Monday Caps Clips: Preds Drop Caps
by J.P. on Oct 4, 2010 6:45 AM EDT
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PrintYour savory breakfast links:
- Recaps and other assorted musings on yesterday's loss from Vogs, Masisak, Carrera (blog, gamer), Caps365 video (players, Boudreau), McNally, Red Line Station, RMNB, Caps In Pictures (pre-game pics).
- A look at the week ahead... because it's got real hockey games to talk about. [CK]
- Previewing the Southeast Division... [CBC, CBSSports]
- ... and the Caps, specifically. [FanHouse, Puckhead]
- Who's the greatest left wing of all time? Bobby Hull. But not for long. [THN]
- Peerless previews of Alexander Semin, Mike Knuble and Tomas Fleischmann. [Peerless]
- A roundup of Caps Convention coverage will be forthcoming, but this piece on Olie Kolzig deserves to be singled out here. [Masisak]
- Among the Bears cuts made after last night's final preseason game was Anton Gustafsson, who's on his way to South Carolina. [Bears]
- Zach Miskovic has recovered from his Development Camp knee injury, which is a good thing, as Hershey will be counting on him this year. [Leone]
- "I just kind of tried to go mental." - Dustin Stevenson on his first AHL fight. [Leone]
- In mildly surprising news, Brendan Morrison is looking for work again. [National Post, HOTH]
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Olie related: the wife and I stopped at Clyde’s after the Con/before the after party and he came in and met up with Greg Smith and a couple of the other guys at the table next to us. He got interrupted once or twice during dinner, but always started off by saying, “Hi, I’m Olie” and giving them as much of his time without his food getting cold.
Not having seen him in awhile, being reminded that he’s the type of guy you’d hope he’d be was really nice to see.
A very misguided piece on Huffington Post recently called 30 Rock the most racist show on television thanks to Tracy Morgan’s wild, manic, madcap performance. Tonight illustrated why whoever wrote that piece is full of shit and should be punched in the face until he has a more nuanced grasp on comedy.
That’s a great story. I’m glad Olie got to reexperience just how important he is to Caps fans.
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 4, 2010 8:07 AM EDT up reply actions
I will long remember the ROAR that the phonebooth faithful offered 37 when he was in goal for Tampa. I mostly assume that players pay no mind at all to what transpires in the stands, but I just know that Olie heard and felt us that day.
There's no 'i' in "team". But there's a 'nap' in "champion".
Of course, it may not have helped that the “Olie Kolzig, Always a Capital” video montage played after he already let up 2 goals.
by Kerry Fraser's Hairspray on Oct 4, 2010 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions
if anyone hasn’t gotten a chance to listen to the recent radio interviews Olie has done, or watch the video that is with Corey’s article, do. He has so much pride in being a Capital.
do anyone happen to see him at the game Friday?
Watching the O’s try to use strategy is like watching Mike Green trying to figure out the difference between "your" and "you’re"--Terpgrrl
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
Ovie related: the wife and I were driving on 66 yesterday around 3:30 or so and Ovechkin rode my ass in the passing lane, then when I moved over he proceeded to tear up the road back and forth until we hit traffic, then he actually drove down the shoulder in order to get to the next exit. My wife was like, “Who does that asshole think he is?” when I let him pass. When I saw the license plate I was like, “Actually, that asshole is the greatest hockey player alive.”
By the way, I have a Porsche and drive very fast. Ovie really is a maniac.
"Hockey is my life, wine is my passion." -- Igor Larionov
by Scott in Shaw on Oct 4, 2010 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
You know, I used to drive that way until I realized that you only save a few minutes by driving like a maniac, and sometimes only a few car-lengths. Eventually, I calmed down and learned to enjoy my music and go with the flow. Perhaps Ovechkin will do the same one day, and learn to save his 6th gear for when it’s needed.
You had me at no problem.
You know, I used to drive that way until I realized thatyou only save a few minutes by driving like a maniac, and sometimes only a few car-lengthsI get everywhere faster on a bike.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
Glad to hear it, hippie.
A very misguided piece on Huffington Post recently called 30 Rock the most racist show on television thanks to Tracy Morgan’s wild, manic, madcap performance. Tonight illustrated why whoever wrote that piece is full of shit and should be punched in the face until he has a more nuanced grasp on comedy.
by Bald Pollack on Oct 4, 2010 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I doubt Ovechkin is driving like that to save time. Probably more for fun.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
He needs to learn that the maturation process doesn’t preclude “being himself.”
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
as the person that responded with "don't love it"..
ovechkin’s driving worries me far more than anything else we’ve ever heard about his on- or off-ice behavior. literally profile after profile where he brags about his speeding.
by Natty Bumppo on Oct 4, 2010 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
his attitude towards the seriousness of speeding is what bothers me, not the fact that he didn’t lie about it. (and you know…the speeding itself.)
if there’s ever a serious wreck, literally everyone who’s ever known him will have seen or heard tell of the warning signs.
by Natty Bumppo on Oct 4, 2010 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Exactly. More worrisome, this anecdote goes beyond speeding. It is agressive and wreckless.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
Well, it’s wreck-less so far…
You had me at no problem.
by Ninjak on Oct 4, 2010 3:12 PM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
Lighten up. This is an anonymous message board, not a public hearing.
That was a grammar joke, anyway.
You had me at no problem.
C’mon, dude, let’s not have a pissing contest.
I want to see AO grow up some…driving like a maniac on 66 makes it seem like he hasn’t. I don’t think it’s all that funny, either.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
Allegedly driving on 66 like a maniac. Let’s keep that part in mind.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
You callin’ me a liar, Frank?
"Hockey is my life, wine is my passion." -- Igor Larionov
by Scott in Shaw on Oct 4, 2010 5:32 PM EDT up reply actions
I think he’s stupid to be driving that way, too. I just don’t like being scolded.
And no question, Ovechkin and at least one other Cap(Chatty McChubbycheeks) have a fair amount of maturing to do.
You had me at no problem.
Hard to believe his parents haven’t said anything to him about it. I don’t understand how anyone who lost a relative in an auto accident can be so cavalier about driving.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Just gonna say, driving in Europe/Russia (I assume Russia, anyway) requires you to have a certain sense of “anything goes.” I would imagine that he’s actually better equipped as a driver to deal with shit that happens on the road than many of us would be.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 4, 2010 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions
You may have noticed this isn’t Europe/Russia. Remember, it’s not how good a driver you are, it’s also how bad are the other drivers? And unexpected crap happens on roads everywhere. And with all the construction in this area, it’s not easy to bail out when you have to suddenly screech to a halt.
"It's always good to have vikings."
by gfcaps fan on Oct 4, 2010 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
As the parent of a 21 year old male, I wouldn’t be surprised if they say something to him every time he leaves the house, then say a little prayer.
