"Tom Poti, Matt Bradley and Marcus Johansson will not play tomorrow according to CSN's Jill Sorenson. Johnasson is not expected to play this weekend and is listed as "week-to-week" after taking a shot off his foot last night against Ottawa. His foot is not reported to be broken."
over 1 year ago
J.P.
181 comments
0 recs |
Email
PrintComments
Additionally in that piece (and apologies if it’s been discussed):
Jill also reports that Semyon Varlamov is 100% but Boudreau said he will continue to start Michal Neuvirth.
A very misguided piece on Huffington Post recently called 30 Rock the most racist show on television thanks to Tracy Morgan’s wild, manic, madcap performance. Tonight illustrated why whoever wrote that piece is full of shit and should be punched in the face until he has a more nuanced grasp on comedy.
…because if they do start Semyon Varlamov again he will not be 100% anymore.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Yeah, I think the quote was truncated and actually read “Semyon Varlamov is 100% certain he’ll re-aggravate his injury within two weeks of returning.”
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 12, 2010 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
he’ll re-aggravate his injury within twoweeksgamesminutes
Money don't make my world go round...i'm reaching out to a higher ground
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Oct 12, 2010 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Poor Varly. :(
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
by EmilyB on Oct 12, 2010 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I get the feeling that Nuevy is a better goalie anyway. Valamov has got to show he can be reliable for more than 4 games.
Are you saying that Neuvy is the better goalie because Varly is not reliable for more than 4 games?
"Do you see my fist? It was fists like these that built quaint Canadian cities out of the harsh Canadian wilderness, etc. etc."
Not in Seattle anymore.
by SeattleCapsFan on Oct 12, 2010 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Well that would make sense. I’d hate to rely on somebody for a month just to have him get hurt (again) and break the routine/momentum.
I don’t have much tolerance for stupid. Or cheese on food that doesn’t need it. -duck
by twistedlogic on Oct 12, 2010 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions
But saying one is “better” is way different than saying one is “more reliable”. Sure, if you have two goalies that are similar in skill but one is more durable than the other, go with the guy who’s more durable. But I don’t think Varly’s injuries are a valid reason to say Neuvy is “the better goalie”.
"Do you see my fist? It was fists like these that built quaint Canadian cities out of the harsh Canadian wilderness, etc. etc."
Not in Seattle anymore.
by SeattleCapsFan on Oct 12, 2010 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Sorry two different thoughts on Nuevy starting if Varlamov is 100%. 1) Nuevy is a better goalie. He’s got the history leading Plymouth to a Memorial cup bid in juniors and two Caulder Cups in the A. 2) Varlamov has shown he can be brilliant in small stretches he has been unable to prove he can be a legitimate #1 mostly due to injury.
OK, that’s all I was asking for…I wasn’t sure if Neuvy’s durability was the only reason you thought he was better.
I love watching Varly play. But I don’t know that his style of play lends itself to further growth. Whereas Neuvy is more technical, I think he gets better practically every time he hits the ice.
"Do you see my fist? It was fists like these that built quaint Canadian cities out of the harsh Canadian wilderness, etc. etc."
Not in Seattle anymore.
by SeattleCapsFan on Oct 12, 2010 1:47 PM EDT up reply actions
You can definitely see Nuevy growing in confidence each game and I think the team is starting to believe in him. The main thing I like about him is he has the ability to stop the other teams momentum by stopping and holding the puck. I noticed that was a big thing with Theo last year, he would deflect pucks into the corners instead of holding on and forcing face offs.
Neuvirth’s rebounds, even when bad, he’s been able to control. I can’t remember who it was or the exact play, but someone got away on a breakaway, Neuvirth gave up the juiciest possible rebound in that circumstance but still had been playing confident enough and was in perfect position to completely nullify anything that would have happened on that rebound.
Human existence being an hallucination containing in itself the secondary hallucinations of day and night (the latter an insanitary condition of the atmosphere due to accretions of black air) it ill becomes any man of sense to be concerned at the illusory approach of the supreme hallucination known as death.
Neuvirth’s rebounds, even when bad, he’s been able to control.
