink, you’ll have to steal Matchsticks & Gasoline’s logo for me to buy anything at the store.
Since I go by J.P. wearing a shirt with my name on it seems like wearing the bands shirt to their concert.
Metallica probably appreciated the reminder, given how far they are up their own asses.
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 30, 2009 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions
How about a Grooler?
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Sep 30, 2009 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions
ring ring ring ring
ITS THE FUTURE!!!
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Sep 30, 2009 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Caps finish second in the SE yet make it the Finals where they lose to San Jose. Neuvirth comes in after Varly is hurt in January and grabs the #1 job from Theodore.
AND Nylander doesn’t go anywhere and ends up playing center on the second line and performing well defying all his critics.
How’s that for bold.
Like Crosby hoisting the Cup...
I can’t un-see what I just read. Yes – a do-over is in order.
I think the Cup Finals are ours, and Caps win in 6 over the Canucks. 54 wins, 116 points, Varly with a Vezina.
47-24-11, 105 pts, first in the SE and #2 in the conference behind…PIT, which is nice, because we don’t face them until the ECF’s and we return the favor in seven games. Unfortunately, San Jose is just too much in the SC finals and we end the year a step further along in our process but frustrated once again.
Now a prediction, you say? Here’s two: Neuwirth is our #1 by the end of the year, and Michael Nylander is….still around.
from the house that Red Jesus built
50-25-7, 107 points, 1st EC/SE, Stanley Cup W against Detroit in 6 games
Semin hits 60-55 and 80GP/leads league in shooting %
Ovechkin leads in shots (534), goals (63), hits (255), and goal celebrations (64 – extra for his 60th goal celebration)
Nylander waives his NMC in a trade, along with Boyd Gordon and Shoane Morrisonn, to the NYR for Marc Staal.
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 30, 2009 9:09 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Couple of more wins than last season due to less shootout losses (wishful thinking!). We play in the finals and it’s decided in 6 games.
Peter Bondra is hired by the team to do something or other.
Peter Bondra is hired by the team to do something or other.
A little busy trying to rebuild the Slovakian national team.
Dave Steckel doesn’t score against Tampa and Tom Poti enjoys a full season of groin health.
by jordanDC on Sep 30, 2009 9:40 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
46-30-6, 98 pts
2nd in SE 4th in Conference
Lose in 1st round to Pens AGAIN
Bold prediction
Green doesnt score 14 goals.
Semin on the other hand is a 1.5pts/pergame, but is limited to 40 games
Nylander does not play for us this year
by bandwagon_conductor on Sep 30, 2009 9:13 AM EDT reply actions
2nd in SE, 4th in Conference?
You expecting Carolina to whoosh out with 112 points or something?
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 30, 2009 9:17 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m presuming he implies it’ll be a squeaker in the SE.
Can’t say for sure though, as I can’t read his intentions due to avatar nonexistence.
"Hey friend, an avatar makes you more personable, friendly. Have I mentioned we serve cigars and flavored vodka?"
by Bald Pollack on Sep 30, 2009 9:24 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Not only a squeaker, but that WSH still ends up with the best record outside of the division winners in the East.
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 30, 2009 9:34 AM EDT up reply actions
Again with the avatar lobby. You should get paid for this.
by Laich It Or Lump It on Sep 30, 2009 9:43 AM EDT up reply actions
It’s not a lobby. He’s the Commissioner of Avatar compliance. (And fwiw I like the “we wouldn’t serve your kind otherwise” line better.)
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
But the naked profile is an expression of freedom. Perhaps I’ll change my avatar to a white square as a statement against this discrimination.
by Laich It Or Lump It on Sep 30, 2009 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions
This is a JP state. Those who do not conform are…
:cackle:
ELIMINATED!
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 30, 2009 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Weeee shall not, we shall not be moved… unless… we’re banned, I guess
by Laich It Or Lump It on Sep 30, 2009 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions
Enough naked profiles posting Fanshots makes the Rink look like, well, many other SBN blogs. We’re better than that.
Bunch of savages in those towns…
"Hey friend, an avatar makes you more personable, friendly. Have I mentioned we serve cigars and flavored vodka?"
by Bald Pollack on Sep 30, 2009 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
98 points + 4th in the conference + a loss to the Pens in the first round means the Pens are in 5th, with fewer than 98 points…color me skeptical :)
huh??
98pts wouldve been 5th last year
by bandwagon_conductor on Sep 30, 2009 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions
49-25-8
1st in SE, too easily
Lose the Cup to Chicago and Huet
Bold prediction:
Backstrom scores more goals than Semin (combination of Backstrom finding his scoring touch and Semin being injured)
Atta dinnin stick a who!
Huet? Win a Cup? No sir.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
That’s the prediction, and I’m sticking to it. Here’s my approach: “What’s the most painful possible way for the Caps to do better than last year?”
