Monday Caps Clips: Half Way Home
by J.P. on Jan 4, 2010 6:41 AM EST
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Your savory breakfast links:
- Semyon Varlamov was "solid" in stopping 28 of the 29 shots he faced en route to a 4-1 victory in his first conditioning start for Hershey, but "suffered another unspecified injury that has been termed day-to-day." [Patriot-News, John Walton Hockey (video with Arturs Irbe)]
- A look at the Caps at the season's midway point. [Ed Frankovic]
- Has Karl Alzner been returned to Hershey? He's no longer on the Caps' roster on the website (though he is on the prospects list), and a report out of Hershey says he's been sent down, though it may merely be a paper transaction. Update: Per the team, Alzner's still with the club and there are currently no plans to return him to Hershey. In other words, merely a paper transaction.
- An outsider's thoughts on "The Spectacular Verizon Center." Good stuff. [Stadium Journey]
- A couple of Caps prospects - John Carlson and Marcus Johansson - played important roles in last night's World Junior Championship semifinals. [Puck Daddy, AP]
- Dmitri Orlov's WJCs ended disappointingly, but there's plenty of reason for Caps fans to be optimistic for the kid's future. [RMNB]
- Vote. Seriously. Even if it means you have to take twenty seconds and register. Do it. (Oh, and Peerless should've been a finalist... he got jobbed.) [NHL Arena]
- On a housekeeping note, thanks to everyone who helped to make December yet another record-breaking month here at The Rink, with both visits and page views up approximately 28% over November.
- Finally, per the HHoF, on this date a decade ago "Sergei Gonchar scored his first career hat trick (only the second ever by a Capitals defenseman) and added an assist as Washington won 6-1 against the visiting Montreal Canadiens," fourteen years after "Mike Gartner scored his 10th career hat trick and added an assist, and Dave Christian added five points (two goals and three assists) to lead the Capitals to a 9-3 win against the New Jersey Devils."
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Good morning. Can’t believe Varly is injured AGAIN! This doesn’t bode well for the Caps down the stretch and into the playoffs. If he cannot get and stay healthy we are in big trouble.
Here’s a as-ever somewhat cryptic postgame interview. I read somewhere else (no link) that a Bears player got tangled up somehow with Varly in the game and slightly injured Varly’s leg.
ALEX, FЯEE
Varly’s biggest flaw – he’s made of glass. Should goaltender now be on the shopping list as well? Can’t win a cup with a Theo/Neuvy tandem, that’s for sure.
I just hope...
his heart isn’t made of glass
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 4, 2010 8:59 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Dwayne Roloson? But seriously, there’s no way they can add a goalie with Theo’s contract on the books unless they want to stash Varly in Hershey for the rest of the year.
The season rides on Varly’s health.
Sure they could, they got rid of Nylander’s money for the year.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
True, but Nylander was sitting around twittling his thumbs. Theo would have to be convinced to go from NHL goaltender getting PT every three or so games to playing nightly for an AHL or KHL team. Unless we think there’s an NHL team that for some reason would want to absorb his contract.
Aren’t we going under the assumption that Varly can’t play? If Varly can go, there’s no reason to go get a goalie.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Assuming Varly is going to get healthy and remain that way is beginning to look like a shaky assumption.
Varly and Neuvy are so cheap that I don’t think it matters – moneywise, they could keep up all three, and there seems to be enough space to add another goalie (through trade) if we determine that’s needed. But Varly will heal. A leg injury is better than a groin injury, frankly.
by DrinkingPartner on Jan 4, 2010 9:43 AM EST up reply actions
True, but Nylander was sitting around twittling his thumbs. Theo would have to be convinced to go from NHL goaltender getting PT every three or so games to playing nightly for an AHL or KHL team. Unless we think there’s an NHL team that for some reason would want to absorb his contract.
Team can do what they want with Theo. He does not have an NMC.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 4, 2010 9:56 AM EST up reply actions
Team can do what they want...?
Really?
Trade him? – they have to have a dance partner.
Name me a team that needs a goalie badly enough to take on Theodore’s contract right this minute, and tell me what they have that we want.
Waive him? – We could send him to Hershey, sure. And we’d be stinting ice time for Braden Holtby in the process. And if we needed him back, we’d have to send him through waivers. We could send him to another AHL team, like we did Nylander. But, same scenario. If we send him down, it means we never ever bring him back.
Buy him off? – and still have half his contract on the books for next season? No thank you.
Fire him? – This is not the KHL… teams in the NHL don’t generally do that.
I probably should have written “they can do what they want, as long as it’s something they could do with any other player.” I apologize if I was unclear. His lack of an NMC doesn’t give them any special rights.
You are correct that there is no provision in Theo’s contract that allows them to trade him if there is no dance partner, or to “Buy him off” or “Fire him” whatever those mean in the hockey context. They can buy him out during the designated buyout period but that would be dumb.
They certainly can waive him, and they certainly can assign him to any AHL team that would take him. (again, assuming they have a dance partner). And Hershey would basically have to take him if asked. Heck, they could assign him to the ECHL. These are all things within their power. So this is incorrect:
If we send him down, it means we never ever bring him back.
