Capital Ups and Downs: Week 17
by J.P. on Jan 25, 2010 11:00 AM EST
in Capitals Ups and Downs
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Our weekly look at individual Washington Capitals' ups and downs:
| Goalies | Trend | Notes |
| Michal Neuvirth |  |
Stepped back from the ledge and delivered a solid bounce-back performance (despite a bit of a shaky start), stopping 28 of 30 Phoenix shots en route to his sixth win of the season. |
| Jose Theodore | |
Continued his solid play with probably his best game as a Cap on Tuesday night against the Wings followed by a road win in Pittsburgh. With a 2-0-0/2.51/.940 week, Theo's now 5-0-0/2.20/.937 in his last five starts and 5-0-0/1.96/.944 in his last five appearances overall. |
| Semyon Varlamov |  |
Vancouver's starting to sound less and less likely... which is just fine by Caps fans. |
| Defensemen | ||
| Karl Alzner |  |
Played to an even rating for the week, seeing mostly even strength ice time (other than in Pittsburgh, where he killed 3:24 of power play time) along the way. Bringing Alzner along slowly makes sense. |
| John Carlson | |
Called up for the Pens game and returned to Hershey after picking up his first NHL point and turning in a plus-two performance, Carlson is now plus-six in his last three NHL games. |
| John Erskine | |
Returned to the lineup on Saturday night after a two-week absence, which is good for fans who missed the pass-the-stick-to-the-D-who-dropped-his fire drill that seems to occur on every third Erskine shift. |
| Mike Green |  |
Missed Thursday night's game with an undisclosed injury and had his nine-game point streak snapped on Saturday night, a game in which he was tagged with four giveaways. |
| Shaone Morrisonn | |
Three points in the last two games are as many as he had in the previous 36 combined (and his best two-game output since the lockout), and his plus-five rating for the week (and off ice for all seven goals the Caps allowed) puts him at plus-nine over his last five games. Impressive turn around for Mo, who's playing with a bit more snarl of late as well. |
| Brian Pothier | |
A broken hand for a guy whose bad luck with injuries would be noteworthy on any team that doesn't have Quintin Laing on its roster. |
| Tom Poti | |
Didn't do anything significant that showed up on the scoresheet, but led the way with 15:46 of shorthanded time for a penalty killing unit that went 14-for-14 on the week. |
| Jeff Schultz | |
Minus-three and on the ice for five of the seven goals the Caps allowed for the week. Maybe it's time to go back to Morrisonn-Green, Schultz-Poti as the top two D-pairings. |
| Tyler Sloan | |
With Alzner back up, Carlson knocking on the door and Pothier hopefully getting healthy, Sloan will have to be much better than he was this week if he wants to get minutes. |
| Forwards | ||
| Nicklas Backstrom | |
With a pair of power-play goals, Backstrom is just one goal away from tying the career mark he set last season of 22 total tallies, but Nick has now gone four games without an assist - his longest drought since last January. |
| Matt Bradley | |
Scored against the Wings (for the second time this season), and is one goal shy of his single-season best of nine. |
| Jason Chimera | |
Had a helper against the Pens and is throwing his body around a bit, but his line has been on the ice for three of the last four goals the Caps have surrendered, including both lamp-lighters in the 'Yotes game. |
| Eric Fehr | |
Despite being on the ice for the same goals against that Chimera was, Fehr potted a couple of goals and added an assist, with one of those grapes and the apple coming on the power play (just hours after we'd noted his even strength production). |
| Tomas Fleischmann | |
Scored the game-winner in Pittsburgh on a breakaway tally, added an assist there and on Saturday night, and won half of his 28 draws for the week. Flash is playing at a point-per-game pace over his last ten games. |
| Boyd Gordon | |
Had a beauty of an assist against Detroit and was plus-one in each of the week's three games, successfully killing off 10:40 of power play time along the way. |
| Mike Knuble | |
Got away with a bad third-period tripping penalty on Tuesday night (i.e. the team killed it off), and had a goal and an assist against Pittsburgh before finishing the week off with a nondescript game against the 'Yotes, but that's fine - kill the Pens; the other guys can take care of the rest of the League. |
| Brooks Laich | |
Saturday night's power play goal was his eighth of the season with the extra man, one shy of the nine he had last season. And the mostly helmetless shift? That was just a little somethin' extra for the ladies. |
| Quintin Laing | |
Did Not Dress, Did Not Dress and Did Not Dress. |
| Brendan Morrison | |
With one goal in his last 23 games, one assist in his last five, and a minus-two rating for the week (see the note under Chimera above), BMo's hot start to the season becomes a more distant memory with each passing game. The lone bright spot for the week? His 84.2% (16-for-19) winning percentage in the faceoff circle over the past two games. |
| Alex Ovechkin | |
Three goals (including two into empty nets, bringing his season total there to just three), and three assists for a week highlighted by leading Thursday night's game in Pittsburgh in goals, shots on goal, hits... and first star accolades. |
| Alexander Semin | |
A four-point Saturday night gave Sasha ten points in his last five games, but he'd likely have gotten an up arrow even without that monster performance solely on the sheer beauty of his pass on Thursday night's game-winner. |
| David Steckel | |
Stecks scored the game-winner on Tuesday and added a helper Thursday - notching points in back-to-back games for the second time this month - and killed 13:21 of shorthanded time for the Caps' perfect-for-the-week penalty kill. |
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Mike Knuble has a minus??!!