Not sure what you mean here – bad rebounds, by definition (in my book, at least), are not controlled. Several last night bounced to bad places on the ice, and a combination of good defensive play, his positioning, and luck helped to minimize the threats that resulted.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I mean bad rebounds as in pushing the puck to a player instead of pushing them toward the boards/open ice. The defense has been historically bad about controlling rebounds and keeping sticks pinned or swatting the puck out so if there’s one thing a goalie needs to be dynamite at is keeping chances to a minimum.
I see what you mean, though.
Human existence being an hallucination containing in itself the secondary hallucinations of day and night (the latter an insanitary condition of the atmosphere due to accretions of black air) it ill becomes any man of sense to be concerned at the illusory approach of the supreme hallucination known as death.
But I don’t know that his style of play lends itself to further growth. Whereas Neuvy is more technical, I think he gets better practically every time he hits the ice.
Both can improve technically. Varlamov has the advantage in terms of upside, I’m pretty sure—you can’t teach athleticism, but you can teach positioning and rebound control—but whether or not he does is an issue that I doubt will be resolved soon.
by red army line on Oct 12, 2010 2:32 PM EDT up reply actions
you can’t teach athleticism
This is why I always have felt Varly had the edge. However, if he keeps getting hurt high ceilings aren’t going to mean very much.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Links guy at Five For Howling.
But isn’t the athleticism part of the injury issue? If he was in the right position in the first place he wouldn’t NEED to be so athletic – and he pulls muscles and strains things a lot because he has to be so athletic (or at least that’s the way it seems). Neuvy often doesn’t look like he’s working that hard because he doesn’t have to, he’s not reaching and springing across the crease – he’s just there already.
Mind you, I like both guys (for now). And I like that they have different styles and strengths, it keeps other teams guessing a bit (again, for now).
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
Can you teach durability? Does Irbe have tricks up his sleeve on how not to hurt yourself?
Varly seems to be writing himself into the “closer” role: Only come in when Neuvy needs a break after playing several games in a row.
by M-M-M-My Chimera on Oct 12, 2010 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think Neuvy’s minor league success can be looked at as an advantage over Varly, since he was busy saving the Caps ass in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
I do think that it made Neuvy a better goalie and he’s showing it now.
Choking since 1985.
Saving our ass? All the way to a second round embarrassment? Followed by a first round embarrassment?
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Perhaps “saving the Caps ass” is an overstatement. But even you can admit that he certainly held his own and didn’t shit the bed.
Not in game 1 and 2, without varly that is a 4 game series
"Have you ever played?" "Yes, I was a goalie"
by MikeyGreen on Oct 12, 2010 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I’d say his lack of experience slash second 7-game series without relief somewhat excuses that.
"Do you see my fist? It was fists like these that built quaint Canadian cities out of the harsh Canadian wilderness, etc. etc."
Not in Seattle anymore.
by SeattleCapsFan on Oct 12, 2010 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions
No excuse for how he played in game 7 but he certainly wasnt alone
"Have you ever played?" "Yes, I was a goalie"
there was also no reason to have him play both games of the back-to-back set. Rookie goalie with 6 NHL starts prior to the playoffs? Stupid decision on BB’s part, imo. It may or may not have contributed to Varly looking extremely worn down in game 7.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
He played terribly, as did (most of) the rest of the team. But I really don’t fault him too much for it. He got little to no help from the guys in front for several of the games throughout both series, and at that point he’d played 11 games in 23 days. Especially for a goalie who plays with his…fervor…that’s asking quite a lot.
"Do you see my fist? It was fists like these that built quaint Canadian cities out of the harsh Canadian wilderness, etc. etc."
Not in Seattle anymore.
by SeattleCapsFan on Oct 12, 2010 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions
He was flat out bad in game 4 and not great in game 5.
I don’t think he “saved us” from anything. Neuvy has won 14 of his last 15 playoff series.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
That still makes him better than any other Cap that series save AO, Backstrom, and Steckel-Laich-Bradley, and it’s kind of hard to stop pucks when your defense turns it over ad nauseum in the defensive zone.
Varly almost stole the series from Pittsburgh. I think Neuvirth’s playoffs > Varlamov’s playoffs thus far, even considering different levels, but I don’t think it’s an astronomical margin.
by red army line on Oct 12, 2010 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions
What if he gets to play all 7 games in the Montreal series…I’m not saying Theo wasn’t pretty good in Game 1 last year, but in truth Varly never lost 4 games in a series save for against Pittsburgh, the eventual Stanley Cup champs 2 years ago.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Oct 12, 2010 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions
And Varly didn’t steal a game, and he had opportunities. He didn’t come up with those huge saves, and we lost.