The Caps could bring him back to the team after waiving him, as long as he passes through reentry waivers.
In other words, the ordinary rules of the NHL apply to Theo because he has no NMC. The team is not hamstrung in dealing with him the way they were with Nylander. Again, I apologize if I gave any other impression.
And I’m certainly not suggesting that any of these are a good idea. I think it’d be colossally stupid to dump Theo (and piss off the team and all future free agents) in order to acquire someone else’s castoff goalie.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 4, 2010 10:14 AM EST up reply actions
Just as a FYI, the CBA explicitly says that veteran players have veto rights over assignment to the ECHL.
"Ah, dinner. The perfect break between work and drunk." - Homer Simpson
Cool. Thanks. Another right the Caps don’t have because they normally wouldn’t.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 4, 2010 10:24 AM EST up reply actions
An NHL without a Karl Alzner on its active roster may not be an NHL I can get behind.
Related: Really John?
"I know it holds 17 1/2 beers."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 4, 2010 7:28 AM EST reply actions 3 recs
Related: Really Tom?
But yeah – sending Alzner away when guys like Erskine and Morrisonn are getting regular shifts is brutal.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I look at that and ask myself… why? There really isn’t a hockey reason I can see for it, and there isn’t a cap reason, either. Alzner could get 14-16 minutes a night here at this point in his career. I have to think that the Caps are of a mind to save every possible cap dollar to make a move between now and the deadline.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Even this Bears reporter/blogger (who I’ve never heard of but maybe should be in your blogroll) isn’t sure. Posted @2:01 yesterday afternoon.
ALEX, FЯEE
The Bears also recalled RW Darren Reid from the Reading Royals yesterday, posted @3:47pm.
Reid does appear on the Bears’ roster; Alzner does not.
Varly is still on the Bears’ roster.
ALEX, FЯEE
I knew something was up when I didn’t see his name on the team’s roster last night, but I hope that’s not the case.
CAPITALS ASSIGN ALZNER TO BEARS
The Washington Capitals assigned defenseman Karl Alzner to the Hershey Bears today. Alzner had been on recall to the Capitals since December 14th.
It’s unclear if Alzner will return to Hershey or if this is just a paper transaction.
Lobbies: Green, Carlson
Paper transaction would seem odd, as the team doesn’t need the cap space any longer. Also, there’s no way Pothier is ready to return to the active roster, is there?
Start the trade for a defenseman rumors!
"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."
More likely Pothier’s ready to go. That’s about the only thing that would make any sense even remotely.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Well, that was my real thought, but I could have sworn that before the road trip they said 1 – 2 weeks. Based on the fact that he hadn’t been skating, I was going with the two.
"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."
But Pothier was not on IR, he was on the active roster, wasn’t he? So why would they have to send Alzner back if Pothier is ready?
This is really disturbing. So he stays in Hershey until one of the other defenseman is hurt again?
Alzner is so much better than most of the guys we have on the roster.
You sir, perhaps an avatar would be perfect for your profile. It is the perfect New Year’s gift, and make you a hit with the ladies.
"I know it holds 17 1/2 beers."
That was last year’s resolution. We gotta stay fresh.
"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 8:05 AM EST up reply actions
Reoccurring Rink resolutions remain relevant.
"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 8:14 AM EST up reply actions
A lot of alliteration from friendly faces placing powerful posts.
/Broadcast News’d
"I know it holds 17 1/2 beers."
Just call me an Alliterative Aaron Altman.
"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 8:33 AM EST up reply actions
I actually had one and my whole profile got wiped out for some reason. Now restored.
"We take the shortest route to the puck and arrive in ill humor." - Bobby Clarke
by Karl W on Jan 4, 2010 8:24 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Nice sig line as well.
"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 8:28 AM EST up reply actions
Paper transaction would seem odd, as the team doesn’t need the cap space any longer.
Obviously, in the time since this was written we learned that it was a paper transaction, but I just wanted to comment that with the IR situations the last couple years (especially Pothier) we’re out of the habit of really thinking through the salary cap.
Every dollar saved against the cap does matter, and $9,000 could make a huge difference as the deadline approaches. It essentially buys about $30,000 or so worth of salary, because salary is prorated and you only count what is still left to be paid at the end of the year. Caps were never below the cap during the season last year, so they had much less reason to make these kinds of transactions.
If I’m not mistaken, Alzner’s on a one-way contract, so the team doesn’t save any real dollars by doing this. All they save is cap space (and potentially service time, though I can’t think of any reason Alzner’s service time would matter at this point).
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 4, 2010 10:06 AM EST up reply actions
Alzner is a two-way. He get’s $65,000 in the AHL and $875,000 in the NHL. Link.