CONSPIRACY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It might feel good...It might sound a li'l somethin', but damn the game if it don't mean nothin'
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
Deals exclusively in punnery and poop jokes.
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 25, 2010 11:02 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Sorry…too much thermite paint
It might feel good...It might sound a li'l somethin', but damn the game if it don't mean nothin'
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
Deals exclusively in punnery and poop jokes.
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 25, 2010 11:40 AM EST up reply actions
?
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
Good thing I wasn’t snorting paint, because it would have came out of my nose when I saw that.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
This guy gets arrested all the time
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
I didn't know, just making sure
I used to visit FARK a lot, but not so much lately.
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
Yeah, kinda not work-friendly (the photoshop threads, which are the best part) so I haven’t been around there in a while.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
If you watch closely, you might be able to tell if I’ve done that or not.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
At least ShaMo’s snarl may be of some value come trade deadline, so there’s that. God bless the Alzner effect.
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bACKSTRm IS leARING TO BE A SELFISH PLAYER FORM OVECHKIN! gO FLYERS!!!
"Now wait a minute. This is just purely a social call. You know, just two adults getting a stew on, man."
by The Ghost of Bebop on Jan 25, 2010 11:06 AM EST reply actions
I won't get tired of this.
I thought you were a Caps fan!
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
If Greenie is hurt, should he be playing at all? It looks to me like he has a tendency to make a lot of mistakes/bad decisions on the ice when he is hurt. Why not have Carlson play a few more games and let Greenie rest?
Lobbies: Green, Carlson, Orlov
That’d be par for his Frequent Flyer Miles, for sure.
by DrinkingPartner on Jan 25, 2010 11:36 AM EST up reply actions
Have you thought about totaling each players green and red arrows at the end of the year (or even periodically)? It may be a pain now if you haven’t started already, but I feel like those numbers would be interesting to see.
I believe IRockTheRed started a chart like that, IIRC it was with a SQL query. It was really neat analysis – I want to say 3 weeks back? Google may be able to find it.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Jan 25, 2010 11:14 AM EST up reply actions
Actually, I did it manually… it was a bit of a pain, but hey – did it. :-)
I need a snappy signature...
by IRockTheRed on Jan 26, 2010 12:59 PM EST up reply actions
So all of 3 EN goals for Ovi. Wasn’t it “empty netters” pens blog that called him “empty net alex?”?
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
Well, he does lead the League in them. And did last year. Of course, the Caps win a lot of games and he’s a big minute guy. I wonder where his ENG-per-team-wins rate compares to other players.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
It makes sense to me. If the goalie is pulled, then the game is close. If the game is close, you best players should be out there including Ovi and his already high TOI. He’s got the speed and the break away ability, which translates to empty netters.
"We've got armadillos in our trousers. It's really quite frightening."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 25, 2010 11:32 AM EST up reply actions
Or maybe he’s just a cherrypicker.
"We've got armadillos in our trousers. It's really quite frightening."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 25, 2010 11:35 AM EST up reply actions
/Giroux’d
It might feel good...It might sound a li'l somethin', but damn the game if it don't mean nothin'
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
Deals exclusively in punnery and poop jokes.
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 25, 2010 11:40 AM EST up reply actions
Go Flyers.
"We've got armadillos in our trousers. It's really quite frightening."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 25, 2010 11:42 AM EST up reply actions
Recently a lot of Flash up arrow and Semin up arrow… Coincidence. I don’t think so.
Never thought Flash would be a solid 2C but damned impressive so far. Makin this lobbyist proud!
PuckDaddy be damned, I'm putting CincoCinco on the back of a Schultz jersey!
by Chris meet Alex on Jan 25, 2010 11:21 AM EST reply actions
JP: Was this the main reason why he didn’t get the green arrow this week?
Three goals (including two into empty nets..)
Lobbies: Green, Carlson, Orlov
I was happy to see those empty nets. It felt like the Caps hadn’t scored an empty netter in months.
I used to work in a fire hydrant factory. You couldn't park anywhere near the place.
Yes, I can’t even remember the last time they had one. Was it Pothier in the Ranger’s game?
