Recap: Kings 2, Caps 1
by J.P. on Jan 2, 2010 7:31 PM EST
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After dropping a 2-1 Hollywood matinee to the Kings on Saturday, the Washington Capitals have lost three straight games in regulation for the first time this season. Perhaps most worrisome is the fact that some aspects of the Caps' performances in these losses are dangerously close to becoming trends... if they aren't already. In these three games, the Caps have been outscored 6-0 and out-shot 35-11 in the first periods, have gone 0-for-1 on 5-on-3 power plays in each game (the shortest of which was a 47 second two-man advantage), and have gotten just three even strength goals total.
Of course, if this is rock bottom... it ain't so bad.
Ten more notes on the game:
- Nicklas Backstrom skated just nine shifts on the day, and none after the 3:04 mark of the second period. Needless to say, if he's out for any significant period of time, the Caps are in trouble... but given that it was
a monster hangoverapparently a migraine that forced him out, it's probably nothing long-term. - If any one sequence of today's game could sum up the current losing streak, it may have been following Ryan Smyth's third period boarding call: nearly a minute of over-passing on the power play, followed by a lazy effort along the defensive boards that led to a shorthanded goal against, the eventual game-winner.
- That said, the power play did click for the Caps' only goal on the night - a Mike Green blast that may not have happened without Alexander Semin digging the puck out of the corner moments earlier. But in 8:48 of power play time (including 53 seconds of 5-on-3), the Caps had just six shots on goal. Not good enough.
- Speaking of Semin, he has now gone six games without a goal and has just one in his last nine games. He's not the only Cap forward not filling the net, of course, but when you make the kind of bank that he does (and will), your slumps fairly stand out a bit more.
- Green was generously credited with seven hits (now we know how Dustin Brown stays among the League leaders annually in that stat), logged 30:33 of ice time (an alarmingly high average of 1:23 per shift), and was on the ice for all three goals. "Ask Mike Green. He was on the ice the whole time."
- From the 12:25 mark of the first period on, the Caps out-shot the Kings 24-9. L.A. netminder (and U.S. Olympian) Jonathan Quick was good, but the refs' whistles lived up to the Kings goalie's name more than he did.
- Alex Ovechkin had seven shots on goal, six hits, and a monstrous 1:20 per shift average.
- Boyd Gordon won seven of his nine draws, and Quintin Laing had a great shift in which he blocked two shots. Good for the grinders.
- Michal Neuvirth was solid in net for the Caps once again, and made seven saves on eight shots against in 8:33 of shorthanded time (thanks to five different Caps committing five minor penalties).
- Drew Doughty had a good game... but I'll still take Mike Green any day of the week.
So what does Bruce Boudreau do to shake his team out of this, their worst slump of the season? Baseless prediction: The Caps have a captain for Tuesday night's game.
Game highlights:
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In said nine games, Semin has 5 combined points, and 4 penalties taken. But that may just be a case of personal bias.
"I know it holds 17 1/2 beers."
There you go picking again on poor Semin.
Today’s 1st period penalty took place in the defensive zone. That is an improvement.
A man gotta have a code
I hear Malkin’s been no better, as of late. He’s has only 1 assist and has been minus 4 in his last 4 games. Will Pittsburgh fans call for trading Malkin or making him a healthy scratch. Plus his cap hit’s 8.7 Million.
Rocking the Red since 1975
One of them has the Art Ross and Conn Smythe trophies collecting dust on his mantle, and one doesn’t. Just saying.
by Gin and Tonic on Jan 3, 2010 1:09 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
From where I’m coming, this is the first time. You should have put a spoiler alert on your comment.
In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.
SPOILER ALERT
capsfan75 is very active in this comment section.
by Natty Bumppo on Jan 3, 2010 2:49 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Hey Natty, you want a new picture for the JRHL yet?
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
Yes, despite all the losses, Neuvy is playing well and I think BB realizes that too since he gave him another start despite the loss in SJ. I would hate for him to go back to HER after two straight losses but if Varly is back next week, that’s where he is headed. That’s too bad.
Lobbies: Green, Carlson
Neuvy is playing well, but not amazing.
He’s been solid, but not spectacular. A fine goalie, but I miss Varly.
They laughed at Columbus, they laughed at Fulton, they laughed at the Wright brothers. But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown.
I don’t look for Neuvy to be spectacular. He’s not that kind of goalie. He is a technical style goalie.
He has done as well as we could have hoped( except against TOR).
If you don't wanna get hit, KEEP YOUR HEAD UP!