"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 10:11 AM EST up reply actions
Ah, good catch. Sorry about the $9,000 then Karl. Make sure you make that back during your next contract negotiation.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 4, 2010 10:15 AM EST up reply actions
Yup, but don’t expect that to last long. Alzner is on his entry level contract. Just for general reference, per section 9.4 of the CBA:
Each SPC entered into with a Rookie in the Entry Level System shall automatically be deemed to be a “two way” SPC with a minor league salary equal to the Paragraph 1 Minor League Salary set forth in such SPC…
It also lists the maximum minor league compensation for his draft year at $65,000.
"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 10:28 AM EST up reply actions
Heh, not trying to burst your bubble, just providing some context. FWIW, the max minor league compensation for entry level contracts jumps up to $70,000 in 2011. That’s more than I make.
"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 10:43 AM EST up reply actions
But, does that mean Alzner will be “recalled” before tomorrow’s game so that he can play with the Caps? He was just sent to Hershey for the weekend so that he makes Hershey wages? Or is he staying there? I am confused.
If the Caps are assigning him to Hershey in between NHL games to save dollars off his salary, that is a horrible way to treat someone that you want to be a cornerstone and leader of your team in the future.
"We take the shortest route to the puck and arrive in ill humor." - Bobby Clarke
It was a paper transaction, so I think he will be “recalled” for tomorrow’s game. I believe he is technically supposed to report to Hershey, but I doubt he did (just speculating here). As for his treatment, Alzner has a good head on his shoulders and I’m sure he understands. He’ll get paid soon enough.
"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 10:50 AM EST up reply actions
This is becoming a CBo like situation. Everyone take a deep breathe and chill. Caps are trying to save as much money against the cap as possible. You don’t want to not be able to make a trade down the road because of a couple of grand.
Karl is a big boy. If he was going to be pissed off about contract issues he’d have been pissed off long ago when he was sent to AHL instead of staying up with big club due to cap issues.
A man gotta have a code
Interesting that he was the host for the Fox5 segment this morning. I assume that if he’s assigned to Hershey, he can’t practice with the team? I guess that would have made him available in theory. Of course, if I’m wrong about that, just ignore this comment.
"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 less about $ off his salary and more towards saving money for a deal. Besides, they were doing it last season almost daily to stay under the cap (Sloan’s phantom shuffling in October coming to mind).
"I know it holds 17 1/2 beers."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 4, 2010 10:53 AM EST up reply actions
That interview on RMNB is spectacular….
Orlov is fertile clay, but he needs a potter for him to continuing developing. And he has to learn English!
Mike Green? We call Orlov The Russian Bobby Orr!
I really have to learn Russian.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Isn’t “Rushin’ Bobby Orr” redundant?
/badjokethat’smarginallybetterspokenthanwritten
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jan 4, 2010 8:08 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
why am I the first one to rec this?
"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."
hahahaha
Russian Machine Never Breaks - A Hockey Blog Focusing on The Washington Capitals and Their Awesome Russian Superstars: Alex Ovechkin, Alex Semin & Semyon Varlamov.
Do you know “potter” in russian sounds like “gonchar”? So perhaps Orlov needs Sergei Gonchar to continue his developing :)
big surprise, the KHL fans think he needs to stay in russia 2-3 more years.
by Natty Bumppo on Jan 4, 2010 9:27 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Peerless, I agree. He’s a huge sensation over there. I’m glad you guys enjoyed the read. I was most impressed by how they said he’s Captain material. I had no idea about that. The Caps brass have really scouted well and found good leaders to plug into the system.
Russian Machine Never Breaks - A Hockey Blog Focusing on The Washington Capitals and Their Awesome Russian Superstars: Alex Ovechkin, Alex Semin & Semyon Varlamov.
Vote. Seriously. Even if it means you have to take twenty seconds and register. Do it. (Oh, and Peerless should’ve been a finalist… he got jobbed.)
Nah, we weren’t jobbed, it was the cousins. Seems they didn’t learn any lessons in how to vote since they were part of that Florida thing in 2000.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Still, from the get go there was one blog on their list to whom we would have accepted defeat, and that was yours. A loss now would be unacceptable.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I smell a Henry V speech coming…
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that votes at The NHL Arena with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne’er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition:
And gentlemen in the blogosphere now a-bed
Shall think themselves accursed they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That voted with us upon Saint Blogger’s day.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jan 4, 2010 8:12 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
The Stadium Journey article was a nice little piece. My only qualm is that the “Access” portion was scored low. The arena sits right on top of a Metro station. What more do you want? I would be thrilled if I could take public transpo into Camden Yards or some other venue. The Phone Booth is the easiest sports venue to get to that I can think of.
"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 8:26 AM EST reply actions
Definately, I really don’t like suburban sports venues. I know one of the big complaints about Nationals Park is lack of parking, but to be realistic, for most people, driving home from a major sporting event is not a good idea. Verizon Center is really in just about the perfect location.
never mind that the last thing Chinatown needs is more cars, and traffic around Nats Park can be pretty awful at times already. I love the easy metro access.
