Tuesday Caps Clips: Rookie Camp, Day One
by J.P. on Sep 8, 2009 6:42 AM EDT
in Caps Clips
92 comments
Your savory breakfast links:
- Rookie Camp opened yesterday, and here are some highlights of the coverage:
- The news of the day was that Joe Finley left with a lower-body injury (Herbie-itis?) and Stefan Della Rovere was held off the ice after getting his bell rung in a game last week. Also, Semyon Varlamov and Michal Neuvirth will alternate days skating with the rookies opposite Braden Holtby (yesterday was Varly's turn).
- Vogs, Corey, Tarik (times two), Tim Leone and Ed Frankovic give their impressions of Monday's session.
- Video of Bruce Boudreau and Anton Gustafsson, post-practice.
- Notes and photos of the day from Peerless and OFB andpics from TTT Hockey, Caps in Pictures (times two) and sk84fun_dc.
- Corey on John Carlson. [The Washington Times]
- Trevor Bruess thinks his game is a better fit for the NHL or AHL than the NCAA, where apparently you're not allowed to hit anyone. [The Patriot News]
- Boudreau will be writing a weekly column for the Caps' site, and it debuted yesterday with a passage that touched on some of the things we saw in one of our "Gabby" excerpts (you have bought the book, right?). [Capitals]
- The eagle has landed. [@nateewell]
- Contrary to most of the coverage we've seen since, say, May, there are still some far reaches of the hockey world where being compared to Mike Green is still a good thing. Here's one of them. [Canucks Hockey Blog]
- Some notable Caps alums are participating in a couple of benefit games in Prague. [Dump and Chase]
- Yet another Caps plate. [Simply Sensational]
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Not surprised on Bruess, based on what I saw yesterday. I’m thinking he might just make the Hershey roster.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Sep 8, 2009 7:21 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Because he sucked wind after the gassers without throwing up? If there was an upset of Day One, it was that neither he, Kurgy or Jasinsky tossed ’em at the end.
by TylerG on Sep 8, 2009 7:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
A lot of people did. No, I say that because he works hard, dogs the puck, and is a pretty decent skater. Conditioning issues can be corrected; that’s why the gassers are done the first day.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Sep 8, 2009 7:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pretty much those three out of what, 30 kids? His conditioning was certainly in the bottom 10 percent, which was not a good sign.
Eh. Didn’t look like anything out of the sub-ordinary to me. Besides, at this point a guy who might make Hershey and might not isn’t a guy worth spending a ton of WSH’s energy on. (Unless you’re the HSH beat writer in need of something to write, of course.)
by TylerG on Sep 8, 2009 8:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
For an undrafted free agent straight out of college? I don’t think it’s unexpected; Jasinsky was in the same boat. shrug Depends on how hard he’s willing to work. I don’t think that alone is a show-stopper – conditioning is something you can fix. I personally liked what I saw, especially if more young toughness is what is needed on the team (and it is).
If he plays in the ECHL and a few games with the Bears this season, so be it. If he makes the Bears, that’s cool too.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Sep 8, 2009 8:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m kinda with gotsparkly here. I never expected anything immediate from him and had low expectations long term. Anything we get from him is gravy so I’m not going to be too disappointed with him looking a little out of shape (relatively) in September.
A man must have a code.
by Fehr and Balanced on Sep 8, 2009 9:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Claude Giroux hasn’t graduated from ‘prospect?’ Weird list. If Giroux is there, Melanie Oudin should be too.
by TylerG on Sep 8, 2009 7:36 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
How many games played last year? IIRC he didn’t crack the Flyers lineup until mid-way through the season and I think even then he wasn’t an everyday player. I’m not sure what HFs games played cut off is but Alzner got 30 and is still a prospect so it doesn’t seem that odd to me. Did Doughty graduate? I know Toews was still a “prospect” after his Calder finalist season because he was hurt so much.
A man must have a code.
by Fehr and Balanced on Sep 8, 2009 9:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think they use 70 games or something like that for skaters.
by red army line on Sep 8, 2009 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
OV looking natty in Ovechkinwear, Caps hat, and what appears to be a fairly fresh haircut. Dad looking pehaps a bit less natty, but that’s just what dads do. At least that’s what my dad does.
