Tuesday Caps Clips: Bruins @ Caps Game Day
by J.P. on Oct 19, 2010 6:41 AM EDT
in Caps Clips
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PrintYour savory breakfast links:
- Previews of tonight's tussle with the B's from Vogs, NHL.com, Peerless, CSN New England, NESN, RtR, KOL, LIR and RLS, and be sure to check out our SB Nation partner Stanley Cup of Chowder for more coverage from the other side of tonight's match up.
- Notes and pics from yesterday's practice. [CI, Caps Snaps]
- The Caps are off to a great start, points-wise, but the hockey hasn't been particularly pretty outside of Michal Neuvirth's goaltending, a few clutch goals and the penalty kill. [Masisak, Carrera]
- Speaking of Neuvy, he's currently running sixth in The Hockey News' Vezina race... [THN]
- ... and tops one site's netminders de la semaine. [In Goal Magazine]
- Word of the penalty kill's success is drawing some attention outside of D.C... [ESPN]
- ... and more attention here at home. [CI]
- Alan May on how to succeed in the salary cap era (spoiler alert: Lou Lamoriello's doing it wrong). [CSN Washington]
- Is it just Elliotte Friedman, or is Alexander Ovechkin concentrating on shooting low? (Here's the answer, by the way.) [CBC]
- And speaking of AO, he and Semyon Varlamov were up in Bristol to shoot an ad for the Worldwide Leader yesterday... [ESPN, PHT, Alex Ovetjkin]
- ... where Varly said (presumably sans interpreter) he's starting Thursday night. [@Buccigross]
- Here's a Brooks Laich radio hit from the other day that slipped through the cracks. [KJR AM (audio)]
- Plenty of pics (but none funnier than the first few) from last night's Season Ticket Holder party. [Capitals News Network]
- An indispensable guide to getting your beer on at the VC. (Me? I'm a Section 107 guy.) [D.C. Sports Bog]
- Mathieu Perreault proves he's not too small. OK, maybe "proves" is too strong a word to use just yet. [LDN]
- A close look at Dany Sabourin's Hershey debut. [Stack the Pads]
- Grant McNeill is the king of all Bears, apparently. [RtR]
- Pics from Opening Night in Chocolatetown (Joel Rechlicz is mortifying). [SHOE]
- Bear Tracks! [LDN]
- The Caps' first pick in the 2008 draft - Anton Gustafsson - has packed up his gear and headed back to Sweden because "he is not enjoying hockey at this point in his career." Too bad for the kid and for the team, and in a bizarre coincidence (right?), that makes two of the Caps' first three picks from that draft who have already bailed on hockey. [Dump 'n Chase, Rink Rebel]
- A look at the kids. [RMNB]
- Finally, happy 27th birthday to Boyd Gordon (and thanks for the reminder, CO).
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So Gus can officially be labeled a bust. At least my leafs-loving buddy who called it on draft day still has to suffer his crappy team. Wait, what’s Toronto’s record again? Damn…
A danger to myself and others on the ice
by can't skate on Oct 19, 2010 7:39 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
My fear is that we will look back on the 05 and 08 drafts and say “what if” we only hit on 1 of those top three picks. For a team that is relying so heavily on developing through the draft, missing out on three first round picks in four years is not good at all. The team is very fortunate that AHH74 has panned out so well and so quickly.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Oct 19, 2010 8:54 AM EDT up reply actions
On one hand, having draft busts stinks. On the other hand, it’s not like we have a lot of open spots on the roster; if those picks had panned out, is it possible the only difference is that there would have been trades (regular or deadline) that might have been made? Think about how guys have been stuck in Hershey (i.e. Alzner though last year) because of the logjam.
"It's always good to have vikings."
We have a 2C spot and a couple of D spots open that might have been filled by guys who could still be on ELC’s. Plus you might not have had to trade assets for guys like Belanger and Corvo. It’s always nice to have assets to move around if necessary.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Oct 19, 2010 9:37 AM EDT up reply actions
We do have roster issues, the point is really that Gus was a bad pick. The others may be bad luck
A danger to myself and others on the ice
by can't skate on Oct 19, 2010 10:54 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
....
There are so many pictures here just begging to be ’shopped. For example:
It takes a special kind of man to be a Scuttlin' Crab Man
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Oct 19, 2010 7:40 AM EDT reply actions
It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it…
Bacsemon!
Actually, they look like they’re being unloaded from the hold of a cargo ship.
If you've read this far...seek help.
$20 says Sarge didn’t hit anything.
Zing!
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 19, 2010 7:45 AM EDT up reply actions 9 recs
Congrats! You’ve just won your very own OFB mug!
It takes a special kind of man to be a Scuttlin' Crab Man
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Oct 19, 2010 7:50 AM EDT up reply actions
The Sochi warmup jacket and McFly-esque vest was…something.
Because he's class, and you're not.
by Bald Pollack on Oct 19, 2010 7:50 AM EDT up reply actions
Hey, look – Semin floating for a change.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Shouldn’t Backstrom be centering that line?
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 19, 2010 8:19 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Schultz and Co are thinking: “We must defeat that detestable Neuvirth!”
"Yes, but Rimmer Directive 271 states just as clearly, 'No chance you metal ba****d.'"
by apk3000 on Oct 19, 2010 8:43 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Backstrom’s rocking the Sweeny Todd hairstyle.
"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 19, 2010 9:08 AM EDT up reply actions
The demon center of F Street!
You had me at no problem.
by Ninjak on Oct 19, 2010 9:11 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Neuvy looks thrilled to be shooting for a change.
There's always more to learn about Hockey.
by WordsOnIce on Oct 19, 2010 9:31 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
He’s like a kid in a candy shop in that picture.
"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 19, 2010 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions
I loved the caption:
Schultz, King and Neuvy water pistol racing. Neuvy won!
Figures that Neuvirth is the best shooter among the three of them…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 19, 2010 9:48 AM EDT up reply actions
At least we know Halak would be bad at water pistol racing.
"Now wait a minute. This is just purely a social call. You know, just two adults getting a stew on, man."
by The Ghost of Bebop on Oct 19, 2010 9:52 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Semin was also playing the water-shooting game. You just can’t see him in the picture, because he was standing 60 feet away from the target, shooting through traffic.
"Do not be afraid to ask for credit, for our way of refusing is very polite."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Oct 19, 2010 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
Is it wise to make a Semin shooting joke?
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 19, 2010 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions
DJ King’s hat is from the Jonas Hiller collection.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 19, 2010 10:15 AM EDT up reply actions
Joel Rechlicz = best hockey mug
That is one awesome picture of Joel. Maybe baby Gus saw that and decided to tuck tail and head back to Sweden.
These pics don’t capture Semin screaming like a little girl at the top or the priceless look on Backstrom’s face on the first drop. (Hint: Terror is a good start.) Too funny, though.
Fantasy Teams: Baby Got Backstrom (Ladies of Twitter) and All's Fehr in the Crease (Six Beers Too Many)
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
I’m sure it doesn’t capture the full awesomeness of the experience but here’s a twitvid of the ride, via @itallfallsdwn on twitter.
Thanks. Can’t look from work but will look when I get home. I was in the Carlson line when this happened, so I got to watch the whole thing.
Fantasy Teams: Baby Got Backstrom (Ladies of Twitter) and All's Fehr in the Crease (Six Beers Too Many)
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Maybe it’s me, but for an ex-player Alan May’s written content is a little better than I was expecting.
Because he's class, and you're not.
His formula is interesting (paraphrased below for those that don’t click through):
A dominant top line, all three players being high end scorers;
A very good 2-way center on the second line;
One very good 2-way defender;
Three good defensive defensemen; and
A good workhorse goalie.
Depth players in the rest of the lineup slots.
If you are particularly strong in either goal or defense, you can get by with a bit less in the other category.
My reactions:
One, that formula is sort of a no-brainer, but the level of specificity raises it above the level of cliche, so nice work by Mr May.
Two, that’s 9 “impact” players, which a little subtraction tells us you should have 11 – 14 minimum-salary grunts on your roster.
Finally, how do the Caps stack up?
Dominant top line – check (even if you take out Knuble, I think you can slot in Fehr in that position without too much blushing).
Good 2-way center for 2C – negative. MJ90 might be that guy, but I don’t think you can even project him there at this point.
Good 2-way defender – check. Mike Green.
2 good defensive defenders – not really, not right now. Schultz is a yes, but KA and JC aren’t there yet.
Stalwart starting G – Maybe. It remains to be seen if Neuvy is more than a flash in the pan, and if Varly can stay healthy.
On the last criteria, the salary structure of the rest of the roster, it looks like the Caps are paying too much for a good portion of the filler in their roster. If you figure that between $550K – $1M is the salary range you want to hit, the Caps don’t look that great. Steckel, Flash, Semin, Laich, Chimera, and Erskine are all overpayments for role players.
Sorry for the Russian-novel-length post.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
The question isn’t whether he’s an impact player or not. He is. The question is, ought you pay for an elite scoring winger to play on your second line?
Under May’s formula, you could afford Semin if he played on the first line. But issues of line balance (which May does not address) then arise. If your first line is AO, Backs and Semin, who provides the net presence? Assuming you need some net presence, which I do.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
I would have to dispute May’s formula to an extent. When Pittsburgh won the Cup 2 years ago, they were missing a few pieces of that formula, such as 2 good first liners, a good goalie, and arguably a good two-way center on the 2nd. Malkin was good on offense, but he’s not two-way.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
Well, that’s a pretty good point. As I was reflecting, I can’t off the top of my head think of any recent roster for the very good teams that adhered exactly to May’s formula. Maybe Vancouver, but I don’t know enough about the WC teams to know for sure. (F&B will, when he gets here.)
And, really, the formula is just an expansion on some old hockey nostrums. “Build a team from the back.” “Defense wins championships.” “You have to be strong down the middle.” Etc. I do think the specific details he supplies make it more than just drivel, though. Now, whether it’s accurate non-drivel, well, that’s the Big Question.