Lobbies: Green, Carlson, Orlov
by CapsFan2020 on Jan 25, 2010 11:26 AM EST up reply actions
It’s because they win by so much.
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
"It’s because they win by so much."
For the most part yes, but there have been plenty of empty nets that they have failed to cash in on.
I used to work in a fire hydrant factory. You couldn't park anywhere near the place.
Well, he didn’t have a shot on goal against the Wings and I didn’t think he had a particularly strong game on Saturday night. So for the week, I was comfortable giving him the “steady as she goes” symbol, ENGs or not.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
He’s been off since the C. Team hasn’t. So maybe he’s just resting himself for April – September ;-)
I’m not sure we can call it “off” – I choose to see it as him not having to take on so much with the team doing as well as it is. He’s relying on his teammates more, getting less ice time…and maybe there’s a bit of an adjustment mentally, too, settling into his new role.
But hey, when we need him to be clutch he still is. That tying goal in Pittsburgh was as clutch as it gets, right? :)
Was in SD all week, and couldn’t find a good bar with VS. It was a PPG, and the kind we have seen few of from him this year, so I’m happy about it. But he is clearly looking pass first lately (while still gaining ground on Marleau). I for one am glad he doesn’t have to do it all himself right now, but it would still nice for him to make the Hart a tough decision this year. And a Caps team that wins the east, with him leading in goals and points would make it tough to un-seat him in favor of Miller/Brodeur/Someotherrandomguy.
I see him playing a “quieter”, more mature game since he got the C. The kind of game that leads to more wins, even if it doesn’t lead to more points.
That, and Backstrom’s playing selfish and stealing all the glory for himself. (It’s going to be entertaining to watch the Swedes beat the Russians in the Olympics)
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 26, 2010 12:00 AM EST up reply actions
Worth noting:
The entire PK gets an up arrow – the team PK% is now above 80% on the season. Improvement is good- now let’s hope it continues.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
Yep. I was sure to point out three of the biggest PK contributors – Poti, Stecks and Gordo.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I saw that and thanks, but I wanted to point out that the whole group has improved steadily as a unit, which is complementary to individual efforts.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
And yet if we don’t have two goalies with up arrows maybe that PK unit isn’t getting the same love. I thought they looked pretty shaky against PIT and DET. Lots of zone possession time and a handful of high quality chances. I’m not convinced that our PK has really changed or gotten better, I just think it was a statistically good week.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
Well, Boyd Gordon had been hurt..
I don’t mean it as snark, as he’s doing quite well so far.
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by Bald Pollack on Jan 25, 2010 11:28 AM EST up reply actions
I hope to see his penalties taken fall to last season’s levels as well. He was taking some bad penalties before his injury. I haven’t noticed any since his return, but I may have missed something.
"We've got armadillos in our trousers. It's really quite frightening."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 25, 2010 11:48 AM EST up reply actions
Question: With Gordo playing well, can/should they send Laing to Hershey and just use Sloan as a forward if someone gets hurt or does it make sense to keep him around?
Also, I just noticed that Alzner is not listed in the Caps roster this morning? Was he sent back to Hershey or is this just another one of those paper transactions?
Lobbies: Green, Carlson, Orlov
I’d guess paper.
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
I really wish the NHL would publicly post all paper/actual transactions in real time. I’m all for transparency to fans on this front.
"We've got armadillos in our trousers. It's really quite frightening."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 25, 2010 11:51 AM EST up reply actions
Plastic!!
It might feel good...It might sound a li'l somethin', but damn the game if it don't mean nothin'
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
Deals exclusively in punnery and poop jokes.
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 25, 2010 11:52 AM EST up reply actions
And while they’re at it, I wish they would post running counts of official days on the NHL roster and non-emergency-recall games played for waiver purposes. I’m not sure how sk8 keeps track of this stuff.
"We've got armadillos in our trousers. It's really quite frightening."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 25, 2010 11:55 AM EST up reply actions
All things being equal I’d suspect that Laing > Sloan when it comes to 13th forward options.
If you don't know how to write or what to think, or have a question about something on an elitist blog, read its community guidelines for assistance.
by Bald Pollack on Jan 25, 2010 11:56 AM EST up reply actions
Agreed. I’d rather use Laing in that role than Sloan. Keep Sloan around until Poth heals and then place him on waivers. At least that’s my opinion.
"We've got armadillos in our trousers. It's really quite frightening."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 25, 2010 11:58 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah, and we (or at least I) wanted Erskine put through waivers last year after he signed his weird new contract.. so it looks unlikely.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
You don’t think that will happen? I almost expect it. Sloan’s play hasn’t been up to snuff and I think his flexibility is overrated. Carlson can be called up at will if there are D injuries (or just because he should be here anyway) and if there is an in-game pinch, Laich has shown he is up to the task.