Welcome back Stateside, gents. Enjoy New York and T.O., we’ll see you at the weekend.
IS PAЯTY NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Sep 8, 2009 7:50 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
To be fair, that Hockey’s Future list is dated April 9th and they’ve since upgraded Varlamov to an 8.5B, which is higher than anyone I saw other than Hedman or Tavares upon quick perusal.
Carlson is still rated at 7.5B, I hope that’s not accurate and that he continues to develop; he looked awesome in camp yesterday.
by Knee high to a duck on Sep 8, 2009 8:12 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Huh. For some reason that slipped past me (despite being in large print at the top) – I thought it was new. I’m gonna yank the link – thanks.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Sep 8, 2009 8:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Err, that should read ‘as high’ instead of ‘higher’. Pietrangelo (probably among others) also rates an 8.5, while Tavares and Hedman are 9Cs.
by Knee high to a duck on Sep 8, 2009 8:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here’s MG signing stuff. Nice guns.
IS PAЯTY NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Sep 8, 2009 8:14 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
He doesn’t have to suck the gut in so much.
"The worst thing you can be is a liar...Okay fine, yes, the worst thing you can be is a Nazi, but THEN, number two is liar. Nazi 1, Liar 2."
by Bald Pollack on Sep 8, 2009 8:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Was Delly’s injury in the July developmental camp a concussion as well?
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 8, 2009 8:20 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
No. That was a shoulder (and no one used the “c” word here, that I’ve seen).
Related: as I was leaving yesterday, he was in the elevator, heading to the food court. Not the best idea when you’re sidelined.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Sep 8, 2009 8:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They don’t have food courts in Barrie, Ont.! Let the boy live!
(That said: Agreed.)
by TylerG on Sep 8, 2009 8:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There’s reasonable stuff you can get in a food court without destroying a training diet. It’s better to cook, obviously, but with a little pickiness it’s not impossible.
That said, what I wouldn’t give to have something like the food selection at Sports Page available at the Phone Booth.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Sep 8, 2009 8:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
OK good, at least it isn’t a recurring thing at this point.
Tarik used the “C” word HERE
With Stefan Della Rovere out with a mild concussion, the team needed an extra forward
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 8, 2009 8:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That happened at a juniors game last week, not in camp.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Sep 8, 2009 8:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Right, he wasn’t on the ice at all yesterday.
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 8, 2009 8:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, he wasn’t. (Were you there? Wish I’d’ve known, I’d’ve come by and said hi.) They’re giving him the week off on a “better safe than sorry” principle and he should be on the ice next week.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Sep 8, 2009 8:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah, he rode the elevator with us yesterday and told someone he was just being cautious, and was going to ride the bike later.
by kellobellow on Sep 8, 2009 9:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wanted to attend that practice so bad, but had to drive down from Philly and missed all the fun by that much. But at least I was able to get Kettler’s fall public skate sked and I plan to skate this Wednesday nite from 7:45-8:45. Any and all of you are invited to join if you’re able to make it…
IS PAЯTY NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Sep 8, 2009 9:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
couldn’t make it unfortunately. I’m hoping to catch a day this week or next.
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 8, 2009 9:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I sit corrected. A “mild concussion” it is.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Sep 8, 2009 8:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I love the fact that Carlson is so highly thought of by the organization, but I’m not sure what the urgency is to have him start the season with the Caps. Certainly, their depth on D doesn’t demand it and I don’t think anyone is going to argue that playing 30 minutes a game in Hershey will do anything but help his development. We saw last year with Alzner what happens when a young defenseman gets thrown into the NHL too early. Why are so many both within and outside the organization so anxious to repeat that situation? By all accounts, Carlson is going to be very good, maybe even great. The Caps should be giving him time to develop the right way and let him become a Green and not an Eminger.
by b.orr4 on Sep 8, 2009 9:38 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I love the fact that Carlson is so highly thought of by the organization, but I’m not sure what the urgency is to have him start the season with the Caps.