Love to know how he got out of the city by 3:30. Traffic was the pits. Penn Ave was blocked off for a festival so I couldn’t get over to E Street, and Constitution crawled from 14th street to the bridge.
"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
That is very, very Russian. When I drove in Moscow, I learned to make a third or fourth lane, whenever space allowed and to use sidewalks very liberally, either to drive through or park on.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
I wish there was a negative rec button. That boy is going to end up mangled in a wreck one of these days. Hopefully, he won’t wipe out another family in the process.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
by oldemystix on Oct 4, 2010 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
At about 7:30 in the morning on October 1, 2010, Ovechkin passed “Scott in Shaw” and his girlfriend on 495 (Washington’s “Belt Way”). Shaw, who drives a Volkswagon Bug like a granny, observed Ovechkin cut off a school bus and then pass a line of traffic driving in the median. Shaw’s girlfriend said “Who does that reckless Russian asshole think he is, endangering children like that?” When Shaw saw the license plate, he responded “Actually, that Russian asshole is the second best hockey player alive.”
Ovechkin proceeded to cut across 7 lanes of traffic to take an exit, showing the kind of recklessness that led him to dislocate his shoulder in a dirty hit involving Mike Richards that ended Russia’s chances to medal in the 2005 Junior Olympics.
Ovechkin’s driving is in stark contrast to the pristine driving record of Sidney Crosby.
Excerpt from "The Ovechkin Motor Works: A Behind-The Wheel Look At Hockey’s Most Dangerous Driver
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 4, 2010 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions 12 recs
Well done sir.
A very misguided piece on Huffington Post recently called 30 Rock the most racist show on television thanks to Tracy Morgan’s wild, manic, madcap performance. Tonight illustrated why whoever wrote that piece is full of shit and should be punched in the face until he has a more nuanced grasp on comedy.
Speaking of, I happened to be in Barnes and Noble last week, and because they re-arranged the store, found myself next to the sports books. Yes, they have a copy of that piece of work in the store. Barf.
Then again, next time I have time to spare, maybe I’ll take it over the to “library” section.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Put a different book in front of it next time.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
Or take it over to the Fiction section
LET'S GO CAPS!!!
by Elliotte on Oct 4, 2010 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions 6 recs
Or take it over to theFictionshredder section
FTFY
Photography: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
by IRockTheRed on Oct 4, 2010 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Beautiful.
"Hockey is my life, wine is my passion." -- Igor Larionov
by Scott in Shaw on Oct 4, 2010 5:34 PM EDT up reply actions
By the way, I have a Porsche and drive very fast. Ovie really is a maniac.
Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac? – George Carlin
To all the self-appointed driving police – get over it. There are better things in life to think about. He still has his license after living here for years so he can’t be that insane. Sasha Semin is the one getting into accidents.
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
Which is weird because he usually avoids contact.
I BROUGHT IT BACK ON TOPIC!!
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
by jordanDC on Oct 4, 2010 4:04 PM EDT up reply actions 6 recs
There are better things in life to think about.
i’m more worried about his driving than about his missing non-mandatory practices. seems like a worthwhile topic.
One of those seems more relevant to this forum than the other, though.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
okay, i’ll stop here. but i do think the well-being of the captain (who happens to be on a 13-year contract) is pretty relevant to the future of the team on the ice.
I think it’s safe to say that Gustafsson is done with the emergence of Mackan, Perreault, and Eakin.
I went to a fight, and a hockey game broke out!
Hard to say. 11 centers were taken in the first round of the 2008 draft (Gustafsson was the seventh of that group). Of the 11, only five have dressed for an NHL game, and only two have played in more than 35 games. It certainly is a troublesome sign for Gustafsson to be opening the year in South Carolina, but he’s only 20 years old, too.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 4, 2010 8:13 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
True, give him another 5 years, and he’ll still be a rookie the same age his dad was, right?
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 4, 2010 8:36 AM EDT up reply actions
Oof, wonder who I was thinking of, then? Still, not even making Hershey is rough, and certainly not good for his confidence. I wonder if it’s even worth it to him to play in SC.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 4, 2010 8:43 AM EDT up reply actions
His career has been derailed by injuries, which is better for him than having it derailed by poor judgment, or lack of desire, or just not being able to do it anymore an nobody knows why.
This is what recovery from bad injuries can look like sometimes. It’s still possible that all he needs is an extended healthy period to get back into it. Getting less likely every year, but still not out of the question.
The biggest problem with that draft pick was that the Caps knew about the injuries, and drafted him anyway — they really rolled the dice…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 4, 2010 9:07 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think that he’s without questions regarding his desire.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I’ve seen the same pattern with a lot of young players who have serious injuries. The injuries are followed by confidence issues that manifest as tentative play. A lot of guys never get over that and are sunk (the tolerances for what makes someone an NHL player vs. a semipro being so strict). Some guys redefine their game and say, become grinders where they had once been skill guys. And some guys come back after a while and are suddenly themselves again, with full potential and effectiveness.
I’m definitely not saying that the odds are with him. But maybe a year of playing with no pressure at the ECHL is just what he needs. Who knows what could happen if he just puts together a full season at the pro level with no injuries.
Of course, we said the same about Finley last year, and he went and had yet another freak health problem…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 4, 2010 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Hopefully he’ll dominate the ECHL and get a boost.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
Unfortunately, he didn’t dominate the Allsvenskan. I don’t see how he’ll dominate the E, either.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 4, 2010 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Tim Leone indicated that he’d been pretty invisible in the pre-season games. Maybe his heart really isn’t in it any more. We don’t know how family pressure may be involved, too.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Lots of assumptions there.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
by jordanDC on Oct 4, 2010 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Just hewing to the known knowns here, he’s a first round pick that hasn’t stayed healthy, couldn’t crack Hershey’s lineup last year and is headed to the ECHL this year.
None of it screams “great future”.
He might turn it around, as Gouldie notes. Might not, either.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
And that they moved a 2 to move up to get him. And that jordan Eberle was on the board. And that it stinks of a pick guided by nostalgia. I think he’s probably never going to be an NHL player but if he is it will probably be a bottom 6 defensive role.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
by Rob Parker on Oct 4, 2010 12:33 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Looking back, I’m more upset that they took AnGus while John Carlson was still on the board.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
Amazing how many times they’ve lucked out on that (drafting Schultz but still getting Green, drafting Semin and still getting Boyd Gordon… ahem…).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
As to the 2004 draft, the general understanding was the Schultz Green order was so they could get both of them based on the ‘intelligence’ reports as to Dallas’ draft board. If they had picked Green, the understanding was Dallas would have picked Schultz over Fistric, but that Dallas, as seen, was going to pick Fistric, the other stay at home D type, over Green. And it worked out :)
by sk84fun_dc on Oct 4, 2010 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Didn’t realize that. Good work then.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
That’s my understanding of the situation from that time and what I heard later, but not sure if there’s anything out there on the internet to confirm it; maybe someone else can chime in and confirm if they recall things the same way.