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Sep 30, 2009 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions
Most of these are bold
52-19-11 (115 points)
First in the east, southeast, NHL
Green hits 40 goals
The Caps make a splash on a big deadline trade.
Nyls isn’t here by the end of November
The Caps lead the league in power play %
Prediction you wont find anywhere else: Ovechkin will fight someone.
"And next year it will be ours."
Ovie Fighting...
…I think that would be the one thing that would get the coach mad at him. He’ll likely have Knuble on his line to deal with that if need be…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Sep 30, 2009 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions
50-19-13 for 113 points, First in the SE, First seed in the East and beat Pittsburgh to advance to the SC Finals. Vancouver is the opponent in the finals and Washington goes down in 6.
Bold Prediction (as if the above isn’t): Caps go 32-1-7 on home ice but only manage 18-18-6 on the road
Cooling problem at Verizon, of course :-).
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 30, 2009 9:36 AM EDT up reply actions
Because I’m horrible at math in the morning…
Let’s change that to 33-1-8 at home & 17-18-5 on the road…
If this team can’t get above .500 on the road they won’t get to the Cup.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
Are you kidding? Road games are hard. Therefore, the Caps will do well.
It’s the easy games I worry about.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Sep 30, 2009 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
1st SE 110 points, 2nd in Eastern Conf
Get to Cup finals and face Vancouver
Ovechkin posts a career high in assists, but 8 of them are goals that bounce off Knuble
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
I’ll take that and drink a 6-pack of beer with an extra shot of vodka in each one every time that happens.
And be a very happy man.
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 30, 2009 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions
48-26-8, 104 pts.
1st in SE/2nd in East
I don’t know if I have any bold predictions left after going through the roster and breaking down the conferences.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Out of predictions? Say it ain’t so, Shoeless Peerless.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Sep 30, 2009 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions
OK, I do, but they’ll be coming later.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Sep 30, 2009 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions
Same darn record as last year 50-24-8, 108 points, 1st in the East.
Not the same results though, Caps over the Pens in 6 in the Eastern Conference Finals then Caps over Ducks in 5 to win the Cup.
And my bold prediction is that one of Neuvirth or Varlamov is moved before the deadline in a blockbuster.
Wow, the Ducks? I admit I didn’t see that coming.
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 30, 2009 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions
51-26-6 108pts
Bold prediction: Nylander figures out how to skate in a straight line and breaks 60 points
You didn’t realize that when the Russians win the Olympic gold that the Caps actually get an extra win this year?
Team Sweden is silent but deadly. The Russians are having a raucous party two hotels over and the Canadians are lined up thru next week for their pressers, and you never even hear or see the Swedes coming, and suddenly you look down and there’s your liver and kidneys lined up neatly on the ice.
IS PAЯTY NOW
I figure Russia, Sweden, and Canada have the medal sewn up, I just can’t figure out who is going to take home what.
As scary as Sweden can be, I just don’t see them taking it away from either RUS or CAN. I’ve got to tip my hat to AO, though.
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 30, 2009 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions
52 Ws, 110 points, Alzner is a top 4 D by the end of the season.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
Alzner is a top 4 D by the end of the season.
“But he doesn’t play his size!”
/knee-jerked
"Hey friend, an avatar makes you more personable, friendly. Have I mentioned we serve cigars and flavored vodka?"
by Bald Pollack on Sep 30, 2009 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions
113 points, 1st in East. Lose in ECF to you-know-who unless….
- we can dump Nyls and get some Cap relief.
- we make in-season upgrades to our defense and find that elusive top 4 D
- and you-know-who doesn’t out-upgrade us at the trade deadline
If those three things happen then we win the Cup.
I still think that the cry for veteran defensemen doesn’t allow for the Bob Woods effect and sells our defense short. Just watching this pre-season, I’ve seen noticeable improvement from both Pothier and Schultz, and I think that a few of the guys might surprise us.
I suggest that we don’t worry so much about what Pittsburgh does. If we play our game and keep the pedal to the metal when it counts, and have a little bit better luck with injuries than we had, we should be all right.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
I still think that the cry for veteran defensemen doesn’t allow for the Bob Woods effect and sells our defense short.
I disagree. There’s Green, Poti, Schultz, Pothier, and Morrisonn who are/could be regular guys on a top tier team. Jurcina, Erskine, and Sloan are all passable NHLers, but they’re all also guys who can be upgraded, no matter what Woods does.
Pothier and Morrisson are not top 4 D on a championship caliber defense. They’re #5s. Juice, Erskne and Sloan are depth defensemen. I really like Schultz’s upside as a player, but he likely won’t perform at his potential this year – he needs one or two more years of seasoning (and weight) before he becomes a dominant defenseman. That leaves Green and Poti as our trust-in-all-situations defenseman, and that’s not enough. To make a legit run at the Cup (and beat Pittsburgh) we need another top caliber defenseman.