"We've got armadillos in our trousers. It's really quite frightening."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 25, 2010 12:05 PM EST up reply actions
But where’s the Caps depth right now? Not sure either player would pass through waivers, but is it easier for the Caps to bring up a grinder 4th line guy, or another D (assuming Carlson and Alzner are already up…)
As much as you are right, about Laing being the better option, I think he’s also the better waiver option. But, we’ll see, I guess.
Maybe we’re looking at another boring deadline day where GMGM can say “We got Pothier back, that’s like making a trade, right?! Right guys? Is this thing on?”
You don’t think Sloan’s new contract waiver-proofs him better than Laing?
"We've got armadillos in our trousers. It's really quite frightening."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 25, 2010 12:07 PM EST up reply actions
Thought about that.. now I’m conflicted.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Laing is 30, is a UFA next year, and has a hit of 500K
Sloan is 28, is locked up for 2 more years, and has a hit of 700k
"We've got armadillos in our trousers. It's really quite frightening."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 25, 2010 12:12 PM EST up reply actions
Just re-entry I believe.
"We've got armadillos in our trousers. It's really quite frightening."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 25, 2010 12:10 PM EST up reply actions
If anything, Sloan’s deal waiver-proofs Laing. I think that he stands to be a good (er, serviceable) fill-in in back, but Q gives them grit and a little more positional awareness up front, which they can re-up fairly easily.
If you don't know how to write or what to think, or have a question about something on an elitist blog, read its community guidelines for assistance.
by Bald Pollack on Jan 25, 2010 1:36 PM EST up reply actions
To amplify the first part, Sloan likely won’t go down, and he’s versatile to a point up front, where Q can do the balance of it if they need a fill-in F.
If you don't know how to write or what to think, or have a question about something on an elitist blog, read its community guidelines for assistance.
by Bald Pollack on Jan 25, 2010 1:37 PM EST up reply actions
man, how embarrassing would it be to see Laing and Sloan holding the Stanley Cup?
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
On Draper having to wear a USA jersey at practice: "well at least the Wings can settle bets without involving gold plated desert eagles!"
At least Chris Clark won’t be the first Cap to ever hold it.
"We've got armadillos in our trousers. It's really quite frightening."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 25, 2010 1:44 PM EST up reply actions
I meant as a Cap, not with another team. It was also a continuity joke, so whatev.
"We've got armadillos in our trousers. It's really quite frightening."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 25, 2010 2:05 PM EST up reply actions
it’s an old joke.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
On Draper having to wear a USA jersey at practice: "well at least the Wings can settle bets without involving gold plated desert eagles!"
Yep. See above comment.
"We've got armadillos in our trousers. It's really quite frightening."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 25, 2010 2:10 PM EST up reply actions
Care to expand on that first sentence? I’m not disagreeing, I just don’t think I follow.
"We've got armadillos in our trousers. It's really quite frightening."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 25, 2010 1:45 PM EST up reply actions
I did just below it. Hope it makes more sense.
If you don't know how to write or what to think, or have a question about something on an elitist blog, read its community guidelines for assistance.
by Bald Pollack on Jan 25, 2010 2:04 PM EST up reply actions
Gotcha. I think we’re using the term differently. I meant Sloan would likely pass through waivers just fine considering his contract. I think you meant it to mean he won’t even be placed on waivers (correct me if I’m wrong).
"We've got armadillos in our trousers. It's really quite frightening."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 25, 2010 2:18 PM EST up reply actions
Right.
If you don't know how to write or what to think, or have a question about something on an elitist blog, read its community guidelines for assistance.
by Bald Pollack on Jan 25, 2010 2:55 PM EST up reply actions
Tarik says no, though he was expected to. And maybe he’ll go after the other guys skate.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I’m just grateful Neuvy and Theo have been playing well enough to let the team approach this rash of Varly injuries with all the caution in the world. And honestly, all goalies rack up the injuries sooner or later – maybe he’s just getting his out of the way all at once? Hopefully? :)
If there’s a sports comparison, AD got hurt all the time at Oklahoma, and he turned out to be pretty good for the Vikings.
It might feel good...It might sound a li'l somethin', but damn the game if it don't mean nothin'
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
Deals exclusively in punnery and poop jokes.
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 25, 2010 12:05 PM EST up reply actions
Adrian Peterson. Or Purple Jesus. He was injured a lot at Oklahoma, and turned out to be a pretty good pro despite people’s worries that he would be too brittle to be any good
It might feel good...It might sound a li'l somethin', but damn the game if it don't mean nothin'
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
Deals exclusively in punnery and poop jokes.
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 25, 2010 12:09 PM EST up reply actions
Collarbone
It might feel good...It might sound a li'l somethin', but damn the game if it don't mean nothin'
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
Deals exclusively in punnery and poop jokes.
