Capital Ups and Downs: Week 14
by J.P. on Jan 4, 2010 11:00 AM EST
in Capitals Ups and Downs
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PrintOur weekly look at individual Washington Capitals' ups and downs:
| Goalies | Trend | Notes |
| Michal Neuvirth |  |
Not as bad as his 0-2-0/3.52/.865 for the week would indicate, especially considering that just three of the seven goals he allowed came at five-aside. |
| Jose Theodore |  |
One could argue - convincingly - that Theo hasn't been put in a position to succeed lately, and succeed he hasn't. With save percentages of .873 and .891 in November and December, respectively, the Caps will hope to get some decent minutes out of him and pray for Varly's health the rest of the way. |
| Semyon Varlamov |  |
The good news? He was stopped 28 of the 29 shots he faced in Hershey last night. The bad news? He "suffered another unspecified injury that has been termed day-to-day." |
| Defensemen | ||
| Karl Alzner | |
A rough minus-three week saw Alzner on the ice for each of Carolina's first four goals and the second Sharks tally (easily his two worst games of the season), and his ice time has suffered. Here's an idea: get him away from John Erskine. |
| John Erskine | |
Brutal against Carolina, Erskine followed it up with a penalty in each of the West Coast games and was the guilty party on one of the two awarded penalty shots in San Jose. |
| Mike Green | |
Snubbed by Team Canada, Green continues to pile up points (two power play goals and an extra-man helper for the week, meaning he pointed on each of the PP tallies the Caps scored this week), but was minus-one in each game in huge minutes (more than thirty in two of the three games). |
| Shaone Morrisonn | |
Mo's last point was on November 7, and in the 15 games since, he has three shots on goal and a minus-one rating. It's really a shame the Caps couldn't trade him to the Jackets, but as I read somewhere, "Columbus has to agree to the deal, too, right? Heh." Heh indeed. |
| Brian Pothier | |
That the Caps miss Pothier so much speaks to their blueline woes. |
| Tom Poti |  |
Returned to the lineup in San Jose and had assists there and in L.A. to point in back-to-back games for the first time this season. His inability to clear pucks on the penalty kill, however, is increasingly maddening. |
| Jeff Schultz | |
Played more than 55 minutes for the week and was only on the ice for one of the goals the Caps surrendered. |
| Swingman | ||
| Tyler Sloan | |
Played sparingly against the 'Canes (but long enough to block three shots and get hung with a minus-one) and was scratched twice in California. |
| Forwards | ||
| Nicklas Backstrom | |
One assist, minus-two, 45.9% in the dot and one massive headache for the week. Ouch. |
| Matt Bradley | |
Nothin' to show for his efforts this week (perhaps a momentum-changing scrap would've been nice) except a minus-one. |
| Jason Chimera | |
The new guy assisted on a goal in his first game as a Cap, but his coach hit the nail on the head: "I think he's playing a little too tentative right now. We need him to play with a little more recklessness. When he does that, he'll fit in well." We're all waiting for that first truly endearing moment. |
| Eric Fehr | |
Credited with a fluky goal against Carolina (his only marker in his last ten games), called out following the San Jose game and scratched against the Kings, Fehr has returned to his familiar place in Chez Bow Wow. |
| Tomas Fleischmann | |
Goalless in five, minus-three for the week and only four shots on goal in his last four games, Flash has to find a way to create more offense. |
| Boyd Gordon | |
Gordon returned to the lineup against the 'Canes, was scratched in San Jose and played against the Kings, but isn't doing much more than winning draws (nine of 11 so far) yet. |
| Mike Knuble | |
A goal early in the third in San Jose briefly gave Caps fans some hope, both in that game and for Knuble, who has only lit the lamp twice since November 7 (12 games played) and was minus-three for the week. Interesting stat: the Caps' big "net presence" acquisition has just one power play goal in 29 games on the season, which he scored on October 3. |
| Brooks Laich | |
Laich showed signs of offensive life with a goal (and another waived off) and an assist against Carolina, but missed a golden opportunity to tie the Kings game while 5-on-3 and, well, blew it. |
| Quintin Laing | |
Small minutes, small role... big heart only gets you so far. |
| Brendan Morrison | |
No points, minus-three, three shots on goal, an awful penalty and 46.3% on draws for the week are hopefully rock bottom numbers for a guy who has come crashing back to earth with just three points in his last 13 games. |
| Alex Ovechkin | |
AO's still shooting (two seven-shot games on the week), but had trouble finding the net over the past week and looked a bit off. Perhaps the weight of carrying the team - or the potential captaincy decision - is weighing on him. |
| Alexander Semin | |
One goal in his last nine games, and no points with a minus-three rating for the week (and since his new deal was announced), a breakout performance can't be too far away... can it? |
| David Steckel | |
More of the same from Stecks - no offense, strong in the face off circle. |
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Comments
Yowza.
When Poti gets the only up arrow on the week… you KNOW it’s been a nasty week! Here’s hoping for this week to be a VAST improvement!
And that up arrow is probably generous…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
You’re right, Poti’s failed clears on the PK were atrocious and, in my book, earned him a down arrow despite his assists. Theo I think is the real problem though. Something is just not right with him. Maybe the loss of his child this summer combined with the Holidays has taken its toll on him emotionally or his skills are just eroding. Whatever the reason, based on his performance, it doesn’t seem likely the Caps could ever win a Cup with him if Varly goes down again. I wouldn’t be surprised one bit if McPhee makes a move to bring in an experienced backup before the deadline.
I’m going with emotional toll of the loss of his son over the summer, plus the excitement over Bradley’s new son, plus the holidays…
This was in NHL Insider on December 18.
Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau hit ’em out of the park on three specific topics during his interview with NHL.com Thursday.
Jose Theodore — The Capitals’ goalie is battling through a family crisis this season after losing his two-month old son in August. But Theodore has not only managed to survive this season, but he is thriving now.
In his past five starts after taking a two-week hiatus to deal with personal issues, Theodore is 4-1 with a .927 save percentage and 2.19 goals-against average. For the season, he’s 9-4-4 with a .903 save percentage and 2.93 GAA this season.
A week later, Theo was breaking his goalie stick and saying he just worked there, and his last start was nightmarish. But the first Christmas after losing a child…maybe it does have an emotional and mental toll.
Poti’s failed clears sounds like the name of a really bad punk rock group… but it sure does tell the story of what happened this week.
