Saturday Caps Clips: Caps @ Preds Game Day
by EmilyB on Oct 16, 2010 9:12 AM EDT
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PrintYour savory Saturday brunch links:
- Japers' Rink Radio hits the interwaves at 10 Eastern. Russell and Pepper welcome CSN's Alan May (who offers this assessment of the Caps so far) to the program. Reminder: Make sure your avatar is properly tied down at all times and keep your bobblehead on a swivel. [JRR]
- Previews of tonight's game against the Nashville Predators from Vogs, Caps365 (video), NHL.com, CI, CSN Washington, Peerless, LIR, KOL and RLS, and be sure to check out our SB Nation partner On the Forecheck (preview here) for coverage from the other side of tonight's Music City match up.
- Enjoy looking at this picture of Mike Green modeling the Winter Classic jersey, because that's all of him you'll be seeing today. Caps injury report courtesy DC Pro Sports Report.
- Related: Welcome back, Brian Fahey. The defenseman was recalled from Hershey late yesterday. [@sweetesthockey]
- Goalie controversy? What goalie controversy? Pshaw. [Coach Boudreau (video), Dump 'n' Chase, Masisak, WaPo, McNally]
- About that power play, Coach ... hey, you may just be right! [Rock the Red]
- On drafting and building. [Peerless]
- If it's October, it must be time to talk about Alex Ovechkin and the Hart Trophy. [THN]
- And check out those Ovi-time numbers while you're at it. [NHL.com]
- From the Caps: Men in Suits Fall Collection, we find a well-tailored Nicklas Backstrom and Marcus Johansson on their way to dinner with the general manager and new head coach of Tre Kronor... [Expressen.se, via googletrans]
- ...but they had to wait a bit while Nicky finished his intervju with Smokin' Al. [CSN video]
- The Caps are tall. Thanks, Sarge! [PPP]
- The news from Hershey yesterday was all good as the Bears steamrollered the Binghamton Senators 7-1 as a tune-up for their big home-opener/throwback-uni-spectacular/championship-banner-raising/Calder Cup ring-awarding/oh-and-we're-also-playing-a-game against the Rochester Americans, the second-oldest franchise in the American Hockey League. If you're going, bring a camera. [SHoE]
- Finally, happy 25th birthday to Jay Beagle and happy 43rd to one of hockey's more bizarre characters, Joe Murphy.
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The age and size chart on PPP has some interesting nuggets. Not only are the Caps the tallest team in the league, but they are also one of the youngest, especially in the two most critical areas-defense and goal. On defense, the Caps have the fourth youngest group of defensemen in the league but in the east they have the second youngest with an average age of 26.14 (the Rangers are first at 25.14!). More importantly, that makes them the youngest defensive unit among all the teams that made the playoffs last year in the Eastern Conference and by a relatively good amount:
Washington-26.14
Buffalo-26.5
Pittsburgh-26.86
NJ-27.11
Boston-27.71
Ottawa-28.43
Montreal-29.5
Phil-29.88
As for goalkeepers, it’s not even close. The chart has the Caps average goalkeeper age at 24.67, but I’m assuming that included Sabourin instead of Varly because Neuvrith and Varlamov average out to approximately 22.55 years. That makes the Caps goalie tandem not just the youngest in the east by a huge margin but also the youngest in the league. Here’s how it stacks up in the Eastern Conference:
Washington-22.55
Pittsburgh-26
Ottawa-26
Montreal-26
Philly-28
Boston 29.5
Buffalo-33
NJ-37.5
Again, we’ll see if this is a blessing or a curse as we move to April, but it is an uncoventional way to win a Cup.
by b.orr4 on Oct 16, 2010 10:02 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I’d be curious to know who the second tallest team in the NHL is. The Caps certainly have some tall guys, but they’re all well-known for adding some height to their shorter ones.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
but they had to wait a bit while Nicky finished his intervju with Smokin' Al...
and then wait some more until the outfit looked just right.
by Malin A on Oct 16, 2010 10:11 AM EDT reply actions 9 recs
Nicky’s the big brother helping not only with somewhere to live, but also with getting his tie straight. I enjoy it every time I read or see an interview (CSN slapshots) with Marcus and he says he looks up to Nicky the most.
by vtcapsfan99 on Oct 16, 2010 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions
This is ridiculously adorable. Good on Nick.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Oct 16, 2010 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions
Thanks, Malin. What a great pic!