I don’t want to speak for Bman, but Neuvirth hasn’t been less spectacular than Varlamov because he doesn’t make as many eye-popping saves. He has been less spectacular than Varlamov because he is making fewer big stops and giving up more questionable goals. Thus, he hasn’t beeen bad, but he also hasn’t been great/spectacular.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 2, 2010 8:18 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
But IIRC, the questionable goals happened while playing the Oilers, Sabres and Devils. I thought he looked a bit uncomfortable in net during those games but the team was playing well so they won. Since then, I think he is been playing better, if you put aside the penalty shot goals, or at least with more confidence, but the team hasn’t so they are losing games. He is not as good as Varly right now but Varly was not that good either in his first few starts. I remember BB saying that teams were scoring goals in bunches on Varly but he kept getting better and better. I think the same thing is happening with Neuvy right now.
Lobbies: Green, Carlson
This is very true, Neurvy is a young goalie and is learning. He is getting more confident which is good. He hasn’t been able to truly steal a game though, something the caps have needed recently. He’ll be great in the future, and is a great backup, but the athleticism of Varly is missed.
They laughed at Columbus, they laughed at Fulton, they laughed at the Wright brothers. But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown.
I agree totally. Neuvy is good backup at this point in his career and has huge upside.
He is gonna be the kind of goalie that even when he makes a great save, he’s not gonna look overly flashy IMO.
Varly is a better goalie right now and much more athletic, I agree, but I worry that it might cut his career short.
Groin pulls, especially recuring ones, scare me for goalies in perticular.
( probably a different point altogether)
If you don't wanna get hit, KEEP YOUR HEAD UP!
We all miss Varly but I rather see Neuvy in net right now than Theo. Varly is good but he can’t play every single game and right now I would rather have Neuvy as the backup. I’m not saying Theo is entirely to blame for the loss against CAR but I feel that while Neuvy is improving, Theo is actually getting worse.
Lobbies: Green, Carlson
I totally agree
Neurvy is a great backup. He is solid, and plays well. Theodore is never going to be more than a decent streaky goalie, Neurvy can improve to be a very solid consistent goalie.
It sucks seeing Theo this year, I want him to do well and know he can get on a roll and steal some games, but he’s been pretty bad recently. In one of his ruts, and he’ll get on a hot streak eventually, but he’s just too inconsistent for a team of this potential.
They laughed at Columbus, they laughed at Fulton, they laughed at the Wright brothers. But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown.
Neuvirth needs to be playing. Even though I agree that Nevurith is better than Theo right now, I’m not comfortable with two rookie goalies and Neuvirth would be worse off long term if we did that now.
In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.
I’m not comfortable with two rookie goalies, but I don’t know how much I buy the “They need to be playing.” I think at some point, practicing against the Washington Capitals offense (If it’s on) is more beneficial than an extra two hour session playing against the Birmingham Senators.
Call it a concurring statement.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
Game pressure is game pressure. You can’t recreate it in practice. I agree that practicing with the Caps definitely helped Neuvirth, but long term he needs to be playing at game intensity with game stress.
In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.
He’s been playing at game intensity with game stress against NHL playoff caliber teams as of late. Neuvy hasn’t been bad but he’s a work in progress. He’s currently an adequate goalie for a team that can score. But still needs work. Freaks out with penalty shots. And isn’t yet good enough to steal games.
At the moment, the Caps “offense” is so bottled up, they need the type of goalie who can steal games.
Rocking the Red since 1975
finally home! While I wish I could have met the rink rats and rabbits, I think I’m none to sad at missing yet another loss. sigh.
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
It was a pretty fantastic night, regardless of the bullshit that took place in LA :-).
by DrinkingPartner on Jan 3, 2010 12:04 AM EST up reply actions
I guess this is a testament to Craig Laughlin’s toughness. Because there’s no way Nicklas Backstrom was more hungover than Locker!
Russian Machine Never Breaks - A Hockey Blog Focusing on The Washington Capitals and Their Awesome Russian Superstars: Alex Ovechkin, Alex Semin & Semyon Varlamov.
Does anyone know when Pothier is supposed to be back in the lineup? I want to know who the healthy scratch will be when he gets back. Dear sweet Lord I hope is not Alzner.
Lobbies: Green, Carlson
If it isn’t Erskine or Shamo I’ll be pissed.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 2, 2010 8:18 PM EST up reply actions
Just got back from the game
Uh what the fuck was that? Am I gonna have to go back east to ever see the good Caps again?
Obstreperously Avatarless
Yes, you are. You should not have moved to the West. Or maybe you need to make a special trip to the East Coast in order to see the good Caps.
Let’s face it. Road trips to California are killers for the Caps. Last year their road trip to hell was to California in November.
Rocking the Red since 1975
I just hope the road trip to the west I see them on is better
But that’s against the Blue. If they don’t win that I will be ashamed. The Blues will be on the 2nd of a back to back and are terrible at home.
They laughed at Columbus, they laughed at Fulton, they laughed at the Wright brothers. But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown.
Yeah I remember last year, another crappy game Vs. the Kings.
