Caps recall Holtby, assign Alzner
"The Washington Capitals have recalled goaltender Braden Holtby from the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League (AHL) and assigned defenseman Karl Alzner to Hershey, vice president and general manager George McPhee announced today. Goaltender Jose Theodore, who played the first two periods of last night’s win at the New York Islanders, is day-to-day with an injury." - Release
about 2 years ago
J.P.
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The first one I get, I’m presuming the second means we’re seeing Pothier return.
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I certainly hope so. As shaky as Alzner has looked at times, he’s still worlds better than Sloan out there.
by Kerry Fraser's Hairspray on Jan 27, 2010 10:13 AM EST up reply actions
I love Karl but I thought he looked really shaky last night, especially in his first couple of shifts.
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Jan 27, 2010 11:07 AM EST up reply actions
Maybe it’s an Olympic break thing?
"Dozens of people spontaneously combust each year. It's just not really widely reported."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 27, 2010 10:14 AM EST up reply actions
Time to photoshop Alzner’s mug on a yo-yo…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Haha. Too busy for this one.
But seriously, I feel bad for the kid. I recently listened to the 60-minute podcast with Laich and Alzner and there’s a lot of heart-tugging stuff in there about getting shuttled back-and-forth between HER and DC. And that was last year — it’s only gotten worse for him this year (in terms of length/frequency of call-ups)!
Game-Over Green? Canada-Over Carlson!
by Scott in Shaw on Jan 27, 2010 10:18 AM EST up reply actions
He and Carlson understand the same thing, and it will make them a better pair in the future.
by DrinkingPartner on Jan 27, 2010 10:19 AM EST up reply actions
That was a great collection of story done by NPR last year. Really well done.
PuckDaddy be damned, I'm putting CincoCinco on the back of a Schultz jersey!
by Chris meet Alex on Jan 27, 2010 12:49 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I believe they are doing it again this year. Sloan is one of the guys, I can’t remember who the other is.
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!"
Timeto photoshop Alzner’s mug on a yo-yofor ShaMo to get his groove back…
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by Bald Pollack on Jan 27, 2010 10:20 AM EST up reply actions
Well, if you’re sending Hershey’s #1 goalie to DC, I guess you need to give his backup some more defensive support.
Yeah, like Hershey needs help.
"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."
Actually, their defense looks exactly like ours. When it breaks, it shatters.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
Damn you beat me to it. Was just about to ask, So which game does Holt .45 start? Anaheim, Florida, or Tampa?
The safe word will be "hwiskey"
Thinking Tampa. They’ll want him to get in a practice or two.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
Tampa will run him like crazy and they’re also scary offensively.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Not to the same degree, and they’re not exactly lighting the world on fire as far as goal scoring.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I’m guessing Florida, if at all.
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Jan 27, 2010 11:09 AM EST up reply actions
Not the way Tampa will. Remember the past two games? Two goalies have gotten injured, and after the Ovie-Downie stuff it’s going to be more personal than ever.
Tocchet is a goon, and that game has the potential to be a bloodbath (so to speak).
So...
It comes down to which goalie’s neck would we rather put on the line, then???
I need a snappy signature...
by IRockTheRed on Jan 27, 2010 10:35 AM EST up reply actions
It’s a case where more experience, even a bit more, would help.
And it’s a case where you don’t need the extra pressure of a first NHL start weighing on you while dealing with all of that.
And Florida has Keith Ballard. :)
Florida does have less offense, so I can see Friday based on that, but it’s the skaters’ job to make it clear that running Holtby is not acceptable.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
I just don’t want to see what Steve Downie will try to do with a goalie making his NHL debut.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I truly don’t think that will stop BB from putting him in if that’s what he wants to do – they threw Varly into Montreal, after all. Maybe Oisk can get himself a Gordie Howe this time.
Never seen it, but based on what I have seen, I suspect that Holtby’s got a bit of piss and vinegar in him on his own, too.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
Yeah, Bruce is going to do whatever he wants. I just think it’s throwing him to the wolves a little, is all.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Prediction: Sloan gets a sweater and Brads is a healthy scratch for the Panthers so Matt can skate on all four lines on Sunday.