There is no urgency at all. I agree on all points, and I’m pretty sure the organization does as well (if Green and Alzner are any indication). But here’s betting that he spends most of the year in Hershey and one year from now Dmitri Orlov comes to camp and people talk about how he’s gonna make the team out of camp, despite the overwhelming precedents. People just like to burst at the seams with optimism on the young guys (especially after being spoiled with AO, Nick and Green). And then there’s my pop-psych analysis that some portion of the Carlson love is latent (and likely unfounded) disappointment in Alzner.
On a related note, I think there’s still a lot that can be done to bring Green along “the right way” developmentally – he’s not out of the woods yet, imo, and could certainly benefit from a more veteran influence.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Sep 8, 2009 9:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Along the Alzner line, Peerless did an outstanding Alzner preview the other day. The part I liked:
But he doesn’t come into the season without expectations. He is the only defenseman of the 2007 draft class who has played an NHL game. He is the only defenseman of the 2007 class among the top 22 selected to play in an NHL game. No other defenseman taken in the 2007 draft have played more than three games in the NHL (John Negrin of Calgary and Yannick Weber of Montreal having played three games apiece, and these are the only other defensemen to have played at all in the NHL from that class so far).
His playing 30 games in the NHL last year was a case of being pressed into duty as a result of injury and illness among the regulars. But of the other 10 defensemen taken in the first round of the 2007 draft, not only have none of them played in an NHL game yet, but only three of them have played in any AHL regular season games (Jonathan Blum did not dress in the regular season for the Milwaukee Admirals, but he did dress for five playoff games). Only one defenseman from that class among the first rounders – Keaton Ellerby – has appeared in more than 10 games in the AHL. Alzner, by comparison to his draft classmates, has rocketed to the NHL. Let that sink in as you ponder the state of Alzner’s development, Caps fans.
"The worst thing you can be is a liar...Okay fine, yes, the worst thing you can be is a Nazi, but THEN, number two is liar. Nazi 1, Liar 2."
by Bald Pollack on Sep 8, 2009 9:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, that was a great, great read.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Sep 8, 2009 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah it was. And here’s another quote that cuts to the heart of your pop-psych analysis:
[He] is going to have his ups and downs. The problem he’ll have, though, is that his "ups" are likely to be of the inconspicuous sort, that being his game – efficient, without a flash of the big hit or the end-to-end rush. His downs will be there for all to see, the sort where he shows up in the frame of a photo of an opponent scoring a goal – such is the nature of his position.
Sounds kinda like another Caps D that takes some fan heat, no?
A man must have a code.
by Fehr and Balanced on Sep 8, 2009 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yup. In the breakdown you see Alzner had a good stretch during the first callup, then wasn’t as good the 2nd time
by red army line on Sep 8, 2009 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Difference is that Alzner is a graceful skater…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Sep 8, 2009 9:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And a more confident puck mover. But he’s not flashy. I share J.P.’s concern/prediction.
A man must have a code.
by Fehr and Balanced on Sep 8, 2009 9:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And then there’s my pop-psych analysis that some portion of the Carlson love is latent (and likely unfounded) disappointment in Alzner.
Alzner can’t be a good d-man because he doesn’t hit anybody. He and Schultz should have to sit the bench next to each other and watch rock em sock em hockey between periods.
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 8, 2009 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Must. Not. Restart. Schultz. Debate.
by Murshawursha on Sep 8, 2009 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What’s to debate? Schultz is Good. I’d be curious to see his experience and results compared with other D in his draft class, as Peerless did with Alzner. Schultz-bashing depends heavily on false comparisons (to sixth-year Chara) and WWF fever-dreams (bring back Brendan “Half” Witt).
by redlineblue on Sep 8, 2009 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Shultz is okay IMO. He’s nowhere near as bad as alot of CapNation seems to think he is, but I also don’t think he’s anywhere near as good as the worship on this particular blog makes him out to be. And frankly, both extremes annoy me.