Though, as far as moving to LA goes, I could’ve worn shorts and a T-shirt to the game, and played eighteen holes of golf yesterday in beautiful 65 degree weather.
Obstreperously Avatarless
weather is wretched here in DC. Cold and extremely windy.
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
ah, but Spring in DC is divine. Love it. (spring in DC that involves an ass-whooping in the Penguins? even better!)
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
Folks mentioned earlier today about the NHL needing more JR. Apparently the Kings agree. They are giving JR a regular video blog segment on their site.
JR video blog -
http://kings.nhl.com/v2/ext/news/jrgument.html
A man gotta have a code
Been watching/listening to the CBJ game in the backround
and haven’t heard Clarks or Jurcinas name mentioned once. Just now realized they were even playing.
Obstreperously Avatarless
I wonder what they will do with Theo once Varly is ready because I, along with most of you hopefully, would rather have Neuvy as the number 2. Will they scratch Theo or send Neuvy back down even though he doesn’t deserve that?
Empty net goals are for homos. --Al Iafrate
Neuvy goes back to Hershey. He can be sent back no problem, so back he goes.
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
Right, and sitting does him no good.
In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.
They can certainly send Neuvy back. But, at the point, Theo’s so deep in the doghouse, they might choose to rotate the kids.
They have such an intense compressed schedule for the next month and a half, I can see them keeping Theodore and giving him spot starts and going with the kids most of the other times.
It’s not that keeping both kids will impact cap space too much.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Baseless prediction: The Caps have a captain for Tuesday night’s game.
Not so baseless. Ovie gets the “C” and then they SNAP OUT OF IT. (That shortie sure leaves a bile-like taste in the mouth, don’t it? P-tui!)
they’ve got several days off to get back to DC, shake out the cobwebs and go back to being the Capitals. PLEASE!
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
You think our slump will go on and on? Now you’re truly being pessimistic. And we thought I was bad in that department.
Rocking the Red since 1975
No I don’t think it will go on and on. But they’re going to have a bad stretch at some point in the season and right now there are a couple of huge distractions between the Captain getting traded away and the Olympic rosters being announced. The excitement of the Olympics for some….and the rejection for others is pretty heavy for the stars of this team. And to say “they’re professionals” is a farce when it comes to representing (or not) one’s country.
You’re right. We do have a couple of huge distractions going on. The Clark trade and the Olympic announcements. Somehow the Olympic announcements haven’t been a distraction for either San Jose or LA. I’m wondering how San Jose and LA managed to stay focused.
No matter what they say about guys being professionals, I’m sure the Clark trade shook everyone on the team up. He’s there at the morning skate and then he’s gone before the game (and it happened so fast.)
I’m glad that post “I don’t think they will (Get a C or snap out it)” was sarcastic. I figured there was a good chance that is was.
Rocking the Red since 1975
will this stretch out long enough for us to start a “name the date” pool? i’m tabbing friday the 8th.
Captain. At a certain point you have to move on, and I think this group could use the inspiration a new captain may bring.
I am easily satisfied with the very best
#WantNewCaptain#WantNewCaptain#
Yes, they need a new Captain. Pronto. So they won’t be the “rudderless” team or at least the Captainless team.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Erskine for Captain!
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
Hey, if one healthy scratch can captain…
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
Yeah. Was a small crack.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
Plenty of discussion has been had and is yet to be had. I’d vote Brads or Laich, but who effing knows?
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
Thoughts on game. And sorry to be so negative.
1) First period was bad. The offense was non-existent
2) The defensive effort was decent. At least LA only scored two goals. Normally, we win when we give up only two goals
3) I am worried about the Caps power play (or lack of power play). It may be time to put at least one more defensive minded guy on each shift so we don’t give up so many shorties. Maybe it’s time to put people like Steckel, Laing, Gordon, etc on our PP. Okay, maybe not the whole 4th line but maybe we need a more defensive group of personnel there.
4) Ovi should NOT, repeat NOT be playing shifts of over 2 minutes. Over 3 minutes is ridiculous. And he was over the 3 minute mark in his shift when the shortie happened.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Maybe it’s time to put people like Steckel, Laing, Gordon, etc on our PP
You’re half right…I’ll grant you more defensive, bu t I don’t think giving time to any of the listed players is smart at all. If I had my druthers I’d start by not letting Green and Ovechkin play so long…and then I’d move to not letting them play the point together.
Okay, I’m being a bit sarcastic with that one (suggesting 4th liner for our PP) but we need some more defensive awareness on the PP.
For starters, Ovi and Green should not play more than 1:20 for any shift. Their productivity goes way down at that point.
No more putting Green and Ovi at the point together. Maybe what we should do for our PP is to not add an additional forward to the PP. We obviously can not handle the PP with only one defenseman. Our first unit should be the first line plus one of our defensive pairings (say Green and Schultz). The defense guys go to the points. Our second PP unit should be our second line plus another defensive pairing, say Poti and Morrisonn. If the defense guys for the appropriate pairing are gassed, use the other pairing. And occasionally our good third line forwards can be used on the PP unit, either in place of one of our other guys.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Observations from my sofa....