I’m still waiting on jordanDC’s “Poti Failed Clearing Attempt Tracker”.
"So much on my mind I just can't recline. Blastin' holes in the night 'til she bled sunshine."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 4, 2010 11:29 AM EST up reply actions
I tried it for one game and it took all the fun out of watching for me, so it’s not forthcoming. I certainly noticed a couple stinkers recently, though.
I think the problem that people have with Poti is that he tries to go up the middle too much. The other D just rim it around the boards and give it up, which is less noticeable.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I noticed a couple on the PK during the Kings game.
"So much on my mind I just can't recline. Blastin' holes in the night 'til she bled sunshine."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 4, 2010 11:54 AM EST up reply actions
Disagree. I rip on the blind rim arounds as well. That’s one of the things I love about Alzner, he always takes a look and doesn’t make blind passes. Poti fails the clear no matter where he puts it. But yeah, it’s also a Cardinal sin to turn the puck over up the middle.
In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.
Sounds like a drinking game… a shot for every time Poti fails to clear the zone or for when a Cap gets tossed out of the circle on a faceoff.
If you've read this far...seek help.
I’m not sure a game like this is feasible if we wish to keep Rink Rats commenting.
by DrinkingPartner on Jan 4, 2010 12:33 PM EST up reply actions
we’ll keep commenting! But I promise nothing about the quality, or even on-topicness, of the comments.
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
And then you’ll end up owing F&B three beers or something.
"So much on my mind I just can't recline. Blastin' holes in the night 'til she bled sunshine."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 4, 2010 1:43 PM EST up reply actions
Hey, I can get pretty hardcore with my drinking games, but unless those are shots of crappy peach Schnapps or something, I doubt i would make it to the start of the 3rd
I doubt you would make it to the hospital, friend :-).
by DrinkingPartner on Jan 4, 2010 12:38 PM EST up reply actions
on a very VERY loosely related note, i used to have a friend that grew up in WV, which is mostly flightless bird territory. He said that when he was in highschool, his friends and him created the girliest drink they could think of. It was Peach Schnapps and soda water. They called it the Flaming Jaromir.
on a very VERY loosely related note, i used to have a friend that grew up in WV, which is mostly flightless bird territory.
I got this far and went: “what the hell? Ostriches aren’t native to WV!”
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
by RedBirdie on Jan 4, 2010 1:41 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
It’s starting to look like Theo’s skills are in decline. He’s not young so it wouldn’t come as a shock. His lateral movement is molasses compared to someone like Neuvy or Varly.
The arrow is relative to usual performance though. Poti always fails to clear the puck, but doesn’t get points. That’s why he gets the up arrow and Schultz stays even, it’s all about expectations.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 4, 2010 1:34 PM EST up reply actions
This is true.
"Let the rest be scared of us." - Emo Bunny Sasha Semin
by Scott in Shaw on Jan 4, 2010 1:48 PM EST up reply actions
And that up arrow isprobablyextremely generous…
Fixed. If I could only fix that arrow as well. He looked like Mr. Burns when trying to clear pucks in SJ & LA.
A man gotta have a code
And yet he was “only” on the ice for one PPGA in the two games (the only one the team gave up) while leading the D in SH TOI.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
He was amazingly lucky that those failed clears didn’t come back to bite the Caps.
I will admit he wasn’t the only one having trouble with clears but his were egregious.
A man gotta have a code
Some say better to be lucky than good.
I say Tom Poti better get good in a hurry, because he’s been damned lucky lately
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 4, 2010 11:40 AM EST up reply actions
How hard is it to clear a puck in the NHL? I’m asking honestly because I haven’t played competitive hockey and I’m sure it’s harder than it looks, but I can’t comprehend how someone can be so bad at a seemingly easy skill to master.
Harder than it looks but Poti should be much better than he is.
Not only is the universe stranger than we imagine, it is stranger than we can imagine.
But that one was directly his fault. He kicked the puck right to Ryan Smyth for the goal. That puck was going wide and Poti instantly turned it into a dangerous chance. Mike Green fronting Ryan Smyth by 8 feet didn’t help.
In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.
Interesting stat: the Caps’ big “net presence” acquisition has just one power play goal in 29 games on the season, which he scored on October 3.
He’s also seventh among forwards in average PP ice time. Is he getting such low ice time because he’s unproductive, or is he unproductive because he gets so little ice time?
If you've read this far...seek help.
I’m going with the latter. I think we all fairly assumed when he was acquired that he’d get more primetime minutes at both even strength and on the PP than he has.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
And did the chicken come first, or the egg?
This one’s hard to say… I’m not sure why it isn’t working out for Knuble… unless that broken pinkie finger is causing more trouble than expected.
I gotta be honest: your pinkie finger is a LOT more important than most people give it credit for. I broke one back when I was a kid (twice) and had to have it pinned the second time. With no physical therapy following getting the pins out (and I am certain Knuble is getting therapy!!!) it is utterly useless, and, even though I am generally hopelessly right-handed, my left hand is the stronger hand for gripping, etc. That finger is key for being able to hold onto things properly. Even years and years later, when I duckpin bowl, my right pinkie finger gives out after about a game and a half. I can’t do a damn thing with it.
I’m sure Knuble is getting great physical therapy for his injury recovery; I’m just saying that just because it’s the smallest finger does not make it insignificant, and that recovery from a break and pinning can take a while.
Observations by various people on game threads regarding Knuble’s performance on the top lines could be translated to mean “conflicting styles”. It will be interesting to see how he and Chimera work together in another few games.
Semin seemed to be “playing his game” a bit more this last game. Lots of those borderline slash/hooks he tends to get called for when he’s invested in a game.
Related at all to having missed time with the injury? As in losing his spot for no fault of his own?
"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."
That’s my take. Plus recovery time. The finger may be “healed,” but he’s by no means done with therapy. He’ll be doing strengthening exercises with that hand for a long time.
Which means it probably still isn’t fully healed, because you can’t do what he does to a broken bone and have it actually heal up properly… I really hate the idea of him effing up that finger to the point where it doesn’t work right.
Then, wasn’t there a hockey player – I forget who it was – who had a broken finger amputated so he could keep playing?
Very likely.