I definitely remember reading something along those lines.
by red army line on Oct 4, 2010 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Of course, if they knew Green would be a Norris candidate, doubtful that they leave it up to Dallas’s whim.
You had me at no problem.
If anyone knew how good Green would become, he would have been taken 2nd or 3rd overall.
"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 4, 2010 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions
3rd, yeah. but 2nd, bumping Malkin to 3rd?
Watching the O’s try to use strategy is like watching Mike Green trying to figure out the difference between "your" and "you’re"--Terpgrrl
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
I’d take Mark Streit (who went in round 9, FYI) over either of them.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
by D'ohboy on Oct 4, 2010 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Lolz. Schultz gets by on his smarts and Mesz is even softer than Schultz. He’s also pretty wildly inconsistent and very overpaid.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
by Rob Parker on Oct 4, 2010 1:33 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
IMO, a guy like Green is rarer than a guy like Malkin, so I think it’s legitimate to at least consider taking Green 2nd in this imaginary scenario.
"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 4, 2010 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions
he was 24 when he was drafted. crazy.
Watching the O’s try to use strategy is like watching Mike Green trying to figure out the difference between "your" and "you’re"--Terpgrrl
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
Ay the timeI was pissed about it at the time. I coveted Carlson going into that draft. But we got him anyway so I’m cool. I’m just pissed that we could have gotten another stud and possibly saved our othe 2 (which would have allowed us to trade up to the early 2nd for another quality player). Ahhh hindsight.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
by Rob Parker on Oct 4, 2010 1:31 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Gustafsson update from SC (speculation)
I’m not sure where to post this, so here it goes…Gustafsson update from SC beat writer, nothing definitive but speculation about whether he’ll report to SC…
<a href=“http:// ”http://www.postandcourier.com/blogs/stingrays/?plckController=Blog&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&UID=1cc16a25-da92-4a83-9970-cea0213bc833&plckPostId=Blog%3a1cc16a25-da92-4a83-9970-cea0213bc833Post%3ae504bd95-987c-430b-b206-6b2ec0eeef3c&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest" target="_blank">http://www.postandcourier.com/blogs/stingrays/?plckController=Blog&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&UID=1cc16a25-da92-4a83-9970-cea0213bc833&plckPostId=Blog%3a1cc16a25-da92-4a83-9970-cea0213bc833Post%3ae504bd95-987c-430b-b206-6b2ec0eeef3c&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest" >link to blog entry by Andrew Miller
My guess is that today’s picture is foreshadowing, btw.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Perreault getting pushed down? Aww.
Bruce at least had some nice things to say about him after the game yesterday. He’ll be back.
The most unfortunate part of it all is that MJ90’s contract clause to allow him to go back home instead of Hershey seems to play a noticeable part in who stays. Yeah he still had to outplay Perreault, but it seems to me like anything close or a tie would mean Perreault’s going on the Alzner commuting plan.
LET'S GO CAPS!!!
And Gordon’s waiver eligibility and etc etc. Poor Matty.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
I think some of the “poor Matty” sentiment might erode before long. I’m not sure from whence the impression comes that he’s all hard work and hustle. As Corey wrote recently (emphsais mine):
Another objective for Perreault is to remain in the good graces of Washington’s head coach. His play trailed off with the Capitals after a hot start, and Bruce Boudreau wasn’t happy with Perreault for more than just his on-ice performance.
"What goes on behind closed doors will stay behind closed doors, but I think Mathieu was a young guy who got caught up in the whole NHL thing," Boudreau said.
Not sure what a potential fringe NHLer is doing messing around like that…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I thought that comment by Bruce was more a reflection of what happened last year, when Perri mysteriously came down with the flu/food poisoning, was held out of the Tampa game, and then sent down to Hershey. After yesterday’s game, while Bruce did said that his play trailed off late in the game, he thought it was due to him getting no help from the rest of the team, and that he was the the only one working hard.
"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
Yeah, that quote most likely refers to the TB incident. Or it refers to more than just that. Definitely a quote from prior to yesterday, though, and I didn’t mean to imply otherwise (though are we sure that he’s focused and committed at this point?).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
You’re right, we don’t know. Although maybe when HBO shows up with the open mics we’ll have a better idea. I can tell you that at yesterday’s game, Matty was winning faceoffs and hustling more than any other player out there, including getting perfect passes to players with open nets, only to have them blow it (Bradley and Knuble). Kid seemed focused. Maybe Alzner can give him a pep talk (and tips on where the speed traps are on Route 15).
"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
I can tell you that at yesterday’s game, Matty was winning faceoffs and hustling more than any other player out there
As well he should have been, given he’s trying to make the team. Which, of course, is part of the bigger question – he started off his lengthy call-up last year really strong, but that tailed off quite a bit. Can he sustain his best efforts over the course of an NHL season? I suppose there’s no way to know without giving him the chance, but my guess is that the grind grinds.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
You don’t think lots of guys should have been playing with that mentality? Flash shouldn’t be playing like he wants to actually win the 2C job instead being handed it by his benefactor? Steckel and Gordon shouldn’t be playing like they don’t want to be the healthy scratch? I’d say at least half that roster had something to play for, even if it wasn’t quite as stark as what MP was playing for.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
You don’t think lots of guys should have been playing with that mentality?
Where’d I say that?
And please – when has there been any indication that Flash actually needs to earn the 2C spot?
As for Gordon, I think he’s been outstanding this pre-season (from what I’ve heard) and clearly is out to prove he should get a sweater every night.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
You didn’t say that other players shouldn’t be playing hard, I’m just taking the conversation a step further. Bagace said MP was the only guy busting his ass and your response is “well, he should do that.” I don’t disagree that he should do that, but I think everyone should do that; so when not everyone is doing that, but MP is doing that, he should get credit. That’s all.
And yeah, minimal lip service, if any, is all that has indicated Flash will have to earn anything. Guess it was just wishful thinking.
I think Boyd Gordon should get a sweater every night, and I thought that last year. The only thing that should keep him out, IMO, is his back. Unfortunately I think it probably will keep him out a good bit this year again.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
In my cynicism whenever I hear “flu-like symptoms” I immediately translate it as “hangover”.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
I don’t see why this upsets people so much. Give me the guy with upside ten times out of ten if the two guys in question are perceived to be close in ability.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Homeboy has paid his dues, is all.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
Keith Aucoin has paid much more in dues and we’re not crying over him being in Hershey.