I would call that formula May’s version of the “perfect roster” – the goal being to get as close to it as you can.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
I don’t disagree with his formula, because it is a good one. But it’s only one way out of many. I think the Caps could have the pieces they need now, depending on how some players perform. Mainly, I would think of Semin, Flash, Laich, Green, Alzner, and Carlson.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
I think first line/second line is semantics to a large degree. Semin is a top line quality player, so we do have the 3 elite offensive players he talks about. Where we deviate is on the 2C, and it’s going to hurt us, and I’m sure he knows it.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I’m with Karl – putting Semin, Laich, and Flash up there as “role players” doesn’t fit. A 40 goal scorer and a pair of 20-25 goals scorers aren’t role players – they are worth a good amount. I think all 3 are overpaid, but not role players.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
You’re missing the point. The point isn’t whether they’re good, or if they’re impact players. The point is, if your goal is to be an elite team, are they the sort of players you ought to have on the roster. May’s answer is clearly “no”.
GM Alan May would not pay $10M+ to Semin, Laich, and Flash. He would pay, say, $5M to a “do-everything” 2C and then have a couple of plugger wings filling the 2L and 2R spots for at or under $1M each.
Is that a better way to construct a roster? That’s the question.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
$5M to a "do-everything" 2C
In other words, Mike Richards. His cap is $5M and change, I think.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Nice pic today, JP. Ovi and Johnny Boychuk are always entertaining.
"HISTORY DOESN’T MATTER!!! .... Who cares if it’s never been done? We aren’t those teams who failed before. We are in control of our own destiny, and we will make it happen our own way.." - A Gordon, June 2010
by bagace on Oct 19, 2010 8:29 AM EDT reply actions 6 recs
That’s a no-look rec’ing.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Ovi went three for three on that shift.
Don’t make fun of my obsession over ketchup dispensers ever again! ;) Ted Leonsis
3 for 4 maybe
Hockey Blog Adventure: New Post: Trip Report - Prague Pictures! (I'm also on Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)
by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 9:30 AM EDT up reply actions
Unless you skip the first 6 seconds where he skates into Boychuk and falls down, of course. And then the 4th attempt by ovie where he falls to his knees before getting up and finally knocking over ol’ blue eyed 55.
Good clip, though.
Hockey Blog Adventure: New Post: Trip Report - Prague Pictures! (I'm also on Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)
by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions
Any word on how many times Neuvy signed “GO F YOURSELF” in Czech on kid’s jerseys? How about the number of kids he cut in front of for the Superman ride, which I’m sure he renamed the Neuvyman Ride?
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Oct 19, 2010 8:57 AM EDT up reply actions
I know you guys are kidding but I want to add a seriously-pleased addendum. I was in the Neuvy/Alzner line while my family got food. They were late and got to the line just after I had given up on them and had the guys sign my son’s first jersey which he uses for autographs. But my son had a brand new Neuvy jersey that he had really wanted signed. Not only did they let him join me but Neuvy also took the time to write his name and number carefully on his number on the back. I’m not sure my son is going to take his jersey off any time soon.
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 19, 2010 9:46 AM EDT up reply actions 7 recs
Can’t say it any straighter than Corey does – although I will point out that he hits basically all the points that were hashed out here yesterday, in the Clips thread. I guess at this point we can only watch the games and see if the Caps progress.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
I got home late and decided to read that discussion. My summary is:
“O Noes, Caps are winning ugly! This is the worst of all worlds — they would learn better lessons if they would lose or if they would win pretty.”
Can’t say I agree, but there you go.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 19, 2010 9:54 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
It’s a conundrum, ain’t it? On the one hand, the regular season doesn’t matter, but on the other, when the team plays like they share that opinion, it makes me unhappy. It’s nice to have the points, but it’s not nice to have them sleep walk thru long stretches of the game. Having great goaltending is aces; needing great goaltending against the Islanders, Predators, and Ottawas of the world isn’t.
I guess here’s where I come down. I’ve soaked up all the joy in regular season points that I can. Now I’m looking for some indication that the team can perform in the spring and summer. Their performance so far this year does not give me any warm and fuzzies in that regard.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
At this point, the Caps have been strong the PK, which I wasn’t expecting. My assumption is that it takes some time for everyone to get in sync, but I hope they remember how to execute the things that had been their strengths, and that they learn to be consistent.
Don’t make fun of my obsession over ketchup dispensers ever again! ;) Ted Leonsis
I’ve soaked up all the joy in regular season points that I can.
I’m sad for you. The two OT winners have been really exciting. The play of Neuvirth, Alzner, Carlson, and especially (for me) Boyd Gordon have given me great joy.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 19, 2010 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions
But we’re Caps fans. We can’t be happy about anything until April. Right?
Fantasy Teams: Baby Got Backstrom (Ladies of Twitter) and All's Fehr in the Crease (Six Beers Too Many)
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Given our recent playoff history I’d say that if Caps fans can derive any pleasure in the hockey season at all it is typically before April.
…Hopefully that changes soon.
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Oct 19, 2010 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions
"O Noes, Caps are winning ugly! This is the worst of all worlds — they would learn better lessons if they would lose or if they would win pretty."
At this point I’d settle for learning any lessons at all, as these behaviors have been going on for awhile. That said, if half-stepping it now means at some point they (finally) play consistent games 6 months from now I’m all for it.
Because he's class, and you're not.
by Bald Pollack on Oct 19, 2010 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, the PK was a problem for a long while too. To me, it’s just the first thing they’ve fixed and they have 77 games to get it all done. I have faith (and patience) that this April the team will be one we are all very proud of. J.P. might even be willing to wear shoes with laces.
Country Gentlemen's Pig Fertilizer Gazette
Dunny-on-the-World
Is there a reason tonight’s game is a 7:30 start?
John Carlson - Glory follows him.
Six Beers Too Many Fantasy Team - BizNasty's Hobo Rodeo
TSN?
Because he's class, and you're not.
by Bald Pollack on Oct 19, 2010 8:57 AM EDT up reply actions
It’s on Versus. Need half hour of bloviating and marveling at Engblom’s hair before puck drop.
Not sure how others feel, but I would prefer 7:30 starts on weekday games.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Oct 19, 2010 8:58 AM EDT up reply actions
Interesting. Are you guys coming from DC or the suburbs? I know coming from NoVA/Tysons its sometimes tough to get downtown in time unless I leave work right at or around 5, which is not always possible.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Oct 19, 2010 9:06 AM EDT up reply actions
The trip in from the WFC metro stop isn’t horrible. Then again, it saves you…oh yeah. It’s actually more to park. :-(
Country Gentlemen's Pig Fertilizer Gazette
Dunny-on-the-World
I usually take Metro from there, but sometimes I’ll drive. It’s about breakeven on the cost, except on weekends when Metro is cheap and parking is free.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Thats my stop as well. But I drive down now. The math says its cheaper since I only pay 10 bucks to park.
Fail. Metro’s enough of a nightmare after games already.
Don’t make fun of my obsession over ketchup dispensers ever again! ;) Ted Leonsis
I always speed-walk to Judiciary Square, to catch the train before the insanity at Gallery Place.
You had me at no problem.
I’m speedwalking to Metro Center, since I’m looking for blue/orange to Rosslyn. The problem is the length of the wait for a train.
Don’t make fun of my obsession over ketchup dispensers ever again! ;) Ted Leonsis
We’ve started walking down 7th street to pick up the train at Archives.
It takes a special kind of man to be a Scuttlin' Crab Man
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Oct 19, 2010 9:27 AM EDT up reply actions
same here. amazing how few people actually do this.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
We started doing it by accident. Walked down 7th street after the Preds Preseason game to go to the Red Velvet Cupcakery, and just kept walking on down to the station. It was awesome, and we’ll definitely be doing that from now on.
It takes a special kind of man to be a Scuttlin' Crab Man
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Oct 19, 2010 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions
Red Velvet is pure evil goodness.
"I don't care about winning the division or winning the President's Trophy. I just care about getting to the playoffs." --GMGM
by bigonetimer on Oct 19, 2010 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions
It’s godawfully overpriced, but it’s a nice treat to stop and have every once in a while.
It takes a special kind of man to be a Scuttlin' Crab Man
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Oct 19, 2010 11:49 AM EDT up reply actions
Cupcakes
I tire of this cupcake trend. WHERE’S MY McRIB? 
"If you want money go to the bank, if you want bread go to the bakery if you want goals go to the net." - #21
by snakegriffin on Oct 19, 2010 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions
Perhaps it’s in the OT thread?
Because he's class, and you're not.
by Bald Pollack on Oct 19, 2010 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Getting OT.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Oct 19, 2010 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions
Plus, that way you pass cupcakes.
If wishes were horses, we'd all be eating steak.
by Hang a Laingtern on Your Problems on Oct 19, 2010 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions
. . . and reading comprehension fail. But the cupcakes
If wishes were horses, we'd all be eating steak.
by Hang a Laingtern on Your Problems on Oct 19, 2010 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions
Apropos of likely nothing but, from my phone:
@brettleonhardt: Get to VC early tonight. I’ll be spinning from 6 (doors open) right into warm-ups tonight. Some soul, indie, MJ tribute, few classics.
Fantasy Teams: Baby Got Backstrom (Ladies of Twitter) and All's Fehr in the Crease (Six Beers Too Many)
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
has stretch been given an official/fan adopted DJ nickname yet?
Country Gentlemen's Pig Fertilizer Gazette
Dunny-on-the-World
I believe DJ 80 and DJ Genius were knocked around on another thread.
There's always more to learn about Hockey.
Sounds like something an ambitious person (w/o 3 dogs to walk and thesis revisions to do) should do something about. Fanshot poll? Anyone? Anyone?
Country Gentlemen's Pig Fertilizer Gazette
Dunny-on-the-World
DJ Jazzy Stretch. ducks
Sorry sorry, couldn’t help myself…
There's always more to learn about Hockey.
I HATE 7:30 games.
It takes a special kind of man to be a Scuttlin' Crab Man
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Oct 19, 2010 9:26 AM EDT up reply actions
7:30 AND its on Versus. Poor combination.
I don’t have much tolerance for stupid. Or cheese on food that doesn’t need it. -duck
by twistedlogic on Oct 19, 2010 9:28 AM EDT up reply actions
Better than a noon or 3:00 game on NBC. The boys always seem to come out flat for the early games.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Oct 19, 2010 9:31 AM EDT up reply actions
Apparently.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Oct 19, 2010 9:34 AM EDT up reply actions
Last year on NBC 2 -0-1. OK, they were all in OT, and the last one was a shootout that Bruce gave away. And I know this doesn’t actually contradict your point, as the two wins were comebacks from bad deficits.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Ovi himself has said that he prefers night games…it allows him to get his afternoon nap in beforehand.