IS KEPTIN NOW
They’ll probably use a mix of Brads, Chimmer, and Oisk for that plus whoever else jumps in. They’ve said they’re taking a team approach to that sort of thing.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
Where did the Oisk nickname come from? I’ll have you know it confused the hell out of me for a second there
How do you say "Third Wheel" in Russian?
by SeattleCapsFan on Jan 27, 2010 2:32 PM EST up reply actions
The Tampa game has the potential to get ugly. Konopka picked a fight with Stecks, AO/Downie/Bradley we all know about…and the final score of that game will probably have the Caps looking for a beatdown (on the scoreboard).
Explosive combination, potentially.
Dunno if I’d rather have Neuvy or Holtby in there for that one, to tell you the truth. I don’t particularly want Neuvy run all night, either.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
Metal on Metal, It’s the only way.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brook Laich
This is Thirteen.
"Dozens of people spontaneously combust each year. It's just not really widely reported."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 27, 2010 6:43 PM EST up reply actions
Surely Billy D. Williams is available to announce the starting lineup.
Jimmy steps in to lead off the bottom half of the inning... with nobody on base... It could happen... just not tonight.
by Hollywood15 on Jan 27, 2010 12:45 PM EST up reply actions
I would love for him to see some ice.
DC Landing Strip - Waxed and Ready to Go
by Alex Reed on Jan 27, 2010 11:12 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Considering I’d heard Pothier was set to return, sending Alzner down does make sense in that context. I don’t think they would, otherwise, without a compelling reason that we are unaware of (witness: the Olympic break).
I would like to see Holtby get a start while he’s up, either against Florida or Tampa. I don’t expect to see him start tonight against Anahiem.
I need a snappy signature...
I don’t think it makes sense for Alzner to go down even with Pothier back. Sloan should be in the AHL and Erskine shouldn’t be playing every night. Alzner should be getting a sweater most nights even with all 8 D healthy. But this has been hashed out over and over again.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 27, 2010 11:53 AM EST up reply actions
It isn't that...
It’s
1) Alzner does not have to clear waivers, nor is he the savior of the universe that so many seem to think him to be.
2) We don’t have enough roster slots to call up Holtby unless we put Theodore on IR.
3) Sloan is here for the duration. Deal with it. :-p
I need a snappy signature...
by IRockTheRed on Jan 27, 2010 12:05 PM EST up reply actions
also
Sloan is also cheaper from a cap hit standpoint, and Alzner can get serious minutes in Hershey, and its not stunting Sloan’s “development” to be healthy scratched
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Jan 27, 2010 12:12 PM EST up reply actions
nor is he the savior of the universe that so many seem to think him to be
Exactly, he needs to be paired w/ Carlson and together they become the saviors of the universe. Like Voltron, but just 2 dudes on skates instead of 5 giant metal lions.
by bigeugene on Jan 27, 2010 12:14 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
Alzner’s not the savior of the universe, but he’s probably better than at least two of the guys the Caps have on their roster. And if he’s not, he will be by April if he gets NHL minutes. The roster spot thing is a valid concern, though, so the move makes sense if Theo’s day to day.
Right now, that’s how they have him listed…
I need a snappy signature...
by IRockTheRed on Jan 27, 2010 12:33 PM EST up reply actions
I agree that it makes sense if they only need a roster spot for a few days while Theo is out.
However, can we please stop acting as though people who support Alzner being in DC think he is the savior? No one has ever said that. What we have been saying (like DMG said) is that Alzner is one of the top 6 defensemen in the organization right now. With the goals of this team this year and beyond, I would much rather have the Caps play their best 6 defensemen rather than keep Sloan in DC to protect him from getting picked up by another team (dear God no!).
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 27, 2010 3:37 PM EST up reply actions
That upgrade may very well solidify an otherwise vulnerable pairing. It’s a step in the right direction.
While Alzner is no savior, he can cut GA.
Ovechkin = Green Backs
by red army line on Jan 27, 2010 4:34 PM EST up reply actions
He’s a -2 right now. I’d say that means more bad things happen when he’s on the ice than good things.