He’s positionally sound and seems to have good hockey sense, but he still has the tendency to freeze up at times, like he knows he has options but he’s so afraid of making a mistake he just doesn’t do anything. Heh, when I put it that way, him getting burnt by Dubinsky in the playoffs last year is an improvement. At least he committed to the guy instead of backpedaling into Jose like he usually does.
Again, that’s (hopefully) just inexperience that can be fixed by good coaching and further development. But FFS, he’s not now (and IMO never will be) a Norris contender.
by Murshawursha on Sep 8, 2009 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I could be wrong, but I don’t think anyone here is seriously proffering Schultz for Norris (Or should I say, Schultz for Schultz?). It seems to be an ongoing joke running contrary to the irrational hate a lot of people display for the man.
by Knee high to a duck on Sep 8, 2009 10:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah I realize it’s tongue and cheek. At the same time, I still think some people are too high on him for his current skill level.
Few more years of development.
by Murshawursha on Sep 8, 2009 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Few more years of development.
But if he’s done not so bad so far, the team’s most inexperienced defenseman can only improve with more NHL playing time, no?
"The worst thing you can be is a liar...Okay fine, yes, the worst thing you can be is a Nazi, but THEN, number two is liar. Nazi 1, Liar 2."
by Bald Pollack on Sep 8, 2009 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The way I see it, he was able to make Evgeni Malkin invisible for four games. The next step is consistency and improving skating, and like Murshawursa said, improve decision making. Hockey is a fast game, and even Green made mistakes during the postseason. But Schultz, if not already, will be a top-4 defenseman with a (tough to reach) ceiling of top-2.
by red army line on Sep 8, 2009 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed on all counts.I just don’t think he’s there quite yet.
Maybe it just comes from the way I was coached, but I’d much rather see a mistake of effort than a mistake of inaction. Sorta like how in baseball, a coach will kill you for striking out looking, but going out swinging is at least more acceptable.
by Murshawursha on Sep 8, 2009 11:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hear what you’re saying but it’s too broad of a proposition. You strike out swinging at ball 4 out of the zone and the coach is going to be pissed. Schultz has never failed from lack of effort, IMO. He fails because he hasn’t grown into his body, figured out hot to fully translate his game at the NHL level yet, and as a result has had his poor skating and footwork exposed by extremely talented forwards.
A man must have a code.
by Fehr and Balanced on Sep 8, 2009 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Meh, he’s terrible at two-on-ones/one-on-ones/odd-man rushes in general. My biggest Schultz complaint has always been that he’ll back into the goaltender before he’ll commit to a man. Hence the reason I was sort of happy to see him get burnt by Dubinsky.
I tend to agree with you as far as effort goes. My issue is that while I can tell he’s thinking and weighing his options, sometimes he’ll just get stuck thinking and not actually act. Which is not necessarily a bad thing, per-se, but eventually he’s got to do SOMETHING. Whether it was the right call or not, and what he could do better next time is something to sort out with the coach later. Either way, I’d rather see him commit and get burned than back into the goalie and screen him.
by Murshawursha on Sep 8, 2009 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I disagree with this – I’ve seen him play many odd-man rushes picture perfectly, aided by his incredibly long reach.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Sep 8, 2009 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He can break them up, true. However, when it becomes clear he can’t break up the pass, or a pass isn’t happening, he needs to commit to one or the other rather than continuing to stand between them trying to break up a pass that isn’t coming. And I’ve seen him do that plenty of times too.
by Murshawursha on Sep 8, 2009 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
How do you explain the sizable statistical evidence before you, then?
from the house that Red Jesus built
by bigonetimer on Sep 8, 2009 2:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sigh. I’m not saying he’s a bad defenseman. I’m simply saying that he’s not God’s gift to hockey like some people imply he is. I’m nitpicking one aspect of his game. He needs to be more decisive, especially on odd-man breaks. I’ve stated the reasons I feel that way, because that’s what I’ve seen with my own two eyes. That’s all I’m saying. I’m not saying cut him, I’m not saying trade him, I’m not saying send him to Hershey. I’m saying he’s still a developing talent with highish end potential, but as he currently is, he’s not there yet.
by Murshawursha on Sep 8, 2009 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not saying cut him, I’m not saying trade him, I’m not saying send him to Hershey.