He's a better skater than Nick, but he's big in the back[side]...BB
by Backeez Got Back on Oct 16, 2010 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions
Mackan just can’t stop smiling—I love that. Like he is still pinching himself.
Alright, confess-how many goals are you going to make this year?
"I'm not going to tell!"
Well can you at least guarantee fifty?
"No way. I have a different objective. To win."
by capsyoungguns on Oct 16, 2010 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Alan May is a quality guest for JRR. Good stuff being discussed right now.
"Do not be afraid to ask for credit, for our way of refusing is very polite."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Oct 16, 2010 10:15 AM EDT reply actions 2 recs
Second this, May is an amazing story-teller.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Oct 16, 2010 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions
That interview was fantastic. Loved the analysis of the team and the stories from back in the day.
by TooTallJeff on Oct 16, 2010 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions
With Fahey, Sloane and Erskine out there, it’s going to be an adventure. NSH ought to be able to exploit those three with speed. A point out of this one will be an accomplishment.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
Yeah, I’m prepared for a tough game defensively. I’m hoping that the forwards really help out tonight—by that I mean help out defensively and not just score. And that Sloan and Erskine really step it up. I don’t have a feeling for Fahey’s game but I hope that he brings that rush Hershey guys get in their first NHL game of the season.
Alright, confess-how many goals are you going to make this year?
"I'm not going to tell!"
Well can you at least guarantee fifty?
"No way. I have a different objective. To win."
by capsyoungguns on Oct 16, 2010 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions
Tonight will be Erskine and Sloan’s chance to prove they can be serviceable. Honestly if we get out of tonight with them being just a -1, I will live with it. Will be interesting to see who the top pairing is, if BB goes with Schultz/Carlson or if he uses Schultz/Alzner/Carlson as pairings for the other 3 guys. You can bet RAH will be filling in Green’s role on the PP for sure, should be interesting to see how that changes the dynamic.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Oct 16, 2010 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions
So true. I’m not really looking forward to three weak d-pairings. I’m hoping for Schultz/Carlson and Erskine/Alzner but yup who knows.
Alright, confess-how many goals are you going to make this year?
"I'm not going to tell!"
Well can you at least guarantee fifty?
"No way. I have a different objective. To win."
by capsyoungguns on Oct 16, 2010 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Erskine/Alzner didn’t look great last time we saw it…but maybe worth another shot. Given it’s in Nashville will be a lot harder to hide Sloan/Fahey if you stick them together.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Oct 16, 2010 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions
No they didn’t but it seemed better than Sloan/Alzner, tho’ Sloan is fast.
Alright, confess-how many goals are you going to make this year?
"I'm not going to tell!"
Well can you at least guarantee fifty?
"No way. I have a different objective. To win."
by capsyoungguns on Oct 16, 2010 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions
It looks like Schultz/Alzner and Erskine/Carlson and Sloan/Fahey. I will say Fahey sounds pretty excited. I didn’t realize that this will be his NHL debut. Hope he has a great game.
Alright, confess-how many goals are you going to make this year?
"I'm not going to tell!"
Well can you at least guarantee fifty?
"No way. I have a different objective. To win."
by capsyoungguns on Oct 16, 2010 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Hopefully he uses that adrenaline in a good way
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Oct 16, 2010 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Tonight will be Erskine and Sloan’s chance to prove they can be serviceable.
This is possibly the most unintentionally funny thing I’ve heard in some time.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
I was going to use a less complimentary word…that’s the sad part haha
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Oct 16, 2010 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Could’ve chatted all day long with Alan May. That was fun. Understatement of the day.
by Stephen Pepper on Oct 16, 2010 11:20 AM EDT reply actions
I just finished listening. It may just be Waxman and your best show to date, and I think that you guys have had some really great shows. Had May just stayed with discussing our current team I would have been happy, but he really brought it with his stories. I hope you bring him back. I bet he has a million more great tales of the old days.
Alright, confess-how many goals are you going to make this year?
"I'm not going to tell!"
Well can you at least guarantee fifty?
"No way. I have a different objective. To win."
by capsyoungguns on Oct 16, 2010 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions
I wouldn’t be surprised if May was just as happy for the audience. I agree, he needs a forum for more stories.