Johansson is just the better hockey player. He might be ever so slightly behind MP right now, but by mid-season I don’t see that being the case any longer.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
I’m just afraid—in fact, pretty sure—MarJo hits the rookie wall towards the end of the season. If the Caps are relying on him then, they’re kind of screwed, especially if it’s after the deadline (which I fear it will be). He’s going from ~50 games to 80+, and I have doubts he’d be in shape for that in his first long season. MP is probably more suited to that.
by red army line on Oct 4, 2010 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions
I think that’s a realistic concern, but being a 3rd-liner with his minutes managed should help. But I think the team will have a good handle on what’s left in MarJo’s tank before the deadline.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Have you seen Bruce manage his players? He seems to do a very poor job of managing his players playing time, and I think there’s a case to be made that his team was tired going into the last 3 post-seasons. I don’t have that faith that MJ will not have his face planted firmly in “the wall”, that’s a big concern I’ve had for anybody taking that 3-C spot (not to mention Flash at the 2-C if we don’t get an upgrade at the deadline there, or the Carlnerson pair for that matter — tho lesser concern with those two)
Great. Now I have to change my name to "Jaromir meet Alex".
by Chris meet Alex on Oct 4, 2010 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions
He’s gonna give Nicky 22-23 minutes per night and lots o’PK time, so that’s fine.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
I’m going to freak out if he actually does that. I can categorically guarantee that Nick Backstrom will be more effective in the playoffs if he plays for 20 minutes a night instead of 23; even guys who are as efficient as Backstrom are are going to wear down under that kind of work load.
There’s no reason for this team to run its horses for 23-24 minutes a night. They ought to win the Southeast going away and consequently lock up that top three seed. Save the legs and the accumulated wear-and-tear for the playoffs, please.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Oct 4, 2010 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
May as well freak out now. What on earth makes you think it won’t play out like that? Have you paid attention to Mike Green or Alex Ovechkin?
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I bitch about those two’s ice as well; I can kind of understand it with Green when you look at the bottom of the blueline, but with the forward depth the Caps have, there’s no reason that AO and Backstrom need to play 22-24 minutes a night.
I think a coach that harped on shift-length would be enormously beneficial at this stage in AO’s development. For all that Bruce does right, he really biffs that one. Maybe the Caps can swipe another DET assistant, a la McClellan in S.J.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Oct 4, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t see a DET assistant moving unless it’s for a head coaching job, so are you suggesting it’s time for BB to go?
I’d live with Green’s TOI more if the distribution was a bit more even throughout the game.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I don’t think Bruce has coached himself out of job yet, but I think he got punished by Jacques Martin and Dan Bylsma in those playoff series. Further, it doesn’t look like he’s adjusting to what appear to be pretty glaring flaws.
I’m concerned that the Caps have gone from 4th to 7th to 11th in outshooting over Boudreau’s tenure. I love watching the offense, but that’s going to come back to bite if they hit a streak of low shooting percentage for whatever reason.
I’m concerned about accountability for some players. Flash may be well loved in the locker room, but he was rewarded for backing off his aggressive, physical play that resulted in goalscoring with the second line center gig, feeding a hot-as-balls Alex Semin. I’m 100% sure that Bruce knows AO shouldn’t be taking such long shifts, but it doesn’t look like there’s any accountability there, either.
I’m concerned that Boudreau is the wrong coach for this particular team; he did a great job developing his studs up to this point, but they may need a different style to take that next step.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Oct 4, 2010 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Circumstantially, you’re making a good argument. The limits of the team’s success may very well be determined by the limits of Gabby’s strategy comprehension and player management. And if BB really doesn’t know what Corsi Numbers are than your contentions go from reasonable to quite probable.
My question is, IF Boudreau doesn’t know what Corsi stats are, then how GMGM not know that Boudreau doesn’t know these things? Stats—whether you’re a believer in their importance or not—can’t just be ignored. Stats are used as part of contract negotiations, judging if line-up changes are working or needed, they help players figure out what needs work in their game. How is it possible that NOBODY ever mentioned them to him before?
I had to leave the convention to give one of my dogs medication so I missed his Q&A, but does anybody who was there think it’s possible he was playing the idiot card as a joke? He’s done it before, I just can’t think of why he’d do that to the fans at the Convention.
Country Gentlemen's Pig Fertilizer Gazette
Dunny-on-the-World
I only heard about the corsi bit at the convention secondhand but BB has said on other occasions that he’s a stats guy. I really don’t believe he is ignorant of corsi. So he was probably joking at the time.
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 4, 2010 9:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Zetterberg and Datsyuk do ok in the playoffs (and farther into the playoffs) after being relied on heavily in those same situations all year. I think Backstrom is capable of the same, and it will greatly help the team in the playoffs if he’s able to help the PK by gaining that experience during the regular season.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
And generally speaking take shorter shifts (at least shorter than Ovechkin). I think shift length is also extremely important.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
by Rob Parker on Oct 4, 2010 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Huge, huge point. Detroit is fanatical about keeping the shift lengths down; it takes much longer to recover from two 60 second shifts than it does from three forty second shifts.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Oct 4, 2010 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 4, 2010 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
And an XKCD link to boot. Awesome.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Oct 4, 2010 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions
“You can’t turn it on and off,” and you can’t try to slide into the playoffs on cushy play, and then expect to know how to crank up the effort to 11 for a long, grinding postseason.
You had me at no problem.
by Ninjak on Oct 4, 2010 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
If you haven’t had to dig deep after 22 mins of ice-time in the regular season, you may not know how to in the postseason.
You had me at no problem.
I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that all of the players in question have had to dig deep in their professional careers before.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Oct 4, 2010 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions
More likely: if you’ve had to dig deep 75 – 80 times in the season, there’s nothing left in the tank when April rolls around.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
by fat_daddyo on Oct 4, 2010 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I don’t see your logic. If you can’t “dig deep” because you’re tired, you need to better conditioned. If you can’t “dig deep” because you don’t know how and you’re in a Stanley Cup playoff game, you shouldn’t be a professional hockey player.
And these guys were all playing 30 minutes a game in the minors or in college. They don’t roll 4 lines in the “Q”.
If you can’t "dig deep" because you don’t know how and you’re in a Stanley Cup playoff game, you shouldn’t be a professional hockey player.
That’s not true. You just need to play on the Leafs.
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
Or have BB as your coach.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
by Rob Parker on Oct 4, 2010 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
If you can’t "dig deep" because you don’t know how and you’re in a Stanley Cup playoff game, you shouldn’t be a professional hockey player
You can extend that logic to any aspect of the game. Why let Ovechkin lay big hits during the regular season? Save your energy for the playoffs! Dump and chase is too tough on guys’ bodies. Only run that system when it counts!