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 25, 2010 1:53 PM EST up reply actions
Adrian Peterson. Marquee running back for the Vikes.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Jan 25, 2010 12:09 PM EST up reply actions
Right. Not the one who plays for the Bears.
It might feel good...It might sound a li'l somethin', but damn the game if it don't mean nothin'
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
Deals exclusively in punnery and poop jokes.
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 25, 2010 12:10 PM EST up reply actions
One of my friends got screwed in fantasy football when he thought he was selecting rookie Adrain Peterson of the Vikings when he was actually selecting AP of the Bears. Needless to say, it didn’t end well for him.
"We've got armadillos in our trousers. It's really quite frightening."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 25, 2010 1:05 PM EST up reply actions
Adrian Peterson.MarqueeFumble-prone running back for the Vikes.
fixed!
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
On Draper having to wear a USA jersey at practice: "well at least the Wings can settle bets without involving gold plated desert eagles!"
by RedBirdie on Jan 25, 2010 12:10 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Good fix Birdie. That one will got you the rec you desire.
Probably not the best day to bring up AP.
A man gotta have a code
by Carl Putnam on Jan 25, 2010 12:17 PM EST up reply actions
but will it get me another bubble point?
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
On Draper having to wear a USA jersey at practice: "well at least the Wings can settle bets without involving gold plated desert eagles!"
You’d have to ask rather bengt. That is his area of expertise.
A man gotta have a code
by Carl Putnam on Jan 25, 2010 12:24 PM EST up reply actions
Bubble point wish granted
For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 25, 2010 2:09 PM EST up reply actions
AD is his nickname
It might feel good...It might sound a li'l somethin', but damn the game if it don't mean nothin'
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
Deals exclusively in punnery and poop jokes.
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 25, 2010 12:21 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, yeah “All Day”. Not sure what he’s ever done all day, except take hits he shouldn’t or try and put the ball on the ground Dickerson style.
Good RB, but he’s going to have a short career the way he runs.
A man gotta have a code
by Carl Putnam on Jan 25, 2010 12:24 PM EST up reply actions
Yes, because he fumbles “All Day”
"I'm gettin' heartburn. Tony, do something terrible."
by Steck It Out on Jan 25, 2010 2:09 PM EST up reply actions
he was fumble prone this year, but i believe last nights fumble was credited to Favre not AP, since Peterson never actually had the ball
Aim for the head baby Jesus
One of last night’s fumbles was credited to Favre, but AP had two of his own fumbles. He just didn’t lose either of those fumbles (and he did make a great play to recover the ball on one of them).
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 25, 2010 8:14 PM EST up reply actions
ALL DAY
"I'm gettin' heartburn. Tony, do something terrible."
by Steck It Out on Jan 25, 2010 2:07 PM EST up reply actions
Yes, it’s good that Neuvy and Theo have done such a great job but I’m not taking anything away from them in saying I miss Varly on this team, can’t believe it’s already been since early December that he hasn’t played, and I really hoped he could get to the Olympics this year.
IS KEPTIN NOW
No, I know. I think I’m just trying to ease my own pain from missing lil’ Varly by reminding myself (and others? :P) that there’s no rush. But yes, it’s hard to believe he hasn’t played in about 6 weeks.
Not so much worried if Varly goes to the Olympics—he won’t be playing, just light skating and a whole lot of watching anyway.
by bilspacecadet on Jan 25, 2010 12:58 PM EST up reply actions
Your weekly Magic Number Update:
SE: 21.5 with 31 left.
NEWLY MINTED EASTERN CONFERENCE EDITION:
EC: 30.5 with 31 left.
In Devner the rest of the week. Rough travel schedule is keeping me away from the TV. Atleast Denver is a hockey town moreso than San Diego. Anybody know any good hockey bars in Denver for me to hang out at Tues and Wed night?
30.5? Sounds doable. Gonna need a half win though.
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
Honestly, I’ll be shocked if we hold the EC Magic Number the rest of the way. But we do have quite a few games left against the SE. Which, last I checked, I think NJ has played more games vs SE than we have.
Only have to win 15 games to get 30 points.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Or lose 30 OT games
It might feel good...It might sound a li'l somethin', but damn the game if it don't mean nothin'
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
Deals exclusively in punnery and poop jokes.
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 25, 2010 12:26 PM EST up reply actions
Finally got some time, and in honor of our new EC Magic Number, here’s a yearly graph from as much as I could dig up from past weeks: enjoy. (BTW, I didn’t think it would when I first set out to make the graph, but EC Cusion is the most interesting to me.)
correction, SE Cushion is most interesting. EC Cushion is boring. Cushion is the difference between games remaining and magic number.
What is really odd is that right we would clinch the SE Division and a playoff spot at the same time.