"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 19, 2010 9:42 AM EDT up reply actions
I think we all should get afternoon naps at our jobs, right?
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
And bag skate us if we didn’t deliver.
Don’t make fun of my obsession over ketchup dispensers ever again! ;) Ted Leonsis
I’d be here late anyways since the game is at 730.
I don’t have much tolerance for stupid. Or cheese on food that doesn’t need it. -duck
by twistedlogic on Oct 19, 2010 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions
I think it’s a perk you get if, whenever you do anything at your job, you are likely to have 18000+ people either cheering or AWWW!! ing at you.
I mean, think about it. How would you do if you did something wrong at work and everyone around you stood up and let out that loud, disappointed AWAWWW!!
There's always more to learn about Hockey.
Yeah, people cry at my work, and it’s silent. I can only imagine what kind of terror might be unleashed if they had a live studio audience watching.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 19, 2010 9:53 AM EDT up reply actions
Not so far. However, the first month I was here, we had champange every afternoon every couple of days as people did their doctoral defenses. Best. Job. Ever.
There's always more to learn about Hockey.
OTOT.
Because he's class, and you're not.
by Bald Pollack on Oct 19, 2010 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions
For $13M per, I’d take it.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
And if he wants his AO hat trick for an afternoon game, that first blonde has to be up bright ’n early, I suppose.
I just wish I actually saw evidence that they play better in night games. I’m not convinced they do.
by red army line on Oct 19, 2010 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m with you YLM. Alarm goes off at 0300. Plus I thought I saw something from Metro that projects additional delays on the Orange line between Ballston & EFC tonight but now I can’t find it. Might as well just go back to work after tonight’s game!
He's a better skater than Nick, but he's big in the back[side]...BB
by Backeez Got Back on Oct 19, 2010 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions
Dr. Gridlock column in WaPo “Expect Delays Due to Track Work”
Don’t make fun of my obsession over ketchup dispensers ever again! ;) Ted Leonsis
Metro’s motto is “expect delays”
I don’t have much tolerance for stupid. Or cheese on food that doesn’t need it. -duck
by twistedlogic on Oct 19, 2010 9:41 AM EDT up reply actions
Which is why, if it’s not a Friday or weekend game, we’re outta the building with 10:00 to go in the third.
It takes a special kind of man to be a Scuttlin' Crab Man
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Oct 19, 2010 9:42 AM EDT up reply actions
Yikes…I could never do that. My dad raised us to never leave games early, I have so many memories of just falling asleep in the car because we’d be getting home so late.
…which now that I describe it makes my dad sound like a horrible parent :P Usually they only brought me and my sister to weekend games, so it was fine.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
I disagree, that sounds like a solid upbringing.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 9:52 AM EDT up reply actions
I always thought so :) It would usually take forever just to get out of the parking lot so I’d put my seat back, curl up in my jersey and go to sleep with the postgame show in the background.
Actually those are some of my fondest memories – it’s weird the things you remember. The games themselves, while fun, kind of blur together but the memory of falling asleep in the car to Ken Beatrice (used to be the postgame guy here in DC) is crystal clear.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
I have a distinct childhood memory of leaving a game early when the Caps were down by 2 with 90 seconds left. By the time we got to the car, the game was tied. That never happened again.
I don’t know and never will understand people that leave early for traffic reasons when the game is within 2 goals. Stay home. Really. Just stay home.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
If you aren’t staying until the end, what’s the point of going to begin with? Do you leave movies before the big car chase/fight scene/Mandy Moore getting cancer?
by Kerry Fraser's Hairspray on Oct 19, 2010 9:53 AM EDT up reply actions
My point exactly. Does Mandy Moore always get cancer? I thought that was Julia Roberts.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
Some of us have to be up at 5 in the morning and live in Baltimore. It’s life.
It takes a special kind of man to be a Scuttlin' Crab Man
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Oct 19, 2010 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
And it’s nowhere on the Metro’s website, as I looked already this morning, as I’m trying to decide on transit tonight. I think I’m opting to drive, but I have to decide how I’m getting out of town, too, because last time all the road construction was a killer. I think I’ll head through Georgetown tonight. How much worse could it be? (Don’t answer that.)
"It's always good to have vikings."
I am surprised there haven’t been recent emails reminding people of the 7:30 start time given the original printed tickets indicate 7pm. I expected to get one within the last 24 hours with a reminder. Did the Caps send out a recent reminder that I missed?
I said I didn’t get one. Unless it was hidden in one of the longer Caps messages, which is possible.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
looks like they just sent out a reminder with the game notes email:
As a reminder, tonight’s game will be nationally televised on Versus and will begin at 7:30 p.m. Doors will still open at 6:00 p.m. as usual.
"Yes, but Rimmer Directive 271 states just as clearly, 'No chance you metal ba****d.'"
Great comment on Steinberg’s post on beer at the booth:
“So you can get a Dos Equis, Corona, Stella or a Bass at a hockey game, but not a Labatts or Molson?
Something here is wrong…terribly wrong.”
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
Just because Labatts and Molson are Canadian doesn’t make them any good.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 19, 2010 9:37 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Amen brother.
It takes a special kind of man to be a Scuttlin' Crab Man
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Oct 19, 2010 9:39 AM EDT up reply actions
Was that the Hulk Hogan “Amen, brother.” Or more of the Preacher : Congregation variety?
Country Gentlemen's Pig Fertilizer Gazette
Dunny-on-the-World
Both.
It takes a special kind of man to be a Scuttlin' Crab Man
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Oct 19, 2010 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions
If they start serving Fin Du Monde at games, I’ll put my car up as collateral against season tickets. It’d so be worth it.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Oct 19, 2010 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions
That’s my stop, so it all works out.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Oct 19, 2010 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions
What do Canadians know about beer anyways?
I don’t have much tolerance for stupid. Or cheese on food that doesn’t need it. -duck
by twistedlogic on Oct 19, 2010 9:42 AM EDT up reply actions
Eh?
I poured spot remover on my dog. Now he's gone.
by Rather Bengt on Oct 19, 2010 9:45 AM EDT up reply actions
Love that Great White North take on the 12 Days of Christmas.
How’s it goin’ eh?
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
Just saw Stripes again the other day. John Candy is definitely missed.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
Growing up in northern NY, I have an appreciation for the commercial Canadian brews, but I wouldn’t say they’re anything special. But then again, neither is Steinberg.
"If you want money go to the bank, if you want bread go to the bakery if you want goals go to the net." - #21
by snakegriffin on Oct 19, 2010 9:45 AM EDT up reply actions
This is all relative to the area – Labatt and Molson are much much tastier when in Canada – I think the shipping really hurts their flavor.
I like Blue Dry…and it’s not just the shipping, the alcohol content in Canadian beer is higher. Actually in all beer in general, American beer gets produced up north w/ higher alcohol content and tastes a little different.
Had a bunch of Canadian friends who didn’t believe me when I told them how awful Budweiser is…until they went to Daytona for spring break one year and experienced it themselves.
And this is probably getting OT. :)
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
Here here….though if they’re the only beers…
A danger to myself and others on the ice
by can't skate on Oct 19, 2010 11:08 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
After last night’s game, Erik Karlsson and Sergei Gonchar are now a combined -8 on the season. Ottawa only has one defenseman in the +’s, and that’s Brian Lee at +2. Ouch.
It takes a special kind of man to be a Scuttlin' Crab Man
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Oct 19, 2010 9:35 AM EDT reply actions
That Gonch signing was an epic fail from the get go. On the bright side, only 2.94 more years to go on his contract!
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
It gets worse when you figure that, according to Friedman:
22. Milan Michalek said brother Zbynek really wanted to join him in Ottawa, but the Senators targeted Sergei Gonchar instead. GM Bryan Murray said his four main interests were Gonchar, Michalek, Anton Volchenkov and Paul Martin. He called Gonchar first and was asked to make an immediate choice.
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Oct 19, 2010 10:36 AM EDT up reply actions
Oh, Bryan. That’s bad.
Although Gonch is signed for less term, and Michalek is still (I think) on the shelf…
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
Both true. Plus in theory it made sense, Gonchar was technically brought in to boost their crappy power play – you know, the one that has scored exactly 2 goals in 24 chances? Yeah, that one.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
The better decision would have been to recognize that their window has closed and to start the rebuild process. That would have meant no Gonch signing. And also getting ready to jettison Spezza, Alfie and the rest of the higher end guys. I guess the win streak and the relatively high finish last year convinced Murray he had one more year in the tank.
Easy to say from where I sit, of course.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
He still would have been a better fit there than Gonchar. Would have slid right into Volchenkov’s old role.
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Oct 19, 2010 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions
Gonchar’s GAON/60 is 4.21. His GAOFF/60 is 2.92. That’s just absurd.
It takes a special kind of man to be a Scuttlin' Crab Man
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Oct 19, 2010 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions
Even that GAOFF number is bad. The first number, of course, is putrid.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
Gonch was done last season. Shero realized it and went out and signed Martin & Z. I have to assume Murray was watching old video of Sergei when he decided to sign him. I thought Bryan was a decent coach, but some of his moves as GM in Ottawa make me scratch my head.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Links guy at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on Oct 19, 2010 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions
My girlfriend is staying at the same hotel as the Caps tonight. She’ll probably get more autographs than I got at the convention (and better ones, too).
"If you want money go to the bank, if you want bread go to the bakery if you want goals go to the net." - #21
If she were to sleep with Brooksie, and then came home to me, I would then have technically slept with Brooksie via proxy and my man crush would be complete. Or something like that. I do not condone this, but I think I could live with it.
"If you want money go to the bank, if you want bread go to the bakery if you want goals go to the net." - #21
by snakegriffin on Oct 19, 2010 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Until the horrible truth set in that your new baby might be a new Brooksie.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 19, 2010 9:52 AM EDT up reply actions
I’d turn him into a second line center or a S@H D to appease the CI crowd. Life would go on.