I think we’re going to agree to disagree. I think that Pothier and Sloan are both better than you give them credit for. We shall see, though.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
But is ‘better than [s]he thinks they are?’ good enough? No matter how you stack the Caps defense they look like they need another Poti-esque 2-3 guy.
Scotty Hockey just spit coffee (or his drink of choice) all over his monitor/keyboard. Dear God I hope it’s not another Poti they pick up.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
I should have clarified: when I say Poti-esque I mean in terms of depth chart, as a guy who can play on a top pairing but isn’t so good he can’t play on the second pairing, not in terms of style of play.
I wouldn’t downplay matchups. We clearly have enough talent to win the Cup, as do 4 or 5 other teams. It then becomes about matchups, and this current team doesn’t match up well against Pittsburgh. Even though we took them to 7 games, they dominated and controlled play in that series. And it’s not like Fleury stood on his head during that series (as Varly sometimes did). There still is a gap between the teams and my belief is that it’s because of our defense. And we didn’t do enough to address that – yet. Hopefully we will!
BTW, love the Woods hire. Hopefully he can improve the defense.
Corey just tweeted:
Chris Bourque is on the ice for practice this morning. No word yet on his situation.
It’s 10:30 and he’s still here. Implies he’s going to clear waivers. What that means otherwise is anyone’s guess.
When is the deadline for clearing waivers? Noon?
by Laich It Or Lump It on Sep 30, 2009 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m trying to figure it out before he gets me!
by thehoagster07 on Sep 30, 2009 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions
The immortal rec Hogan. Well done.
"Hey friend, an avatar makes you more personable, friendly. Have I mentioned we serve cigars and flavored vodka?"
by Bald Pollack on Sep 30, 2009 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions
…And is working on the 2nd unit PP (with Poti/Pothier/Morrison/Knuble) to boot.
"Hey friend, an avatar makes you more personable, friendly. Have I mentioned we serve cigars and flavored vodka?"
by Bald Pollack on Sep 30, 2009 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions
48-26-9, 105 points, 2nd in the East.
Champs if we play Vancouver or Detroit not sure about San Jose.
Bold Pred: Mike Green comes back to earth and scores 20 <, Ovie doesn’t break 50, Laich hits 30.
Where do the Caps play the extra game? Very bold prediction.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
by zephyr on Sep 30, 2009 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
CAPS 108 points. 1st in east.
conf. finals against PIT…win game six in OT
Detroit in finals…caps in 5
i feel like there will be a deadline deal…thinking something like alzner/nylander for Weber.
ridiculousness that only dreams are made of…chicago realizes they can’t resign toews and kane so we package alzner nylander and morrisonn for toews…poof second line center
That’d be interesting, actually, having the #3 and #4 picks of the 2006 draft. Or was Toews #2? I can never remember.
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 30, 2009 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions
I think Jordan Staal was #3?
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
Staal was 2. PIT had the pick of the forwards and took Staal.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
Erik Johnson, Jordan Staal, Jonathan Toews, Nicklas Backstrom, Phil Kessel IIRC.
by red army line on Sep 30, 2009 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions
Ah, you’re right. I knew that Toews and Staal were #2 and #3 and couldn’t remember which order. Thanks.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
2003 wasn’t that long ago, and 2004 was the best for producing all-solar system talent (4 of ‘em—I didn’t forget Jeff Schultz)
by red army line on Sep 30, 2009 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Second time Shea Weber has been dreamed on in this threat. It’s not going to happen. If anything move your eyes to Suter.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Rob Parker on Sep 30, 2009 11:06 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
The only way Weber comes here is if Green goes there. Suter would come pretty expensively, too, though, probably more than Alzner.
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 30, 2009 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions
There is no way we get a D-man who’s going to be one of the top 3 guys in the league in a few year’s time for Alzner and Nylander. Not a chance in hell.
by Knee high to a duck on Sep 30, 2009 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions
46-30-6, 98 Points, 3rd in the East.
SE Division Champs
Prediciton: (preface Semin and BMO stay healthy)
If 21, 9, 28 stay together for most of the season they will outscore most (60% or greater) of the Eastern Conference Top lines.
Bold Prediction: We flounder around until after the Olympics, because the schedule is harder, injuries, or lack of focus due to other things. Post Olympics we regroup and go on a good run through the end of the year and reach the Eastern Conference Finals vs. Philly…….crystal ball after that…not so clear.