1) The effort in the 2nd and 3rd periods was great, but alas the first period, the Caps were running around in their own end.
2) Quick had a great game. His being the #1 star was the right choice. Still he got a break with a quick whistle on one occasion.
3) Why they hell don’t the Caps shoot the freaking puck on the power play. Have Green and Ovie blast away from the point. Sure some will get blocked, but before the power play starts, they can always discuss Patrick Thoresen…
Hopefully they’ll get the act together soon when they get back home. Teams can’t afford 3 game losing streaks ever, esp. in April, but best to get out of the habit now…
Let's go Caps!
See I didn’t think the grinders were all that great tonight. Whenever 39-15-53 were out there the Caps seemed to get pinned in their own zone, had no real forecheck to speak of and obviously generated no offense. I really hope Boudreau inserts Fehr back into the lineup ASAP and the team gets 85 back up soon. Tonight’s lineup had too much grinder and not enough skill IMO.
by Kolzilla on Jan 2, 2010 9:16 PM EST via mobile reply actions
I think I get what he was trying to do with the lineup tonight. He’s been buying into the whole “too cute” meme (and they have been too cute). So maybe he decided tonight would be as good a night as any to go with a grittier lineup. Brads on the 2nd line. Knuble and Laich paired with Chimera.
Clearly it didn’t work. There just wasn’t enough sustained offense behind the care bears. So back to the drawing board.
by Kolzilla on Jan 2, 2010 9:40 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Yes, I know I’ve been harping on this theme for a while but I’ll say it again. Fehr should go back as second line RW. The second line was productive while he was in that slot. And he was productive, as well. Yes, Fehr should be with Flash and BMo. They produced together and when they were broken up, the second line productivity fell off drastically.
Sooner or later, Knuble will get it together but I’m not sure his finger is back to snuff. Hence, I’d leave the third line alone for now. I’d put Brads back on the fourth. Who should we sit as the healthy scratch?
Rocking the Red since 1975
I think Ovi’s long shifts are becoming a huge problem also. I think the Caps scored a bunch of goals while Ovi was out in part because guys like Flash and Fehr got more playing time. If Ovi is out there for 2-3 minutes every shift, then those guys are just sitting on the bench picking their noses. How are they supposed to score from there?
Lobbies: Green, Carlson
That three minute shift
He was on the ice when the Kings took a penalty, and then stayed out on point for the ensuing PP. There were a couple whistles in there too.
Obstreperously Avatarless
The PP isn't that grueling
when you just stand around…
Obstreperously Avatarless
by Edanger6 on Jan 2, 2010 9:58 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
They’re becoming (do you see?) a huge problem? Or already are a huge problem?
The Caps routinely get burned, or allow chances when on the PP because Bruce doesn’t know how to properly manage shift lengths, so all the players are gassed and can’t skate. And this doesn’t even happen on the PP. With the young guns playing an average shift of over a minute in the game, they have no energy in the third. I think that’s a large reason for their third period woes (along with lack of focus). I understand that BB doesn’t want to rein in their play too much, but you have to find a medium that is best for the team’s chances of winning, and I don’t think Bruce has found that yet.
Now drink with me deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Jan 3, 2010 9:44 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
They’re becoming (do you see?)
The Red Dragon would actually be a pretty sweet nickname for AO.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 3, 2010 3:23 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Except he’s been red draggin’ at the end of a PP. And the rest of the PP unit is also red draggin’ as well.
Rocking the Red since 1975
by CapsFan75 on Jan 3, 2010 4:41 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I got this info off the “Peerless Sight” or some of it, anyhow.
A certain “star” player is in a slump, as his team is slumping.
1) He’s had no goals, 1 assist, and was -4 in his last 4 games.
2) He makes 8.7 Million in salary (yes, more than Semin)
3) He’s had over 50 minutes in penalties this year, all of them minor.
Guess if this guy were on our team, people would want him traded. I’m talking about ….. Evgeni Malkin.
Rocking the Red since 1975
No, I wouldn’t trade the defending Art Ross and Conn Smythe winner, who has 94 more career points in 9 fewer games than Alex Semin.
"I know it holds 17 1/2 beers."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 2, 2010 9:57 PM EST up reply actions 5 recs
Over 4 games, yet when you look at both of them over the 9 game period mentioned above, Malkin’s got 4g and 3a, Semin’s got 1g and 4a. Compare that to AO or Backstrom. Shoot, he’s a -3 since signing the extension.
How about this, if you’re going to compare the valleys of both these guys, is comparing their peaks just as easy?