"If you want money go to the bank, if you want bread go to the bakery if you want goals go to the net." - #21
by snakegriffin on Oct 19, 2010 9:53 AM EDT up reply actions
Eh, I wouldn’t want to knowingly be eskimo brothers (NSFW) with anyone. Even Brooksie.
#NeedsMoreBradley
Buddy of mine is eskimo brothers with Elvis. Seriously. Just braggin;.
We're Hüsker Dü and we're on MTV. Who are you, and what are you on?
by bilspacecadet on Oct 19, 2010 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions
Way off topic and really, dude? TMI.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Oct 19, 2010 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions
Sorry, I’ll go back to the Fin Du Monde and cupcakes threads….
We're Hüsker Dü and we're on MTV. Who are you, and what are you on?
by bilspacecadet on Oct 19, 2010 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Beer at the arena vs. Eskimo brothers with Elvis. These are similar.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Oct 19, 2010 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh, I’m just joking—papa don’t take no mess….
We're Hüsker Dü and we're on MTV. Who are you, and what are you on?
by bilspacecadet on Oct 19, 2010 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Woah. I clicked the link to Stanley Cup of Chowder. From their injury report:
Player Injury Type Injury Date
Tom Poti other-excused 10/17/2010
Matt Bradley other-excused 10/17/2010
Mike Green spine 10/17/2010
"It's always good to have vikings."
Huh? Spine?
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
He has a stinger, right? That’s spinal, as best I understand it (I’m no doctor). So sounds right to me.
Stinger is a nerve issue, isn’t it? And in his shoulder in this case. Nothing spinal there.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
As in he hasn’t got one, I assume. 
Hockey Blog Adventure: New Post: Trip Report - Prague Pictures! (I'm also on Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)
by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
That is one creepy smiley face.
"Now wait a minute. This is just purely a social call. You know, just two adults getting a stew on, man."
by The Ghost of Bebop on Oct 19, 2010 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions
I was assuming the snark. Can someone give that to Green for his bulletin board?
"It's always good to have vikings."
You’re closer.
Hockey Blog Adventure: New Post: Trip Report - Prague Pictures! (I'm also on Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)
by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions
Lord, I hope not. The last thing Green needs is to take to the ice trying to prove everyone that he’s a tough guy.
by David Getz on Oct 19, 2010 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
But of the two, who’s been suspended more? That’s right, mean Mike Green.
I poured spot remover on my dog. Now he's gone.
by Rather Bengt on Oct 19, 2010 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions
I didn’t mean it that way. No, I don’t want him trying to be tough, I just want him to “stay angry”.
"It's always good to have vikings."
I just want him to play like he’s been so far and stop speaking so much.
Because he's class, and you're not.
by Bald Pollack on Oct 19, 2010 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
On a related note, my “stay bitter” shirt just came. It’s got a picture of Halak’s mask on the front and Hal Gill blocking an Alex Semin shot on the back. good times.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 19, 2010 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
gross, habs
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions
Also get lost Bruins fan. :-) I saw that post.
Let me be the first to say Go Bruins, screw Washington.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 9:25 AM EDT reply actions
"It's always good to have vikings."
Somebody had to say something, and that seemed as appropriate as any.
Hockey Blog Adventure: New Post: Trip Report - Prague Pictures! (I'm also on Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)
by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions
They’re not so chatty over there – clearly scared about tonight’s matchup ;)
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
Or enjoying their morning chowdah.
I poured spot remover on my dog. Now he's gone.
by Rather Bengt on Oct 19, 2010 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah it would be cool if more people commented over there but SCoC isn’t exactly the media empire Jasper’s is.
Hockey Blog Adventure: New Post: Trip Report - Prague Pictures! (I'm also on Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)
by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions
Who is this Jasper, and why isn’t he ever here?
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 19, 2010 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions
000
In his defense, he has been frozen for a while
It takes a special kind of man to be a Scuttlin' Crab Man
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Oct 19, 2010 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions
You’re the voice of reason over there this morning, wow – I’d respond to some of these people but I don’t want to get banninated from SCoC ;)
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
Psh…you get banned? You’re way politer than I am, and I haven’t been banned…yet.
by red army line on Oct 19, 2010 1:06 PM EDT up reply actions
may as well jump in
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Meh. I’m still wishing I’d answered the guy in Nashville who yelled “Fuck the Capitals!” at me with “Nice to see you’re willing to reciprocate.”
Fantasy Teams: Baby Got Backstrom (Ladies of Twitter) and All's Fehr in the Crease (Six Beers Too Many)
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Tell him the jerk store called.
FREE MP
by jordanDC on Oct 19, 2010 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
too good for smugdog? 
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.
Sometimes you’ve gotta go with the classic.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions
Spine?
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Oct 19, 2010 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions
Not going to lie, I laughed.
Because he's class, and you're not.
by Bald Pollack on Oct 19, 2010 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions
Maybe Green's a TMBG fan?
"Now wait a minute. This is just purely a social call. You know, just two adults getting a stew on, man."
by The Ghost of Bebop on Oct 19, 2010 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions
A Massachusetts band.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions
Ok, so it’s the end of the 1st period in Nashville. Mackan is off the ice in the penalty box for 30 more seconds when Carlson takes a penalty to make it a 5-3. For the faceoff, Boudreau sends out Stex, Laich and a D. They kill the 30 seconds, and Mackan comes out of the box. Now it’s a 5-4, with Mackan and Laich as the forwards and Stex rotating back to play D until they can force a faceoff.
I understand why, on a 5-3, you play one D and two Fs. But would it have been better to send out a D to play the F position for 30 seconds? That way, when Mackan comes out of the box, you have your standard PK — 2 D and a 2 F. Or is 30 seconds of 5-3 so long that you just put out the guys who practice that together and if you kill the 30 seconds and end up with 3 F and 1 D, that’s a good problem to have?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 19, 2010 10:05 AM EDT reply actions
maybe BB figured 30 sec was too long, and went with the standard setup, hoping they’d get a clear somewhere in there where he could send out another D for one of the F
LET'S GO CAPS!!!
I think you just try and get through the 5-on-3 first when it’s 30 secs long.
by red army line on Oct 19, 2010 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions
My guess is that it is the desire to win the dzone faceoff. If Stecks gets tossed, Laich provides a much better shot to win the draw that Schultz or Erskine.
I’m guessing that they lost the draw and Stecks/Laich couldn’t get off the ice to be replaced by a d-man before Mackan got out of the box.
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
I think you play the :30 of 5 on 3 with the best possible 3 man unit. :30 is too long to try to deviate from your system; you just have to hope you get a quick clear when the :30 ends (or right before it) so you can get a change.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I remember that 5 on 3, but I had thought it was Gordon instead of Laich. All I remember is Gordon/Laich flying around pressuring everyone and Steckel basically just standing around in between the tops of the circles.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Oct 19, 2010 7:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Per Corey
Boudreau says Poti looks good to go, Bradley is out, Green and Gordon are game-time decisions for the #Caps.
Because he's class, and you're not.
What’s up with Boyd? Back again?
I poured spot remover on my dog. Now he's gone.
by Rather Bengt on Oct 19, 2010 10:26 AM EDT up reply actions
Maybe he gets a day off for his birthday?
He's a better skater than Nick, but he's big in the back[side]...BB
by Backeez Got Back on Oct 19, 2010 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions
Also per Corey
Boudreau says Neuvirth is starting for the #Caps tonight.
Don’t make fun of my obsession over ketchup dispensers ever again! ;) Ted Leonsis
!
@SChamberlainTBD
Michal Neuvirth was the first goalie off the ice and is likely to start. King and Johansson still out w/Varlamov after morning skate #Caps
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
A little more
Caps d-man Mike Green is doing a version of the “scratches skate.” Can’t remember anyone playing after doing that (maybe in an emergency).
Because he's class, and you're not.
by Bald Pollack on Oct 19, 2010 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions
So, no MJ90, no Bradley, and no King. Leads me to believe that Gordo must be playing, given King is looking like a scratch.
AO – Backs – Knuble
Laich – Flash – Semin
Chimera – Hendricks – Fehr
?? – Steckel – Gordo
Schultz – Carlson
Alzner – Erskine
Fahey – Sloane
What am I missing?
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
Johansson? Uh-oh. That would also make us short a forward if they’re both out (and Bradley out), wouldn’t it? Maybe it’s nothing.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Corey now saying King will skate if BoGo can’t go. No word on MoJo.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
…I think I need to stick with calling him MarJo or Mackan or something, every time I read MoJo I think of the Simpsons. “Pray…for Mojo…”
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
000
Nor is it Farkus
It takes a special kind of man to be a Scuttlin' Crab Man
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Oct 19, 2010 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions
Stop swinging at every pitch. It’s like you’re Adam Dunn today.
Because he's class, and you're not.
by Bald Pollack on Oct 19, 2010 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions
it should be
If you want to survive out here, you've got to know where your towel is.
by ns on Oct 19, 2010 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions
It’s his nickname from Sweden, apparently a popular nickname for guys named Marcus. It can mean “sandwich” as well, so sometimes we’ll call him Sammich.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
The name BoGo makes me happy.
"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 19, 2010 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions
Boston update on game tonight
Update from Boston Globe Bruins blog
Projected lineup
Milan Lucic-David Krejci-Nathan Horton
Jordan Caron-Patrice Bergeron-Blake Wheeler
Mark Recchi-Tyler Seguin-Michael Ryder
Brad Marchand-Gregory Campbell-Shawn Thornton
Zdeno Chara-Johnny Boychuk
Mark Stuart-Dennis Seidenberg
Andrew Ference-Matt Hunwick
Tuukka Rask (blog guess is that he will start)
Tim Thomas
Healthy scratches: Daniel Paille, Brian McGrattan, Adam McQuaid
by sk84fun_dc on Oct 19, 2010 11:04 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Not gonna lie, I’ll be watching for Mr. Tyler Seguin tonight. It’s interesting that he’s centering the oldest player in the League. Recchi can tell some stories, I bet.
Like the story about how Ovie wrecked him in the season opener last year.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Jordan Caron might be interesting to watch too (their 1st rounder from ’09, played in the Q last year).