Considering he broke the finger badly enough to have to have it plated and pinned… the pins come out, but the plate is in there for good. Friends who have had an ankle plated say the plate can cause issues, too – basically in a “this thing is damned uncomfortable” way, but still.
If he did return early then I think it reflects poorly on the Caps’ medical staff. They had enough depth to allow him to sit out a few more games in December.
Isn’t that a pattern, though? We heard Bruce say that AO came back too soon, it sounds as if Varly may have tried to come back too soon, etc.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
(Note: on Varly, I’m not talking about last night, but a couple of weeks ago when he tweaked his groin in his first full practice.)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I think the guys just want to play so badly that they come back the minute they can come back (are medically cleared to do so), and don’t wait until they maybe should come back.
Varly – are we sure it was his groin? Rumor had it it’s a leg injury and not groin-related, due to an entanglement on the ice…
Well, isn’t it up to the staff to not let them come back until they should? I love the macho crap desire and whatnot as much as the next guy, but these players are investments and need to be treated as such.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
And on a related note, shouldn’t we lay off Alex Semin when he takes a little longer than other folks to come back? We’ve all seen how ineffective he is when he’s just a little dinged. Isn’t it to his credit that (unless it’s the playoffs) he knows when to sit and when to play?
Is a hurt player who is barely able to “tough it out” really going to help the team?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 4, 2010 11:44 AM EST up reply actions
I’m with you on this. Guys shouldn’t have to prove how tough they are to their teammates or anyone else this early in the season.
Like Green last year? Of course worthless is relative, 50% of Green may still be better than anyone we could have replaced him with
That just shows how sad our blue line is
50% of anyone shouldn’t be one of the top players.
They laughed at Columbus, they laughed at Fulton, they laughed at the Wright brothers. But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown.
We had 50% of Green. And less than 100% of most of our other D-corps this spring. Broken feet by Poti and Oisk. And Morrison injured too, (And Schultz out of commission.)
So we had 2 healthy D-men playing in the playoffs. No wonder we were so sad.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Actually, Mike Green promised BB he would give 120% in the playoffs and then decided to do it literally.
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 4, 2010 7:07 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
YES
Semin is much worse when injured, and we don’t want to have him injured come playoffs. That’s really all that matters, we all know we’ll make it to the playoffs, it’s just a matter of how we do once we get there
They laughed at Columbus, they laughed at Fulton, they laughed at the Wright brothers. But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown.
It’s a fine line, I suppose, between showing your teammates that you’re willing to make some sacrifice for the greater good and self-preservation/ensuring that you’re healthy when it’s most critical that you be.
When a player consistently fails to demonstrate the former (and is called out by his coach on it), he loses a lot of the leeway he’s given on the latter.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
And regular season means dick. At least the organization seems to be taking it very slowly with consussions.
In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.
consussions
So I guess you are week to week for the next JR pick up game?
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 4, 2010 1:45 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah. Apparently we had the Flyers medical staff.
In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.
Think you’re thinking of Ronnie Lott (football).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
which i found out later was just a tall tale. i had heard several times that lott broke his pinky during the NFC championship game and asked for it to be amputated in order to play the second half….but turns out the pinky was amputated during the offseason.
Trevor Wikre?
"Baseball is drama with an endless run and an ever-changing cast." - Joe Garagiola
Chowdah Chatter - an outlet for my random thoughts and such.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/chris_ballard/10/14/point.after1020/index.html
"Baseball is drama with an endless run and an ever-changing cast." - Joe Garagiola
Chowdah Chatter - an outlet for my random thoughts and such.
Pinkies are like appendixes and ShaMos: expendable.
"So much on my mind I just can't recline. Blastin' holes in the night 'til she bled sunshine."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 4, 2010 12:16 PM EST up reply actions
broken pinkies SUCK. Out 8 weeks with a freaking broken pinkie…..
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
I’m starting to think you’ve had every injury known to humankind… ;)
by mechanicsville on Jan 4, 2010 3:28 PM EST up reply actions
Never been kicked in the balls though.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
and I’m thankful for that, considering the way all the men I know groan when I mention “Mike Green once ruptured Patrick Thorensen’s testicle….”!
broken bones, sprains, ruptured tendons, stress fractures, dislocations, tendinitis….comes with the territory.
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
The irony of my attempt at sensitivity in using “humankind”, immediately followed by your “poetic” response is not lost here. Huzzah!
by mechanicsville on Jan 4, 2010 5:09 PM EST up reply actions
Sighhh. Let’s hope this is the worst Ups and Downs of the season.
"My face is my mask."
by Jake Shapiro on Jan 4, 2010 11:16 AM EST reply actions 2 recs
The only way we can win under those circumstances is to have a great goalie who can “steal” games for us. Like Patrick Roy or Martin Brodeur in his prime. Or would even that be enough?
That’s a sad commentary on our forwards when the only player trending upward (i.e. positive) is a defenseman.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Not only is the universe stranger than we imagine, it is stranger than we can imagine.
by zephyr on Jan 4, 2010 11:26 AM EST reply actions 5 recs
Gordon returned to the lineup against the ‘Canes, was scratched in San Jose and played against the Kings, but isn’t doing much more than winning draws (nine of 11 so far) yet.
More of the same from Stecks – no offense, strong in the face off circle.
If all things are equal between them the rest of the year (and Gordon’s back is truly fine going forward), do you retain both of them next year as part of a shutdown/grinding 4th line?
"I know it holds 17 1/2 beers."
I don’t. I think Gordo needs to stay healthy for any real chance of getting another deal, or else he’s heading down Blair Betts Boulevard.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Yeah, but unless they walk on Gordo, that means Dave comes back at possibly a higher salary than you wanted to re-sign him for. But I say that last part not knowing what the going rate is for a 4th line center who’s good on PKs and really good on draws.
"I know it holds 17 1/2 beers."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 4, 2010 11:45 AM EST up reply actions
Well, on the “plus” side, Steckel’s playing himself into a cheaper option than those who thought he was good for 15 goals would’ve expected.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
As one of those who thought that, my nose is still bleeding from that one.
"I know it holds 17 1/2 beers."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 4, 2010 11:49 AM EST up reply actions
When my father was getting his PhD in Economics, one of his professors gave this sage advice:
“Don’t make predictions. But if you do predict, do it often.”
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 4, 2010 2:04 PM EST up reply actions
Is your father by any chance President Jed Barlet?