Sloan is a -3. It’s a tiny bit worse.
Alzner doesn’t take a lot of penalties – this is very true. But I’ve also watched him stare at the puck as it rolls past him into the goal before. He’s in front of the attacker on Pittsburgh’s first goal the other night when Theodore misplayed the puck, and yet he didn’t react fast enough to save the goal. And this is not the only mistake I’ve seen him make.
I need a snappy signature...
Uh, he made a kick-save to stop the goal and while Theo and Schultz were looking around, Crosby skated into the crease to finish the job.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Jan 27, 2010 4:40 PM EST up reply actions
Yes. Go back to the recap thread. There’s a great pic of Alzner stopping the puck there.
Ovechkin = Green Backs
by red army line on Jan 27, 2010 4:41 PM EST up reply actions
Only possible knock is “he shoulda dove in face first and hand-passed it out,” but he looked to be pretty tied up/turned around, etc. and the game is very very fast.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Watch the highlights of the goals Alzner was on ice for, and you’ll see that, well, they’re sorta excusable. I’d also guess that the matchup both teams want is Alzner against their top line.
+/- isn’t exactly a terrific indicator either. Sure, you look at 55 and see how high it is, but Ovie is not the best defensive player on the planet, and as it is, -2 isn’t that bad.
Ovechkin = Green Backs
by red army line on Jan 27, 2010 4:41 PM EST up reply actions
To be fair, I don’t think you can just say that all goals against Alzner are excusable, no matter how much you hedge with “sorta.” Specific ones, sure, but you can’t really make a blanket statement like that.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Yeah, well, I was considering that we expect him to make mistakes as well, part of the growing up process. I can’t remember him actually making a big boneheaded play for a GA ever, though maybe my memory’s bad on that one.
That is to say, a more experienced defenseman in Alzner’s place would not be as excused as Alzner is, IMO.
Ovechkin = Green Backs
by red army line on Jan 27, 2010 4:45 PM EST up reply actions
I was considering that we expect him to make mistakes as well
Perfectly reasonable! I agree, in that case.
Alzner has been absolutely walked by forwards once or twice, though. Outside of that, nothing terribly glaring.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Yup, he’s definitely had his growing pains. But that’s the point of the Alzner Lobby. Let’s get them out now and not in the Spring. He still reads the play better than most of our other D and moves better than most of them.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
Sloan is much older and I’m sure BB tries to keep him away from attacking lines. Alzner I don’t think has either advantage to help his +/-.
And IIRC Alzner’s plus-minus was great last year.
Ovechkin = Green Backs
by red army line on Jan 27, 2010 4:50 PM EST up reply actions
Are you serious? Alzner was the only guy that tried to keep that puck out and didn’t quit on the play. He made a valiant effort and Theo and Schultz were much more responsible for that goal.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
I say its Sid’s fault. .
Still waiting for someone to draft Paul Newman. . .
by kingzman264 on Jan 27, 2010 4:46 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
nor is he the savior of the universe that so many seem to think him to be.
Again, who has said that? Nobody. Last time this stuff came up J.P. called someone out for making this unsupported claim. NOBODY thinks Alzner is the savior of the universe, just that he’s better than Sloan and Erskine and depending who you ask, Shamo. Just because he isn’t Norris worthy today doesn’t mean he should be in the AHL.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
Oh good LORD...
He’s the logical choice to send down.
No. Waivers.
Other than that, sure, he “deserves” to play in the NHL, but I’d rather see him PLAYING in Hershey than benched here because we have Pothier back.
$^!&*$%!$^!
I need a snappy signature...
Why would he be benched regardless of Potsy? What Caps lineup do you have that doesn’t include Alzner in the top 6 D?
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
It depends...
But against the Ducks, I would like Erskine to have a sweater. I think we may need a tough guy out there. That leaves Alzner and Sloan the odd men out on the blue line.
I need a snappy signature...
Don’t think to much into it.
When it comes to the weeks leading up to and during the playoffs, Alzner will be on the team.
Still waiting for someone to draft Paul Newman. . .
Exactly
We all know Sloan’s scratched for tonight.