Because he's class, and you're not.
by Bald Pollack on Oct 19, 2010 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions
Who did he play for in the Q? I don’t recognize his name.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, per wikipedia
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions
He split time with them and Rimouski (sp), yeah.
Because he's class, and you're not.
by Bald Pollack on Oct 19, 2010 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions
Here’s a good reason to keep on eye on Tyler: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loC0V9CRhjw
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions
Flagged.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Links guy at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on Oct 19, 2010 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Why are all the cool rookie goals always scored against Phoenix? And when do we play the ’Yotes? Mackan still needs a goal.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Valentine’s Day.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Links guy at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on Oct 19, 2010 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions
He was a Penguin for many years but I have always liked Recchi. Seems like a good guy also. It could be that I was brainwashed by living in the city he grew up in and played juniors in for 3 years though, and is revered as a hero. (Kamloops BC).
I poured spot remover on my dog. Now he's gone.
by Rather Bengt on Oct 19, 2010 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions
On the day Tyler Seguin was born, Mark Recchi already had 99 goals in the NHL.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 19, 2010 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions
They ran a graphic the other night on the Isles/Pens broadcast about Doug Weight and Nino Neiderreiter’s age disparity.
Doug Weight, who at age 39 is old enough to be Nino’s father, had the primary assist on Niederreiter’s first NHL goal. Over the last 66 seasons, there has been only one bigger age difference between an assister on a player’s first career goal and the goal scorer than the 21-year age gap between Weight and Niederreiter. That was the 23-year spread when Hartford’s Dave Keon set up Paul MacDermid’s first NHL goal (in 1982).
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Oct 19, 2010 11:37 AM EDT up reply actions
Nino Neiderreiter is an awesome name.
I don’t have much tolerance for stupid. Or cheese on food that doesn’t need it. -duck
by twistedlogic on Oct 19, 2010 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Not to knock the talent of any of these guys or suggest they won’t give us hell tonight, because they’re decent players…but I can’t imagine Lucic, Krejci or Horton would be on the top line of many teams.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
Krejci wouldn’t be if Matt Cooke didn’t give Savard Scrambled-Brain-itis.
Lucic might be – he’s tough and he’s got hands.
Horton has been a top-line player for a while now.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions
Ugh. Matt Cooke. Now there was a true miscarriage of justice.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
He has…in Florida. Just sayin’ ;)
Like I said, they’re all good players and I wouldn’t kick any of ‘em off my team – just find that an interesting top line. But yeah, Savard’s loss is a big one…heard he’s starting to skate soon, though, is that right? Excellent news.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
I forgot that ice time with southeast teams doesn’t count.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions
Oh, now, that’s not what I mean…but it’s not like Florida had tons of options for their top line, either.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
Eh. It’s possible I’ve been spoiled by Ovie (and Bondra before him) but I’m more accustomed to seeing top line guys get closer to 40-50 goals a season. I know that on other teams when their top line is down around the 20-30 goal mark their fans get restless and the media writes stories about how they’re not producing.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
Last year the Bruins had one guy with 20+ goals.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions
And the league only had seven with more than 40, 11 with more than 35, and 24 with more than 30. Being right around 30 is clear first-line territory.
And players scoring 50+ goals in a season… Well, that’s rare. For instance, no NJ Devil has ever done it.
You had me at no problem.
Until Parise came along they were lucky they had someone cracking double-digits each year.
But yes, I think I’ve been spoiled by Ovie and Bondra and their high annual goal totals, multiple guys in a lineup getting 20+ goals and Backstrom throwing out 68 assists last year.
…still doesn’t mean I’m going to like Horton and you can’t make me, so there.
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Just look into his eyes, you’ll be possessed by the devil turn to stone change your tune.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions
I was actually suprised to read Brian Gionta has the franchise record for goals in a season (48 in 2005-2006). I figured it would be someone like Patrik Elias or John MacLean
I poured spot remover on my dog. Now he's gone.
by Rather Bengt on Oct 19, 2010 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m not sure if you’re trying to say:
a) it’s a weak division and all of the team’s stats in it should be adjusted down.
or
b) without a good supporting cast it should be adjusted up.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions
Legitimately looks like a Goomba!
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions
Individually, any of them might be on a first line. Collectively, it’s not a reliably productive group offensively, at least not as a first line is commonly thought of.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 19, 2010 11:37 AM EDT up reply actions
See, I could maybe – MAYBE – see that. After all, Knuble on his own puts up Horton-esque numbers but maybe wouldn’t seem like a 1st line guy on paper. But yeah, it’s putting them together on the top line that kind of makes them stand out as a question mark to me.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
Lucic and Krejci for sure. Lucic is a physical force who can hang with the top line and Krejci can do everything pretty well. Horton, eh, maybe not a clear-cut first line player, but can’t say I see him as misplaced there.
The line itself, maybe not, but each of those guys is a decent first-liner, in my opinion.
I think Krecji is pretty underrated actually. I’d take him at 2C
I poured spot remover on my dog. Now he's gone.
by Rather Bengt on Oct 19, 2010 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions
2C, sure. Not as a 1C, although as Cornelius points out he’s not really supposed to be – Savard is their 1C when healthy.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
Of course, it’s not like Patrice Bergeron is a bad center, either.
It’s not quite penguins-level of center-hoarding, but it gets up there.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions
000
Obligatory Pronger/Bergeron GIF:
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Oct 19, 2010 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I both love and hate Patrice Bergeron. No logic to that, I was just living in Montreal when he broke into the League…
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I like Bergeron. Always have.
I poured spot remover on my dog. Now he's gone.
by Rather Bengt on Oct 19, 2010 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions
If I remember correctly, Krecji and Flash played on the same line at the Olympics this year. I seem to recall Krecji giving Flash hell on the ice for some boneheaded move at one point.
I poured spot remover on my dog. Now he's gone.
by Rather Bengt on Oct 19, 2010 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions
Horton underachieved in FLA, but he’s a very talented player. He’s got the tools to play well on the first line.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Oct 19, 2010 11:37 AM EDT up reply actions
You know, there is a lot of love for Horton around here today that I just don’t get. Yeah, numbers, underachiever, blah blah blah…I frankly was never impressed with him in Florida.
And if you’re an underachiever for the Panthers, what’s to say you won’t revert back to that on another team? If anything that’s a team where a talented offensive player should stand out more, because you’re basically the only offensive player. I always liked Booth and Weiss because they were pains in the ass to play against, worked hard and put up good numbers; Horton never had any appeal for me.
Is he playing great now? Yes. Could the fresh start in Boston be what he needs to become consistent? Sure, anything’s possible. He hasn’t won me over, though.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
I think that even though he was the sole sniping threat in FLA, the Cats spent a lot of time with the puck in their own end of the ice. Hard to score when you’re 200 feet from the opposing net. Boston is an excellent possession team and Krecji in particular is an excellent possession player. He’s not going to get the pure setups that he’d have gotten from Savard, but he’ll get his share of points just because the puck is available to him more often than it was in FLA.
It’s not like BOS is sporting a huge number of other offensive threats, either. Horton is pretty clearly their most dangerous shooter and I’ll be stunned if he’s not getting the lion’s share of the offensive opportunities there.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Oct 19, 2010 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions
Horton is pretty clearly their most dangerous shooter and I’ll be stunned if he’s not getting the lion’s share of the offensive opportunities there.
I’d agree that he will, and that Boston’s puck possession is better – however I don’t see him becoming consistent anytime soon, even with that. He’s got good numbers right now but I just don’t buy it.
Somewhat related, I want to steal Krejci away to be our 2C. He might actually be the only Bruin I like.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
You know all about me and my covetous Bergeron rosterbation.
Horton’s a player that relies on a superior shot, I think those guys are inherently streaky. He’s just gonna get more and better chances to use that shot.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Oct 19, 2010 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, you can qualify it all you want, but the knock on Horton in FLA was his consistency, not production. He went through games (weeks) where he didn’t look like he gave a shit. Booth was on the same crappy team and always played balls out.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I admire you sticking to your opinion — as long as you meant what you said, and said what you meant.
Are you taking a shot there? If so, Becca adheres unswervingly to a glass-half-full view of things, which is unsettling in a Caps fan, but she doesn’t play the provocateur or troll threads or anything like that…
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
You guys are gonna love his white pads – they look badass.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions
Why, are they even easier to beat from 80 feet out?
Because he's class, and you're not.
by Bald Pollack on Oct 19, 2010 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions 12 recs
Rec’d, I was at that game, about 20 rows behind Thomas. About 30 seconds before Sasha did that I turned to my girlfriend and said, “I think Semin is going to do something crazy here.” Lo and behold…
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Oct 19, 2010 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions
You were at that game too? I was in the upper section behind Thomas for that game.
The guy is Peter Schumpmaker. Lord knows what a schump is, but you can bet your bippy his ancestors made them. What he's doing is far worse than crafting fine schumps.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Oct 19, 2010 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Indeed. When the schedule came out that year I noticed that the game was on a Saturday afternoon and knew I had to make it happen. We drove down from Lewiston that morning to some place outside Boston and took the T in. Got seats off Stub Hub in Loge 117 (I think that was the #) for $70 each, which were really good, and actually cheaper than similar seats I’ve purchased at Verizon Center. Stopped in Portland for dinner on the way back, and was back at Bates by 8 pm. It actually worked out really well all around…not sure I’d feel that way if they had lost.
I noticed that there were a lot of Caps fans at that game. Including people next to us and behind us. Additionally a few sections over there was at least 5 rows filled with ’em. The funniest thing about that Semin goal was how the air went out of the building. I think it shocked Caps and Bruins fans alike. I know all I said was, “holy crap that went in.”
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Oct 19, 2010 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, it was pretty awesome. A friend of mine couldn’t go at the last minute so he passed off the ticket to me. Similarly I drove in and took the T to TD Bank Garden. But I didn’t stop off in Portland for dinner; that would have been better than Commons…
I remember talking to Bruins fans about how it was a disappointing end to a good game. It was a bad goal, but I can’t say I was too disappointed.
The guy is Peter Schumpmaker. Lord knows what a schump is, but you can bet your bippy his ancestors made them. What he's doing is far worse than crafting fine schumps.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Oct 19, 2010 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions
That’s about how I felt. Because that game was very well played by both sides. Then it ended like that…and I was quite alright with that.