"Let the rest be scared of us." - Emo Bunny Sasha Semin
by Scott in Shaw on Jan 4, 2010 3:24 PM EST up reply actions
With a line that suits him better (i.e. the 22/39/10 line) he could score more goals but I don’t necessarily think the Caps need production out of him as they need production out of the true scoring lines. The team with Ovechkin, Semin and Green shouldn’t be looking to their PK/checking/slow the tempo lines for offense.
There are many blindside collisions by Brashears reckless drivers on Blair Betts Boulevard.
"So much on my mind I just can't recline. Blastin' holes in the night 'til she bled sunshine."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 4, 2010 11:48 AM EST up reply actions
I haven’t really missed him while he’s been out. I think he’s pretty replaceable and not really needed. I think Steckel has more upside then Gordo does so unless he commands a lot more money he’s expendable at anytime this season into the next.
Not only is the universe stranger than we imagine, it is stranger than we can imagine.
They’re virtual twins on GAON/60 on ES and PK situations, not to mention in the dot. Honestly, I’m not even sure Steckel has more upside at this point.
"I know it holds 17 1/2 beers."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 4, 2010 11:51 AM EST up reply actions
Gordo is more injury prone
That’s about all I can come up with
They laughed at Columbus, they laughed at Fulton, they laughed at the Wright brothers. But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown.
In a Conference whose measuring stick boasts Malkin and Staal among its centers, the need for a big pivot shouldn’t be underestimated.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Further, in ‘07-’08:
GAON/60: PK: Gordon 6.57, Steckel 5.27 ES: Gordon 1.60, Steckel 1.96
Faceoffs: Steckel 56.3%, Gordon 55.8%
‘08-’09:
GAON/60: PK: Gordon 7.61, Steckel 6.77 ES: Gordon 2.11, Steckel 1.94
Faceoffs: Steckel 57.9%, Gordon 56.1%
’09-10:
GAON/60: PK: Gordon 2.77, Steckel 8.72 ES: Gordon 2.81, Steckel 1.93
Faceoffs: Steckel 61.5%, Gordon 59.7%
Anyway, getting it out of my skull and into others.
"I know it holds 17 1/2 beers."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 4, 2010 12:02 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
So Steckel is better and has been for some time.
Not only is the universe stranger than we imagine, it is stranger than we can imagine.
Rec’d for some fine BtN usage.
"So much on my mind I just can't recline. Blastin' holes in the night 'til she bled sunshine."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 4, 2010 12:12 PM EST up reply actions
Looks like a whole lot of “not statistically significant” differences to me.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 4, 2010 2:06 PM EST up reply actions
There’s also the stuff that we can observe with our eyes that stats can’t speak to. Things like forechecking ability, tenacity when bearing down on opposing D and the ability to possess the puck in the offensive zone. I think Stecks is better at all of those things.
Not to mention penalties in the final 10 minutes of the game this season.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I think a lot of what Boyd Gordon does right is hard to see, and a lot of what he does wrong is painfully visible.
I think there’s a lot of untapped potential in Boyd. Unfortunately, because even when he’s in the lineup he’s constantly playing hurt (due to his style of game) I think it will remain untapped.
And no, I ain’t saying Boyd is better than Stex (or vice versa). I’m saying grinder depth is good, because those guys are always getting broken. I’d happily bring Boyd back next year for the same salary, if he gets a clean bill of health.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 4, 2010 2:28 PM EST up reply actions
I think one can replace the other but we don’t need both. Adding another offensive player is what I’d do with the roster space.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
i vote for keeping stecks…. as we have seen (and heard from BB) the bigger the game the better he seems to play. he def came to play last postseason.
Yeah, makes room for Perreault to come back up with something to prove, too.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
If the perceived plan next year is resign BMo and keep MP on the roster come October, fine, but there’ll be guys who get cut loose before Gordon if that happens. His contract status/cost are in his favor (unless his spine gets removed in April or something).
"I know it holds 17 1/2 beers."
Like who among the forwards? Laing?
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Probably. I’d figure there would be one more to cut loose, but if there is, I can’t put a finger on it.
"I know it holds 17 1/2 beers."
Gotta be. MP and Mackan are going to come into camp and push for a spot. I suspect Osala pushes for one too, even if just on the 4th line. No way you can carry Sloan.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
Let ‘em push. If MP and Mackan can’t outplay one or both of Stex and Gordon for a roster spot, then they don’t belong in the NHL.
I see no problem with signing Gordon to the same contract he’s got. Depth is good. If the worst thing that happens is Gordon gets sent down or lost on waivers because someone outplayed him, then so be it. Gordon on a one year contract that matches his current one is the definition of low risk.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 4, 2010 3:24 PM EST up reply actions
I agree it’s low risk, and wouldn’t be unhappy if they resigned him. But I don’t like the idea of re-signing a bunch of veterans when you know you have youth on the way. True, if MP or Mackan or OO can’t displace a guy then they probably shouldn’t be in the NHL; but after seeing how it played out with the D this year, I think it’s pretty likely that at least one of those guys are ready to play in the NHL, and at least they could probably rotate the final F spot and all get a taste of the NHL.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
Mackan is going to push for a spot? You mean a spot in HER, right?
"Let the rest be scared of us." - Emo Bunny Sasha Semin
by Scott in Shaw on Jan 4, 2010 3:25 PM EST up reply actions
Swedish centers have come to North America from the SEL ready to play in the NHL right away before.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 4, 2010 3:27 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Sure worked the last time it was seriously considered for this team.
"I know it holds 17 1/2 beers."
Touche, but Lars did play two full seasons and part of a third in the SEL, and was tearing it up (Johansson’s been good, not great, in the SEL this year, and hasn’t stood out in the WJC).
"Let the rest be scared of us." - Emo Bunny Sasha Semin
by Scott in Shaw on Jan 4, 2010 3:37 PM EST up reply actions
I’d say he’s doing great. He’s 5 points off the team lead as a sophomore in 7 less GP. And he’s what, 18?
He’s listed as a LW over there now too, for what it’s worth.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I actually see him listed as only 2 points back in 1 less game played, but it was the 9-9-18 in 34 games that led me to remark that his season has been “good, not great.”