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
Yea, Nats park just had the bad timing of opening right when the economy was starting to tank, so the development around it has kinda stalled a bit, in another few years after they finally get some bars and restaurants in the area around it, it should be a fun neighborhood. 81 home games a year equals alot of people coming down there and I’m sure alot of them would eat and spend money in the neighborhood if they had that opportunity
those of us in the neighborhood would like having something other than 5 Guys and Subway to pick from!
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
5-way with 5 Guys…
"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 11:15 AM EST up reply actions
There’s a 5 dollar footlong joke here somewhere.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
by jordanDC on Jan 4, 2010 11:17 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
not really, except for the cheese its pretty low fat, most of the fat is cooked out of chili, the other ingredients are beans, onions and spaghetti. ( though this is a picture of Skyline, a Cincinatti tradition, I assume you have at least been to a hard times and understand the Cincy ordering system.)
The burger with foie gras that I had last night at Ray’s Hellburger certainly qualifies as heart attack on a plate.
That place can kill you, for sure.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
The Eminger-ing of Karl Alzner
So it continues…
The kid should just start wearing the number 44 already.
Still sore...
I think it’s more accurate to say Fehr is getting Eminger’d.
Now drink with me deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Jan 4, 2010 9:03 AM EST up reply actions
I don’t much like what Boudreau is doing to Fehr, but the drop-off from Fehr to his replacement is less severe than the drop-off from Alzner to Sloan/Jurcina. Moreover, the risks of screwing up Alzner’s development are much higher than screwing up Fehr’s development.
Still sore...
Ha, nice. I don’t think Alzner is being Eminger’d. One of the huge problems with Eminger was bringing him up right out of juniors. He never learned the pro game or got any confidence before he was being lit up in the NHL. Then his progress stalled, then the jerking around with the 8 D. This is all stupid with Alzner, but unless he actually misses a game I’m assuming it’s just cap manipulation.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
It’s early yet, but it’s not looking great. Unlike Eminger, he wasn’t thrown into the fire too young on a crappy rebuilding team. However, like Eminger, he was trusted by his coaching staff with a lot of playing time at an early age, only to see that playing time usurped by players demonstrably less talented (and to some eyes, less deserving) than he.
At work or on a sports team, have you ever been stuck behind someone much less talented/less deserving for reasons that are completely unfathomable? I know I have, and it gradually erodes both your confidence and your motivation. To put it another way, if you were Alzner, and you were sitting while Tyler Sloan and John Erskine were playing, wouldn’t you wake up every morning thinking “WTF?!?!?!”
Still sore...
Let’s no overreact just yet. I’m willing to give GMGM/Boudreau the benefit of the doubt untill we can confirm that this is more than a paper transaction. They’re too smart to sit Alzner for Sloan or Erskine on a nightly basis, at least I think they are.
They sat Eminger for an entire year in favor of Erskine and an assortment of AHL flotsam and jetsam. Do you really think they deserve the benefit of the doubt?
Still sore...
I think one could make the argument that the Caps assessment of Eminger was pretty much on the money. He’s now with his fifth team (Anaheim) in the just two years and despite the fact that the Ducks have allowed the fifth most goals, he’s still only managed to get into three games in the last month. I’d take Erskine over Eminger any day of the week and that’s no compliment to Erskine.
I disagree wholeheartedly. Eminger is a better skater, player, and 7th D than Erskine could ever be. Granted, he’d only ever be a 7th D, but there’s no way I take Erskine over Emmy.
Also, how do I send personal messages, here? (D’ohboy, I need your email so I can be the next floozie you take to a game!)
by DrinkingPartner on Jan 4, 2010 9:57 AM EST up reply actions
I think you’re reading me exactly backwards (hence we’re in total agreement) – Eminger was the better player, and yet he sat in favor of Erskine.
Still sore...
No, I was arguing b.orr4…
At least, I thought I was.
by DrinkingPartner on Jan 4, 2010 2:58 PM EST up reply actions
I completely agree with what you are saying, though I think that Karl is young enough and introspective enough to be challenged and come back better. He doesn’t strike me as diva’ish enough to get pissy and screw himself.
As for sitting Karl and playing Sloan, has that happened? I would be pissed if I were Alzner and watched Sloan give up 16 goals/60 while I was in the press box. Erskine is slightly more difficult for me to be sympathetic about. Even if Alzner is the better d-man (I agree he is), Erskine brings a different set of skills to the table (fists). That would be easier for me to swallow, if only on the short term.
It appears for now to be much ado about nothing, but it’s part of a pattern that I’ve noted with this coaching staff and organization. Some guys (Flash, for one) get more leeway than they deserve, while others (Fehr and, increasingly it seems, Alzner) get punished for small mistakes.
Honestly, can you say that Fehr’s misplay on the Pavelski goal was any worse than Flash’s on the goal in Vancouver? Yet one of them gets benched and the other gets. . . nada.
Still sore...
If you’ve produced for Bruce in the past, he tends to give you benefits of the doubts that the Fehrs and Emingers of the world don’t. Flash, Stecks and Green were those guys for him in Hershey.
"Ah, dinner. The perfect break between work and drunk." - Homer Simpson
Yeah, but Fehr produced some HUGE goals for him in Hershey, including a game 7 winner against the WBS Baby Pens during their Calder Cup run.