Point is, you forget things that you haven’t practiced recently. You can’t expect to be ready to play your best hockey if you haven’t actually practiced it, and recently. Having accomplished something years ago doesn’t mean you can recall that ability at any moment.
If Fehr plays 12 minutes a night every night of the regular season, don’t you think it would be difficult for him to play at the same level if he has to skate 22 minutes a night in the postseason?
There has to be moderation here, though. You can’t overwork players in the regular season. But you can’t hold them back to the point where they’re not prepared to give 100%, either.
You had me at no problem.
You can extend that logic to any aspect of the game. Why let Ovechkin lay big hits during the regular season? Save your energy for the playoffs! Dump and chase is too tough on guys’ bodies. Only run that system when it counts!
I think our fundamental disagree is on what the nature of “digging deep” is. I see it as an issue of conditioning and drive/mentality. If I’m reading you correctly, you see it as a skill that needs to be practiced.
If Fehr plays 12 minutes a night every night of the regular season, don’t you think it would be difficult for him to play at the same level if he has to skate 22 minutes a night in the postseason?
Probably, but going from 12 to 22 minutes is a jump of ten minutes and 83%, and going from 20 to 22 is a jump of two minutes and ten percent. If Fehr was playing 12 minutes a night in the regular season, I’d expect him to be able to play either 14 minutes or just over 13 in the playoffs.
In any case, it’s hard to argue that Boudreau couldn’t do a better job of managing minutes. Even with the approach you’re advocating, some of his decisions make no sense.
I think our fundamental disagree is on what the nature of "digging deep" is. I see it as an issue of conditioning and drive/mentality. If I’m reading you correctly, you see it as a skill that needs to be practiced.
I think it’s a mentality… One that needs to be practiced.
I agree 100% the Boudreau has been overworking key guys, though. 30 minutes for Green or 25 for Ovechkin, that’s way high. He shouldn’t let them regularly stay out for so many minutes, or for such long shifts.
However, once in a while, in a big game, you need to let your best players carry the team with long minutes. The coach shouldn’t be indicted every single time this happens. Only if it happens too often, which has been the case.
You had me at no problem.
In case, I completely (or at least almost completely) agree with you. A heated game against the Penguins, Flyers, or even Lightning in December, I have no problem with the big guns up front playing 23 minutes or Green pulling 28, and I wouldn’t really like to hear the Ovechkin was pulled off the ice after 20 minutes in that situation. It’s just things like Green skating 28:30 in the last game of the season, a meaningless games against Boston, that drive me nuts.
As long as those are maximums instead of means (and the variance is good sized), I’ll be a happy camper.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Oct 4, 2010 5:22 PM EDT up reply actions
If Fehr averages 12 minutes a night, he’s getting 8 some nights and 16 others. Even if Green averages 22 mins a night, due to injuries and lots of PPs and other factors, he’s going to top 25 or even 30 a few times too.
by red army line on Oct 4, 2010 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree, as much as people here get on Mike Green for his conditioning, and for disapearing in the playoffs, he plays WAY too many minutes. Yes there are other defensemen who play a ton of minutes, but how many of them have a game based on speed the way Green does? How many of them take the puck deep into the offensive zone as often as he does and have to skate all the way back if they lose possession?
Aim for the head baby Jesus
And how many of them pout when they get played against physically?
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
He managed the call-ups’ time, including MP, very well last year.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
Perhaps his management of the kids is better, but I still am afraid a rookie is going to hit the wall no matter how well you manage his time. It’s just a matter of how much…
Great. Now I have to change my name to "Jaromir meet Alex".
by Chris meet Alex on Oct 4, 2010 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions
How you can not disagree with that… it’s… o wait… (carry the one)…. oh that means you agree! Cool.
Great. Now I have to change my name to "Jaromir meet Alex".
by Chris meet Alex on Oct 4, 2010 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions
If Bruce plays Mackan and Fehr together pretty much every shift, Johansson should be rested and ready for the playoffs…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 4, 2010 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions 10 recs
rickity-rec it
Great. Now I have to change my name to "Jaromir meet Alex".
by Chris meet Alex on Oct 4, 2010 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Hint: MP is just a phone call away if Mackan needs a rest.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Trying to work my way through the roster juggling that would require, assuming the club carries 14 forwards, and the HS guys are King and Gordon/Steckel.
Can they give MarJo the old non-demotion demotion? The kind where he’s on Hershey’s roster but stays up with the big club?
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
At the same time far lesser players than MP have been rewarded for paying their dues and rushing a 19 year old is generally not a good idea. Unless you think Mackan is such a bluechipper that he can produce at 19 then it makes sense to let him mature and develop another year. If he didn’t have the SEL option I don’t think this would even be much of a debate.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
by Rob Parker on Oct 4, 2010 12:42 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Here’s my thinking: MP has been marginally better offensively than Mackan, while Mackan has been marginally better defensively. MP is better at faceoffs, but does not kill penalties, whereas Mackan sucks at faceoffs, but can kill penalties.
If I were the Caps, I think I’d be more confident in my ability to get Mackan to a passable level on faceoffs than my ability to teach MP to play defense. Either of these two would start at #3C behind Backis and Flash, so defensive prowess probably has a slight priority.
Beyond this, Mackan has the higher ceiling and the ability to return to the SEL. I’m not stoked about burning a year of his ELC unless he’s really ready, but from what I saw the other night, he looks as ready as he’ll be without more North American experience.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
Would I be saying the same thing you just said if I said: “if the opening is for a 2C, take MP. If the opening is for a 3C, take Johansson” ?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 4, 2010 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Although I think that Johansson will be the better #2C as well before long. Perhaps even before New Year’s.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
Maybe, but he is only 19. That’s a tough age to be an impact player and I don’t think Mackan is that kind of guy. He’s doubling his schedule, playing better competition, and he wasn’t exactly getting tons of TOI in the SEL. I don’t think we should be that optimistic about his production/contribution this year. Remember Ice Warrior’s FanPost earlier in the summer?
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
After watching him in person, he looks pretty special. Admittedly, it was against the Providence Bruins.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
Teams have, for the most part, have given up on the “paying your dues” roster spot, wouldn’t you think? There are plenty of 30-year-old AHL players who put up good minor league numbers that won’t see a minute of NHL ice-time because, dues or not, they would fail miserably against much better competition.
I agree when you talk about vets and I’m not a fan of rewarding dues with roster spots. I’d reward performance. But it seems undeniable that the Caps have rewarded dues in some situations and that MP deserves it as much as those guys.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
by Rob Parker on Oct 4, 2010 1:37 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
If he didn’t have the SEL option I don’t think this would even be much of a debate.