"Let the rest be scared of us." - Emo Bunny Sasha Semin
by Scott in Shaw on Jan 4, 2010 4:08 PM EST up reply actions
The SEL is also a very low scoring league. A point per game is a torrid pace for that league. It’s also very tough for young guys to get a lot of ice, or quality ice, in the SEL. Just some things to consider when you look at Mackan’s (or any other prospects’) numbers from the SEL.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
According to the Elitserien website..
7-8-15 in 28 GP which is great for a youngster in the top Swedish league.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Weird — don’t know why the site I linked has different stats. At any rate, he’s scoring about half a point a game, good for a tie for 75th in the league (incidentally, a tie with Foppa, who scored his 15 points in 10(!) games — I’m not comparing Mackan to Foppa, btw).
"Let the rest be scared of us." - Emo Bunny Sasha Semin
by Scott in Shaw on Jan 4, 2010 4:25 PM EST up reply actions
Yes, and in limited minutes! About 14:00+ per game.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Up from the 9 he got last year. I just can’t wait to see him on NHL ice against NHL players. We won’t really know what we’re looking at until then.
Ken Holland did say that anyone that can be an impact player in the WJC is basically NHL ready. I thought Mackan was at worst the 2nd best forward for SWE against USA.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
Have you watched the WJC? Mackan’s numbers aren’t great, but he’s been playing extremely defensively and started a lot of rushes by getting the puck out of his zone. His line has been dominant so I have a hard time believing he’s the anchor holding that line from being even better. It’s like John Carlson having 0 points when USA scored 12 goals.
Mackan may need a year in HER, and I think it’s likely (and he’s definitely not on Backstrom’s level), but I absolutely think he’s going to make it a difficult decision and stick around for a few pre-season games. I wouldn’t be shocked at all if he is in DC before the halfway mark next season.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
I was just looking at the numbers; I haven’t seen him play, so I’ll defer to you.
I think my point is that Mackan is no Backstrom (nor do we need him to be), and that he could use, and will likely see, a year in HER. Which you seem to agree with.
"Let the rest be scared of us." - Emo Bunny Sasha Semin
by Scott in Shaw on Jan 4, 2010 4:02 PM EST up reply actions
I do agree with that. And I wasn’t trying to be a dick with the question. I was worried when I first looked at his numbers too but after watching him against Team USA and parts of the round robin games I feel confident that he’s playing good hockey just not showing up on the score sheet. If nothing else he probably needs to spend time in HER to get the systems down; no sense learning that on the fly when we don’t need him to.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
He gets the play started then lets his linemates start the rush while he spends time in the neutral zone engaging the other team’s D.
I’ve seen him shoot out of the NZ several times when Paaarvi and the other guy are already celebrating the goal.
Gonna be a long ride home to Farjestad, thinkin’ about that penalty he took.
Wonder if that will impact further international invites for him?
ALEX, FЯEE
I have zero doubt that it won’t be an issue. He was Captain of the team, having a great game, and it was a bit of a tough call. I don’t think that deserves all that much, maybe 2, but with international rules you knew he was gone. I fully expect him to be back and flying around the ice against SUI (as long as he’s not suspended… is he?).
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
Depends on whether the team has designs on placing anyone else in a 4th line role. If they want to bring up someone like Bourque, and don’t want to lose Laing, well…
I would do it, though. I think Steckel – Gordon – Bradley would be a fine 4th line.
Above all, though, neither of them can be looked at as potential solutions for the 3rd line. If keeping both means we don’t get a better 3rd line C (even if it’s just Laich or Matchoo), then ship one or both of them out.
Chris Bourque couldn’t play his way out of a sodden paper sack.
/Pensblog’d
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 4, 2010 2:07 PM EST up reply actions
Would any team seriously want to take on Theo...
I dont see any takers. My list of Caps with highest probablilty of being moved prior to the deadline is:
Morrisonn
Fehr
Laing
Sloan
Neuvirth
I think the coaches like Flash, Ersky, and Gordon too much to move them. We’ll see….
Neuvirth is not being moved. As good as Varly is, Neuvirth is part of the goalie future. He’s solid, and with the injury problems Varly has, we don’t want just one young goalie. Getting good ones is rare.
They laughed at Columbus, they laughed at Fulton, they laughed at the Wright brothers. But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown.
At some point he will be, and it may be as soon as this offseason. But if Varly’s health is going to be an issue, it definitely looks like they can’t afford to send him out during the season this year.
Even though the future is uncertain, there is a great deal of pressure on both ends against Neuvirth. I think he’s acquitting himself well right now, but that doesn’t mean he might not be squeezed out sooner rather than later. Varly has a head start as the NHL cornerstone, and Holtby has been a friggin god in Hershey so far. I don’t envy GMGM’s eventual job of deciding who stays and who goes.
Morrisonn isn’t going either, unless there’s another captain being traded.
"I know it holds 17 1/2 beers."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 4, 2010 12:03 PM EST up reply actions
That’s the best argument ever for Poti for Captain.
In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.
by Rob Parker on Jan 4, 2010 1:38 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
Even though I kind of like Poit, you make an excellent point.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Jan 4, 2010 1:52 PM EST up reply actions
Phlllblbblbbltt.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Jan 4, 2010 2:20 PM EST up reply actions
Narf!
"So much on my mind I just can't recline. Blastin' holes in the night 'til she bled sunshine."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 4, 2010 2:24 PM EST up reply actions
No, just Narf!
"So much on my mind I just can't recline. Blastin' holes in the night 'til she bled sunshine."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 4, 2010 2:31 PM EST up reply actions
I’d like to formally apologize to everyone present for starting this. {grin}
At least everyone has learned to use a title when they post enormous graphics.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 4, 2010 2:34 PM EST up reply actions
Kinda disappointed everyone missed ZORT.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Hey, my pic wasn’t that big. I try to be conscious of image size.
"So much on my mind I just can't recline. Blastin' holes in the night 'til she bled sunshine."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 4, 2010 2:44 PM EST up reply actions
Now if only everyone could learn to use the new window button for their links…
I am easily satisfied with the very best
Yea but common courtesy says click the little button, I’m on a laptop, there is no center button.
I am easily satisfied with the very best
I posted this in the JRHL recap, but the ATOI listed for Green and Ovechkin this week are horrifically high. 29:00 for Green and ~24:30 for AO; if that’s not a mistake on ESPN’s part, it’s a huge mistake on Bruce’s part.