"I know it holds 17 1/2 beers."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 2, 2010 10:19 PM EST up reply actions
Let’s look at the season thus far:
Malkin: $9 m. (according to NHLPA.com)
35 GP
13 goal
25 assists
38 pts.
Paid $236,842 per point at this point in the season
Semin: $5 m. (according to NHLPA.com)
32 GP
14 goals
18 assists
32 points
Paid $156,842 per point at this point in the season
So, for Malkin’s salary, I would expect a lot more from him. Trade him.
And Malkin is a center so, of course, we would expect more assists from him than from Semin.
Rocking the Red since 1975
94 more points. 9 Fewer games.
In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.
Not to mention who fucking cares what some other player for some other team is doing? If the Semin Lobby needs to compare other slumping players to their hero in order to make his recent play look palatable, that says a lot, no?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jan 3, 2010 9:32 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
I think there have been some spots that would have been perfect for a benching in the past, but I thought he was relatively (key word) decent yesterday and I think that sitting him while the whole team’s playing so poorly unfairly makes him a scapegoat (which is Eric Fehr’s role, dammit!), so I wouldn’t sit him after that game.
But yes, I’ve been ready to bench him for a while, in the right spot.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I don’t think Tuesday would be the right time for it.
I actually assumed that it would have happened on Feb 1 of last year when they played Ottawa, except Steckel (dinged up) and Clark were the scratches that day. (I had assumed Clark was a “Healthy” scratch but the very next day he turned out to be needing surgery and was out for the year.)
Semin actually did well on Feb 1.
I don’t like it when Fehr’s the scapegoat.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Minus serious gaffes that lead to costly goals (hello, shift length) Fehr is not the kind of player to put the hopes of your team on (especially not with that back). He provides good secondary scoring, and a player that is willing to go to the net, which the Caps definitely need.
I still think he accidentally ran over Bruce’s dog.
Now drink with me deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Jan 3, 2010 9:57 AM EST up reply actions
If the Semin Lobby needs to compare other slumping players to their hero in order to make his recent play look palatable, that says a lot, no?
No doubt. I mean, if you extend that logic you can argue Jose Theodore and Cam Ward are comparable; same with Marleau and Kovalchuk or Schultz and Regehr, all of which would pretty dubious comparisons.
Wait, Schultz ISN’T as good as Regher?
"I know it holds 17 1/2 beers."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 3, 2010 12:43 PM EST up reply actions
Points per dollar doesn’t really mean all that much when you’re comparing players given how much else there is that contributes to wins and losses and that a guy’s value given his point per game production isn’t linear.
Stats per dollar might be an interesting stat to look at in the future, though.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
I started to play with that when Semin’s contract came up sometime in the past week. Then I ran a number with Ovechkin’s contract and didn’t like the results (I think it was per goal, not per point). There’s more to value than just goals and points.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
No, I agree, I just think that’s an interesting thing to look at, especially in a CAP world, not so much for their contributions, but what they might be worth on an open market and what someone else might see and offer.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
And I have tried to make that point before in terms of Semin, but get criticized because it’s anecdotal or not stats. Those immeasurables are important, though, and they are things that coaches clearly see when they watch a play finished, especially if it results in a goal, a takeway, etc.
I did note JP’s mentioning Semin’s successful battle in the corner for the puck, but it does not show up on scoresheet. Many players contribute in this way (and yes, that’s a generalization).
but get criticized because it’s anecdotal or not stats.
seminrocks, i can’t find where you were criticized for using anecdotes in support of semin. i can find where you were criticized for not using anecdotes. generally, you’ve been long on accusations and short on supporting evidence of any kind.
a lot of us get defensive when you suggest that the community isn’t open to different perspectives. for one, i can say that i’ve never seen a(n internet) community SO OPEN to engaging new ideas. the caveat is that you must build your case, and if you want people to pay you mind, you should really do it on a foundation of stats and anecdotes, not by shooting arrows and questioning an author’s credibility. if the editors or commenters make a point about semin’s game (i.e. his inconsistency), they are likely doing just that….making ONE point about his game. they shouldn’t have to balance a point about his inconsistency with a point about his overall point production, his stickhandling, his good looks, etc. semin is fairly well-liked player around these parts…so much so that he was voted the 4th most valuable capital during the offseason (and JP can be seen in the comments arguing for semin’s consideration at #2).
when you read criticism of semin (or any other player for that matter), try to read it in that light. the editors and longstanding commenters at japers’ rink aren’t painting with broad strokes. likewise, you shouldn’t paint them with broad strokes.
by Natty Bumppo on Jan 3, 2010 1:55 PM EST up reply actions 7 recs
Natty for Langway; that was shutdown defense if I ever saw it.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Jan 3, 2010 2:02 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
You folks do not practice what you preach. A lot of arrows slung around here. You regulars who must feel like you own the site cannot take any polite criticism at all without throwing it back in a nasty way.