My (totally wild-ass) guess? Fehr probably was a bit too big for his britches coming out of Juniors. I’m guessing he thought he was the shizz-nit after scoring 50 goals and had a bit of an attitude that rubbed Boudreau the wrong way. (The only reasons I have for believing this were some rather. . . forthright comments Fehr made about his knack for scoring big goals.)
Still sore...
Including the one in Game 7 of the Calder semi against Portland that propelled the Bears, coached by Boudreau, to the finals that they would eventually win.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Update: Alzner’s not going anywhere – paper transaction.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Hooray! But why? Saves one day, I did the math and it’s less than $9,000. Are they going to do that every time there’s an extra day between games?
"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."
Well, they can’t on most off days b/c they practice on most off days. But every penny might count, and they can, so why not?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Not a waiver issue in Alzner’s case, so it has to be penny pinching. Saving up for that new E-class maybe.
"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 9:23 AM EST up reply actions
I guess.
Trade deadline is going to be interesting. Anyone have an under/over for the number of posts in that thread when it happens?
"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."
Well there were 2000 last year when there wasn’t a move, so I’d take the over.
"I know it holds 17 1/2 beers."
Oh, ok, I wasn’t around then so am I allowed to change my mind? Also, if the other trades are discussed in addition to our own, I can see it going well over 3000.
Lobbies: Green, Carlson, Orlov
No worries, guessing there’s a lot of folks in your position, and am bracing for the SBN server meltdown then.
"I know it holds 17 1/2 beers."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 4, 2010 10:24 AM EST up reply actions
That’s actually a really smart idea.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 4, 2010 9:23 AM EST up reply actions
But isn’t the real question now – “If the Caps are so penny-conscious as to send Alzner back and forth on off days, why are both Sloan and Laing still here?” I mean, I get that they both would have to clear waivers, and I get that they are injury fill-ins, but it seems to me that there’s savings to be had there as well.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Maybe a logistics issue? Alzner can be moved up and down at will and without waiver implications.
"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 11:56 AM EST up reply actions
Right, I said that. But I’m not sure I follow the value of having both Q and Sloan here right now.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
They might be trying to move Sloan\another Dman and don’t want him to go through Waivers. I don’t really thing either is happening but that’s the only logical thing I can think of with why he would be kept here.
Not only is the universe stranger than we imagine, it is stranger than we can imagine.
I support McPhee here — I don’t think it makes sense to pass a player through waivers only to save $9,000. Alzner they can do without consequences.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 4, 2010 3:41 PM EST up reply actions
But we’re not talking $9k – we’re talking the past month or so, which was even more noticeable when 17 was still here. But whatever.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I think I’m with you on Sloan (though there has been some uncertainty in the defense corps between injuries and such. I’m not sure it was a 100% thing that he wouldn’t have been needed)
I think Laing stays on the roster all year, and I’m OK with that. I’d like him to be the 13th forward though. Boyd > Laing.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 4, 2010 3:45 PM EST up reply actions
Fox5 in DC has Holly at Kettler this morning. She will have “a Capital” showing her some moves soon.
FWIW
ALEX, FЯEE
If “a Capital” turns out to be Brooks Laich showing her some “moves”, I fully expect to hear the “bow chicka bow” music within roughly 15-20 seconds.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 4, 2010 9:24 AM EST up reply actions
I’ve got that Coldplay song stuck in my head now…
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 4, 2010 9:27 AM EST up reply actions
You have my condolences.
"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 9:29 AM EST up reply actions
Seriously, it can get a lot worse. Just ask Pittsburgh (five straight losses).
by b.orr4 on Jan 4, 2010 9:39 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
i'm questioning the credibility of the stadium journey review
the VC review could have been MORE credible: lost me in the last paragraph when the author announced dunkin’ donuts has better coffee than starbucks.
by Natty Bumppo on Jan 4, 2010 9:37 AM EST reply actions 4 recs
I endorse this message.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Jan 4, 2010 9:38 AM EST up reply actions
Dunkin’ Donuts coffee is a magical elixir. Starbucks coffee is over-roasted.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Jan 4, 2010 9:46 AM EST up reply actions
I use clean paint brushes to picket Starbucks.
by DrinkingPartner on Jan 4, 2010 9:54 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Philistines!
Actually, coffee preference is as deeply personal as cheese preference.
That said and laying my conflict of interest aside, the DD coffee that I tried was very one-dimensional; I got a nutty flavor with a mid-high acid so there’s not much after taste. Serviceable, but not something I’d drink by choice.
My taste tends to run towards African beans, especially if they’re unwashed or semi-washed. Love that citrus taste and the berry notes from the cherry being left on.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Jan 4, 2010 10:12 AM EST up reply actions
Oh man, you’re going to make me bust out the press. Damnit.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Jan 4, 2010 11:35 AM EST up reply actions
Do you have an AeroPress? Man, I love mine, but I haven’t used it in a while. As much as it pains me to say, my morning coffee choice (drip) is determined more by the need to get as much caffeine into my bloodstream as quickly as possible, than it is by taste.