Didn’t Flash have a fluky goal that game too? I seem to remember a shot from an extreme angle that kind of caromed off of someone and then past Thomas. I’d look up the video but being in the office is preventing me from doing so.
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Oct 19, 2010 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions
I prefer DiPietro’s pads.
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Links guy at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on Oct 19, 2010 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions
Classy stuff. I think it’s better when a couple of players choose to do this out of passion and interest rather than mandated league wide stuff (cough, Roger Goodell, cough).
The wait for 10/7 begins. This man is focused. Are you?
by souldrummer on Oct 19, 2010 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions
Same here. I have a passion for the specific cause myself, but I abhor the concept of mandating stuff for any cause.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Links guy at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on Oct 19, 2010 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions
I much prefer the NHL’s Hockey Fights Cancer model because it’s not quite so “Look, we care about stopping cancer! see?! SEE?! Look at all our pink!” as the NFL. Plus the acknowledgment that there are a lot of different cancers. As someone who has a family member who survived something other than breast cancer, it’s nice to see.
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I’ve got ones who have survived combined 4 kinds. I also like how hockey does it because it is more of a year round all the time thing the way they plan events and tie them to the overall campaign.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Links guy at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on Oct 19, 2010 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions
None of the NFL players are forced to wear the pink gear. It’s their choice if they want to wear any of it, and how much (towels, gloves, shoes, caps)
by vtcapsfan99 on Oct 19, 2010 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions
It’s become the thing to do rather than caring for a cause.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Links guy at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on Oct 19, 2010 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think it’s really fair to judge the motives of people you don’t know. Most people know someone in their lives that have been affected by breast cancer, so it’s not a big stretch to think the players wearing the pink gear are supporting the cause.
by vtcapsfan99 on Oct 19, 2010 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Given some of the interviews I’ve seen with certain players I think it is. Certainly not all of them as a number have had people in their lives who have had breast cancer.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Links guy at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on Oct 19, 2010 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions
So they can’t wear the gear then if they didn’t know someone who survived breast cancer? I think we are losing the point. If even a certain percentage of them wear the pink gear to be cool, they are still showing support for breast cancer and how can that be a bad thing? I am sure the organizations that support breast cancer patients and research are thrilled to have the assistance of the NFL.
by vtcapsfan99 on Oct 19, 2010 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions
That is not what I am saying. I’m saying a percentage of guys are doing because everyone else is and aren’t educated on the subject.
This is going OT. How about we move this over here.
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Links guy at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on Oct 19, 2010 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions
I’d be inclined to give them the benefit of the doubt. Given that current stats are that 1 woman in 8 will have breast cancer in their lifetime, I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that almost everybody will know somebody who has been affected.
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by ThePeerless on Oct 19, 2010 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions
STH Event – Anyone get Poti’s autograph for Scotty Hockey?
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got Poti’s autograph, but wish I had thought to get one for Scotty!
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#needsmorePossessedPoti
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.
So….then MP85 is half Ewok?
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.
It’s brought to you by the letters “O” and “T”.
Because he's class, and you're not.
by Bald Pollack on Oct 19, 2010 2:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Cyberdyne Systems Model 101… “The Potinator”
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by ThePeerless on Oct 19, 2010 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions
ROFL Alert
SCOC thinks the Caps might trade Mike Green for Tim Thomas
Really, the only prospect for a trade right now would be the Capitals, who do not have an established goaltender, and are a bona fide contender with defensive issues that could be camouflaged by a top goaltender. The Caps are a surprising $3.3 million under the salary cap, which gives them some flexibility this year. However, they have a lot of quality young players hitting free agency after this year, and would probably be reluctant to take on a long-term commitment like Thomas. Maybe if they want to shake things up, and tire of Mike Green’s annual disappearing act in the playoffs, they could work out a deal involving Green and Thomas (obviously, the Bruins would have to give up a lot more than just Thomas), but that seems like a stretch.. [Emphasis added]
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
Whats more surprising in that statement is that they view Thomas that low….or maybe Green that highly if they think they’d need more than just Tim.
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.
The reasoning for that is basically:
1) he costs a lot
2) the Bruins couldn’t score last year
3) Rask stole enough games to make the playoffs last year while leading in GAA and SV% last year
4) therefore Thomas is awful and everyone should hate him
or something along those lines.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 11:49 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t know why they hate Thomas. It’s not like he FORCED the team to sign him to that epically stupid contract.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Oct 19, 2010 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions
Sports fans are, by and large, pretty dumb about their own teams.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Except us. We’re really smart. Just ask us, we’ll tell you.
But the rest of ’em…yeah. What you said.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
by fat_daddyo on Oct 19, 2010 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
No doubt.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Oct 19, 2010 11:54 AM EDT up reply actions
Which is funny because he’s got Whiter pads than last year.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Eh, I’ve always viewed him as overrated to the max playing average behind a really awesome defense, and people always kind of shot me down for it. His pads don’t mean anything. If he’d have made his mask more white, I think I would have had to change my name.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions
I love having things in common with my favorite athletes!
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions
I like his new mask a lot. I’d get a paint job like that on mine. His pads are a little boring though.
Think twice before you speak, and then you may be able to say something more insulting than if you spoke right out at once.
Eh, I dig the all-white. He says it makes him “look bigger”
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Sure. Here, you take our Norris Trophy finalist, and we’ll take your cap albatross. Seems fair.
While he did caveat it with “seems like a stretch” and “more would have to go back to the Caps”, that one just doesn’t pass the sniff test.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
Cap Albatross – see Rick DiPietro
Tim Thomas however is actually a very good goaltender who last season was forced to lay down while all of Bos shat on him metaphorically.
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.
Hey, DiPietro might be the only thing keeping the Islanders over the cap!
"It's always good to have vikings."
But DiPietro can retire tomorrow and his contract wouldn’t count against the Cap any longer. Plus, the Isles aren’t a Cap team. And his cap hit will stay at 4.5 for pretty much his entire career.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Oct 19, 2010 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions
And if he had stayed healthy that cap hit wouldn’t look bad at all.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
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by Carl Putnam on Oct 19, 2010 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions
Nope. Thomas’ and Huet’s contracts are/were much MUCH more worser.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Oct 19, 2010 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions
Bingo. DiPi’s got a bad contract, in that it’s long and he can’t stay healthy (which latter factor makes him overpriced). But if they waive him, his cap hit goes bye-bye. Thomas’s doesn’t, which is what makes him a cap killer.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
But they can’t wave DiPi without going below salary limit
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.
If they waive Timmy and stash him in the minors, his cap hit goes, does it not? It’s only if he retires that it stays on the books, was my understanding.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Oct 19, 2010 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Seems I kept reading that it doesn’t work on a 35+ contract. One of Jersey’s problems with Rolston’s contract.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Worked with Nylander, no?
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh, okay.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions
I should amend that to say Nylander isn’t on a 35+ contract, since it’s still in effect.
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The issue there is Nyles didn’t want to retire. If he did then the cap hit would have gone away.
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by Carl Putnam on Oct 19, 2010 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions
that’s my understanding, too. The problem is Thomas also as a NMC until June 30, 2012.
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I think only LTIR frees them.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Yeah, but if we use that cap space it becomes overage the next year.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions
The guy is constantly injured and outplayed by a 41 yr old…
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.
It’s only “bad” because of the length. It’s still a reasonable cap hit for a non-cap team. And its gone if he can’t play any more.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Oct 19, 2010 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Right. The contract itself is a testament to stupid management – why sign a kid to such a long term deal before he proves anything? But the cap implications – even for a high spending team – are manageable.
This is not to say that DiPietro is tradeable, because he’s not.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
Agreed. My problem is certain media folks act like that contract has been the end of the world and somehow has significantly hurt the Isles.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Links guy at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on Oct 19, 2010 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions
I think there’s a segment of the media folks that think his contract hurts the league by being a forerunner in a trend that they see as bad (long contracts).
FREE MP
The Salary Cap, not DiPietro’s deal is the cause for those contracts, but I can see how others could view it that way.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Links guy at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on Oct 19, 2010 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions
It symbolizes of the disease that has reduced the Isle to their current state (poor management, in other words). To that extent, I can understand why he takes some slings and arrows.
And if they’re not going to waive him and eat the cash, or buy him out, then the contract in effect requires him to take up a roster spot. So there are plenty of downsides to the contract itself.
But, yeah, the idea that he’s the one thing that has doomed the franchise is just dumb.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
Obviously that was Milbury, everyone knows that.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m not sold that he’s washed up. I think he needs a full season worth of games to assess what to do with him. Either that or if he keeps getting hurt and then the decision becomes somewhat obvious for both sides.
As for what truly screwed them up, CH handles that below.
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Links guy at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on Oct 19, 2010 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions
or above.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Links guy at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on Oct 19, 2010 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Outplayed? He’d have to have been healthy to be outplayed. I’m interested to see how he fares this season.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Links guy at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on Oct 19, 2010 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Depends on your definition of “very good”, I guess. His career numbers, .918/2.59, are decent, but not spectacular. He’s had 264 games in the big leagues. Not spectacular, but not horrible. He’s had one truly outstanding season, playing for a team that was hotter than hell all year, and one good season (‘07 – ’08, .921/2.44). Beyond that, he’s been ordinary.
I see Thomas as a guy that can be very good for stretches. He’s also old, has a bit of an injury history, and has a bad contract.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
So his 09 year where he took home the Jennings, Crozier, and Vezina trophy don’t count has his good year?
Career numbers:
Brodeur 2.21/ .914
Vokoun 2.56 / .914
Luongo 2.57 / .918
Miller 2.57 / .914
Other than Miller these other guys have almost twice Thomas’ nhl GP however. But there can be said a lot of exceptions for all of them except Vokoun, defensive teams, good teams, good defense, etc etc.
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.
Also would love to put an end to the meme that the Caps need a goalie. Pretty sure Neuvy’s going to be just fine, I’m really not worried about that situation.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
The Bruins were a much better team last year than the standings gave them credit for. As hot as they were in ‘08-9, they were that cold in ’09-’10. Losing Kessel didn’t help, but they should have been able to score more than they did.