I will reiterate: I did not question JP’s credibility. I said credibility can be increased, and there is a difference. You all are parsing words and misconstruing my meaning, as well as making generalizations about one comment. You all have spent way too much time on it, per above.
That’s the problem with an insular society: those on the inside can’t see how they might appear to some of those on the outside or to some newcomers. And you probably don’t care. That’s fine, too. I certainly don’t have to read this blog or comment on it. It simply has been an entertaining distraction these last couple of months while undergoing cancer treatment. However, now that that is over, the kids go back to school tomorrow, and as my energy returns, I will turn most of my attention back to other things I need to do. I will slurk form time to time.
I was impressed with the tone taken by the Storming the Crease guy the other day on CI. He disagrees about Semin, for example, but his tone and choice of words were not hostile or exaggerated.
It’s been fun. GO CAPS!
It’s not one comment of yours we have focused on, it’s a pattern of comments. Plenty of newcomers come aboard and fit right in with this group. Relative to most regulars, I am fairly new as I only started posting at the end of the summer. It’s not an insular society that is hostile to newcomers, but that doesn’t mean that newcomers don’t have to make an effort to accept the norms of discussion and behavior, even if they have divergent opinions.
On another note, I wish you the best of luck in your fight with cancer.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 3, 2010 3:32 PM EST up reply actions
Exactly, you don’t have to read, let alone post, but you do a rather absurd amount of it, and a shocking amount of complaining. Not once have I seen you contribute anything of value to the Rink. Personally, I’m sick of wasting my time on you. If we had an ignore function, I’d gladly use it.
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
I have an ignore function. It’s called skip over the post.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
the real value of the avatar police, i might add! i see a mustache on the right side and i just keep scrollin’…
Unless it’s at BSH, then you’re captivated.
In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.
How do you find those, btw. Do you happen to stumble on those threads or do you have a sixth sense to sniff out my battles with Huck. (Or do you stalk me and check my profile page.)
In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.
broad strokes:
saying that you’ve been criticized for using anecdotes without citing particular comments or individuals (and when you’ve actually been criticized for the exact opposite).
saying this is a closed society and rules don’t apply to everyone.
calling various members defensive, uncivil, poor parents, etc.
calling the community as a whole intolerant.
calling the community as a whole xenophobic.
calling the community as a whole crude, classless and crass.
calling someone biased, then acting as if it wasn’t an attack.
questioning someone’s credibility, then acting as if it wasn’t an attack.
(yes, saying someone could be more credible qualifies as questioning his credibility. “could you be more credible?” that’s a question.)
there’s a theme there. (besides the fact that you’re a troll, by the very definition.) you throw arrows without pointing to examples, and you make blanket statements about the entire community. if you have a problem with a particular commenter, then address that person. we’re all adults here. if you think it’s rude to point out facts, then maybe that’s where we went wrong to begin with. i don’t read my previous comment as rude in the slightest.
by Natty Bumppo on Jan 3, 2010 4:40 PM EST up reply actions 6 recs
Two well written posts, Natty. I’m afraid we may be wasting our time though.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 3, 2010 4:56 PM EST up reply actions
i figured as much when i started. it’s okay. maybe some other passerby will read and the on-going troll food will help them understand what makes a valuable contribution to the discussion and what doesn’t.
speaking for myself only, i would have really enjoyed a seminrocks fanpost attempting to show either (1) an on-going pattern of one-sided, overly negative semin bashing or (2) why semin isn’t an inconsistent player after all (or why his inconsistency should be overlooked when determining his value, because of all the other attributes he brings).
Agree on the fanpost and the hopes that this is a lesson that the method of arguing one’s opinion is more important here than the opinion itself.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 3, 2010 5:11 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
speaking for myself only, i would have really enjoyed a seminrocks fanpost attempting to show either (1) an on-going pattern of one-sided, overly negative semin bashing or (2) why semin isn’t an inconsistent player after all (or why his inconsistency should be overlooked when determining his value, because of all the other attributes he brings).
As I would I – still would, in fact. The passion’s there, and she’s able to find the time, it’d be an interesting read.
by David Getz on Jan 3, 2010 6:13 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Right. No one was noting Semin’s goal-scoring slump at four games.
Btw, where’s my medal for praising Sasha by noting that Green’s goal “may not have happened without Alexander Semin digging the puck out of the corner moments earlier”?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I was hoping for more. Something like, “Gee, JP, you’re credible” or “Kudos, JP, on being so unbiased,” or “Atta boy, JP, on presenting both sides fairly.”