Ted Leonsis Used to Recommend: http://capsnut.blogspot.com/
Everybody Wang Chung......
Please load brain before shooting off mouth.™
I have the spreadsheet I put together at home but it works out like this:
In order to make the playoffs, you have to “eliminate” seven teams in your conference..
In order to win the division, you have to “eliminate” the four teams within your division.
Currently, the Caps will eliminate Atlanta and Tampa at the same time (44 points if memory serves), Florida at 43 points IIRC, and Carolina at 31 IIRC.
However, currently Atlanta and Tampa will be the 5th and 6th teams the Caps elminate. Because they would at that point wrap up the SE Division Title, that thus ensures a Top 3 seed and playoff berth even though the Caps would have only elminated 6, not 7, teams in the Eastern Conference.
It caught me off guard at first too.
Now if Atlanta, Tampa, or Florida get hot and move back into the playoff rankings, then we would clinch a playoff spot and the SE at different times, but right now, we would clinch both together (or if ATL, TB, or FLA become the 7th team we eliminate).
Ted Leonsis Used to Recommend: http://capsnut.blogspot.com/
Everybody Wang Chung......
Please load brain before shooting off mouth.™
Yes. If Norht of town is convenient, come to Bender’s up in Broomfield. It’s a dive, and only eat the wings. But the Molson is cooooooold. And ‘Hoops behind the bar is great. She’ll keep it full for you. Oh, and they have CenterIce and Vs. on brand new flat screens so you won’t miss a game. It’s a rink bar so you’ll see a bunch of us men’s leaguers in there. Enjoy.
"More Gary Thorne, please."
Is that a gay or straight bar? ‘nothing wrong with…’ and all, just double checking, knowing you.
PuckDaddy be damned, I'm putting CincoCinco on the back of a Schultz jersey!
by Chris meet Alex on Jan 25, 2010 4:39 PM EST up reply actions
Great stat on ShaMo (most 2-game point production since lockout). How do you rustle up that sort of stat? If you don’t mind me asking :)
by Bushwood Bushwhacker on Jan 25, 2010 12:30 PM EST reply actions
Just looking at the game logs, saw three points in two games and wondered when he last did it. Longer ago than I’d figured.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
He’s not exactly known for his offense, but I never would have thought it was that long either. Way to raise that trade value, ShaMo! (Although if he keeps playing this way…)
But he’s playing with Ovechkin! OF COURSE his numbers are going to be skewed up!
by DrinkingPartner on Jan 25, 2010 12:40 PM EST up reply actions
That kind of game log searching gets a rec for this post from me.
"We've got armadillos in our trousers. It's really quite frightening."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 25, 2010 12:40 PM EST up reply actions
I meant how did you search for it? Or did you actually hand-check all of the logs… now that would be dedication.
by Bushwood Bushwhacker on Jan 25, 2010 1:20 PM EST up reply actions
nhl.com has game logs for all players going back quite a few years. That would be one way to do it.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Yea, I am really just curious if there was an automated way to do it. Or if JP had some original scripts doing dirty work, or what.
by Bushwood Bushwhacker on Jan 25, 2010 2:59 PM EST up reply actions
Nothing automatic, but it doesn’t take but a minute to scan game logs.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Bye Varly
hate to say it, but Vary’s nearly two-month injury does more than take him out of the Olympics. . . it raises questions about his being ready for the playoffs in April. Will six weeks of rehab and recovery be enough? That’s putting it really close to the edge.
I’m worried about the Varly situaion, specifically in the playoffs. Not b/c Theo and Neuvy are doing a bad job, but b/c Varly was supposed to be getting experience this year so he would be ready come playoff time. Now he’s going to have a short recovery time, and he’s not going to have played a whole lot of games either before getting thrown back into the playoffs. I’m probably just overthinking though.
With Alzner back up, Carlson knocking on the door and Pothier hopefully getting healthy, Sloan will have to be much better than he was this week if he wants to get minutes.
I agree with this, but here’s what I don’t get.
Pothier is gone after this season ends. His contract is up and he hasn’t done very much to justify another one especially with Carlson waiting in the wings.
We have another year to put with Erskine.
Even with the subtraction of Pothier, we’ll still have 8 defensemen on the roster. (Green, Schultz, Morrissonn, Poti, Alzner, Erskine, Sloan, and Carlson.)
The organization is also high on Orlov so it isn’t as if there isn’t any depth.
So why was Sloan given a two year extension, especailly if he’s getting beaten out for ice time?
I know Bruce has played him at forward too but, we also have guys in Hershey that can skate on the forward lines.
Ted Leonsis Used to Recommend: http://capsnut.blogspot.com/
Everybody Wang Chung......
Please load brain before shooting off mouth.™
Not rebutting anything, question is valid, but Schultz and Shamoo are FA at the end of the year (RFA and UFA Respectively).