Didn’t Rask also get more goal support than Timmy?
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Oct 19, 2010 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions
Speaking of Kessel, the Leafs aren’t shitting the bed this year (as of yet). Looks like that pick might end up being a mid-low first rounder.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Oct 19, 2010 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions
there’s still nearly 6 months left for them to implode.
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Which is why I qualified what I said with “as of yet” and “might”.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Oct 19, 2010 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions
Always. One of my favorite memories growing up is my dad making horse noises whenever “Wild Horses” by the Stones came on the radio.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Oct 19, 2010 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes, and this was also Thomas’s fault.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions
They were good, but their lack of scoring punch doomed them. Reminded me a lot of a team that plays in a desert.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Links guy at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on Oct 19, 2010 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions
The premise that Thomas for Green is likely, or even remotely possible, smacks of trollbaiting to me.
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by jordanDC on Oct 19, 2010 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
if you’d read the whole article you’d get why he arrives at that conclusion…and that he also thinks a Thomas trade is at most 10% likely this season.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions
I would go so far as to say a Thomas for Green trade is 0% likely this season… or ever for that matter.
Who wants a norris finalist when you’ve got a norris winner, anyhow?
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Well played CH.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Links guy at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on Oct 19, 2010 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions
If I wasn’t jetlagged to hell I could have worked something in about capitals and trophies, but I need more sleep.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions
000
Instead of Peggy Olson, that post gets White’d:
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Oct 19, 2010 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions
.
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.
by breaklance on Oct 19, 2010 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Your pics, entertaining as they may be, are very much OT.
Because he's class, and you're not.
by Bald Pollack on Oct 19, 2010 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions
hitting the crack pipe before noon at SCOC?
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It might come to pass that neither Neuvirth nor Varlamov are ready or consistent enough for the Caps liking as a playoff goaltender. But they have four months to finish the audition. If February comes around, and the Caps are antsy about their goaltending, it won’t be that “Thomas” that the Caps will be looking at… it will be Tomas Vokoun.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 19, 2010 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Smash or Trash: Ducks third jersey
I vote “Trash”
Its their normal jersey with just some orange thrown on there. It screams MEH.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Oct 19, 2010 12:36 PM EDT reply actions
I agree. If you’re going to have a third jersey, actually do something with it. Don’t just take your normal jersey and splash a different color on it.
I don’t have much tolerance for stupid. Or cheese on food that doesn’t need it. -duck
by twistedlogic on Oct 19, 2010 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions
The old “if the jersey’s ugly enough, maybe they won’t notice the play is worse” ploy. I like it.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions
000
I actually liked this one (even if everyone is doing it now)
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Oct 19, 2010 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions
I like how “Mighty Ducks” is incorporated in that one
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Anaheim's 3rd Jersey History
Including the awful raging duck jersey from 1995-1996:
I poured spot remover on my dog. Now he's gone.
by Rather Bengt on Oct 19, 2010 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions
I remember the one on the upper right very clearly, because a drop dead gorgeous friend of mine in college wore it all the time.
There's always more to learn about Hockey.
That’d probably get me noticing as well.
I don’t have much tolerance for stupid. Or cheese on food that doesn’t need it. -duck
by twistedlogic on Oct 19, 2010 1:29 PM EDT up reply actions
I want one of those raging ducks jerseys
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions
The shoulder patch is the old mighty ducks logo, no?
I don’t hate it, but it’s less trash than their normal jersey.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
Maybe they will put them on before the third period in games where they need to come from behind to win.. I hear there’s no official rule against that sort of thing!
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I’d hate to be the equipment manager that needs to sew 20 patches onto sweaty uniforms in 17 minutes.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions
This should look AWESOME with the rest of their standard gear. I like it a lot.
Think twice before you speak, and then you may be able to say something more insulting than if you spoke right out at once.
Nothing wrong with how it looks per se, but rather, it’s just boring and unoriginal.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Oct 19, 2010 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions
i like the big D better than the name on their jersey, though. the name is just too small, it doesn’t fill up a hockey jersey well enough. this is headed in the right direction.
by Natty Bumppo on Oct 20, 2010 12:10 AM EDT up reply actions
Mikkelson
So Calgary sends rookie dman Brodie to the minors and claims Mikkelson on waivers from Anaheim (waiver update from Lindsay Kramer, beat writer for Syracuse, Anaheim’s AHL affiliate)
I think he actually said he didn’t want the number but the team assigned it to him and he had no choice. Idiots.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
At the risk of offending someone, man…guys doing that in beer league is a huge pet peeve. When you roll up to the local rink at 10:30 on a Wednesday there shouldn’t be anyone wearing ‘66’, ‘68’, or ‘99’ out on the ice.
by David Getz on Oct 19, 2010 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
68, really?
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Really.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Nobody should ever wear 4 since it was worn by the best player of all time – Bobby Orr.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 4:38 PM EDT up reply actions
You go tell John Erskine. We’ll wait over here.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
No, I think the whole thing is actually pretty dumb.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 4:40 PM EDT up reply actions
I think John Erskine’s speed is a tribute to Bobby Orr’s wrecked knees in itself.
I poured spot remover on my dog. Now he's gone.
by Rather Bengt on Oct 19, 2010 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Maybe I can get some posterboard and make a sign for warmups on Thursday:
“John Erskine –
Stop wearing #4
It is disrespectful
To Bobby Orr”
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions
We’re talking about men’s league players using highly distinct numbers that are associated exclusively with Hall of Fame players (and in one case, arguably the most hated player in Caps history).
Even in the case of NHL players, 4 is just a common number. Compared to 66, or 99, I don’t think there’s much dispute.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Exactly, the distinctiveness of it plays a major role. If you wear four you could just be another number four, but there aren’t any “just another” 66’s or 99’s.
Plus, the guys who wear 66 or 99 in men’s league games are always dicks.
Of course. If you have the hubris to wear 66 or 99 then you are almost certain to take it too seriously.
I’ll add in the guys that put a “C” on their custom made team jersey. Dude, you don’t have any Captain duties. You send out a fucking email once a week.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Well, the be fair on that front, I have seen referees get irritated that they don’t know who the captain is in men’s league games.
But, yeah, the guys wearing 99 are always the guys who think they’re awesome because they average a point and a half a game in the lower C league. Go up to high A – where a fair number of the guys played junior, college, or even pro, and there aren’t any 66’s or 99’s.
Tell that to Yanick Dupre….or better yet, Milan Novy.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Nobody gives a shit in Boston, either, since wearing the same number as a great retired player – on a different team – isn’t the smack in the face that everyone thinks it should be or whatever.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 5:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Again, a lot of it has to do with the fact that the numbers are associated with single historically great players, not just the fact that they were worn by Hall of Famers.
You say “number 99” or “number 66”, you might as well be saying “Gretzky” or “Lemieux.”
I think a lot of that too is that 66 and 99 are really non-traditional numbers, so even more people associate them with the player. If Bobby Orr had worn 63, maybe we’d have an attachment to it.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
Vogs doesn’t pull his punches:
Finally, if you thought/hoped Semyon Varlamov was going to start tonight’s game against the Bruins, you either 1) haven’t been paying attention or 2) drafted Varly for your fantasy team.
Heh.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Stay out of my mind Vogs, stay out!!!!
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.
I got Neuvirth in the last round of my 20 team draft. He’s my leading scorer by far.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
Doing it in the NHL is one thing, but keep this fact in mind as the playoffs approach and you recall the Caps now having played in four straight seven-game series.
In “close out” games, that is, the game that would close out a series for his team with a victory, Neuvirth was 8-1, 1.31, .943, with three shutouts (his only loss was to Manitoba in Game 6 in 2009, when the Bears had a 3-1 lead in games). Only once in nine games did he allow more than two goals. When his Bears had a chance to end a series, he has ice in his veins.
If you've read this far...seek help.
And he made sure to close out this year’s Calder Cup by closing it out, with a very emphatic shutout that he defended nearly on his own in the third period as the rest of the team began to celebrate.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
And when WBS had a chance to close out a series he posted back to back shutouts.
(And you meant game 5 v. Manitoba.)
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Brooks Laich, from Corey’s piece:
We’ve still got a lot of games to get ready and play the way we want. That being said, you judge yourself by the results and we have four wins so far. We want to get better but we’re happy to win some hockey games while we’re doing it."
I’m happy to have them win hockey games as well, but shouldn’t you be judging your results by the most granular measurement available? Wins are just about as chunky as it gets and in the case of the last three games have been more connected with what Neuvirth is doing cleaning up behind the skaters than what the skaters are doing to earn those results.
I’m a fan. I jump off the couch when Ovechkin skates up the wing to go 1-on-1 with a defender. If you don’t think I yelled and celebrated both OT victories when they happened, you have another thing coming. But I also keep the forest in mind, not just the trees. I’d be much happier if the players judged themselves by their shifts, by their shots, by the small victories in the small details that add up to a big deal when the games get tighter and the season gets longer. Those habits are the more important to me right now than fleeting happiness after another OT winner, and I think more important in the spring, too.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Oct 19, 2010 2:15 PM EDT reply actions 3 recs
I don’t think you’re going to get the “granular measurement” sound byte out of many players. Brooks is at least letting everyone know that the team is not happy-coasting and that they’re aware there are some issues. I’m happy enough with that.
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shouldn’t you be judging your results by the most granular measurement available
No, I don’t think so. I think you evaluate their prospects for winning in the future on that basis. You can say, for instance, that the manner in which they acheived a 4-1-0 record does not suggest similar success in a playoff setting (I think that would be a fair conclusion, but it speaks nothing of what this team might look like in April). But as far as judging their “results?” I don’t care if they win games 9-8 and do piourettes on the ice, if the result is a W.
If you've read this far...seek help.
As far as the playoffs go, they can pirouette their way to getting outshot 100-3 if they win 3-2. As long as they keep winning when the calendar turns to April, I don’t give a fig how it happens.
But until then? If the choice is seeing them play a better game and lose or play a worse game, get lucky and win, I’m taking number one, every time, so long as they make the playoffs.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Oct 19, 2010 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions
There has to be a tipping point there right? Is it truely as simple as making the playoffs?