If we really are priming for a deep playoff run, I can’t imagine a scenario where all of these extra minutes on these two’s legs is going to help.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Jan 4, 2010 11:52 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
and why is it so obvious to us, but not to those who make the decisions? its absurd.
by ns on Jan 4, 2010 12:11 PM EST up reply actions
My guess is that it’s b/c they’re smarter than us and we’re wrong.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jan 4, 2010 12:23 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I finally found it:
"So much on my mind I just can't recline. Blastin' holes in the night 'til she bled sunshine."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 4, 2010 1:41 PM EST up reply actions
Nice to see one of my creations kicking around.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Seemed appropriate given the context.
"So much on my mind I just can't recline. Blastin' holes in the night 'til she bled sunshine."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 4, 2010 1:45 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t think it’s that big of a deal if Green or Ovi play that much every once in awhile. They are young, both show tremendous stamina and ability to recover. The only reason i don’t like it is because it diminishes the roles of other players on the team that should be getting more ice time.
Not only is the universe stranger than we imagine, it is stranger than we can imagine.
Every once in a while, sure, but Green’s been at 30:33, 26:06, 30:23, and 26:02 the last four games.
Skating a guy 30+ minutes in two of three given where the Caps are in the standings and that they’re looking for a deep playoff run doesn’t make sense to me.
Green also looks to be much less effective when he gets that many minutes. It seems like his great games are normally in the 24-26 range. But that may not actually be true.
In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.
Maybe the rest of the team doesn’t need him as much in his great games because his great games are generally wide-margin victories or something.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I don’t know. You get into a circularity issue with that. Are they blowouts because Green is playing like a stud or is Green playing like a stud because the other team sucks.
In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.
Is the answer Jesus?
"So much on my mind I just can't recline. Blastin' holes in the night 'til she bled sunshine."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 4, 2010 2:04 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Something that had I had not noticed, but I heard from a very reliable source yesterday that Ovechkin having lost a step is most likely due to his having put on weight – that he’s up to about 235 lbs, where he should be closer to 215. The same source also said that he is not, however, “fat” like Backstrom and Green.
Backstrom fat?
That’s the first time I ever heard that one…
They laughed at Columbus, they laughed at Fulton, they laughed at the Wright brothers. But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown.
Well, yeah, there was the infamous photo last season — but recently I hadn’t really seen those three as being particularly unconditioned.
I do recall that picture of Backstrom. I recall that NB had reported to camp early and sprained his ankle during a pre-official practice and that hampered him for a little bit. He wasn’t off to that great of a start. (The whole first line was “off” at the time.)
Luckily, Nicky got it in gear when November rolled around.
Rocking the Red since 1975
I, uh, wasn’t aware that Ovie had lost a step.
by Kolzilla on Jan 4, 2010 12:01 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I’d rather him have 20lbs of extra mass and muscle than be a tenth of a second quicker in a straight line sprint.
Not only is the universe stranger than we imagine, it is stranger than we can imagine.
Yeah I wouldn’t worry too much. Ovie is 4th in the league in points despite having played 8-10 less games than almost everyone in the top 20 besides Kovalchuk.
Looking at his play, though, and not just point production, he hasn’t looked like the same Ovie lately. At least, not to me.
I know what you mean, but I think that has less to do with him gaining weight than with the suspensions and stuff. He’s not playing with the same abandon.
Unleash the Alex!
He has still recorded 6 hits in each of the last two games. He does look a bit off, but I don’t think he is backing down in any way.
So is he playing with or without abandon?
And was his stick flammable or inflammable when he scored 50?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 4, 2010 2:13 PM EST up reply actions
Wow, it seems weird that this has been up for this long already without F&B filing some sort of official protest
Probably still sleeping.
"So much on my mind I just can't recline. Blastin' holes in the night 'til she bled sunshine."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 4, 2010 12:11 PM EST up reply actions
Ugly week. Team’s playing flat out ugly since the trade. Wonder if GM felt it was going to take the team this long to bounce back.
Also doesn’t help that BB’s gone with new lines each game since the trade. Most maddening aspect about him to me, as a fan, is how often he rotates players in and out of lines.
As for the Caps in the standings. Thanks to ATL losing a few this week also, the Caps magic number fell to 35.5 games. They also have new company, with ATL and TB both at 41 games and 42 points. So, not all was bad in Caps land sofar this week.
For a team that seems to have plenty of chemistry on and off the ice, do you think that their bad week had a lot to do with the trade and subsequent line changes?
Perhaps a dumb question, but I can’t imagine that the constant line changes give them much of an advantage on opponent prep vs. line chemistry?
There were a bunch of factors that played in.
1) The trade – I’ll give them one game for that, the Carolina game.
2) Chemistry – subtract Clark, subtract Jurcina, add Chimera, add Gordon (and yes, I count Gordon like I’d count a new player in this, because he hasn’t been on the ice all season). They get a game or two to work that out.
The line changes are both a good thing (everyone can play with everyone else – great in case of injury, or migrane) and a bad thing (nobody’s together long enough to get serious chemistry going).
And that fast whistle in the last game didn’t help much, either…
Can’t blame the ref’s for a team that couldn’t put the puck in the net with a 5-0 advantage. This team HAS to get better 5-3. I’m sick and tired of watching this team squander 5-3 chance after 5-3 chance, especially when they are so vital at the point in the games that we get them. Up 6-0, I don’t give a crap if Laing, Gordo and Brads can’t get it done.
I’d bet you have to give a team more than one game for the trade. The timing of which was as flukey as a Theo rebound back into the slot. Talk about it and get it done in September, that’s one thing, but to rip off a trade of those players after your team just demolished two of the toughest competition in the league, just after the holidays, with a west-coast mini-road trip ahead… Remember, Chimera’s first practice with the team was on the road. When the trade went down, I wrote off the entire road trip. Tomorrow’s game is the real measuring stick.
Of course the line shuffling doesn’t help. Almost felt like BB was using the SJ and LAK games like practice to see what is going to work. Afterall, they are Western teams. They don’t REALLY matter when you still have a 12 point lead on your division.
Interesting (at least to me)...
I took all the available ups-and-downs information and charted it.
All players started off with 0 points.
Each up gave them a +1.
Each down gave them a -1.
Each no-change kept their score from the previous week.