Again, the original comment was he “saved” us. From what?
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
From being called chokers one year earlier?
Oh wait, that still happened.
From crashing out in round 1. From going to sign another goalie. From drafting another goalie high.
by red army line on Oct 12, 2010 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m not saying he saved us, but he wasn’t the main reason we lost those series either. If you had told anyone we allowed 2, 3, and 2 goals against for Games 5-7 of that series last year you assume there’s no way we lose it. Against Pitt he definitely hit the wall, but he also lost 2 OT games on shots deflected in by his own players. Putting our lack of series wins on Varly is not very fair in my opinion. He shouldn’t have to go out and shut out a team every time out to win (like he would have in Games 5-7 last year)
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Oct 12, 2010 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
OK, but I didn’t put the losses on him. Follow the thread, people!
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Got in late just reading between the lines that most people are saying lack of durability > actual NHL level results. I’m not disagreeing in the slightest that he didn’t steal a series for us…I just dislike some of the comparisons in this thread equating Calder Cup success to Stanley Cup playoff success.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Oct 12, 2010 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Eric Fehr also had a lack of durability and now he is great. Patience people. He is just a kid.
"Have you ever played?" "Yes, I was a goalie"
It’s a little more troublesome with goalies and the particular injuries.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Wow, way to completely misinterpret the comment. Varly has groin and knee injuries, which tend to be recurring with goalies. Just look at DiPietro or Lehtinen. Lots of players have had to have shoulders fixed. It’s true that shoulders can be recurring, but it’s not to the same degree as hips/groins/knees in goalies. Until Fehr suffers the same injury to the same shoulder, I don’t think he’s anywhere near the same level of injury concern as Varly.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Lehtonen’s has always been worse because of his poor conditioning, I think. If Varly can get into better habits than Lehtonen did he’ll be better off most likely.
You can be in tremendous condition and still have groin issues. Especially playing goalie.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Oct 12, 2010 3:52 PM EDT up reply actions
We don’t really know what Lehtinen’s conditioning is like, and whether or not it really played into his injuries. He has a lot of parallels to Varly, including the ridiculously tantalizing athleticism.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I agree…my only concern with Varly versus Fehr is that it’s a lot of the little injuries to the same spots that keep recurring. Fehr had some big injuries in certain areas that once he rehabbed and recovered from them haven’t flared up again
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Oct 12, 2010 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Maybe if the successes were equal you could directly compare NHL to AHL, but they aren’t. Neuvy has won two consecutive championships, 8 straight series. He also won an OHL championship with a way overmatched team. He also played well in the one OHL playoffs he didn’t win. As I said, that’s 14 series wins in the last 15 series, compared to Varly’s one series win in 3. No, it wasn’t all Varly’s fault, but can you really argue he couldn’t do more? Additionally, in each of the last 4 seasons Neuvirth’s playoff save % has been equal to or better than his regular season save % which indicates that he brings his A game when his team needs it. I understand that the level of competition was lower, but goaltending is a highly mental position and these numbers demonstrate to me that Neuvirth has the mental make up to be a successful NHL goalie (as well as some of the other things he’s faced, like being bounced around for half a season before finding a home in his rookie pro year). I have more questions about Varly’s mental make up and his ability to play consistently (even ignoring the injuries).
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
All fair points. I just want these two to be healthy for a good chunk of time so we can see them battle for that spot. Who knows if any of us will get that wish though.
I’ll tell you one thing though…the longer this situation remains as is, the cheaper Varly’s contract is going to be and the better Neuvy’s looks.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Oct 12, 2010 3:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Who is to say that Neuvy isn’t the Chris Borque of goalies.
I am not saying he is, but he still has a lot to prove at this level. Varly has a lot to prove too.
"Have you ever played?" "Yes, I was a goalie"
It can’t be ignored that while winning the OHL championship he was on an inferior team…I don’t think anyone can make that claim about Hershey that last 2 years. They were expected to win.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Oct 12, 2010 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, he had one of the better AHL teams of all time in front of him for a while there. Dude brought it, no doubt, but whether or not he can do it at this level is yet to be seen (same with Varly but to a lesser extent).