Promote the game, it's the NHL, not SCHL
46-23-12 – 104
First in South East
3rd in the East
win in 5 vs. Atlanta in quarter finals,
7 vs. Carolina in semi finals,
4 vs. Pittsburgh in SCF exorcising our demons
we win the cup in 6 games against Vancouver, but Luongo wins the Conn Smythe
[not so] bold prediction — due to injuries one of the other goalies Neuvirth takes the starting job in goal,Knuble takes Fehr under his wing and helps him become a 25 goal scorer on the second line/second pp
@ the trade deadline GMGM trades flash, Sloan (now getting top 4 minutes) and two first and third for Sheldon Souray and two second round picks
We continue to draft well in the second round and get a two calder trophy finalists
I know BB likes Sloan, but I just don’t see him getting top-4 mins. I especially don’t see Sloan getting traded for a salary like Souray’s. Not sure we could make that work.
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 30, 2009 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions
yeah wasn’t thinking about salary…. but I’m assuming that sloan continues to play as strong as he did in the preseason… its just a bs prediciton
And i don’t usually argue salaries :-). That just struck me when I saw it.
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 30, 2009 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions
I’d be murderous if we gave up that much for Sorbet.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Rob Parker on Sep 30, 2009 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I’d give that up in a heartbeat for Weber, though.
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 30, 2009 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions
Oh, wait. Two 1sts and a 3rd. Um….. Maybe not…
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 30, 2009 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions
If your avatar is at all representative of your true self, then I believe you.
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 30, 2009 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions
Hey, lay off Foamy :)
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
GIR da bomb
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Sep 30, 2009 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions
110+ points (sorry, too lazy to figure out a record but i think we’ll have almost as many ties as losses mostly due to the Caps lack of focus when having an early lead and drive when behind). Season will end in an epic Finals against Vancouver – Caps all offense, Vancouver all defense – with the series going 6 games.
Bold prediction – Nylander situation will be resolved by the New Year allowing the Caps to make an out-of-the-blue trade for either one of the D from Nashville (Weber or Suter) or Phanuef (who will regress a bit more and fall out of favor in Calgary with JBo and Regher anchoring the unit).
Hey, the season hasn’t begun yet so why not be as optimistic as possible?
I like the idea of a Caps-Vancouver Finals….just like Hershey-Manitoba!
by thehoagster07 on Sep 30, 2009 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions
The league would have a field day.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
They’d probably just loan Crosby to Vancouver for the ratings.
by thehoagster07 on Sep 30, 2009 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions
President’s Trophy…however many points that takes. That’s my prediction. Stanley Cup too. Call me a homer but I woke up this morning and I just felt it.
You can start flaming me now.
Capitals Kremlin the second line center of the Caps blogosphere.
by CapitalsKremlin on Sep 30, 2009 11:03 AM EDT reply actions
Welcome to the club, Kremlin. Have a prediction for the opponent?
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 30, 2009 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions
San Jose or Anaheim.
Capitals Kremlin the second line center of the Caps blogosphere.
by CapitalsKremlin on Sep 30, 2009 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions
Some more predictions and then I promise I’ll post something on the Kremlin because I know that needs content (and this place doesn’t necessarily need mine).
Semin 45 goals.
Capitals Kremlin the second line center of the Caps blogosphere.
by CapitalsKremlin on Sep 30, 2009 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions
I could Google but I prefer to ask here. What is the President’s Trophy awarded for? I saw it at CapsCon. It’s easily the ugliest of all the NHL trophies.
IS PAЯTY NOW
Best record in the NHL.
Capitals Kremlin the second line center of the Caps blogosphere.
by CapitalsKremlin on Sep 30, 2009 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions
Well, the Stanley Cup has been used that way before ….
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
OV comes out and actually calls Crosby a bitch this year.
Crosby responds “like it or lump it, thats who i am”
by KWclevpark on Sep 30, 2009 11:04 AM EDT reply actions 6 recs
Green works well for this comment. How about an avatar as an accessory?
"Hey friend, an avatar makes you more personable, friendly. Have I mentioned we serve cigars and flavored vodka?"
by Bald Pollack on Sep 30, 2009 6:33 PM EDT up reply actions
2nd in the East but take the conference playoffs, beat the Wings in 6 for the Cup.
bold prediction: Mike Green gets suspended for 5 games by the team for posting nude photos of himself on greenlife52.com
Mike Green gets suspended for 5 games by the team for posting nude photos of himself on greenlife52.com
I’m not sure they’d suspend him for that…
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 30, 2009 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions
Finish 54-25-3, 111 points, 1st in SE, 2nd in Conference. Beat Detroit in 6 to win the Stanley Cup.
Bold Prediction: Caps take home the Cup, Conn Smythe (Ovechkin), Hart (Ovechkin), Ross (Ovechkin), Richard (Ovechkin), Pearson (Ovechkin), Byng (Backstrom), Norris (Green), Selke (Semin), and Calder (Varlamov).
So would Jim Balsillie, and he has the money to make it happen…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Sep 30, 2009 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Don Cherry’s prediction comes true and AO get a knee blown out by a low hit, but it happens during the Olympics!