Pothier is in.
So that would leave Alzner the odd man out. We never skate 7 defensemen. So. Why leave him mildewing on the bench?
I need a snappy signature...
If this is true then it is all the more reason to play him now and let him go through his growing pains when the playoffs aren’t on the line.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 27, 2010 6:39 PM EST up reply actions
Confession ...
I like Erskine. Yes, he is slow and it would be easy to string together a highlight reel of his season’s goofs, gaffes, and examples of why he might not belong at the NHL level. But it’s not all bad. There are many examples of him playing well – good poke checks, decent positioning, hits, keeping the puck in the opponent’s zone, toughness. I think you state it well: “he shouldn’t be playing every night.” Keep him away from games where the other team’s forte is speed.
Now, if we could just get him to stop losing his damn stick!
Super Glue
I need a snappy signature...
by IRockTheRed on Jan 27, 2010 12:17 PM EST up reply actions
I agree that Erskine is a useful 7th Dman. He, unlike Sloan, brings an element to the defense that is lacking and is effective against certain teams. That’s why I’m fine with keeping him around as long as he’s not getting a sweater every night.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 27, 2010 3:40 PM EST up reply actions
The only thing I will say that is an advantage for Sloan is that he is a much better skater and a late bloomer. This means he could potentially be coached up to be better in the next couple years. I don’t think Erskine has much more upside.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
Erskine is only 9 months older than Sloan. Late bloomer or no, I consider them to both have the same upside (which is none). Sloan is a better skater, but not good enough for a regular sweater and with the Caps D it is more likely that they are going to need to add some toughness to the blueline for a game or two than it is that they need to put in a guy who can skate without defensive awareness.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 27, 2010 6:43 PM EST up reply actions
That’s true, but chances are they weren’t going to scratch Erskine after last night.
Going forward, though, Alzner should be an everyday guy (or very close to it), Erskine shouldn’t, and Sloan should be in the AHL (once everyone’s healthy).
Your ideas intrigue me, and I’d like to subscribe to your newsletter.
by Iafrate's Baldspot on Jan 27, 2010 10:44 AM EST up reply actions
Totally read that as “Nylander”
"My face is my mask."
by Jake Shapiro on Jan 27, 2010 12:41 PM EST up reply actions
If that means Pothier goes, okay. Otherwise, enh. it might be a roster spot issue.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
On a goalie-related topic, Tarik is reporting that Varlamov is finally hitting the ice this morning in full goalie gear.
by b.orr4 on Jan 27, 2010 11:14 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Saw that and mentioned in the other thread. Hope they’re not rushing him.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
What is this Cl’d meme that keeps popping up? Is that supposed to stand for Capitals Insider?
"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 27, 2010 11:34 AM EST up reply actions
Yes. It’s to ridicule many of the dumb comments on the CI message board. Because we’re elitists and mean spirited, you know.
by grapejoos on Jan 27, 2010 11:40 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
The comments there do get pretty bad.
"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 27, 2010 11:45 AM EST up reply actions
The origin of “cled.” Scroll down to see how it evolved. The CI’d meme in general has been around for longer though .
"Dozens of people spontaneously combust each year. It's just not really widely reported."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 27, 2010 11:55 AM EST up reply actions
May have to wait a ruling from the recently slumping archivist before I rec that.
Fascinating going through that again with all the recent Sarge conversion going on in less mean-spirited areas of town.
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by Bald Pollack on Jan 27, 2010 11:59 AM EST up reply actions
That is for “cled” specifically, with an ‘L’ and rhyming with head. At least that’s the first time I saw it used. No idea when the meme as a whole began.
"Dozens of people spontaneously combust each year. It's just not really widely reported."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 27, 2010 12:01 PM EST up reply actions
I’d rather Varly wait till after the olympics but there’s no way he’s gonna want to miss that. At least the olympics will warm him up so he’s not completely cold when he makes his return. We need him in the playoffs, I’m ok with theo now but my trust is in varly
~~~ R0cK D@ R3D ~~~
by Chaz-Capapalooza on Jan 27, 2010 11:52 AM EST up reply actions
I wanted him to go before, but with the injury I don't
Yea, he won’t play in games, but he’ll get hammered in practices since he is the most expendable goalie, he’ll face the most shots. I don’t think Mother Russia will be gentle.