Still, the AeroPress matches up quite favorably to the Clover in my opinion.
Still sore...
I wish I had an AeroPress, but like Doncosmic, I just have an old-fashioned French Press. The flavor complexity is much higher, it’s just a pain in the ass to get set up.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Jan 4, 2010 5:56 PM EST up reply actions
coffee preference is as deeply personal as cheese preference
True, and I mostly like Asian/Pacific beans. I’m sort of a coffee snob, but lazy enough that I grind a week’s worth of beans instead of doing it for every pot.
I’m glad there are people who don’t like stinky cheeses — more for me.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Jan 4, 2010 12:35 PM EST up reply actions
WHOA!! You grind beans well before making coffee?
SACRILEGE!!!!! All your coffee snob privileges have been revoked!!! :)
(This from the guy who brews drip now. Yech.)
Still sore...
I know, I know. It never sees the inside of a freezer, though.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Jan 4, 2010 3:23 PM EST up reply actions
Starbucks has good espresso drinks but I have never met anyone who didn’t think Dunkin Donuts has better regular coffee. (he says as he drinks some of the Timmys coffee he brought back from Ohio)
I judge a coffee place based on how they make a mocha, and Starbucks gives me half a cup of sludge every time. No thanks!
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
For espresso drinks I always preferred Coffee Beanery back when they were most prevalent, white chocoalte mocha mainly, and some of the old school independent places in Clarendon which for the most part don’t exist anymore
My girlfriend still mopes about that Murky place being gone whenever we drive through.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Is Murky gone from Arlington? I knew the Cap. Hill one shut down, but the Clarendon location was still open a few months ago…
Still sore...
I don’t know why that would lose you but after reading the reviews they did on Sommet Center and Wachovia Center it does make me question the review a little (even though I agree with a lot the writer mentioned)
Like was he giving the fans a score here or listing how many he saw?
Fans: 5
The Nashville fans are known for making the Sommet Center one of the loudest arenas in the NHL. The atmosphere at a Predators game is often likened to that of a college hockey environment, with lots of chants and cheers going on during the game. Hockey is still a new sport to the area, but the Predators have sunk deep roots into the community and the fan base is knowledgeable and growing.
Not only is the universe stranger than we imagine, it is stranger than we can imagine.
Hey, quick thanks to everyone for not only the votes (and make sure to vote if you haven’t already!), but the really kind words in the comments. You guys rock.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
The only negative I see is about the layout of the site, which isn’t entirely within your control.
"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 9:54 AM EST up reply actions
It’s really not within our control at all, actually, and I happen to totally agree that the site is a bit busy and cluttered (though I don’t dislike the color scheme, which is somewhat within our control).
Site is a ton better with Adblock on, though.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
You have a little bit of control over what goes in the sidebars, no? I’ve noticed different content in other SBN blogs’ sidebars. Anyway, it still isn’t a negative on your part. Also, I have no qualms with the color scheme either.
"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 10:06 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah, a bit. But I don’t think that’s the source of the criticism.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Yeah, I was just clarifying what I meant my “[not] entirely within your control.” The sidebar clutter only bothers me on my work computer. Much of the time I’m reading the site on my huge iMac screen at home.
"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 10:16 AM EST up reply actions
I really wish they would still make some changes on the white background, but I’ve said my peace on that already. SBN sites are still 1000 times more organized and easier to navigate than some blogs.
A man gotta have a code
Plus the threaded comments and powerful search easily push it over the top.
"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 10:31 AM EST up reply actions
The Z shortcut has created a longing in me that has not been met by other websites.
I could have been equipment manager, but nooooo!
by boutros23 on Jan 4, 2010 10:32 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Definitely. I catch myself attempting to “Z” other websites once in a while.
"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 10:39 AM EST up reply actions
I do it all the time, especially in Google Reader.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I do it in Outlook sometimes.
"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 10:41 AM EST up reply actions
I have accidentally set up so many appointments on my calendar it isn’t funny. (I have dual screens, so sometimes I’m flipping between the screens and don’t realize I didn’t shift back when hitting the Z key.)
"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."
Is there a mercy rule for the vote?
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jan 4, 2010 10:24 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
And so the first Caps D to record a hat trick was?
Rod Langway?
Joel Quenneville?
Bill Clement?
Mickey Tatarinov?
I mean, come on, you can’t leave us hanging like that….
Close – 5-4 loss to the Rags.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
OT: I really hope Pat Kane and Johnathan Toews keep up their production; if they keep going like this, it sets a pretty good ceiling over Semin’s next contract if they’re used as comparables in negotiations. They’re both younger and with more room to develop because of that.
I really don’t think that Chicago overpaid those two, or Keith. Campbell? Absolutely. Buff? Yep. Hossa? Probably. Versteeg? Maybe, but he’s more reasonable. But Kane and Toews look like a truly formidable 1-2 punch headed down the road.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Jan 4, 2010 10:06 AM EST reply actions
Kane and Toews both get paid more than Mike Green, yet Green outscored them both in terms of points and goals, and in many fewer games.