He’s also the only goalie to ever win the Calder Cup in each of their first two seasons.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Touche
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Oct 12, 2010 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions
They were, but he also won the MVP the first year (and should have the second year, IMO) and outplayed the likes of Tuuka Rask and Jonathan Bernier along the way. Not just beat their teams, flat outplayed them.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Meh. Not buying it. Goalie is a different position and different situation and I think Neuvy has already proven he has the physical talent to perform in the NHL, which CBo never did.
If both have a lot to prove at the NHL level, then shouldn’t proven performance all throughout the lower levels mean something?
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
So…
Sloan for Poti
Steckel for Johansson
King for Bradley
…and M. Perreault stays in Hershey for the moment?
If you've read this far...seek help.
Probably, though I’d like to see MP come back up. I can live with the other changes you posted, but if our 4th line looks worse with Steckel, imagine how much worse the 3rd line will be. Fehr won’t have a chance playing with Steckel in the middle.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Read between the lines. Coach will go with what he’s got for tomorrow’s game. Islanders are down many of their skill players and Konopka and another enforcer on the roster. Plus he’s got guys who really need to play.
If Brads isn’t ready for Saturday, Imma guessing we see Matty (or Andrew Gordon?) at Kettler on Friday.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
If Brads isn’t ready for Saturday, Imma guessing we see Matty (or Andrew Gordon?) at Kettler on Friday.
I’m not so sure. They’ve got enough guys here, so unless the 3rd line is abysmal, might as well stick with who’s here – there’s no reason to call someone up forcing someone else to be scratched AND an additional cap hit. Also, I’m sure MoJo could go on IR, but until he does, they don’t have roster room, so they’re probably waiting to see how his foot is in a day or two anyway.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Moreover it puts off any hard decisions of losing a guy to a waiver claim.
A very misguided piece on Huffington Post recently called 30 Rock the most racist show on television thanks to Tracy Morgan’s wild, manic, madcap performance. Tonight illustrated why whoever wrote that piece is full of shit and should be punched in the face until he has a more nuanced grasp on comedy.
by Bald Pollack on Oct 12, 2010 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions
At least on AGordon’s behalf.
A very misguided piece on Huffington Post recently called 30 Rock the most racist show on television thanks to Tracy Morgan’s wild, manic, madcap performance. Tonight illustrated why whoever wrote that piece is full of shit and should be punched in the face until he has a more nuanced grasp on comedy.
by Bald Pollack on Oct 12, 2010 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions
You want to burn an emergency callup on the 4th or 5th game of the year?
A very misguided piece on Huffington Post recently called 30 Rock the most racist show on television thanks to Tracy Morgan’s wild, manic, madcap performance. Tonight illustrated why whoever wrote that piece is full of shit and should be punched in the face until he has a more nuanced grasp on comedy.
by Bald Pollack on Oct 12, 2010 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions
It wouldn’t be emergency because we have enough healthy bodies.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Right. And, also worth noting, Gordon is not subject to re-entry waivers and doesn’t need to pass through waivers again until he’s played 10 games for the Caps or been on their roster for 30 days, unless I’m mistaken.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I don’t recall there being any emergency recall limits for skaters before the trade deadline. However, as always, emergency recall does require an emergency, in this case, the Caps have healthy skaters on the roster to play.
Yep, you’re right. Post lunchtime drowsiness kicked in sooner than I thought.
A very misguided piece on Huffington Post recently called 30 Rock the most racist show on television thanks to Tracy Morgan’s wild, manic, madcap performance. Tonight illustrated why whoever wrote that piece is full of shit and should be punched in the face until he has a more nuanced grasp on comedy.
by Bald Pollack on Oct 12, 2010 2:03 PM EDT up reply actions
So how do waivers work exactly? If we brought AGordon up and then sent him back down he’d have to clear again?
"Do you see my fist? It was fists like these that built quaint Canadian cities out of the harsh Canadian wilderness, etc. etc."
Not in Seattle anymore.
by SeattleCapsFan on Oct 12, 2010 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Not unless he spends 30 days on an NHL roster or plays in 10 NHL games. If a player requiring waivers clears, is sent down and is recalled (and doesn’t require re-entry), the player only has to be placed on waivers once they hit one of those markers (first one reached triggers waivers, it does not require both.)