They laughed at Columbus, they laughed at Fulton, they laughed at the Wright brothers. But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown.
I meant to post this a few days ago, but didn’t think it was really relevant, since there was no way we were going to see Holtby up with the big club.
It’s just a few quotes from Holtby following the Bears’ third mauling of the Manitoba Moose, but I was impressed with his situational awareness. There’s a lot going on behind that mask:
After sleepwalking through the first several minutes of the game, it was a perfectly timed poke check by Hershey goaltender, Braden Holtby, that awoke the beast. Holtby quickly converged on the offensively-gifted Michael Grabner to make a save that set the tone for much of the game.
"Looking back, if I had known it was Grabner, I probably would’ve stayed back," said Holtby. "He’s pretty fast, but I saw he had his back turned to the play and that he was going to turn around late. I thought I should play it aggressively and get him while he wasn’t looking."
IS KEPTIN NOW
Hotby update at CI:
As for what Holtby might accomplish during this current call-up, Coach Bruce Boudreau said: “I’m expecting him to cheer on the bench. I know he competes really hard, I’ve seen him in summer camp and I get the reports from Hershey all the time, but as of today, I don’t expect him to play.”
IS KEPTIN NOW
I’ll extrapolate from this that Theo is not too badly dinged, and they expect him to return shortly.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
I’ll extrapolate that it’s also possible Holtby gets a start. As of today being the operable words. But yeah, it would seem that there’s a chance Theo’s ready to go by Sunday, or even Friday.
"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."
I think it’s 40 with the Caps, right?
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Probably not, given that that’s Varly’s number.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Likely 1.
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by Bald Pollack on Jan 27, 2010 1:59 PM EST up reply actions
what is it with Caps goalies and numbers that end in “0” the past couple of seasons?
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!"
Next to some guy missing a profile picture, no doubt.
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by Bald Pollack on Jan 27, 2010 3:12 PM EST up reply actions
Can’t even skate on the ice for warmups if you don’t have a profile picture. Nice sig, BP.
"If you close your eyes in the NHL, you'll take one upside the head." - Alexander Semin
by mercurialwinger on Jan 27, 2010 3:15 PM EST up reply actions
Thanks man, you should have seen the ones I didn’t use.
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by Bald Pollack on Jan 27, 2010 3:42 PM EST up reply actions
At this point I don’t want to see Alzner in the NHL for the rest of the season. If he isn’t good enough for management to trust him at this point, then just keep him down. I honestly don’t see what they are seeing, but they are the guys that get paid to do it. Stop tugging him up and down like his name is Frosty. Load up HER for their Calder Cup defense, and let’s live with our craptastic veteran D corps that is allegedly, what, 12 guys deep? Absent a trade deadline acquisition, Alzner is the only chance we have to upgrade our D. Clearly the front office doesn’t think he’s much of an upgrade. Keep him down, let him dominate, and let the remorse set in when we get ousted from the playoffs by yet another team with an aggressive forecheck that punishes D that can’t play with the puck.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
by Rob Parker on Jan 27, 2010 3:58 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
What if it’s just to make room on the roster while Jose is hurt?
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
That was my take on the matter. We only have so many roster slots. We only have so many guys who can BE sent down at any given moment. It’s two days if you have to send someone through waivers. Alzner was the only choice to make room for Holtby.
Or do you guys want Neuvirth flying without a backup at all?
I need a snappy signature...