I would not be shocked to see the team retain Pothier at a discount. He’s only 32, and if we can keep him for 1.8-2 I think we need to do that. I see next year’s D corps:
Green/Schultz
Poti/Carlson
Alzner/Erskine
Pothier in play. Anyone we get on trade deadline in play also.
At this point, a non-concussed Pothier at $1.8m would seem like an overpayment.
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by Bald Pollack on Jan 25, 2010 2:07 PM EST up reply actions
is that just based on the talent levels of Carlson/Alzner and their cap hits?
Semin is a Checkahhhh? Fleischmann is a Centahhhh?
by ns on Jan 25, 2010 2:10 PM EST up reply actions
Neither. I feel bad for the guy and all, but after missing approximately 120 games in the last two years, with a clean bill of health, he’s missed almost 20 (and counting) this year.
I don’t overlook what he brings to the backline, I just bristle at the price it’d take to see him do it again next year.
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by Bald Pollack on Jan 25, 2010 2:16 PM EST up reply actions
There are players that are a lot worse making far more.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Agreed, but they’re under contract for another year and a half and have been integral (good or bad) in team D.
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by Bald Pollack on Jan 25, 2010 2:56 PM EST up reply actions
Oh, I wasn’t talking about Erskine in particular, or the Caps.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Actually I thought you were talking about Poti.
/ducks
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by Bald Pollack on Jan 25, 2010 3:07 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
So by extension, Poti is your favorite player?
"We've got armadillos in our trousers. It's really quite frightening."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 25, 2010 3:14 PM EST up reply actions
He DOES have a high puck clearing percentage.
It might feel good...It might sound a li'l somethin', but damn the game if it don't mean nothin'
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
Deals exclusively in punnery and poop jokes.
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 25, 2010 3:15 PM EST up reply actions
if we’re talking about clearing it over the glass, yeah, high percentage.
becca will be most upset that we’re ripping on her car’s namesake.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
On Draper having to wear a USA jersey at practice: "well at least the Wings can settle bets without involving gold plated desert eagles!"
When’s the last time he did that? It should be easy for you to recall without looking it up since he does it so often.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
simmer down. you’ve been real edgy lately.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
On Draper having to wear a USA jersey at practice: "well at least the Wings can settle bets without involving gold plated desert eagles!"
There’s a rumor going around that he’s more reserved in person. He’s trying to make up for it.
"We've got armadillos in our trousers. It's really quite frightening."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 25, 2010 3:28 PM EST up reply actions
I was a day or two ago because of a miscommunication. I’m not doing anything that F&B wouldn’t do to make a point (like ask for examples and facts).
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Jordan, we’re usually cool, but posting stuff like “It should be easy for you to recall without looking it up since he does it so often” comes across as needlessly nasty.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
On Draper having to wear a USA jersey at practice: "well at least the Wings can settle bets without involving gold plated desert eagles!"
It wasn’t meant to be nasty at all, and I’m honestly sorry if it read that way.
I’m just saying that it’s an unfair critique of the guy’s play if we can’t easily think of an instance in recent history that it occurred.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
ok, let’s move on and go back to being cool. {poop} happens.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
On Draper having to wear a USA jersey at practice: "well at least the Wings can settle bets without involving gold plated desert eagles!"
I got no problem with him. His work, at times, has been spot-i.
It might feel good...It might sound a li'l somethin', but damn the game if it don't mean nothin'
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
Deals exclusively in punnery and poop jokes.
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 25, 2010 3:19 PM EST up reply actions
Reminds me of my brother…he got a ring stuck on his hand once, and he couldn’t get it off…after 10 hours of straining, he finally did, leaving his ring finger overweight. We dubbed said finger “Fat Finger”, and no matter how many situps it does, it stays the same weight.
"I'm gettin' heartburn. Tony, do something terrible."
by Steck It Out on Jan 25, 2010 2:09 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah. He tried everything that was possible. It finally came off near midnight. Hilarious experience for me, not so much for him.
"I'm gettin' heartburn. Tony, do something terrible."
by Steck It Out on Jan 25, 2010 2:15 PM EST up reply actions
I messed up my ring finger a few years ago. Never got it fixed, so its bent at an angle permanently.
It might feel good...It might sound a li'l somethin', but damn the game if it don't mean nothin'
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
Deals exclusively in punnery and poop jokes.
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 25, 2010 2:10 PM EST up reply actions
Mine bends in two places.. it’s weird.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
And my ass has a hole in it. I think I need a new one.
"We've got armadillos in our trousers. It's really quite frightening."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 25, 2010 2:15 PM EST up reply actions
You’ll be alright as long as it’s not leaking.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I think I puked in my mouth a little.