Thanks
"Do you see my fist? It was fists like these that built quaint Canadian cities out of the harsh Canadian wilderness, etc. etc."
Not in Seattle anymore.
by SeattleCapsFan on Oct 12, 2010 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, but I think even given what I saw in training camp there’s no reason to force him up so early. He didn’t look close to pushing someone else out of the lineup; he just looked like he might be able to do the job if given the chance. We have grinders, so let’s use them until we have to call up another grinder.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
They skated Hendricks in b/t Chimmer and Fehr today, which would leave a 17-39-15 fourth line. Of course, Bruce also was playing around with 8-14-22 and 21-19-28.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I would like to see a 16-26-25 line. I don’t think Caps opponents would.
The ice will show everything.
I agree. Chimmer, Hendo, and Fehr makes a solid line. King, Stecks, and Gordo leaves a little something to be desired though.
I don’t have much tolerance for stupid. Or cheese on food that doesn’t need it. -duck
by twistedlogic on Oct 12, 2010 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions
The first thing that came to mind for naming that line when I saw those names together was “The 25 Minute Line,” because combined that’s what they’ll get.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Yeah….not one I’d expect to see out on the ice much.
I don’t have much tolerance for stupid. Or cheese on food that doesn’t need it. -duck
by twistedlogic on Oct 12, 2010 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions
That line would probably keep the put in the Isles end for their shift. Problem would be they couldn’t put it past DiPietro unless Isles had an bad TO that Godro scooped up in front.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Links guy at Five For Howling.
I could live with a look at Chimmer/Fehr/Hendricks. Swapping Flash and Backstrom is just stupid. The top line looks rusty, they only played one preseason game together. Maybe just let them work out the kinks before you start messing with things. Additionally, the second line has looked alright so why mess with them. Flash is so good at C he must be the 1C!!!!!!
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Or AO is so good he doesn’t need a real center. Backstrom just rides his coat tails.
Proud member of the Popsicle Division of the Cupcake Conference.
I agree with you about the top line, but we all know BB likes to tinker with lines when anything seems out of whack.
"Do you see my fist? It was fists like these that built quaint Canadian cities out of the harsh Canadian wilderness, etc. etc."
Not in Seattle anymore.
by SeattleCapsFan on Oct 12, 2010 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions
This is going to be his best chance to do so. He gets to go up against a team that is going to be virtually impossible to build a line matchup around, he’s got reason to justify changing things a bit for Backstrom, he’s got reason to justify changing things a bit for the 2nd line (not good enough in the D zone even if they’re hot offensively), and he’s got reason to justify changing the offense in general (getting certain guys to click better will help the powerplay tangentially, you’d think).
Then again he’s already having to shuffle the bottom 6, maybe it’d be better to hold off on shuffling the top 6 for a bit.
Flash is so good at C he must be the 1C!!!!!!
Well they’ve won 2 in a row with him at 2C.
/ducks
A very misguided piece on Huffington Post recently called 30 Rock the most racist show on television thanks to Tracy Morgan’s wild, manic, madcap performance. Tonight illustrated why whoever wrote that piece is full of shit and should be punched in the face until he has a more nuanced grasp on comedy.
by Bald Pollack on Oct 12, 2010 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions
So fucking keep him there.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Maybe a little message sending from Coach.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
“I love Flash.”
Message received.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
What’s your thoughts on 2C with the massive quantification of “so far”
One disturbingly bad turnover but he hasn’t looked out of his element yet. His feed to Chimera could have made Semin blush, too.
Human existence being an hallucination containing in itself the secondary hallucinations of day and night (the latter an insanitary condition of the atmosphere due to accretions of black air) it ill becomes any man of sense to be concerned at the illusory approach of the supreme hallucination known as death.
If Flash were to play like this all year, he’d be fine. The question is can he sustain this level of play.
No, he’d be fine if he could play like this in April, May, and June.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Links guy at Five For Howling.
Actually, BB read alll summer that Flash was not a good fit at 2C. So he made him a 1C. Isn’t that what we all wanted?
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Oct 12, 2010 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
I would not mind seeing MP85 up here for a few games, but only if he is going to be in the line up. If he isn’t going to play while up here, then he may as well stay in Hershey…
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
And I think this is the reason why he stays in Hershey.