And I don’t think this would be much different. I think a strong argument can be made that playing and practicing with NHLers will benefit Johansson’s development more than sticking him in a league full of plumbers.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Maybe. But lots of people here have expresed that Mackan should ideally start the season in HER. With that option seemingly off the table it pretty much forces MP down. I don’t think its crazy to suggest that MP should get a longer look in the NHL to see if he has taken that step. Would him lighting up the AHL really prove anything to you? At this point the only question is whether he can handle NHL competition.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
by Rob Parker on Oct 4, 2010 1:40 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Would him lighting up the AHL really prove anything to you?
Yes, actually. In my mind, if a guy’s going to be a legit scoring line center in the NHL, he should be able to stand out at the AHL level. Has Perreault done that yet? Not really. A dominant stretch or season down there would show that he’s still progressing and not plateu-ing.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Pretty dominant stretch in the playoffs.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
You mean the playoffs in which he was the sixth-leading scorer on a juggernaut?
Tomas Fleischmann was a dominant AHL player. Mathieu Perreault has not yet been one.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Was there an Aucoin/Giroux on Flash’s team? I don’t know how MP compares to other 2Cs at the AHL level but he didn’t get the high quality ice and still produced.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
by Rob Parker on Oct 4, 2010 3:00 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Was there an Aucoin/Giroux on Flash’s team?
There was a Giroux. His name was Alexandre Giroux. There were plenty of players on that team.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Ok. Hard to argue against Flash’s production but I still think that Mackan would benefit more from time in the AHL than MP would.
If MP goes to the AHL and lights it up, everyone is still going to say “yeah but he’s small and won’t do that against the NHL competition.” It’s not even about the numbers with MP. His skill is obvious. I don’t think there is anyone that could watch him and doubt his pure talent. It’s going to go back to the same stuff people have held against him since he started playing hockey. The only way he’s going to prove any of that is to do it in the NHL.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
by Rob Parker on Oct 4, 2010 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
If MP goes to the AHL and lights it up, everyone is still going to say "yeah but he’s small and won’t do that against the NHL competition."
I disagree. If he goes to the AHL and lights it up, he’ll be making an even stronger case for a longer look at the NHL level. He has not, to date, “lit it up” at the AHL level.
Here’s another, related question – if not for the potential/upside that MP has, is there any reason he should be here and Keith Aucoin shouldn’t? Aucoin has lit it up in the AHL…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
He hasn’t impressed as much as MP has in their stints with the Caps?
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
Aucoin has 11 points in 21 games as a Cap, Perreault has 9 in 21.
Of course, points don’t tell the whole story, but Aucoin has certainly impressed, in terms of production, pretty much on par with Perreault (without the off-ice concerns).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
points don’t tell the whole story
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
I agree with you agreeing with me.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Aucoin has had long term looks in the NHL before he was with the Caps. Is there any reason Alex Giroux doesn’t deserve to be in the NHL? Yeah. He’s proven he can’t be an impact player there. I feel the same about Aucoin. He’s OK for a spot call up, but he’s not good enough offensively to play top 6 and he’s not good enough defensively to play bottom 6.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Right, so the reason Perreault deserves to be here before Aucoin is that Aucoin is a known commodity whereas Perreault is not, necessarily. Not because Perreault is a markedly better player than Aucoin, but because he might be. But he hasn’t demonstrated that at either the AHL or NHL level.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
No, he hasn’t demonstrated it at either level, but he’s also 22. Where was Aucoin at age 22? Playing D III. I think it’s fair to say that MP has more raw talent than Aucoin does, and that he has more of a future than Aucoin (potentially). I just don’t see why you’d write off a guy like that.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Who’s writing him off? I agree that he potentially has NHL upside that Aucoin doesn’t have. And I think that he could use some more time honing his craft in Hershey.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I’d rather have him doing that with third line NHLers than with second like AHLers.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
That’s understandable – and the exact same way I feel about Johansson.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
There’s room for both if one plays wing!
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
He’ll clear waivers and I’d say he has a much lower ceiling at the NHL level.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
You keep saying Gordon will clear waivers, but you never say why. From the perspective of another team if there a young guy who put up the kind of numbers he did last year, can play multiple roles, and has a good reputation character-wise, why not take the chance? Why would you assume all 29 other teams are going to pass?
How many guys have been claimed off waivers so far? Is Gordon the best player in the AHL that has been or will be subjected to waivers this season? I don’t think he is.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
How many players have been claimed isn’t relevant, nor is whether better players might be waived in the future, what could be relevant is whether guys with more value than Gordon have been waived.
Do you think there have been any?
I guess I can buy that. I just don’t think there’s any reason to fast-track Mackan like that.
There’s also the entire undertone that the reason MP is going to have to go to the AHL is because of waivers, and that isn’t an issue of earning a roster spot.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
FWIW, Giroux wasn’t around in ’05-06; the first line was usually Fleischmann Beech Mink after Beech joined the team and in particular, during the Calder Cup playoffs.
by sk84fun_dc on Oct 4, 2010 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
At the same time far lesser players than MP have been rewarded for paying their dues and rushing a 19 year old is generally not a good idea. Unless you think Mackan is such a bluechipper that he can produce at 19 then it makes sense to let him mature and develop another year. If he didn’t have the SEL option I don’t think this would even be much of a debate.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
by Rob Parker on Oct 4, 2010 12:45 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
First of all… not really. He’s played two AHL seasons – he’s not exactly Crash Davis.
Second of all… who cares? It’s all about icing the best team you can now with an eye on the future.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 4, 2010 8:57 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Indeed.
Perreault will get his shot eventually, but it’s all about winning now, and it’s up to Bruce/GMGM to pick the guys who they think will give this team the best shot at winning.
"Never tell me the odds." - Han Solo
It’s actually not about winning now. It’s about winning in the Spring and figuring out who is going to help us to do that.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I’m going with a trade acquisition. I don’t think either guy is going to materially help us win a Cup. As far as I’m concerned this is a learning/development year for both guys and neither is going to be a real impact player before next season.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
by Rob Parker on Oct 4, 2010 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I could see either at 3C, but BB will have to be extra careful with line matchups for it to work, I think.
by red army line on Oct 4, 2010 3:51 PM EDT up reply actions
And I don’t think 3C is going to be a “make or break” position for the Caps. 2C will be. The 2nd line has been our biggest flaw in each of the last two post-seasons. It’s my biggest concern again this year.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Considering I think Neuvy is the guy to lean on, I’m not concerned about Varly’s groin. I’m more concerned that Varly will be healthy but not “’09 against the Rags” good and keep Neuvirth on the bench.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I’ve been pretty clear about my thoughts on the two goalies. I thought everyone knew I was more confident in Neuvirth long term. And I know basically everyone disagrees with me, but I think Neuvirth is a big game player. I want to see him get a chance to do it with the Caps.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Sorry, I’ll update my F&B Player Preference Guide, hold on.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
It’s alright, you were gone for much of the off-season.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
You’ve only been worshiping Neuvy for two years now.