Caps finish 6th in the conference, Pittsburgh 8th. The Caps take out the 3 and 4 seeds, while Pittsburgh takes out #1, then #2. The Caps sweep the Penguins in 4 games in the conference finals, then easily beat Cinderella team Phoenix in 4 games.
All this while Gretzky and Ovechkin watch from the stands.
But Brawndo's got what plants crave. It's got electrolytes.
I’d like to meet your pharmacist.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Sep 30, 2009 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Wow, holy shit was that an amazing prediction. Oh my god. My knees are shaking.
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 30, 2009 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions
Caps Season Prediction
I think they finish the regular season 57-17-8 for 122 points, 1st place overall in the East.
In the first round the Capitals will take down the Ottawa Senators in 5 games.
The Capitals will face the Philadelphia Flyers in the second round and will force the Flyers to keep changing between Ray Emery and Brian Boucher because they come down with Mike Knuble-itis. This is, of course, assuming Emery is on time for the games. Chris Pronger will be a factor in half the series, he’ll get Chris Pronger-itis for one game of it and be suspended for a hit that would have suspended Donald Brashear for 5, and he’ll get Derian Hatcher-itis for two other games, an illness that befalls old and washed-up defensemen the Flyers can’t seem to stop acquiring for too high a price tag. Caps in 7.
Penguins will be #2 in the conference and will play the Caps in the Conference Final. The Penguins aren’t much worse than last year, but the Caps are much better and will take them down in 6.
I think the Capitals take the Stanley Cup in 6 games from the Anaheim Ducks.
by Marshall Pirate on Sep 30, 2009 11:21 AM EDT reply actions
Bold Prediction
Caps Finish 47-24-10 for 104 pts. – Carolina edges out Caps for SE Division title this year. Caps Make it to playoffs, Conf. Semi Finals. Theodore shocks everyone and is rock solid in rounds 1 & 2.
One of the Capitals players are injured badly in the Olympic Games in Vancouver. Ted will have a heart attack because of this as will nearly all our fans.
Brendan Morrison will be nagged all season by injuries, requiring Nylander to step in. He continues to skate in circles but scores 20 goals this year.
Mike Green will get 42 Goals this year, but defense will still be his weak point this year. (not sure that second part is really bold)
Pothier will have 15 goals from the Blue Line.
Zephyr's Picks
Home: 30-7-4
Away: 24-12-5
Total: 117 points
Win the Eastern Conference.
Brooks Laich has a 30 goal 30 point season.
Semin leads the NHL in points at one point in the year again and then gets injured.
Knuble plays all 82 games (83 to a few of the peoples predictions here) and puts up 35 goals for a career year.
Ovechkin hits 113 points this year but the majority will be assists.
Backstrom has a career year.
Mike Green gets even better at defense but puts up less goals than last season.
The Capitals make the Cup Finals.
Funny Foley: B. Morrison ends up doing well and being a sound defensive presence while dishing out assists but goes day to day a lot during the season with reoccurring “upper” and “lower” body injuries.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
by zephyr on Sep 30, 2009 11:32 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
no assists for brooks?
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Sep 30, 2009 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions
meant to says 30 goal 30 assist 60 point season. I just got my wisdom teeth out yesterday and I’m high on vicodin.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
Laich’s practicing with the 1PP – I’d say that’s almost likely.
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 30, 2009 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions
I think if anything his TOI will increase this year. He almost did 30,30 last year. I don’t think it’s that far of a stretch. Plus, he already looks better to me than he did last year skill wise. That goal on Sunday? OMG, man.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
It’s going to be hard for his TOI to go up. Four of the team’s top six forwards missed decent time last year, and I don’t think that happens again and I think Knuble takes most of the first line powerplay unit time before too long.
He scored, what, 22 last season? There’s a huge gap between 22 and 30. Huuuuuge. He’d have to get more TOI, more 1st unit PP time and grow significantly as a player. Or get really lucky with his shooting %, in some combination with the other factors.
by Knee high to a duck on Sep 30, 2009 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Macvechkin Sez
President’s Trophy
Stanley Cup Finals
Isn’t that bold enough considering our lineage?
Russian Machine Never Breaks
For anyone who was wondering, Slapshot was just on The Price is Right! One of their showcases was NHL-themed with trips to LA, DC, Toronto and Miami, with jerseys from all of the teams. Nice little 3 or 4 highlight clip for each team, too!
I may have to break my self-imposed ban on watching post Bob Barker Price is Right.
by Laich It Or Lump It on Sep 30, 2009 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Who’s the team from Miami?
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
48-25-9 105 points
1st in SE, 3rd in Conference
Lose in ECF to Philly (I hate saying that….)