I’m pretty curious to see how Hendricks looks between Chimera and F16 myself. I’d be equally curious to see how Gordo looked between them. As long as its not Steckel.
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Oct 12, 2010 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Gordo should be effective — the weakest part of his game is his shot and Fehr has pretty decent hands. What Chimera lacks in shot, he makes up for in breakaways and Gordo has made some fine long feeds over the years.
Human existence being an hallucination containing in itself the secondary hallucinations of day and night (the latter an insanitary condition of the atmosphere due to accretions of black air) it ill becomes any man of sense to be concerned at the illusory approach of the supreme hallucination known as death.
I think it would take an injury to 19 or 14, or 90 going on LTIR to see 85 up here. I don’t think having 90 on the shelf for a few games is worth using up cap space at this point in the season. If I’m not mistaken, even putting 90 on LTIR and calling someone up would have cap implications because you only get cap relief for guys on LTIR if you are at the cap.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Oct 12, 2010 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m not advocating a call up at all, but the cap hit for 85 to be on the roster for a few days (i.e. practice and one game) is probably around $10K and we’ve got something like $3.5m available, so I wouldn’t use that as an excuse. I love the guy too, but I can’t see any reason to bring him up yet.
"It's always good to have vikings."
If there’s a prolonged Poti absence, I’d use any excuse I could to prevent 4/89 from seeing 18 minutes again.
A very misguided piece on Huffington Post recently called 30 Rock the most racist show on television thanks to Tracy Morgan’s wild, manic, madcap performance. Tonight illustrated why whoever wrote that piece is full of shit and should be punched in the face until he has a more nuanced grasp on comedy.
by Bald Pollack on Oct 12, 2010 2:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Me too, but Perreault doesn’t fill the bill. dcsportsfan1 seemed to be concerned about using cap space on a callup. I’m not.
Who would you call up from Hershey to play D?
"It's always good to have vikings."
Depends on Poti. I’d limp along and bear it for a game or two because there’s some more prep/management that can be done, but if it’s longer term I’d explore outside options unless (grits teeth) Collins, Fahey or one of the McNeills can go.
A very misguided piece on Huffington Post recently called 30 Rock the most racist show on television thanks to Tracy Morgan’s wild, manic, madcap performance. Tonight illustrated why whoever wrote that piece is full of shit and should be punched in the face until he has a more nuanced grasp on comedy.
by Bald Pollack on Oct 12, 2010 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions
we have no D in hershey who are better than Ersk or Sloan, no matter how terrible they are.
"Have you ever played?" "Yes, I was a goalie"
Until Patrick McNeill finishes recovering/rehabbing from off-season shoulder injury/surgery…
I assume Fahey is next on the depth chart based on his being the last cut, the fact he does not require re-entry waivers, his being healthy, and reports on his play in the 2 games Hershey has played.
Miskovic, Reports are he is playing well after recovering from the development camp knee injury, next on depth chart after Fahey.
Collins requires re-entry waivers and I don’t believe he’d be above either of those two even if he didn’t, although maybe over Miskovic based on Collins play in 2008-09 and Miskovic’s limited experience and returning from injury.
Caveat: I didn’t get to see either Hershey game last weekend.
Collins isn’t getting claimed by anyone, don’t kid yourself.
He also doesn’t help the team versus Sloan.
"Have you ever played?" "Yes, I was a goalie"
Who’s kidding anyone? I never said he would be claimed, I said he has to clear re-entry waivers.
I agree it is unlikely he would get claimed, but I do believe unless a player is clearly a significantly better option for a one or two game fill-in, a team will debate bringing up a player via re-entry waivers when another option is available for a game or two.
Also, I think the fact that some teams are dealing with cap issues can factor into a re-entry claim of a player. Collins has a cap hit of $325,000 ($175,000 less than the minimum $500,000 NHL contract for 2010-11,) and this is the last year of the contract.
I’m also not saying that I know whether the Caps would care if the player was claimed given what they are paying to have him play in the AHL and the fact they have cap space at the moment, but I do think it could be a factor when call-up decisions are made this season.
If calling up MP means we don’t have to play DJ king then we should call up MP this second.