"I'm gettin' heartburn. Tony, do something terrible."
by Steck It Out on Jan 25, 2010 2:23 PM EST up reply actions
So did I when you used that (now) overused expression!
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Why mess with a good overused expression? It’s not like people get tired of it at all!
Oh wait…aw, crap.
"I'm gettin' heartburn. Tony, do something terrible."
by Steck It Out on Jan 25, 2010 2:26 PM EST up reply actions
Who can tell me who Lee Harvey Oswald is? Private Snowball!?
Sir! He shot President Kennedy sir! From the schoolbook suppository!
It might feel good...It might sound a li'l somethin', but damn the game if it don't mean nothin'
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
Deals exclusively in punnery and poop jokes.
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 25, 2010 2:25 PM EST up reply actions
No, Gary Bettman shot Kennedy. There’s no proof that it didn’t take place.
/Nut’d
"We've got armadillos in our trousers. It's really quite frightening."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 25, 2010 2:27 PM EST up reply actions
Kennedy actually had a thermite taint. Thats why the bullet caused so much damage.
It might feel good...It might sound a li'l somethin', but damn the game if it don't mean nothin'
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
Deals exclusively in punnery and poop jokes.
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 25, 2010 2:29 PM EST up reply actions
Man, I’m glad I’m somewhat hidden from my co-workers today. I’ve been cracking up all morning.
THERMITE TAINT. BOWEL CONTROL.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
THE HAARP PROJECT! THEY CAN TRACK ALL THE TOILETS! FLUSH CONTROL!
It might feel good...It might sound a li'l somethin', but damn the game if it don't mean nothin'
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
Deals exclusively in punnery and poop jokes.
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 25, 2010 2:36 PM EST up reply actions
I FOUND A LOCKED DOOR IN THE BATHROOM!
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I USED A NAVY SEAL TOILET…IN VIETNAM!
It might feel good...It might sound a li'l somethin', but damn the game if it don't mean nothin'
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
Deals exclusively in punnery and poop jokes.
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 25, 2010 2:39 PM EST up reply actions
Haha…too bad that link goes to a page about the Casino night.
Serves him right…whoever heard of Japers Rink? They always forget the extra “s”
It might feel good...It might sound a li'l somethin', but damn the game if it don't mean nothin'
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
Deals exclusively in punnery and poop jokes.
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 25, 2010 2:26 PM EST up reply actions
I meant the link on Ted’s page
It might feel good...It might sound a li'l somethin', but damn the game if it don't mean nothin'
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
Deals exclusively in punnery and poop jokes.
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 25, 2010 2:27 PM EST up reply actions
A week that see’s the caps win big and some stellar performances aren’t apparently good enough to peat NHL.com’s 3 stars of the week.
Even more surprising to not even see honorable mentions, when a goal tender goes and posts .944 on the week and doesn’t even get winked at, something must be wrong. Though the top tenders were .956 and the other 2 shutouts. . .
People are stupid, a person is smart. This leads me to believe there must be at least one smart hockey fan in Philly.
Crosby as a third star for the week, for one game of work, just baffles me. So many other guys were much more deserving of a third star.
Don’t you mean CINDY CRYSBY!?!!!??!!@@!!!! HARF HARF HARF!!
It might feel good...It might sound a li'l somethin', but damn the game if it don't mean nothin'
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
Deals exclusively in punnery and poop jokes.
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 25, 2010 3:13 PM EST up reply actions
In his defense it was a helluva game.
If you don't know how to write or what to think, or have a question about something on an elitist blog, read its community guidelines for assistance.
by Bald Pollack on Jan 25, 2010 3:28 PM EST up reply actions
Well, rest assured FFS, the folks on here are convinced that the League is doing nothing to overpromte certain players.
That’s all that you need to know.
Ted Leonsis Used to Recommend: http://capsnut.blogspot.com/
Everybody Wang Chung......
Please load brain before shooting off mouth.™
You forgot “If you have a problem with it, back button’s up and to your left.”
If you don't know how to write or what to think, or have a question about something on an elitist blog, read its community guidelines for assistance.
by Bald Pollack on Jan 25, 2010 5:20 PM EST up reply actions
Hell yeah David Stecekel!
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 25, 2010 6:04 PM EST reply actions
Let’s have him breaking out in a June evening game, or a Game 7. Whichever comes first
Ovechkin = Green Backs
by red army line on Jan 26, 2010 10:22 AM EST up reply actions
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Florida
|
51 | 24 | 16 | 11 | 59 |
|
Washington
|
52 | 27 | 21 | 4 | 58 |
|
Winnipeg
|
54 | 24 | 24 | 6 | 54 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
51 | 23 | 23 | 5 | 51 |
|
Carolina
|
54 | 20 | 25 | 9 | 49 |
(updated 2.7.2012 at 3:17 AM EST)
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