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
Getting in is my tipping point. See: Flyers, Philadelphia. Ducks, Anaheim. If they’re playing great hockey in the small measures, that’s the best predictive value for the large ones. As long as it doesn’t keep them out of the post season, I’d rather see them get unlucky playing well than lucky playing poorly; both are likely to revert towards the underlying measurements.
Once they get into the playoffs, all bets are way the hell off. If they win by interpretive dance, I don’t give a fig as long as the W’s keep coming faster than the L’s.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Oct 19, 2010 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions
At what point did this play become a pattern that stresses you rather than something that needs to be worked on or a blip on the radar? (I know the answer I think but it is retorical… stick with me)
You made some good arguments yesterday about how the team as it is currently setup doesn’t have the capacity to dominate day in and day out. I can be convinced based on roster holes, rookies, playing style etc. With that in mind, shouldn’t the goals for the first 20-30 games be smaller and more acheivable than 60 dominant minutes? We agree that the Caps current play won’t see them into June but isn’t a PK that is 100% and a rookie goalie that is playing lights out one of those small steps toward answering all of the questions we have?
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
I love the PK, I love the new aggressiveness and the ability to pressure teams into turnovers at the blueline. If Laich, Semin, Backstrom and Flash continue to kill penalties, then they’re going to take some of the turnovers to the house. I’d love to see a more threatening short-handed unit; not only does it generate more points, but other teams have to play their PP more cautiously against that kind of pressure and skill. It’s a double bonus for the cost of potentially giving up a few more backdoor plays.
I’m happy with Neuvy’s play so far; sound, flashing the glove on a couple of huge stops, and generally keeping the team in. He’s looked like a legitimate #1 starter in the NHL and was dominant in a couple of the wins so far.
60 dominant minutes isn’t the point; if the smaller details: spacing on the breakout, gap-coverage, attention in their own zone at ES, making sure there’s a pressure outlet available against a forecheck. 60 dominant minutes will take care of itself if the small things are taken care of. It’s not the result, but the how’s and the why-for’s, the process, that concerns me. There’s delight to be had in some small things, but the trends are surely troubling. If those trends turn around, I’ll be a happy camper, be in no doubt.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Oct 19, 2010 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Not so much a tipping point as one of direction of momentum. If the Caps run out to a big lead but play like a big steaming pile of Bettman after, say, the trading deadline, I won’t give them much chance to win. But if they close with a rush, go maybe 10-2-2 down the stretch, I’ll feel a lot better about their chances.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Apropos of nothing (save maybe boredom), they closed last year out 9-1-4.
Because he's class, and you're not.
by Bald Pollack on Oct 19, 2010 3:08 PM EDT up reply actions
True, but you could see the wheels falling off in retrospect in this respect… they were 2-21 on the power play in their last six-plus games, dating back to the first period of the Ottawa game on Mar 30. That’s the sort of “granular” element from which you might predict future performance.
If you've read this far...seek help.
It may preclude a 10-2-2 run to close the season, but I can’t think of a better way for this team to get shaped up for the second season than the 10 day late March roadie to six likely playoff teams.
"I don't care about winning the division or winning the President's Trophy. I just care about getting to the playoffs." --GMGM
Again, depends. If they’re lucking out in those 10 wins, yikes. If they’re playing solid, 07-08-style hockey, yes please.
by red army line on Oct 20, 2010 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions
I think we can probably all agree that while winning is nice, and the object of the game, it’s hard to be successful long term playing the way they are playing.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Oct 19, 2010 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Well said…
They haven’t done much to instill confidence in me that they will win the game tomorrow with the way they won the game today, but the fact is, they won the game yesterday so be happy about yesterday and nervous about tomorrow.
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
Not really Caps-relevant, but related to the completely imaginary discussion some of us had yesterday about pillaging the Montreal blue line – sounds like Markov is planning to sign a 5-6 year contract extension with the Habs.
…which is crazy to me, but there you go.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
I could be confusing him with another player, but didn’t he just get (or apply for) Canadian citizenship? That would imply an intent to settle there.
"It's always good to have vikings."
He did, yeah – I can see why he’d want to stay, but it’s crazy from the team’s perspective. He’s a great defenseman and they should hang on to him; that’s a given. However, he’s also 32 years old and has already had a bunch of pretty serious knee injuries, including knee surgery back in May.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
Considering Hamrlik and Spacek are 36 and Gill is 35, once can safely say the Habs like their greyhairs patrolling the blue line.
I poured spot remover on my dog. Now he's gone.
by Rather Bengt on Oct 19, 2010 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions
one can safely say
I poured spot remover on my dog. Now he's gone.
by Rather Bengt on Oct 19, 2010 4:18 PM EDT up reply actions
http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2010/10/19/canadiens_markov/
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Truth.
It’s just nutty, my friend. NUTTY. Sign him to 2-3 years, see how it goes, and if you still want him there and he still wants to be there – and can play – sign him to 1-year deals until he retires. That’s how you get guys playing into their 40s; call it the ‘Mark Recchi Plan’.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
Sound quite reasonable to me. And obviously it’s worked out well for Recchi.
I poured spot remover on my dog. Now he's gone.
by Rather Bengt on Oct 19, 2010 4:38 PM EDT up reply actions
That’s my beef w/ all these long-term “retirement” deals, you know?
People always try to say “well, so-and-so COULD play until he’s 45, you don’t know!!” And yes, it’s true, they could. But it’s more likely they won’t, so why not make them prove they’re worthy of another contract at that age rather than assuming a 27-year-old guy will remain perfectly healthy until then? The Bruins did it right with Recchi.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
Because they get elite production for cheaper.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Well…yeah, I get why a team would do it. What bugs me is the fans trying to defend it by saying that.
Let’s not kid ourselves, the teams and players probably don’t believe most of these guys can play that long, and if they do they’re silly. It’s done solely to lower the cap hit, and if the guy is a productive member of the team for the whole length of the contract, all the better.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
…but you know that already. Just saying, it’s moronic. The end :)
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
Tell that to Yanick Dupre….or better yet, Milan Novy.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions
whoops, wrong spot.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 4:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Says the man that just signed a 33 year old defenseman to a 7 year extension.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
That’s probably not that bad of a deal
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 4:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Well he’s not taking much of a discount, if any, so you lose the justification for such a long deal. He’s not the fastest guy as is, and he’s going to lose a step soon enough; that won’t be pretty. Then you factor in how much wear and tear he takes in a season and I just laugh. It’s not like BOS has had any issues with signing long term extensions to older guys…
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
He’s not a 35+ contract and he works out like Chelios.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 5:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, NMC.
Basically he plays until he thinks he should retire.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 5:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Says you.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Let me rephrase: that makes the deal significantly riskier from Boston’s standpoint. If you could just waive him once he can’t perform up to his cap hit, then there’s not much downside to the deal from the club’s perspective. If the player gets to decide whether he shows up to collect his salary and burden the cap, the potential for a cap-killing anchor for a couple or three years is pretty high.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
Yeah, the potential is there. There’s always risk. This is even somewhat of a risky deal, but it’s also got plenty of potential upside.
Better than paying Lucic more than Savard.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 5:45 PM EDT up reply actions
At least Chiarelli is smart enough to get these things to take effect before the player turns 35.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
Well he learned that the hard way with Thomas, so…
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 5:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Speaking of cap situations, when does Sturm come back, and what do the B’s do when he does?
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
November and I have no idea. Everything’s gonna work out, I’m sure* of it.
*hahahahahaha we’re fucked
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 5:53 PM EDT up reply actions
He’s not as good as Chelios there, and Chelios wasn’t a top 4 guy late in his career. You want to spend just shy of 7 million on a depth D? Or you think he’s going to be an impact guy when he’s 38? Or are you banking on sending him to Providence?
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Neither. I’m banking on getting good value on him the next couple years and figuring it out then.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 5:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Gee whiz, our Norris-winning defenseman is taking a pay cut so we can make our team better next year, but maybe 4 or 5 years down the line that contract doesn’t look so great.
Oh, woe is me…
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 5:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Four or five years is a lot different from a couple, though. You get five good years out of those seven, you can at least justify the contract. You get two and then have five years of a albatross, that’s bad.
Tell you what – if in 3-4 years he’s really bad, you get to be right.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 5:36 PM EDT up reply actions
I know you’re snarking, but you probably just made D really happy. He likes to be right ;)
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
obviously. I also like to be right. But there’s no really good way to argue this one besides “WELL MAYBE HE’LL BE LIDSTROM” “OR MAYBE HE’LL BE [insert bad old defenseman]” and so on
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Pay cut? Not buying it. He was overrated in his Norris year, but whatever, I’m sure you’ll disagree. He hasn’t consistently played that Norris level, anyway, so you can’t just keep saying “he’s our Norris winning D!” He isn’t great value for the buck, and he’s not really taking a pay cut so it’s going to hurt as his skills start to decline.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
LeBrun says not so much...
http://twitter.com/#!/Real_ESPNLeBrun/status/27865815138
You had me at no problem.
Hmm….or maybe not..
@Real_ESPNLeBrun Agent Don Meehan just denied to me reports of Andrei Markov signing extension soon with Habs.
@Real_ESPNLeBrun Meehan: "I have not had any negotiations whatsoever with Montreal. These reports of a signing are absolute nonsense.’’
Mon dieu.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Sacre bleu.
I poured spot remover on my dog. Now he's gone.
by Rather Bengt on Oct 19, 2010 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Nah, Wideman’s in Florida now.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 4:57 PM EDT up reply actions
I was thinking more in terms of Thomas trying to leave the impression of his blocker in Chimera’s forehead several times.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Not the first time.
I hope it won’t be the last. <3 Crazy goalies.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 5:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Hextall was supposed to be the all-time nutso goalie
Either way, I could watch this one all day:
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 5:24 PM EDT up reply actions
And not just because Savard’s skating on NHL ice in a game. I swear.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 19, 2010 5:25 PM EDT up reply actions
I didn't see it linked anywhere yet
… but Alan Ryder has posted his 2010 NHL Review
Apologies if I just missed it.
"Then I'll just regress because I think I've made myself perfectly redundant."
by MB_10 on Oct 19, 2010 5:00 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
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