It is one thing to have an enforcer to play against goony teams, it is another to be forced to play him against skilled teams with no dance partners for DJ
"Have you ever played?" "Yes, I was a goalie"
That’s overstating things. King isn’t Boogard, he’s a legit 4th line winger. Easily better than Steckel, I’d say.
Are we sure on this?
I highly doubt that we’d know, considering how few games King has played over the past few years.
by red army line on Oct 12, 2010 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions
It was pretty clear in the preseason, I thought. King’s mobility is good, he’s strong along the boards, and he wasn’t a nightmare with the puck on his stick.
Still an unknown, I’ll grant you that, but his track record (pre injuries) and what he’s shown so far suggest good things.
Is he though? He has the potential, but he hasn’t shown anything in that area in the past year. To me he’s been bottom of the pack with the puck on his stick.
I mean literally with the puck. He has the slowest release on the team, but he’s at least confident skating with it, whereas King is a “get this thing away from me, please” type of player.
FREE MP
Steckel can protect the puck pretty well but he’s not exactly Forsberg with passing. His option is to either give it up to someone right near him or dump it. Not bad for a 4th liner, but not something you covet with the depth this team has.
Up in the offensive zone he’s strong on the boards holding the puck but rarely is in a position to do so. All he can do at that end is deflect shots pretty damn well. If there’s one thing he excels at is his hand/eye coordination — his deflection goals are always something of a beauty. All what, 3 of them?
Human existence being an hallucination containing in itself the secondary hallucinations of day and night (the latter an insanitary condition of the atmosphere due to accretions of black air) it ill becomes any man of sense to be concerned at the illusory approach of the supreme hallucination known as death.
You’re extrapolating a lot of opinions out of me stating that Steckel looks more comfortable handling the puck than does King.
FREE MP
Yet no one wants either to be doing anything with the puck but putting it in the net.
Human existence being an hallucination containing in itself the secondary hallucinations of day and night (the latter an insanitary condition of the atmosphere due to accretions of black air) it ill becomes any man of sense to be concerned at the illusory approach of the supreme hallucination known as death.
Steckel and King shouldn’t be handling the puck, ever, unless they’re in the process of putting the puck into the net.
Human existence being an hallucination containing in itself the secondary hallucinations of day and night (the latter an insanitary condition of the atmosphere due to accretions of black air) it ill becomes any man of sense to be concerned at the illusory approach of the supreme hallucination known as death.
Not marginalizing, just being realistic about what a 17-39-15 line is capable of. They’ll wear teams down by throwing their bodies around but they’re not going to have extended trips in the offensive zone.
Human existence being an hallucination containing in itself the secondary hallucinations of day and night (the latter an insanitary condition of the atmosphere due to accretions of black air) it ill becomes any man of sense to be concerned at the illusory approach of the supreme hallucination known as death.
I’m not in the mood to put in any real effort right now. So I’ll give you my response with no linky goodness.
It may not happen every game, but IMO an extended cycle is one of the prettiest sites in the NHL. I absolutely love watching a team play keep away so well that they’re able to rotate in a line change while keeping the puck deep. Bradley/Gordon/Brashaer had an uncanny ability of doing that.
As did Steck-Gordo-Bradley for much of last year. Also Steck is reasonably good at defense, something I am skeptical that DJ King is
"Have you ever played?" "Yes, I was a goalie"
Steckel is definitely one of the better ES guys on the team by Corsi , iirc.
Human existence being an hallucination containing in itself the secondary hallucinations of day and night (the latter an insanitary condition of the atmosphere due to accretions of black air) it ill becomes any man of sense to be concerned at the illusory approach of the supreme hallucination known as death.
The best way for a fourth line to play defense is to go and cycle in the offensive zone. They may not score, but they won’t give up too many chances. Simply asking 4th liners to hit in today’s NHL isn’t enough—I mean, look at Brads, at Zenon Konopka, at Blair Betts.
by red army line on Oct 12, 2010 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions
I mean, they should probably try to work the cycle game.
Money don't make my world go round...i'm reaching out to a higher ground
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Oct 12, 2010 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Still an unknown, I’ll grant you that, but his track record (pre injuries) and what he’s shown so far suggest good things.