Bold Prediction- Caps make blockbuster deal at deadline, Semin and Varly/Neuvy for a number 1 shutdown D-man, 2 first round picks, and a prospect. Am I gona be happy? Depends how the goalies are playing….
Fehr is fair, but I like Laich
No one gives the Caps two first rounders and a prospect for Semin and Varlamov even without the top tier defenseman.
You really dont think so? One of the most skilled players in the league, albeit one who gets hurt. And a goalie who as ice running through his veins and has the makings to be a #1 for a long time. 2 firsts and a prospect is definitely feasable. But fine how about
Semin and Varly for a first rounder, a #1 D-man , and a low level prospect. Whatever we get in return, I still think GMGM shops Semin + young goalie
Fehr is fair, but I like Laich
You really dont think so? One of the most skilled players in the league, albeit one who gets hurt. And a goalie who as ice running through his veins and has the makings to be a #1 for a long time. 2 firsts and a prospect is definitely feasable.
Semin’s good but as you mention, he’s injury prone. Plus he only has one year on his contract and he goes UFA after 2011. Varlamov’s a good prospect, but goalies as so hard to project that I don’t think anyone’s going to want to pay a ton for him.
Who do you think two firsts and a prospect is feasible from? What team would you take over as GM and want to make that trade?
Semin and Varly for a first rounder, a #1 D-man , and a low level prospect.
Still too much. Drop the first rounder, and it’s possible. Ultimately the biggest issue is this: if a team wants to move a top tier defenseman, they’re probably rebuilding. If a team moves a first round pick they’re probably in win now mode. I can’t see a team taking actions that so clearly demonstrate different priorities.
Whatever we get in return, I still think GMGM shops Semin + young goalie
I think McPhee holds on to both goalies unless it’s the piece a deal needs to happen. With Neuvirth and Varlamov odds are the Capitals are going to be in good shape going forward. You move one, you have a whole lot less certainty there.
Contract
The thing that detracts from a Semin deal is his contract situation. Yeah, he’s an RFA, but he’s the type of player who will likely want a lot of cash on a long-term deal, especially if he can’t play with his buddy Ovie anymore. I think he takes a slight discount to stay in DC, because he strikes me as someone who doesn’t seek out drastic change. He’s also the type of player who might either: A) get an offer sheet, or B) abscond to the KHL if the contract he gets isn’t up to his standards.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
Well, Edmonton has been failing at drafting. Probably better for them, if they don’t switch GMs, to get a proven guy.
by red army line on Sep 30, 2009 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Good Christ, that’s an expensive trade. Are we getting a time-travelling 25 y/o Scott Stevens?
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 30, 2009 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions
If I’m reading it correctly it’s:
Caps give:
- Semin
- goalie
Caps get:
- number 1 shutdown D-man
- two first round picks
- prospect
That’s an expensive trade – for the other team.
So we’re looking at Gainey, Sather, and Waddell. At least we know which 3 teams to focus on now.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
So what you’re saying is that we could trade Sasha and one of Varlavirth for Bogo, 2 firsts and a prospect? Where do I sign?
by Knee high to a duck on Sep 30, 2009 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think it’s that inconceivable. First rounders are not like NFL first rounders.
Semin for a #1 D man sounds right, Varly for a #1 and a prospect sounds right. Maybe that extra 1st rounder was a overpaying a bit.
Not that I’d necessarily do that trade were I the Caps.
Russian Machine Never Breaks
Semin for a #1 D man sounds right, Varly for a #1 and a prospect sounds right.
Semin for a number one defenseman is extremely unlikely because it’s unlikely a team’s going to be in a position to want to give up a number one defenseman and want Semin in return. A first rounder and a pick is a lot more than goaltending prospects tend to go for. And then there’s another first round pick.
In addition I just don’t see any circumstances where a team wants to pick up a young but established scorer and a goaltending prospect and wants to give up pieces of their future and their best defenseman. Is that team coming or going? How does a team wind up in a situation where that’s a good idea?
Finally that trade package is such a ransom that you’re going to be able to get more for it somewhere else.
Is that team coming or going? How does a team wind up in a situation where that’s a good idea?
Mike Milbury, I’m certain, has a smart reply on the subject.
from the house that Red Jesus built
by bigonetimer on Sep 30, 2009 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions
If you consider age, contract and FA status it could slant one way or the other.
JBo wasn’t that old, but take Florida as a team that was in that situation last year. If a team has plenty of prospects on the blue line, why not trade for a known quantity on offense?
Russian Machine Never Breaks
JBo wasn’t that old, but take Florida as a team that was in that situation last year.
I see where you’re coming from, but I don’t think it’s quite the same scenario. A team that’s willing to give up two first round picks and a prospect is gunning for the win this year and that’s going to be a team that keeps its impending FAs.
If a team has plenty of prospects on the blue line, why not trade for a known quantity on offense?