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
I was trying to be nice to him.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I for one agree with you.
Six Beers Too Many fantasy team: It's Neu-virth Than Usual
"I wake up in the middle night frustrated because we lost out in the first round and I want to see our players hoist the Stanley Cup." -Brooks Laich
by CapitalCentre on Oct 4, 2010 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions
So much Neuvi love around here now, and yet…
"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
What was Sloan’s experience? About 13 holes and an AHL playoffs?
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
by Rob Parker on Oct 4, 2010 12:47 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Morrisonn, Jurcina and Pothier paid their dues. They’re all good guys. Two of them are even half-decent NHL defensemen. I’m glad they’re gone. I’d rather have Alzner and Carlson.
Olie Kolzig paid his dues, but Huet was the right call that year.
“Paid his dues” is logic that gets you the Sloan, Erskine, and Steckel contracts. “Paid his dues” would have Quintin Laing still on the team.
Perreault/Johansson is a different situation of course, but still, I hope they don’t make personnel decisions based on “dues”
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 4, 2010 9:11 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Well said! Now with the emergence of our young centermen Stek’s deal is looking like an albatross.
A danger to myself and others on the ice
by can't skate on Oct 4, 2010 9:52 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Stecks’ deal looked a little silly even at the time. The dollar and term were both based on the idea that he was going to be a 3rd-line center or a “super” 4th line guy who could provide some offense. Neither of those panned out and we’re left with a $1.1m faceoff specialist.
Note to GMGM – 4th line players are fungible. Don’t overspend on these guys.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
The obvious parallel with Perreault is Martin St. Louis from the “small but plucky” category of player. St. Louis did not play in more than 50 games in an NHL season until he was 24 (56 games with Calgary in 1999-2000). Perreault is 22.
If you've read this far...seek help.
And St Louis is one of the rare big free agent signings to earn his keep – his missed what, 2 games since the start of the 2002-2002 season? He’s worth every penny they pay him and more.
And I can’t stand St. Louis. Seems he always hurts us. I can’t imagine MP being that good but if he were…oh my!
A danger to myself and others on the ice
by can't skate on Oct 4, 2010 10:45 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
St. Louis is probably one of my favorite non-Caps.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
At the same time it worries me when I see Perreault get flattened every other time he tries to drive the net in the pre-season. It seems like that kind of thing doesn’t happen to Briere or St. Louis.
I can’t stand him because he always seems to kill the caps. Unlike so many others whom I hate because I hate.
A danger to myself and others on the ice
by can't skate on Oct 4, 2010 1:27 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I’ve made that comparison before and I’d add Briere as well. MP seems like a hybrid of the two if he is going to make it. Neither guy really established themselves as a legit NHLer until their 24-25 year. I said a few times that I don’t think this is the year for MP to do that; I think it will be next year or it is time to move on. But quitting on him now is foolish, IMO. And for what it’s worth Briere had serious maturity issues in PHX and that was a big reason they moved him.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
by Rob Parker on Oct 4, 2010 1:44 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Both Briere and MSL stood out in the AHL in a way that Perreault has not. Yet.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
And MSL was undrafted. Draft position has literally nothing to do with it.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Sure it does. It means teams are more willing to give a guy a 2nd, 3rd, and 4th chance when guys who weren’t drafted or were drafted in the 9th round may get booted.
Briere was given opportunity after opportunity until it finally panned out. St Louis was let go by Calgary after 3 good years in the AHL but 1 1/2 not very good years in the NHL.
That’s an interesting interpretation. Both guys were “given up on” by their original organization at age 25. I also never made an argument about 2nd, 3rd, or 4th chances. I’m saying that smaller guys tend to take longer to pan out, and it’s irrelevant where they are drafted. I’m not sure how you can even mount a serious argument to that given that Briere and MSL both took near identical paths, and that MSL turned out to be the better player. MP was drafted, so then he must be better than MSL if draft position is relevant, right?
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I’m saying that if MP doesn’t pan out in the next 18 months at the NHL level — either coming up there for good or showing, at least in spurts — that he belongs there, he’s not going to be a member of the Caps organization.
And being drafted in the first round does make a difference. Teams that have a greater financial… I can’t think of the word… they’ve paid these players more already, they’re going to give them more chances.
Investment, is the word I believe you were looking for.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 4, 2010 3:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Right, but those are sunk costs. And again, despite the PHX investment, he was given up on at the exact same age as MSL. How does that imply that draft position is at all relevant?
It looks more to me like both teams thought 24 was the age a prospect should have made it by, and that MSL and Briere both failed to do that so they got moved.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Well, one was given up on by being traded away (Briere) and one was just not resigned (MSL). And Briere had a couple of decent seasons in Phoenix (60 pts in 78 games, 46 in 68).
I don’t know that the specifics really matter. At the same age the original organizations let the guys go. (And the point about Briere’s production would seem to cut against your argument.) If being the first round pick was relevant, Briere would have stayed in PHX even longer than he did.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I’m not sure I agree. MP was just under a point per game in the AHL this year. Briere had some huge seasons in the AHL but MSL topped out at just over a point per game. I’m not sure that’s really a significant difference. I really don’t know what the St. John or Springfield teams really looked like but just glancing at the roster there were not Giroux/Aucion type studs to keep either Briere or MSL off the top PP units.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
… just glancing at the roster there were not Giroux/Aucion type studs to keep either Briere or MSL off the top PP units.
Or to feed once there – quality of teammates cuts both ways.
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That would be a stronger argument if MP was playing with Aucoin/Giroux instead of behind them. I’d say your argument is more relevant when talking about A. Gordon than MP.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Right, MP gets Bouchard and a revolving door on the other wing most of the time.. not really getting the argument there.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
The only point we’re making here is not that MP will become the player MSL or Danny Spearchucker are, merely that sometimes you have to wait in line to get your shot. 22 is not over the hill for a prospect.
If you've read this far...seek help.
That’s the point I’m making as well. If it wasn’t clear, I’m agreeing with you.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I think the ability of a player to stick around long enough has a lot to do with opportunity. Briere played with a bad Phoenix for four or five years, maturing each year. St Louis played with a bad Tampa team and allowed to refine his game.
MP is not going to have that chance with the Caps who are a contending team.
Unless the Caps look at MSL and Briere, conclude that their original teams gave up on them too early (which is basically undeniable) and then have some patience with him.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
But with the Caps, I’m not sure they have the ability to be patient with guys. They need players to come in and be productive (or, at least, not be a negative). The Lightning of the early 2000s and the Coyotes and Sabres of the same time did.