"It's always good to have vikings."
I’m a willing audience then. I also got a lot out of his discussion of the Caps current issues and emerging mind-set though. He was very specific, such as what Hendricks brought and how the team is working on little details that will pay of later. He was good with his analysis and I appreciated that. The stories were the icing. He’s a great story-teller.
Alright, confess-how many goals are you going to make this year?
"I'm not going to tell!"
Well can you at least guarantee fifty?
"No way. I have a different objective. To win."
by capsyoungguns on Oct 16, 2010 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions
I saw May around Kettler a lot near the end of last season. He was helping his son get autographs by the usual method: hope to bump into a player after practice. I liked that he didn’t seem to be using his status as a former Cap and a commentator to get everybody to sign in the locker room.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
Not sure this is much of a boon for us…Lindback has looked pretty solid thus far.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Oct 16, 2010 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Also, good to see you again CB. I was out and about most of the summer hadn’t seen you post over here in awhile.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Oct 16, 2010 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions
I was at the BSens-Bears game.
My God they are terrible. And they still haven’t learned to not pass the puck in front of their net. Nor have they learned to fight with their visors off.
Still a great game. For Bears fans at least.
by CaptainAwesome on Oct 16, 2010 12:56 PM EDT reply actions
So Neuvy is starting 5th straight, hopefully 2 days was enough rest. Sounds like Johansson is back in as well.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
Yeah, I’m a little worried about Neuvy for this game. He’s had a lot of work and tonight he’s playing behind 50% AHL D. If the Caps win he’ll have to be one of the best two players on the ice.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Either that or we’re in for one of those wild and crazy 6-5 OT wins…or losses. Just trying to figure out the logic of it…I guess roll with the hot goalie and see what Neuvy can do given the reins. Just have to wonder if Varly is healthy enough to backup why not play him?
Then again would be a little hopeful to just throw Varly out there off an injury with that same 50% AHL D.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Oct 16, 2010 4:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Could be anything. Maybe they don’t want to have Varly scrambling behind bad D coverage, maybe they just have more confidence that Neuvy can handle the challenge because he’s been playing so well. Varly will get in the net eventually but I have no problem rewarding Neuvy for his great start.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Agreed, and the kid seems to be handling it quite well. Hope that rebound control is back to his norm tonight. Also just happy to see Mackan able to go again. Felt like there was a lot of shuffling of the bottom 6 even during the game on Wed against the Isles with mixed results.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Oct 16, 2010 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions
I just figured they were saving his first start for at home. But given the mess that is the blue line, maybe it’s best not to tempt fate with his groin tonight. Hopefully, one or both of Green and Poti will be back on Tuesday.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Assuming Green’s injury really is just a stinger…I’m sure they figured giving him tonight off would give him almost a full week to rest it up.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Oct 16, 2010 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t assume anything they say is true. Varly was out with “a maintenance day” and that turned into how many weeks?
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Exactly…that Green scenario is just my optimism talking.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Oct 16, 2010 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions
I’d forgotten about this, but caught it on the twitter – Caps making around the NHL minimum are paying to play tonight. TN has an “entertainment tax” of $2,500 per game, up to $7,500 per season.
"It's always good to have vikings."
That has to be per group, though. I mean, if you’re a 5-piece band playing in Nashville, you have to pay $12,500 to get on stage? That seems nuts.
Nope. Per person. There was a post over at On the Forecheck last spring about it. But it appears to be only NBA and NHL. Besides, if it applied to individual acts, no one would perform in Tennessee. Pro athletes are stuck.
http://ht.ly/2UcRP
"It's always good to have vikings."
forgive the politics for a moment, but this is the sort of crap that happens when you eliminate income taxes. BS.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
That and really crappy schools, people might like the low taxes in the south, but they come with alot of problems
Aim for the head baby Jesus
Judging by the Report Card on American Education this is false and a gross oversimplification/stereotype. The states with no income tax seem to do just fine compared to the rest of the country.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
You can’t say “forget the politics” and then throw out a comment like that. There are states with income taxes that have fucked themselves and states without income taxes that are doing fine. I’m personally a fan of living in a state with no income tax, and I wish I had a reason to move back to one.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
*
My bad, I thought you said “forget” and not “forgive.”
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
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