Either Green is vastly underpaid (and he is, somewhat), or Kane and Toews are overpaid (and they are).
They make flashy plays, and they’re going to get better, but right now, they’re paid more for what they might do in the future than for what they’re actually doing right now.
Still sore...
They’ll get paid more than Mike Green next year, but this year they’re both still on their ELCs, I believe.
Kane’s on a ~1.14 point-per-game pace right now and he just turned 21. Toews is a bit under 1 point per game, but is coming back off a concussion and has been playing very well for the team in both ends of the ice and is also just reaching drinking age in the US. Yeah, they’re getting paid for future production and they’re going to get better, but they’re already very, very good players in their own right.
Toews can make flashy plays, but he does little things all over the ice that aren’t flashy but are necessary for the team to have the success it does. Kane is flashier and less gritty, but he’s also even more talented.
So in conclusion, I guess I agree with you that they’re being paid for their future production, but I disagree about the balance. The future is now, these guys are that good.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Jan 4, 2010 11:43 AM EST up reply actions
Let me rephrase it into a question: “would you pay an undersized winger (Kane) more than a defenseman who outscores him?”
They get paid more than Havlat, who, for all his injuries, still outperformed them last year and is in his physical prime. They get paid more than Hossa (cap-wise), who is clearly the better player right now.
I can sort-of understand Toews making what he does, since he’s a center, but Kane? I think he’s amazing, and fun to watch, but overpaid by a couple million $$$/year.
Still sore...
Let me rephrase it into a question: "would you pay an undersized winger (Kane) more than a defenseman who outscores him?"
Of course not, but when Mike Green signed his current deal, nobody knew how dominant his next year was going to be. It was one of the great offensive seasons of all time for any defenseman, especially once you adjust for lower overall scoring in this era. He’s vastly underpaid for what he produces on both ends of the ice. In addition to that, you can believe that if Green had been signed at the same time that Kane and Toews were, he’d have made more money than either of them. Deservedly so.
I can sort-of understand Toews making what he does, since he’s a center, but Kane? I think he’s amazing, and fun to watch, but overpaid by a couple million $$$/year.
I can’t see a guy with his skill making 4.3 mil on the open market. I just don’t see it.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Jan 4, 2010 6:16 PM EST up reply actions
Has Karl Alzner been returned to Hershey? He’s no longer on the Caps’ roster on the website (though he is on the prospects list), and a report out of Hershey says he’s been sent down, though it may merely be a paper transaction. Update: Per the team, Alzner’s still with the club and there are currently no plans to return him to Hershey. In other words, merely a paper transaction.
I don’t understand why the NHL doesn’t have a publicly available transactions wire service. They must waste so much time answering questions that could simply be answered with a transactions log.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
Agreed, though there would have been a flood of “Why was Alzner sent down?!” questions yesterday, so I’m not sure how much it would save.
But I agree that transparency would be a great thing, especially since the cap is so important.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Wholeheartedly agree. I wish they would also provide explanations for waiver exemptions when relevant along with the transaction log (emergency recalls, days on the roster/games played since last clearing, etc.). For now we have to rely on sk84fun.
"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 10:37 AM EST up reply actions
Ups and Downs in ten short minutes… anyone want to predict who got a green arrow?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Are there special symbols for the addition and subtraction of players from the organization?
"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 10:55 AM EST up reply actions
Nope. Once you’re gone, you’re dead to us, and once you’re here, you’re treated like everyone else.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I get a down arrow for not having cable for a week and missing a couple games. Sigh.
"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 10:52 AM EST up reply actions
They were among the most missable.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Jan 4, 2010 12:38 PM EST up reply actions
Dude in the leftmost lane.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
by jordanDC on Jan 4, 2010 10:53 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Off to the R-E-C lane for you sir.
"I know it holds 17 1/2 beers."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 4, 2010 10:54 AM EST up reply actions
Zephyr, highslot84, F&B, JordanDC & winterion.
Dociavelli with two red arrows, D’ohboy trending Sasha.
ALEX, FЯEE
by EmilyB on Jan 4, 2010 10:53 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Sigh… no. But only b/c the bar is so high that he’d have to be incredibly awesome to get a green arrow.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
BMo?
"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 11:02 AM EST up reply actions
Wayne Simmonds?
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 4, 2010 10:56 AM EST up reply actions
I’ve got it… Theo.
"My face is my mask."
by Jake Shapiro on Jan 4, 2010 10:57 AM EST up reply actions
That would be no one?
"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."
Per Vogs, new lines:
8-19-22, 14-21-28, 25-9-16, 53-39-10.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Glad to see Stecks back on the dot.
"My face is my mask."
by Jake Shapiro on Jan 4, 2010 10:58 AM EST up reply actions
His migraines could be signs of early menopause.