King is a zero offensively and probably not better than Steckel defensively (at 5-on-5, at least…). We may rip on Steckel, but he still is good for 15+ points a season, has shown himself to be much more durable, and tends to not crap the bed defensively. King is just a better fighter and has more mobility. I don’t see anything else (though I’ve yet to see King in person, so someone could chime in here…)
by red army line on Oct 12, 2010 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions
If King is a zero offensively, Steckel is a negative. The year King played 61 games at St. Louis, he had a better scoring rate (in terms of TOI) than Steckel did last season. The little I saw of him this preseason, he is decent with the puck and fairly mobile. He’s never going to be great, but he could be a decent 4th liner if given the chance – which St. Louis never really gave him.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
Easily better than Steckel, I’d say.
I’d be the first to tell you that I don’t think Steckel is a very good player, but DJ King hasn’t shown me anything that makes me think he’s better than Steckel is.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Oct 12, 2010 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions
To me, first and foremost, he’s looked faster. He’s also looked more physical, and a little better with the puck. Does fighting ability balance out faceoffs? Do the other areas give King the edge?
Beyond that he’s looked like he’s giving a full effort which I can’t say for Steckel (from where I sit). But then that’s tougher to judge and I’m probably being pessimistic there.
Basically you’re saying that King should play so that the team can assess where he stands on the depth chart, which I agree with. We know he can chuck with the best of ’em, I wanna see what else he can do on a fairly consistent basis.
I’m not even saying that, necessarily. Just that he’s equally as valid an option as Steckel for any given opponent.
We’ll see where he is, but I hated his puck awareness in the preseason game I got to see him skate live.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Oct 12, 2010 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions
I’d like to see King get some ice time if the Caps expect him to play up to his non-fighting potential, or at least have some small value beyond fighting.
My impression in watching him when he played for the Blues was that in games where he played he fought very quickly out of the gates. I always wondered if he was instructed to set the tone early, or if that’s just his natural inclination in getting his legs under him after layoffs.
So, my expectation is when King eventually is allowed to play we will see him fight in his first shift in the 1st period. I hope I am wrong.
I took something. I can see things no one else can see... Why're you dressed like that? - Jack Burton
Ice did great last night. 3-4 great hits knocking people down completely. Really kept puck movement to a minimum and was able to disturb a lot of passes. VC Ice for Norris!
Human existence being an hallucination containing in itself the secondary hallucinations of day and night (the latter an insanitary condition of the atmosphere due to accretions of black air) it ill becomes any man of sense to be concerned at the illusory approach of the supreme hallucination known as death.
They had a wizards practice in there that afternoon.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Ovie and Backstrom were practicing to go up against Sidney Deane and Billy Hoyle
Human existence being an hallucination containing in itself the secondary hallucinations of day and night (the latter an insanitary condition of the atmosphere due to accretions of black air) it ill becomes any man of sense to be concerned at the illusory approach of the supreme hallucination known as death.
Varly’s durability is an issue…but are we really starting to question his on ice performance? The goalie who was between the pipes for EVERY playoff victory the past 2 years…the same goalie who only lost 4 games in a series one time out of 3. The same goalie who’s only game action this year he stopped all 20 shots he’s faced.
At this point it’s fully legit to say Neuvy is #1 because of durability issues, but I can’t sit here and say he’s definitely a better goalie than Varly.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
Maybe people are forgetting that Varly “won” the backup job to Theo because Neuvy was the one hurt in training camp last year and never really got the chance to compete for it. If both could ever be healthy at the same time, we might actually be able to develop informed opinions.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Good point…hopefully once Varly recovers from this latest issue we can finally see them go at it and push each other.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Oct 12, 2010 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Right. It was never an open competition. Neuvy happened to get hurt but that wasn’t really relevant.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Hey there. Yeah, you. New Neuvy content is up for your perusal.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Japers' Rink
Related FanShots on Japers' Rink
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
FanShots
Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.
Recent FanShots
The Vault
In Association With
Latest Puck Daddy - NHL from Yahoo! Sports
- Why the Devils and the Kings are evidence the Capitals shouldn’t trade Alex Ovechkin
- Eulogy: Remembering the 2011-12 New York Rangers
- Stanley Cup Final: 5 keys for New Jersey Devils and Los Angeles Kings
- Friday’s Three Stars: Devils head to Final; Brodeur, Kovalchuk the difference in Game 6
- Devils eliminate Rangers in Game 6, ending fear of the past, setting course for the future