But, are you whooping him along with the rest of TEBnation?
I kid. And I agree that he’s still developing. But he’s the most solid defensive defenseman we’re rolling right now, and he’s earned the minutes he’s gotten.
from the house that Red Jesus built
by bigonetimer on Sep 8, 2009 2:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But he’s the most solid defensive defenseman we’re rolling right now,
I think this is what annoys us about the Schultz Conversation™. There are many of us who think he is fine. But Schultz is pretty clearly not the best defensive defenseman on the team right now. When the Schultz love gets taken too far, people start to sound as bad as those who say he’s terrible.
Let Schultzie be Schultzie. He’s young and he’s ahead of where he should be. He doesn’t need to be better than Poti right now. And he ain’t.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Sep 8, 2009 9:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Take it easy GOD. If you quibble with the assertion, back it up.
Tom has never been confused with a defensive stalwart on any of his teams. He has improved defensively in the latter years of his career (though not exactly the pillar of health while doing so). Last year, when he was on the ice, he faced stiff competition, true, but his 5 on 5 GAON/60 was the highest on the team (of the regulars) as well.
Peerless put it this way:
He is not – and won’t be this year – the guy called upon to put up big numbers from the blue line. He would not seem likely to be called upon to be the shutdown defenseman on this team (one way to look at this – Poti was on the ice for the last shift in three of the Caps’ seven playoff wins last spring), although just who that shutdown defenseman is remains something of a mystery.
Perhaps in the absence of said ‘shutdown defenseman’ Tom’s 700+ games of experience lends itself to the role you see him playing. But it’s my opinion that he is miscast if that’s his reason to be on this team.
from the house that Red Jesus built
by bigonetimer on Sep 9, 2009 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with J.P. on the two on one issue. I do agree with you to some extent; I think when Schultz isn’t on his game he’s indecisive and gets caught in no-man’s land. It’s very frustrating, I know. But “doing something” isn’t necessarily the answer. People always just want a guy to “do something.” Blasting a puck into the forwards shin pads and watching a breakaway is “something” but it’s not smart hockey. Using your glove to blindly shovel the puck through your legs into the middle of the slot is “something” but it’s not good hockey.
A man must have a code.
by Fehr and Balanced on Sep 8, 2009 5:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No doubt he needs to be more confident and decisive, but I see that more with the puck than in his defensive game (though I’m told that that’s a distinction without a difference).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Sep 8, 2009 6:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree that his brain cramps come in the offensive side of the game. He also struggles making decisions about keeping the puck in the zone. I think sometimes he gives up the zone too easily because he’s afraid of getting caught so I’d like to see him get more confident in that area(wait, are we talking about defense or offense?).
A man must have a code.
by Fehr and Balanced on Sep 8, 2009 6:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
him getting burnt by Dubinsky in the playoffs
Stop. Just…stop.
by Scott in Shaw on Sep 8, 2009 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’d wager anyone with a broken rib gets burnt in that situation.
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 8, 2009 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not bagging on him for it. I’m saying the fact that he chose to step up rather than backpedal eternally was a good call.
by Murshawursha on Sep 8, 2009 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What I’m trying to say is the result was irrelevant as far as I’m concerned. The action itself was a good thing.
Though admittedly it was hilarious to watch.
by Murshawursha on Sep 8, 2009 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mentioning it in that context sure seems like bagging on him for it to me.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Sep 9, 2009 8:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Alzner doesn’t start the season with the parent club (or Carlson), Schultz will be the youngest defenseman on the roster. He has 171 games of regular season experience (barely two full seasons), not a lot by any means.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Sep 8, 2009 5:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Must. Not. Restart. Schultz. Debate.
Too late.
Puck Passion (whoever they are) wades in. At least on the fantasy front.