Still not really a fan. I understand that he is waiver-exempt, and I strongly hope that GMGM has sat down with Karl and said “Listen, you are the easiest piece to move. You are going to be here in the playoffs one way or another, but we need to make the roster work now, and keep you playing hockey, so this is the easiest way to do it.” Maybe Karl is cool with it and understands what’s up. Or maybe he doesn’t. Either way, I’d rather risk Sloan to open up that roster spot than send Karl down. I wouldn’t shed a tear if Sloan was lost on waivers. I understand that in the short-term the Caps don’t actually need to ice their best team to win, especially when they are clicking right now. But I’m not concerned about the short-term. I’m concerned about the long-term. Sure, Alzner is still making some mistakes, but sheltering him from that isn’t going to help him or us. It’s just delaying the point where he is a more competent NHL D. He’s been shakier than he was when he first came up, but he’s still smarter with the puck and a better skater than half our D, at least. Playing Alzner in the NHL in the short-term makes us better long-term. This is the time to push him and see how far he can go, what he can do, how many minutes he can take. We know he can eat 30 minutes in HER and barely feel tested; I want to know if he’s a 14, 16, or 20 minute guy in May and June.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
by Rob Parker on Jan 27, 2010 4:12 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
The team clearly just values Sloan more than we all do, for whatever reason.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Right. As I said above, it’s not crazy to think that he could be coached up a bit in the next year, and if he does and we keep him on the near minimum deal then he could be a valuable 7th. But right now, the way he plays today… he’s clearly the worst D that has worn a Caps sweater this year.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
The team clearly just values Sloan more thanweyou all do, for whatever reason.
I happen to like Sloan better as a forward than as a defenseman, but I don’t think he’s as horrible as people tend to think he is. I also don’t think Alzner is as good as people think he is. At least Sloan looks like his mind is engaged; Alzner has this blank stare 90% of the time when I watch him. It’s like he’s looking at something a million miles away.
I need a snappy signature...
Your argument lost a lot of steam with that last statement there. Chris Bourque could be the most engaged person on the planet, but he’s not going to put up more points than Semin, even at his floatiest.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
by jordanDC on Jan 27, 2010 4:24 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
And
My argument never had any steam around here anyway, since all y’all seem to hate Tyler Sloan’s purple guts and think he’s the suckiest defenseman on the planet.
So there.
I need a snappy signature...
I’m easier on Sloan that most. I don’t appreciate the insinuation that I have a blind bias towards him.
Allow me to adjust my previous statement: Sasha Pokulok could be the most engaged defenseman on the planet, but he’s not going to be as effective a stopper as Nik Lidstrom, even at his old and weariest.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Exactly. Lidstrom and Pronger and Niedermayer all look like they are floating a lot. That’s because they are so good at reading the play and knowing where to be and how to preserve energy. Obviously Alzner is not at that level but the point remains.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
No we don’t. He’s just not a top-6 D on a championship team.
Ovechkin = Green Backs
by red army line on Jan 27, 2010 4:38 PM EST up reply actions
It sure looks like that in general.
he’s clearly the worst D that has worn a Caps sweater this year.
I need a snappy signature...
The Caps D is pretty good. Look down the list. Only really there’s Erskine who might be worse, and Erskine brings the toughness. So there.
Ovechkin = Green Backs
by red army line on Jan 27, 2010 4:43 PM EST up reply actions
Sloan may look like he’s mentally engaged, but that could just as easily be because his mind is scrambling to figure out WTF is going on. He gets lost on the ice and makes ridiculous reads far more often than Alzner. I’m not sure what look in his eyes you are talking about; how do you even see that when he’s playing? Are you talking about how he looks on the bench? Are you knocking Alzner for looking too calm?
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
No, I’m knocking Alzner for looking like he’s staring into space when I watch him up close. But I’m not going to get anywhere arguing Sloan vs. Alzner, so I’m just going to shut up now.
I need a snappy signature...
Well you don’t have to stop. You could just explain how you saw this and exactly what you mean. How can you see the look in a guy’s eyes while he is playing?
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
I have been to a great many Bears games, and sit fairly close to the glass. I watch. I observe. And I see a blank stare.
I need a snappy signature...
A blank stare in the league where he was the +/- leader when he was initially called up, and the top D on the top team in the league?
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
by Rob Parker on Jan 27, 2010 4:43 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah, but who among the active forwards do you sit for Sloan? Q is already sitting in the box most nights and the entire 4th line is clearly better than 89. He’s damn sure not replacing anyone in the top 9, so I really don’t see how he stays on the big team.