"My face is my mask."
by Jake Shapiro on Jan 4, 2010 11:02 AM EST up reply actions
Nope – he’s out there with the 4th line (follow-up tweet).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
via comments at CI:
I was listening to the NHL channel on Sirius on the ride in this morning, and Ted was on. Good interview and spoke a lot about the Clark/Juice trade. Not sure if anyone else heard it and can confirm or deny this, but the way he was wording his statements, it made me think that a deal was already in place for Backstrom. Something to the effect of: “… and signed Backstrom and also Semin for just one year…” I found it rather curious and was wondering if perhaps he just mis-spoke, or if they have something put together. I’m assuming the former, but would be ok with the latter.
ALEX, FЯEE
Maybe he meant Niklas Backstrom?
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 4, 2010 11:45 AM EST up reply actions
Nifty pic of Delly
From Team Canada’s game against Suissa yesterday
ALEX, FЯEE
by EmilyB on Jan 4, 2010 11:54 AM EST reply actions 2 recs
I’m going to the game tomorrow, but I hope they keep us updated! I can’t even DVR it!
I am easily satisfied with the very best
I have a Canadian IP while I’m at my parents’, and TSN.ca archives the WJC games on their video player bc all the WJC games are streamed from tsn.ca, so if you can manage to get a Canadian IP proxy, just click onto their video player and you’ll be able to watch after the Caps’ game :D
You're doing it wrong
Not only is the universe stranger than we imagine, it is stranger than we can imagine.
by zephyr on Jan 4, 2010 2:29 PM EST reply actions 5 recs
Perfect caption. I mean, dead-on perfect!
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 4, 2010 3:43 PM EST up reply actions
Varly Update
John Walton’s saying 2 weeks on Varly’s latest injury
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I’m guessing there’s no word on what it is specifically?
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I mentioned it in the Ups and Downs thread, but I’d like to see Jose get more starts right now. Logic being, a) he deserves a chance to play a couple of games in a row to try to get in a rhythm, and b) if he completely craps out, he/the position needs to be dealt with now and not in April/May. Over-arching point being, if you’re not going to give him a chance now, why the hell is he still on the roster?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
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. And January is a tough month schedule-wise. No way can Neuvirth handle that by himself.
I think you’re slightly missing the point of what J.P. was saying, though. Paraphrasing, I think he’s saying that Jose needs a string of 4 games or so to sink or swim. If he plays like crap over 4 games, then the Caps need to sort out their goaltending (possibly by waiving/trading Jose and finding another veteran). If he plays great over those 4 games and gets into a rhythm, that’s also great. But the Caps need to figure it out now, not later in the season, particularly with Varly’s health looking sketchy.
What the Caps can’t keep doing is what they have been – send Theo out for one game every two weeks then staple his ass back to the bench when he inevitably gets shelled. He needs to know going into a given week that he’s going to start three games consecutively so that the pressure doesn’t freak him out.
I don’t think the argument was really predicated on Theo being better than Neuvy, which at this point is a pretty tough argument.
Still sore...
by D'ohboy on Jan 4, 2010 5:39 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Do you think GMs think about their reputation at all when they’re making moves? McPhee’s team becomes less attractive to me if I’m a FA veteran listening to offers in the off-season if GM gets a reputation for waiving under performing vets.
Not saying he shouldn’t do it because he should be trying to make this team better all the time, just a point of discussion.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Rec’d for understanding me. As I said elsewhere, my desire to see Theo has nothing to do with Neuvy and everything to do with Theo.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
So when is Theo seeing his next start? vs. his old team tomorrow? Or do we wait for the back to back in Florida?
Oh man, From Puck Daddy, via the sidebar, Bieksa is gone for 3 months with severed tendons in his ankle. Rough break for him and really rough break for the Canucks.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Jan 4, 2010 6:47 PM EST reply actions
Right after they waived Schneider too. He’ll be back for the playoffs which is really all that matters.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
I’m not sure the Canucks are a lock to make the playoffs — not in this year’s Western Conference. There’s no margin for error out there.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 4, 2010 7:32 PM EST up reply actions
When was that review of VC written, Rock and Roll Part II has not been played after goals in a long time.
that’s what I thought. Then I thought, well, its not like you can actually hear anything after a goal is scored……so maybe that’s why I don’t remember it.
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
As a Maryland grad, I’d remember RRpt2 being played and it’s not. I’ve noticed since the “Hey You Suck” caught on at pro events, the song is not played as frequently as in the past. They used to play it after every other run at OPACY and they stopped a few seasons ago.
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Florida
|
55 | 27 | 17 | 11 | 65 |
|
Washington
|
55 | 28 | 22 | 5 | 61 |
|
Winnipeg
|
57 | 26 | 25 | 6 | 58 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
55 | 24 | 25 | 6 | 54 |
|
Carolina
|
56 | 20 | 25 | 11 | 51 |
(updated 2.13.2012 at 1:00 PM EST)
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- Thus ends the incredibly odd NHL journey for Mike Comrie, a.k.a Mr. Hilary Duff
Latest stories and headlines from NHL.com
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- Coyotes goalie Smith named NHL first star after recording four wins last week
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