But why not trade the prospects? Then you’re in that situation I laid out where it’s unclear if you’re contending or trying to build for the future.
Ultimately is there one team in the NHL you’d have make the trade if you became their GM?
How about Boston? They have a deep blueline, need some scoring, and someone to take over for Thomas when he gets old and frail.
And they have Tuuka Rask in the AHL.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
Dennis Wideman played on the border of studly all last season.
by Knee high to a duck on Sep 30, 2009 8:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Easy to do with 2 pairs of legs.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
Soon a doctor will be offering the “My legs have legs” surgery, and Wideman will no longer be special. Just a Wide Man.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Sep 30, 2009 9:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Ye of Little Faith
Really folks? DMG does a post yesterday talking about a 108pt season in which almost everything that could go wrong did, and more than half of the “bold predictions” have the Caps finishing with less points than last year? What has this franchise done to us?
My (not so) bold predictions:
52-20-10, 114pts, 1st in NHL, 1st in EC, 1st in SE.
Playoffs: Beat Philly in 6 to win the Eastern Conference, and shoot down the Ducks in 5 for the Cup.
Individually: Ovie takes back the Art Ross, Backis breaks 100 points, Knuble gets 35 goals, and Mike Green scores 30 again. Semin again puts up a points/game rate near the top of the league, but sits out 15 games.
Personnel: Two of the following won’t be with the Caps come the playoffs: Flash, Fehr, ShaMo, Jurcina.
SE Division: 1) Caps, 2) BOLTS, 3) Canes, 4) Thrash, 5) Cats
Eastern Conference: 1) Caps, 2) Bos, 3) Philly, 4) Pitts, 5) Tor, 6) TB, 7) NYR, 8) Car
Western Conference: 1) SJ, 2) Chi, 3) Det, 4) Van, 5) Ana, 6) Cal, 7) LAK, 8) StL
Bold Prediction #1: By the playoffs, John Carlson will be playing regular minutes on the Caps’ blue line.
Bold Prediction #2: After inconsistent play from Theodore, Varlamov wins the #1 job, only to lose it two weeks later when he injures his groin. After the club calls him up from Hershey, Neuvirth shines, establishes himself as the #1 around the New Year, and doesn’t let go.
Bold Prediction #3: After years of injuries, Clark manages to stay relatively healthy, puts up 12/18/30 and is a key cog in a excellent 3rd line with Dave Steckel. Stecks, flush with confidence from his playoff performance, finally finds his scoring touch and pots 15 goals and starts to garner some media attention as a Selke contender.
Bold Prediction #4: At the urging of of a particularly belligerent fan, Jeff Schultz drops his purse and hits someone. Then, after the game, he seeks out this fan at the Rocket Bar and hits him with his purse.
Bold Prediction #5: Matt Bradley spends a chunk of time on the IR with a concussion suffered during a fight with Colton Orr.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
If we play the Ducks in the SCF, I so want to see the jumbotron graphics use images from Duck Hunt.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
They’d better duck when they see Ovie coming at them.
by red army line on Sep 30, 2009 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Looks like we said a lot of the same stuff. Maybe it makes it more true. =]
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
Hmm.
That’s either a good thing or a scary thing, given that you’re whacked on Vicodin. :)
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
I’m pretty sure that the door to Rocket Bar is a portal that only appears after I’ve had too many $7.50 Bud Lights at Verizon.
I’d be really surprised if Carlson hops Alzner on the depth chart. Your WC standings could be correct as for how the points shake out, but it’s impossible for the seeding to work that way. I also don’t see CHI passing DET this year, though it’s the trendy pick. And it’s “fewer points than last season.” Do you work for Comcast or something?
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
Oops. Yeah, grammar failure on my part. Also, I didn’t think about the divisional aspect of the seedings. I guess Det. would be 4 and Van would be 3 then.
Throughout training camp and the pre-season, Carlson looked better. A lot better. And he’s around $700k cheaper for salary cap purposes.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
I’m not usually a dick about grammar but that one Comcast commercial pisses me off every time… “so we can cut down less trees.” Edit your spots, jerks.
As for Carlson, he looked good but he failed to make too many plays he needed to make. He can make sexy head man pass through the neutral zone but he also gave the puck away in his own corners too often (freaking Nathan Gerbe stripped him in the BUF game). He just needs a little polishing in HER and he’ll be fine but the Caps aren’t in a position where they need to suffer the risks he still poses for his big play upside. We’ve got big play upside. Just let him mature into a solid all around player and then come in and contribute hitting the ground running.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
My prediction? This is the year that we are finally reward for our patience as fans, for all the penguins we’ve sacrificed in an effort to appease the unappeasable hockey gods, for all those tears we’ve shed each spring, for enduring the 2004 implosion, the years of rebuilding, for purchasing the unsightly black jerseys, for being mocked by our co-workers for being hockey fans, for having to watch them frolic at the White House, for the guys who did the “Save the Caps” campaign, for enduring the dismantling the Wings delivered in 1998, for the Easter overtime heartbreak.