F&B is right, he’s been exposed on D. Whether it’s because there’s tape out on his tendencies, or he’s wearing down at the NHL level, it doesn’t really matter. He’s getting killed back there when he has to do anything with the puck and he’s not finding position.
Whether he’s better than 53 or not is another question. I happen to like footspeed – getting to your spot faster than the other guy is much more important than it used to be. That said, Laing doesn’t look so lost in the offensive zone and forechecks better when he gets the chance.
He doesn’t fit as a forward, he doesn’t fit as a D, he’s not playing in goal. My take is that he’s a last-ditch injury filler and we could do worse for that, but there’s no real reason to keep him in DC long-term. I understand the timing of a back-to-back and the roster slot, that’s not what I’m addressing. 1,000 yard stare or not, Alzner simply plays better defense than Tyler Sloan and has more room to grow before the playoffs. Let’s make no mistake about this – the Caps’ window to win a Cup is open. Getting the best roster for the playoffs is what really matters here and that means getting Karl Alzner ice over Tyler Sloan.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Jan 27, 2010 4:33 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Well done.
Alzner is most definitely better than Sloan.
I think Sloan would benefit alot from going to Hershey for a bit. Sloan needs some time to build his game back up and an AHL stay would give him a great chance to do that. I think he is one step away, albeit one, very large step, from becoming a much better player.
As for Q… i feel horrible for the guy. I think he would have been a much better players without the injury bug. It’ll be interesting to see what the big wigs do with him. If he starts to play more I think he will gradually build back up and play well. (Well enough for the 4th line, idk).
Still waiting for someone to draft Paul Newman. . .
I don’t know that he has any trade value. Wasn’t he an FA last season that any team in the league could have had for the minimum?
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Jan 27, 2010 4:45 PM EST up reply actions
“He’s a hard worker, he’s paid his dues, we like him, he’s a great guy.” You wouldn’t get any answer outside of this kind of thing.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
And furthermore, since that is the only answer you’ll get from BB, et. al., the whole argument about “send him down,” “get rid of him,” “trade him,” etc. is moot.
Completely.
It. Will. Not. Happen. In. This. Lifetime.
End of story.
I need a snappy signature...
No shit!
But we’re saying maybe it should.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
maybe you could pay $20,000 to charity for dinner with him, then report back to us?
by Natty Bumppo on Jan 27, 2010 4:50 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t know that he has any trade value. Wasn’t he an FA last season that any team in the league could have had for the minimum?
I think, but not 100% positive, that Sloan had a higher offer but it was a two way, while the Caps offered him minimum on a one way.
or, I’ve gotten his contract confused with Sean Collins yet again.
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!"
Really, I think Sloan would benefit from a regular shift. The problem is that you’d have to sit somebody better than him to get him in there.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
The question is this: If you sit someone to make room for Sloan taking a regular shift, is he better than they are by the time the playoffs roll around. If the answer is no, then I don’t think it’s worth doing. I have a hard time believing he’s going to make that kind of leap, so I’m opposed to that action.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Jan 27, 2010 4:46 PM EST up reply actions
On that note, time to go get on a train.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Jan 27, 2010 4:47 PM EST up reply actions
Who else would you send down to make room on the roster RIGHT NOW for Holtby?
There is a time factor involved here. If you have to clear a guy through waivers, we would have no backup goalie for tonight.
I need a snappy signature...
Who else would you send down to make room on the roster RIGHT NOW for Holtby?
tyler sloan.
by Natty Bumppo on Jan 27, 2010 4:25 PM EST up reply actions
Can't do it.
You have to put Sloan through waivers.
Waivers take time.
We do not have time to put Sloan through waivers and get Holtby up in time for a back-to-back game.
PERIOD.
I need a snappy signature...
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Florida
|
53 | 25 | 17 | 11 | 61 |
|
Washington
|
54 | 28 | 21 | 5 | 61 |
|
Winnipeg
|
56 | 26 | 24 | 6 | 58 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
53 | 23 | 24 | 6 | 52 |
|
Carolina
|
55 | 20 | 25 | 10 | 50 |
(updated 2.10.2012 at 3:26 AM EST)
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