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by Your Nation's Capital on Sep 8, 2009 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think there’s also some resistance to change in CapsNation. I’ve noticed that the people who complain about hitting and lack of physically abusive D are the same one who constantly seem to pine for a return to the 1990’s and don’t seem to be able to accept that the team has changed in nature and style.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Sep 8, 2009 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
the same one who constantly seem to pine for a return to the 1990’s and don’t seem to be able to accept that theteamgame has changed in nature and style.
A man must have a code.
by Fehr and Balanced on Sep 8, 2009 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
To me, being physical doesn’t mean huge body checks, though that part of it. Being physical is about grinding people and using your body to wear the opponent down over the course of a game or series. That is still part of the game and is something that the Caps as a whole could do a better job of.
by Sct112 on Sep 8, 2009 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This, though big hits do still have a place. It’d be nice to have a guy on the roster consistently feared by players on the other team. How many guys do you know who enjoy going one on one with Pronger?
But between Ovie being Ovie and Greenie’s occasional hipchecks, we do fairly well in the highlight hit department.
by Murshawursha on Sep 8, 2009 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Schultz and Alzner play a similar game, ironically: they rarely take a penalty, avoid the big hit, and have great hockey sense.
Yet Schultz gets lambasted. The Dubinsky goal is his Zapruder film: it really killed him in the eyes of the Caps faithful.
Doesnt Schultz have more goals than Chara did at this stage if his career?
by S h a g g y on Sep 8, 2009 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
5 of those goals came in the first 21 games in 07-08.
Alzner IMO doesn’t “hit” perse, but he does play physical, going into the corners and dishing out cross checks (the legal kind) and fighting for the puck. Schultz seems to me more along the lines of the guy blocking the centering pass or pokechecking the puck away once it comes out of the corner.
by red army line on Sep 8, 2009 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Schultz ain’t going to be Chara. He doesn’t need to be. Let Schultzie be Schultzie.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Sep 8, 2009 9:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There is no way I would ever say being physical and hitting isn’t part of the game. However, the game has changed, like it or not. It’s more about speed and skill than it has been in my lifetime. D-Hatcher can’t just bearhug a more skilled player in the corner and wait for the rest of his team to clear the zone. You can’t just carve a guy up with your stick in the name of “defending the crease.” If you try to play old-NHL “physical” D then you are going to be in the penalty box an awful lot. I completely agree that using your body to wear down an opponent is an integral part of the game, but that’s not what was taken out of the game; it was the manner in which you can wear on them that changed.
A man must have a code.
by Fehr and Balanced on Sep 8, 2009 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t think we are disagreeing. I definitely don’t pine for those teams and I wasn’t advocating that the team try to play 90s NHL hockey, its a different team and a different era. That said, if this current team could take a page from the “we are always tough to play against” book it would be the one page that I would like them to take from the 90s Caps. (Not the method, just the attitude)
by Sct112 on Sep 8, 2009 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with you. I was just pointing out that it’s not just the Caps team that has changed; it is the league. Trying to play the same way as the ‘90s teams won’t help us win a Cup. Do you still want to be a team that nobody wants to face and nobody can skate through easily? Yes. But the way to accomplish that stuff is different nowadays than it was in Hunter’s day.
A man must have a code.
by Fehr and Balanced on Sep 8, 2009 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Now this I agree with.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Sep 8, 2009 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
D-Hatcher can’t just bearhug a more skilled player in the corner and wait for the rest of his team to clear the zone. You can’t just carve a guy up with your stick in the name of "defending the crease." If you try to play old-NHL "physical" D then you are going to be in the penalty box an awful lot.
Unless your name is Hal Gill
by Killer_Carlson on Sep 8, 2009 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m curious to see if he still gets away with it with a different sweater on.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Sep 9, 2009 8:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gill had more PIMs/game as a Penguin than he did as a Leaf in the season leading up to his trade (2007-08).
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by J.P. on Sep 9, 2009 9:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not buying into a team bias thing, but just watching Gill all playoffs he was repeatedly getting away with the type of things F&B mentioned without getting called. The fact that a guy with his speed (or lack there of) and playing style was only called for 3 penalties in 24 games in the playoffs is pretty ridiculous.
by Killer_Carlson on Sep 9, 2009 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Would love to see the actual PIT PIM numbers from last year. Watching the playoffs, they looked like they were getting away with a lot, and not just in the Washington series. Granted, the refs tend to put the whistles away in the postseason, but this at least felt like something beyond that from a spectator perspective.