This year, the Caps are gonna roll like they’re the 2002 Red Wings.
(ok, so maybe I’ve drunk a little too much pre-season high expectations kool-aid.)
So, are we gonna do Stonehenge tonight?
Is this the time/place to ask aloud if Bourque has cleared waivers?
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
I was afraid of that. Insert every curse word known to man.
by red army line on Sep 30, 2009 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions
OMG. Could feel it coming. They’ll play him in a game or two and then stashhim in Wilkes-Barre.
((( CBo )))
IS PAЯTY NOW
man that stinks. Damn you Nylander!
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Sep 30, 2009 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions
This post is not so much a prediction as a hope. In Wilbon’s Chat House on WP earlier this week, he was asked what the Caps chances were this year. The final sentence of his response resonated with me:
“Michael Wilbon: I’m not going to pretend that the Caps and Wizards are on my radar yet because they’re not. THIS IS SEPTEMBER. It’s ridiculous that either sport is on-deck…You know the Capitals chances, like any NHL team, depends on goaltending…and the evolution of the star players. Does Ovechkin burn to win and pull even with Crosby and Malkin? Or is he satisfied with awards and stardom? The Capitals are talented enough to win, yes. But as one of my favorite coaches always says, “To win, everybody has to give up something…” What are the Capitals’ best players ready to sacrifice in order to win?"
That’s what I want to know too. I enjoy the youthful exuberance of this team to a certain degree, but I also think some of is overdone and distracts from their hockey goals. Riding golf carts around, acting like rock stars, partying all night long, focusing on just as much on fast cars as playing hockey. You get the drift.
I want to see more maturity and a singular determination out of this team to win the Cup. I want to see it in their eyes, see it in the way they play, even when it’s against the worst teams in the league. Sydney Crosby might seem like a milquetoast boring guy off the ice, but I never doubt he’s thinking about hockey 24/7, not doing interviews about how fast his newest car is.
What are the Caps players willing to give up? Give up the fast cars. Give up the late night partying.
No distractions. Focus focus focus. Hockey Hockey Hockey. Win the Cup.
Then party all day and night long next summer and vacation on the Autobahn for all I care.
by bigeugene on Sep 30, 2009 12:57 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
These guys aren’t partying all night during the playoffs. They might stay up late during the regular season but they take naps everyday anyway and their bodies are in impeccable shape.
What’s wrong with the fast cars?
Brent Johnson was probably the hardest party guy on the team and he’s gone.
These guys live on the rink. I think it only helps to not be thinking about hockey when they are away from the rink. Otherwise they get burnt out. It’s like writing a song. If all you do is hold your guitar and play all day sometimes it helps to put it down for a few to get refreshed.
I agree it takes a sacrifice but I don’t know if the sacrfices are the ones you are outlining. I also don’t believe for a second that Crosby is thinking about hockey 24 until maybe the playoffs start.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
I am a realist and being a Caps fan for so long, hate being an optimistic predictor.
I see the Caps tanking October and November, but pulling it together in time to get set for the playoffs, Pit style last year. Much teeth gnashing in the fall, but comparisons to Pit in the spring.
46-32-4. 98 points. Get in in 6th or 7th place. Do some damage in the playoffs, though.
Backstrom sets team record for assists. Green struggles to hit 12 goals.
Pitts tanked because of their coach. Why do you think the Caps will tank?
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
Pitt also tanked because Gonch was out and they don’t have the talent in WBS to replace him (as opposed to the Caps), and Crosby and Malkin may be great centers, but they can’t turn crap winger into great wingers. The Pens got remarkably better once Goncher was back and the situation with the wings was resolved by adding Guerin and Kunitz.
Just history. Been a Caps fan long enough to know that’s what happens when there’s great expectations. Caps started off 84-85 on a 7-game losing streak. 6 games in 93-94. We’ll think of good justifications after it happens (injuries, missing Fedorov, no enthusiasm for regular season, etc.) but fact is, it’s just the pattern.
Caps finish first in the east, beat #8 Buffalo in six then bow out to #4 Pittsburgh in six in the second round.
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
Caps finish first in the East.
They have a season record of 5-3 against the Blue Jackets.
Green wins the Norris for improved defensive play and maintained offensive play.
Ovechkin wins Richard and Hart.
Steckel gets the Selke.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Sep 30, 2009 2:09 PM EDT reply actions
52-20-20=114 points.
Eastern Conference Champions (lose in SCF).
Theo is traded at the deadline, leaving Varly as the #1, but Neuvy is in net when we clinch the ECF.
Didn’t want to go that far, but since you asked, the first team that comes to mind is San Jose.
by Scott in Shaw on Oct 1, 2009 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions
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