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Wow, JP, way to succumb to fucking pressure, you wimp.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Jan 3, 2010 12:43 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I’m a wilting flower, intimidated by n00b commentors.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jan 3, 2010 2:00 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
One guy has a history of being extremely streaky and this is par for the course. For the other guy it is a shock that he is slumping so badly over 4 games. Add in the Art Ross and Conn Smythe, and these two situations aren’t even close to comparable.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 3, 2010 1:40 AM EST up reply actions
Malkin’s a streaky guy, truth be told. When he scores, it’s in freaking bunches, but when he’s off, he’s off.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
That is true that he scores in bunches, but his off games aren’t nearly as bad as Semin’s. I obviously don’t watch the Pens as often as the Caps, but when Malkin isn’t on his game he is just quiet and maybe picks up only an assist, but doesn’t hurt his team with bad turnovers and bad penalties the way Semin has shown a tendency to do (it’s better to be invisible than it is to be visible for the wrong reasons).
Also, this is Malkin’s first time since his rookie year that he’s gone 3 games without a point (he did it twice in his rookie season). This is Semin’s second stretch of 3 games with no points this season, and his 8th one in the same time span. So I still don’t think they are good comparisons. I think it is legitimate to ask whether a team should commit to Semin with an expensive long term deal. I don’t think it is even a question that Malkin deserves to be locked up long term, even for more money than Semin makes.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 3, 2010 1:56 AM EST up reply actions
I don’t necessarily disagree, and I’d honestly take Malkin for Semin in a heartbeat, if there was a way to keep Malkin and Backstrom. CAP world can suck.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
He’s also played a lot more minutes at a more difficult defensive position. But even then, Malkin blows Semin out of the water as a player. The two really aren’t comparable based on what they’ve done thus far in their respective careers.
And Malkin is paid quite a bit more, 50% more using Semin’s new level (80% at the old). The comparison was not initially made by me (the 4 games, 9 games, etc.). But, it was interesting to look at in terms of how much fans often are in the mode of “what have you done for me lately?” And lately, Malkin is only marginally better than Semin in production, and having played more games in the season thus far.
I expect both to step it up (wish Malkin wouldn’t, but certainly hope Semin does; we need the scoring). They do play different positions and have different styles. Per the discussion about the relative value of an exceptional center, Malkin is valued more. I do think that the rest of this season and the playoffs will be pivotal in determining Semin’s worth, but it’s premature to do it now.
I am not sure the last 4 or 9 games as a relevant discussion point is any more or less valid than looking at 4 or 9 games where Malkin or Semin collected a lot of points. The next 9 games could look totally different.
by Seminrocks on Jan 3, 2010 12:50 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I hear that Hershey won again. Why can’t their success translate into success up here? Why can’t Giroux do anything for the Caps? Or is their roster so chock full of AAAA players?
But it seems that Holtby’s been doing well down there. Seems that he’s now their #1 although it was a higher scoring affair.
Rocking the Red since 1975
That’s nine in a row for Hershey. Varlamov gets the start tomorrow against Adirondack. But as far as teh Hershey-Bingo game goes, how’s this for an official portrait for his AHL.com page. Meet Zach Smith of the Senators…
If you've read this far...seek help.
Green, Schultz, Varlamov, Alzner, Gordon, Laich, Fehr, Flash, Steckel, Q, Perreault, Neuvith, Carlson. I’d say Hershey’s success has been pretty good for the Caps.
In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.
They Hershey boys have helped us.
Now they just need to show us how to advance further in the playoffs and win championships. Yes, even though the top line at Hershey is their AAAA players who can’t translate their AHL success in the NHL. (Okay, Andrew Gordon has not really had much of a chance with the big club.)
Rocking the Red since 1975
Next question. Who will be the healthy scratch among the forwards on Tuesday?
This is probably not the answer and is never going to happen but I wouldn’t mind if Ovi was the healthy scratch in the next game not because he is not playing well but just to see how the team reacts. Will the guys step up again and get out of the scoring slump or just suck even more? I think Ovi is trying to do too much right now. He is taking super long shifts because he is trying to score all the goals himself and if BB doesn’t do something about it then what kind of message is he sending the team? None of you can score thus the first line + Green must be on the ice as long as possible? Either bench Ovi for one game or shorten his shifts but to allow him to continue taking such long shifts is only going to hurt this team’s confidence even more. However, I’m sure BB has a much better plan to get this team on the right track that doesn’t involve benching the team’s star player and highest scorer (I hope).
Lobbies: Green, Carlson
Either bench Ovi for one game or shorten his shifts
The latter.
In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.
I agree — shorten Ovi’s shift, especially on power play. And shorten Green’s shifts while we are at it. Maybe reduce Green’s PK time.
Except we still need to choose a forward to healthy scratch for Tuesday.
On healthy scratches: are Sloan’s days numbered — it seems he rarely plays anymore.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Sorry that Backi had a migraine – I used to have them, and they are no fun. I can tell you that they are the worst, and one cannot imagine how bad they are. One cannot imagine the pain of a migraine – and nobody cares a whit about them unless you experience them.