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by winterion on Sep 9, 2009 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
he’s not out of the woods yet, imo
That wasn’t some sorta clever pun was it? :-)
by Scofield on Sep 8, 2009 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
TEB sez Finley still off-ice today and he’ll have a transcript of Varly’s remarks to the media soon (and I note OFB reported that Semyon’s English has improved dramatically)
IS PAЯTY NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Sep 8, 2009 12:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Isn’t the real question whether OFB’s English has improved dramatically?
by TylerG on Sep 8, 2009 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Dude, ease off. The OFB vendetta is getting pretty old. Did the OFB guys kick your dog? There is room on the internet for this site and OFB, and believe it or not, some folks around here might legitimately like both.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Sep 8, 2009 9:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
they did have a nice gallery from day 1 of rookie camp.
by RedBirdie on Sep 8, 2009 9:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Including a photo of me taking a photo. Meta.
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by J.P. on Sep 8, 2009 9:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Any idea if Kornheiser’s return to WTEM means we’ll start hearing anything hockey-related on the station?
I keep watching this 94.3 vs. 106.7 deal, and thinking, something’s got to give. The format change at the latter came as a bit of a surprise, but is there really enough demand for two FM sports-talk stations when both of them just pipe in national programs half the time each?
Also, one of the Dump and Chase commenters left this gem of an article for your consideration.
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by winterion on Sep 8, 2009 1:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
is Daddy Fedorov trying to give Papa Lindros a run for his money?
by RedBirdie on Sep 8, 2009 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Unlike the masses of Caps nation (it seems to me from what I read), I’m a Kornheiser fan. The last version of his radio show was during the 2008 playoff run, and he did talk hockey — some. He admist it’s low on his his of sports he pays attention to, and I think said he didn’t like watching it on TV. On the other hand, his daugher is a huge fan and was dragging him kickiing and screaming into giviing it more attention. Tony is the only thing that’s bringing me back to that station; the rest of it is pretty much uniistenable.
by gfcaps fan on Sep 9, 2009 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, Steve Zaban and his little click are awful, and as much as I like John Thompson, his radio show is a chore. It doesn’t feel nearly as professional, but I think 106.7 is doing a better job of being listenable – Junkies, Wise, and Dukes+LaVar is a much stronger morning to evening rotation.
What boggles me about 106.7 is that CBS Radio owns the station, and they go to Fox Sports Radio at night. Seems.. weird.
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by winterion on Sep 9, 2009 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I should like John Thompson more than I do (GU grad during his tenure), but if it’s not basketball, he’s lost, sportswise.
You couldn’t pay me enough to listen to the Junkies. Wise comes from the Mr. Tony mold, so he’s cool, but part of his show is on at the same time as Tony. No contest. LaVar surprised me as being listenable. From the Comcast gig skating with the Caps last year, I thought he’d truly stink. I guess stick with the radio, LaVar.
by gfcaps fan on Sep 9, 2009 4:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m a Post subscriber. I’ve liked Tony and Wilbon for years, even if they’re not really interested in hockey.
I think the only thing they’ve done that made me sigh and shake my head is buy into the ESPN talking point that hockey doesn’t matter because nobody can see it. (Ever notice how many ESPN anchors manage to slip a little jab in at that fact whenever covering the sport? The only two who don’t seem to are Linda Cohn and John Buccigross, and both of them are professed hockey addicts.)
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by winterion on Sep 9, 2009 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Washington
|
72 | 48 | 14 | 10 | 106 |
|
Atlanta
|
71 | 31 | 29 | 11 | 73 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
71 | 28 | 31 | 12 | 68 |
|
Carolina
|
71 | 30 | 33 | 8 | 68 |
|
Florida
|
70 | 28 | 31 | 11 | 67 |
(updated 3.21.2010 at 1:09 AM EDT)
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