Here are my graphs:
by IRockTheRed on Jan 4, 2010 12:48 PM EST reply actions 8 recs
Huh. Interesting. Guess I really do hate Alex Semin… OR I have high expectations for him that haven’t been consistently met.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
No, more likely just the latter.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
But not for Matt Bradley
Hasn’t Bradley shown you what he can do? Bradley for Hart!
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 4, 2010 2:16 PM EST up reply actions
Thanks for putting that together! Now if we could only show the start of the season as an expectations or rank. And maybe group like forwards together for comparison… Just critiquing because I didnt put in the effort so that means I’m qualified.
Now if we could only show the start of the season as an expectations or rank
Is there a picture of a whale turd on the ocean floor for Schultz’ expectations?
If you've read this far...seek help.
How about "on the ice" instead of "on the ocean floor"?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jan 4, 2010 1:03 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Speaking of avatars, I dig yours.
"So much on my mind I just can't recline. Blastin' holes in the night 'til she bled sunshine."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 4, 2010 2:12 PM EST up reply actions
I’d caution that this really isn’t meant to be scientific at all, and that my expectations are constantly changing based on performance, so it’d be hard to take much from charting the ups and downs other than perhaps a general notion of consistency.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
My dept manager compiles a combined summary of our weekly activity summaries, sends it to his superiors, and copies us.
I decided to chart “name-mentionings” (It was a toss-up between that and charting how often the elevator isn’t broken) just to see if there was anything to see.
Over time it does became possible to start drawing inferences: “Person X always gets mentioned, yet the tasks are always meaningless” “Person Y never gets mentioned but the whole organization balances on their shoulders”, “Person Z is obviously a favorite” “Person Q gets all the cool assignments”, “What the hell is Person J doing?” …
I’ve decided it’s probably best to just enjoy each weekly summary and discuss where you agree or disagree on that level, and not look at it so much try and glean trends that may or may not exist.
anyone else feel like the caps really need a captain right about now? seems like everyone is a little lost. maybe they should do some trust building activities or something :)
I think it is time for a paintball trip
by shayeshayeusa on Jan 4, 2010 1:45 PM EST up reply actions
Good afternoon madam,
Might I suggest fixing yourself up with an avatar to go with your profile? You’ll create a unique voice, individual to you. Not to mention joining the Rink’s All-Lady Army of Kung-Fu killers in their eternal battle against The Man.
"I know it holds 17 1/2 beers."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 4, 2010 1:48 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Aren’t our Kung-Fu outfits awesome? Bringing down The Man, one pink screen printed shirt at a time.
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
Someone needs to photoshop J.P. in a Dolemite outfit and they’ll win the internet.
"I know it holds 17 1/2 beers."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 4, 2010 1:53 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
We are fearsome.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Jan 4, 2010 1:58 PM EST up reply actions
Damned right they need a captain!
anyone else feel like the caps really need a captain right about now?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 4, 2010 2:22 PM EST up reply actions
I thought that was their problem in Vancouver… Too much Captain!
I am easily satisfied with the very best
Speaking of injuries...
Capitals Insider says that Semin left practice early today with an undisclosed injury… no idea what’s going on.
They also said that Backstrom participated fully in “the first portion of practice” – did not say whether he left early, or what…
Quality reporting at its best…
COREYYYYYYYYY!!! WHERE ARE YOUUUUUUU?
Semin, you fucker. He saw that Lucic is coming back, so it’s his turn to be hurt.
All season they’ve been rotating like this! Screwing over my fantasy team!
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
COREYYYYYYYYY!!! WHERE ARE YOUUUUUUU?
@TarikElBashir: I’m hearing… shit… nothing.
"So much on my mind I just can't recline. Blastin' holes in the night 'til she bled sunshine."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 4, 2010 2:04 PM EST up reply actions
To be fair, Lindsay posted that Tarik got a little time off after a rough travel week, and “Gene Wang will be covering today’s practice.”
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Jan 4, 2010 2:07 PM EST up reply actions
not sure if this is what you were going for, but made me think of..
TIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGERRR, WHERE ARE YOUUUUUUU?
Don't know if this was posted already sorry if it was.
Just a funny video I stumpled across on Facebook
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgl-nyg4Obg&feature=player_embedded
Varly update
“Day-to-day” just turned into two weeks. Ugh.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Can I go with the unpopular suggestion that it’s time to play Jose more and see what he’s got left while there’s still time to do something about the position if need be?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I think you’ll see that. Before I think GMGM and BB were expecting Varlamov to be back quicker so they wanted to see as much of Neuvirth in the NHL as they could before he went back down. Now they know this is going to take some time so they’ll go to a more even rotation, I’d imagine. Then hopefully we get a series of hot hands to ride.
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 4, 2010 3:22 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I’d like to see Theo as the starter and Holtby as the backup who never plays. Holtby’s been playing all year — a couple of weeks on the Caps’ bench wouldn’t hurt. Neuvirth needs to play, and Hershey’s the right place for him.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 4, 2010 3:26 PM EST up reply actions
That’s a new one. But I can’t say I can immediately think of anything wrong with it.
"Let the rest be scared of us." - Emo Bunny Sasha Semin
by Scott in Shaw on Jan 4, 2010 3:29 PM EST up reply actions
I think Neuvirth’s been fine and should stay at the NHL level until Varly is ready to go. The San Jose disaster blew up his numbers but a lot of those goals would have been extremely difficult saves. He’s been solid otherwise.
Love the kid, and I’m a huge Caps fan, but he barely flinched on the two penalty shot attempts. Can’t blame him for the opportunities being given, but you can’t not blame him for locking up.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Yeah agreed that the penalty shots brought out a weakness, but give credit to the shooters for two great shots/moves. Definitely needs to be worked on though.
His goalie coach was also in Hershey. Penalty shots are the kinds of things it’s handy to have coaches around for.
ALEX, FЯEE
I disagree. There are about two ways a goalie takes a breakaway and the rest is up to the goalie to just perform to the best of their abilities. Plus, if for some reason he has a question about how to stop a breakaway at this point in his career there would be help available to him.
Not only is the universe stranger than we imagine, it is stranger than we can imagine.
It would help if the coach had a book on the shooter, but that could be any coach or the other (veteran) goalie.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
It’s lateral in the sense that it’s a similar situation, but the Germany-Argentina quarterfinal of the WC ’06 final went down to PKs, where the difference was the German keeper who had a scouting report of each shooter from the Argentina side.