Especially with so much downtime between now and the next game.
by DrinkingPartner on Jan 3, 2010 12:10 AM EST up reply actions
Didn’t he miss part of a game for one before? I’d forgotten about them until reading the note above.
We were at the Rink get together watching the game, and after Joe & Craig noted that Backstrom was missing, I said they’re going to tell us that he “may return”. And he’ll be out two weeks. I’m glad I was wrong about the two weeks part. Phew.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
He missed the last period of a game against Montreal last year back in December of last year. (We were down to using Nylander as our 1st line center in that game since Fedorov had reinjured his ankle — again.)
We won that game, however.
Rocking the Red since 1975
We won that game because Nylander always played good on Centre Bell ice and some new goalie then spelled Simeon Varlamov played out of his mind on (Canadian) national TV. Not like our second best prospect being thrown to the wolves on a West Coast trip.
Instead we were throwing a good goalie prospect to the wolves in Montreal but it worked out for us. (At the time, Montreal got more respect. This was before they started self-destructing last season.)
Except we don’t have any players who play well in California. (Except Chimera in San Jose while he was with Columbus.) Should we acquire one? Except it’s a higher priority to acquire players who can get us further through the playoffs.
Rocking the Red since 1975
The trade
I’m guessing maybe this is old news, and it’s probably way too soon to say — but didn’t it seem like the Caps chemistry was just humming along and then McPhee traded Clark and Jurcina and the wheels completely fell off the bus?
They look like a different team from the one that so handily beat the Devlis only a week ago.
Also, it sounds like Boudreau didn’t really connect with Clark — so is that why they made the trade? I hope Boudreau’s instincts weren’t off the mark on this one.
Probably far too soon to panic, but still…
Better to get it out of the system now, than later in March.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
by gfcaps fan on Jan 2, 2010 11:35 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I’d take bad play now and good play in the playoffs. The problem is — living through the bad play now and wondering if it will be a trend in the playoffs.
Coming up this week, game with possible first round playoff opponents. At the moment, Montreal and Ottawa are in the “bottom four” for the playoff picture.
Rocking the Red since 1975
I don’t think Clark was traded because he couldn’t connect with Bruce. He got injured a bunch in 2007-2008. And then injured a bunch last year. So he couldn’t do anything right since.
Rocking the Red since 1975
It wasn't about the Caps not wanting to keep Clark...
It was about the Caps wanting to pick up Chimera and the Blue Jackets wanting Clark in trade for him. The Jackets desperately need the veteran leadership that Clark provides. We wanted Chimera. I think we got a good deal, but give the team a bit to coalesce again. It’ll be good.
It wasn’t about the Caps not wanting to keep Clark…
don’t think you can say that with confidence. clark’s production @ clark’s salary had to be tough to work around for GMGM. plus, they went hard after chimera…in order for him to play essentially clark’s position. if clark were still here, his ice time would be even lower than when he left.
It’s a trade that had been under negotiation since September. I think the sticking point was the choice of D-man. Caps prolly would have preferred to move ShaMo, but the Jackets said Juice or no deal.
/no actual knowlege of this, but Columbus media reported the “since September” part
ALEX, FЯEE
McPhee said since September in his press conference. It sounded like Columbus really wanted Clark, so I’m inlcined to agree that the D-man was the sticking point.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
The other looming problem is that the nominal #1 goal has played in only six of 14 games since December 1st.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Yea but that’s just until Varly comes back
by washfan29 on Jan 3, 2010 12:01 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
He plays tomorrow. The Bears don’t play again after that until they travel to Manitoba on Friday. The Caps have Montreal on Tuesday, Ottawa on Thursday. If Varlamov gets through tomorrow’s game without incident, I’d expect him to get the call on Thursday.
If you've read this far...seek help.
I’ll be worried if he doesn’t get the start tomorrow. I would have expected him to get the start today so that Holtby wouldn’t have to do back to backs?
If nothing else, Holtby has proven he can do back to backs. He wasn’t quite as sharp today as yesterday but he did stop 90% of shots today.
I wonder what Jason Chihuahua is thinking right how. I guess he hasn’t smashed any sticks at Hershey’s practice lately.
Rocking the Red since 1975
But we need more than one goal to win. Unless we can acquire a goalie who can pitch shutouts consistently.
Rocking the Red since 1975
And normally we do score more than one, but I’m more referencing the meetup at Bailey’s. It would have been even more of a bummer had it been the San Jose game!
I am easily satisfied with the very best
It was tons of fun, but also plenty of bummer. It was great to meet everyone tonight.
by DrinkingPartner on Jan 3, 2010 12:28 AM EST up reply actions
If nothing else, I was happy to see Caps fans in absol;ute DROVES at the Staples Center today. It’ll be good to be back at the BC on Tuesday for some “home cookin’” — hopefully with a captain in place.
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