Granted, it’s different for a penalty shot, shootouts, etc., but developing “books” on shooters would presumably keep a scout/personnel man with a longtime job in the sport.
"I know it holds 17 1/2 beers."
Joe B has called shootout moves in the past and then the goalie just completely eats shit on the called shot. I remember one in particular where Joe said “Look for this donkey to fake backhand and then go forehand,” and then Kolzig bit on the fake so hard that my brain hurt. Joe B needs to share this info with the team.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Joe B (or someone on staff) is reportedly a monster researcher, pulls together everything possible on the opposing players, from how they skate to which side they shoot from, and every other imaginable detail. He has that at his fingertips in the booth. The goalies don’t get the luxury of looking up so-and-so’s shooting style mid-game, unfortunately.
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
A video coach talking through the bug in Evasson’s ear might.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I think it would only be useful in times where the guy has one big move, though. You can’t do it against a guy like Datsyuk, who can beat you 9 different ways.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Clowe only has one move.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
Wow, someone agrees with me on Jose! I’d like to see him get more starts as well. Theo is streaky as hell, but I think when he gets into a "hot streak" he is better than how Neuvirth is playing now. (not to discredit Neuvy, I love how he’s been playing too). And Theo really hasn’t been given a chance to get into a groove at all. He was actually playing okay before the disaster against Carolina, but I think we need to get him starts more often. January is a tough month schedule-wise. No way can Neuvirth handle that by himself.
When was the last time Theo got hot for any prolonged period of time?
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
Well he got pretty hot in the month of October when he was getting lots of minutes. After his personal leave Varly was playing awesome so he didn’t get too much playing time and then lately Neuvy’s been getting lots of starts. So he really hasn’t had too much time to ‘get hot’. But Jose’s quite possibly the streakiest goalie I’ve ever seen so you never really know with him.
My call to see more Jose has nothing to do with Neuvy and everything to do with Jose, fwiw.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
JP – the trouble with giving Theo a 2-3 week audition to keep his own job is that if he plays well (unlikely IMO) then he lures them into a false sense of security. He’s had hot stretches before but they’re increasingly mitigated by his puke-worthy stretches. It’s not a big enough sample size to base any decisions on IMO.
Then why is he on the roster?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I don’t think anything can lure Bruce back into trusting Jose. I just don’t see it. Varly’s #1, and if for some reason he can’t go come playoff time, they’ll go with Neuvy.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Agreed. So why is he here? What would it take for Theo to start in the playoffs?
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
why is he here
Because he was the best goalie available whose agent hadn’t lied to McPhee two offseasons ago, and the Caps had no idea what they had in Varlamov and Neuivrth.
What would it take for Theo to start in the playoffs?
Same as it would take for any goalie who is 3rd on a depth chart.
Here’s what would be a good start if he wants more playing time: Accept that he’s a backup goalie, and start doing his damned job. It’s a backup’s job to sit for days or even weeks at a time, and then be able play effectively on short notice. If he could manage being a backup, Boudreau might be willing to trust him to start a bit more.
Theo needs to accept what has happened to him, and learn to embrace it. Lord knows he’s being paid enough that it’s fair to ask that transition of him.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 4, 2010 4:32 PM EST up reply actions
Because he was the best goalie available whose agent hadn’t lied to McPhee two offseasons ago
I’m not sure the agent was lying. Huet was telling newspapers in France (he appears to be a bit of a national hero, and France went Caps-Crazy in Spring 2008) that he intended to stay in Washington through most of June. Every article quoted him as saying he wanted to stay in Washington, heck fully intended on staying in Washington.
So, its possible that both Huet and his agent were lying. it’s possible Huet did want to stay in Washington but something caused him to change his mind at the last minute. But I can’t come up with a reason as to why Huet would string along his hometown paper on this issue.
I wish I had saved the articles, but I deleted them all after I passed my exam.
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
Huet’s agent said to McPhee, if you offer X amount of money, Cris will sign. McPhee offered that amount. Cris didn’t sign.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 4, 2010 7:40 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Holy shit, I remember those pins. Nice pull.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I actually just purchased it. I think it’ll be a permanent part of my gameday attire.
Now I just have to get to some games…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 5, 2010 1:51 AM EST up reply actions
Put up numbers that reflect an NHL starting goalie and play in a manner where the team plays better and wins when he is in net.
Not only is the universe stranger than we imagine, it is stranger than we can imagine.
For the rest of his starts in the regular season? If Varlamov goes down in the playoffs, does Theo automatically get the net or do they call up Neuvirth and give him the net?
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
Two weeks ago I would have said Theo gets the net. Now with how he has been tossed aside it looks like Neuvy would play before he did.
Not only is the universe stranger than we imagine, it is stranger than we can imagine.
I don’t think it would help Holtby’s development to be the backup who never plays.
Rocking the Red since 1975
For a couple of weeks, I think it’d be good for him. Give him some NHL practices, a game or two, and a sense for what he has to do to make it. Varly and Neuvirth already know. And Neuvirth needs to play.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 4, 2010 7:41 PM EST up reply actions
I’m pretty sure he’s back in town here (though don’t quote me on that).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
He is 2-1 against MON.
"Let the rest be scared of us." - Emo Bunny Sasha Semin
by Scott in Shaw on Jan 4, 2010 3:39 PM EST up reply actions
Anyone ready to guesstimate on when we next see Varly. Will it be prior to Valentine’s Day? Or not?
Rocking the Red since 1975
Varly’s injury has been dragging on and on. First, we thought he’s be back for the homestand that took place after the last West Coast road trip. But that didn’t happen.
They thought he was reasonably close last week. Then he started in Hershey but got injured again. They thought it wasn’t serious but now it’s two weeks.
Or should we say: Naverno neskoro (which is Russian for “No time soon”, as transcribed from Cyrillic.)
Rocking the Red since 1975
I'm Worried
“the Caps will hope to get some decent minutes out of him and pray for Varly’s health the rest of the way”
This is very troubling. Can some of you who have more knowledge about Varly’s background reassure me that he’s not injury prone? At least Holtby’s looking good, but sheesh!
"Don’t put your beer in the microwave, eh. It’ll boil."-Bob McKenzie
Having knowledge of Varly’s background, let me assure you that he is injury prone. I think he’s had just one injury-free season out of the last four. He’s particularly prone to groin problems.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 5, 2010 1:52 AM EST up reply actions
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