All I’m saying is, put Perreault on the Panthers or Islanders, and he’d be a better player 4 years down the road.
Have you paid attention to how the Caps use their 3rd line? I see no reason MP couldn’t do that. Low pressure, no special teams, still plays with decently skilled players, but only plays about 12 a night.
I laugh at your last sentence. It strikes me as an absurd conclusion. Late bloomers can only become players if they get stuck in the basement?
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
But if he only plays 12 minutes a night and has no PP time, he’s not likely to impress much of anyone.
(And I read your last paragraph with a German accent.)
I think that if he had an opportunity to play 18 minutes a night and be on the PP with a team like Florida or the Islanders, he’d be a better player five years down the line. Late bloomers become players when they can play.
It depends who you mean by “he won’t impress anyone.” If GMGM watches and doesn’t have expectations that MP is going to put up 60-80 points then I think he could continue to impress people without racking up points. He impressed some people last year just by being able to do anything offensively in the NHL. If the next step is playing third line minutes and not wearing down, then maybe that’s impressive to GMGM. I just think we are setting the bar at completely different players.
I think late bloomers develop at their own pace and become players when they become players. I think if CGY had just waited on MSL then maybe they win the Cup in ‘04. I don’t think MSL’s development had anything to do with going to TBL; I think it just had to do with his natural development curve.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
It’s probably not even slightly related, but the Caps won all five games that Johansson played in, and lost the game he did not.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
IMO, of the guys on the bubble MoJo was easily the most consistent.
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.
Wha? He’s one of the harder backcheckers on the team and easily has the most active stick.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
That’s like the 4th Ok. from you on this thread… are you feeling… well… okay?
Great. Now I have to change my name to "Jaromir meet Alex".
by Chris meet Alex on Oct 4, 2010 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions
[say it with me now] Ok.
Great. Now I have to change my name to "Jaromir meet Alex".
by Chris meet Alex on Oct 4, 2010 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions
I thought you were just basking in the organization’s recent embracing of Olie Kolzig.
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The effort’s there; the skill I’m not so sure of. Yesterday he looked lost in his own end more than once.
And that’s nothing new for him. MP might have more of a future as a playmaking wing ala Patrick Kane.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
I completely agree with this and am somewhat baffled that the Caps haven’t even tried to play him at wing.
I also think he has trouble winning his one on one battles defensively in his own end. Being slippery helps him avoid some of the battles on offensive but you can’t really play D like that.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
After watching the game live on Friday, there’s no question MJ90 is making the team. I like MP85 but MJ90 is no question NHL ready.
We were at the game on Friday, too, and that’s what I told my kids while leaving VC. They are sympathetic to MP, but I wonder how long he would keep up. I did not pay attention to MJ’s face-offs while at the game, so did not know until we got home that he was 0. However, I just watched him skate and, generally, in all other aspects of his game, I was impressed. I think he’s needed on the 2nd line at some point and hope he stays here to gain the experience through the regular season. Flash is not the answer.
Johannson was 0-10 on faceoffs. Just to continue the comparision, Perreault was 8-12.
"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
I can think of a way for Professor Steckel to earn his salary…
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Hopefully BB had that idea about a month ago and has been waiting to prioritize it. It looks like there’s nothing MJ90 can’t learn. The question is, what to teach him next. And right now, faceoffs looks like it had better get some serious practice minutes.
Country Gentlemen's Pig Fertilizer Gazette
Dunny-on-the-World
I saw after practice one day at Kettler that they were working with Marcus on faceoffs. One or two coaches were working with him, I can’t recall the opposing player. This was Sept. 19th.
That’s good to know. Especially, since I’d have been shocked into a coma if the Japer’s crew came up with an idea for player training that the coaches hadn’t known about weeks beforehand.
Country Gentlemen's Pig Fertilizer Gazette
Dunny-on-the-World
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
This is a message from one of Boggles’ dogs. He is in a coma now. Thanks for insuring that all 3 of us canines, and the feline fearsome foursome all get put in separate shelters. We had a good life you know! And now it’s over thanks to you and your stupid “facts” and “truthiness”
Country Gentlemen's Pig Fertilizer Gazette
Dunny-on-the-World
I like watching the guy play. That’s all. He’s small, but he’s quick and adept at using his stick to dig the puck out of the corrners. He also has a sort of fearlessness to him. I look at the guys he’s playing against and think “man, he just looks tiny out there, and yet he’s willing to go into traffic and make a play. I admire that.”
He may not be the best player for this team, but I like watching him. Just like Crosby is one of the greatest players in the game today, but I still sports-hate him and wish failure on him.
He also got really abused by Nashville yesterday. All the Caps looked a little beat up by playing two Western Conference teams in a row. If they look to acquire any more defenseman I hope they bring them in from the West.
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It seemed like taking him out was Nashville’s plan yesterday. The first time he drove the puck into the offensive zone, 4 Nashville players surrounded him. I thought that was surprising, since nobody was covering Ovi.
"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
No, they sent Shea Weber to hack at AO’s wrist instead.
Saw Ovi checking and shaking his hand quite a bit during the rest of the game. Not best pleased, was I.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
I’m a little surprised there wasn’t a follow-up “lesson” from one of the Caps to Weber to let him know to knock it off.
LET'S GO CAPS!!!
If past experience is any sort of a judge, that would’ve only made things worse.
by Chris Burton on Oct 4, 2010 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions
Since he was on the roster yesterday, I was expecting to see it, but nothing. I can only presume that there’s some kind of Preseason code for vet-on-vet fighting.
"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
That would be one of my (few) problems with Weber’s game. He’s got a bit of a nasty temperament on occasion. Most of the time it helps more than it hurts, but it has gotten him in trouble before.
Either way, it was clearly effective.
by Chris Burton on Oct 4, 2010 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions
Either way, it was clearly effective.
And this is where I really take issue with Webber. When a defenseman of his caliber can’t out play his opposing forward, out come the elbows and slashes. Webber isn’t a dirty player on anywhere near a regular basis, but when frustrated he’s decided more than once to try and injure players. It’s busch league.
That tells me everything I need to know about the man. And I wouldn’t want somebody like that on my team.
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Dunny-on-the-World
by Boggles on Oct 4, 2010 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I’ll see you a Weber and raise you a Pronger, if your criteria is based on chiippiness/dirty play. I’d take either of those guys on my blue line 8 days a week.
Have at it. But if it was my locker room, they’d both be escorted out of the building and given a pamphlet on the MMA. You want to hurt people, fine. There’s a career opportunity waiting.
Injuring the opposition isn’t about competition, or drive, or desire to be the best. It has nothing to do with winning or the Stanley Cup, It’s about embarrassment and the loss of self-control. It’s a poison in every locker room, and every example of it on the ice is an disgrace to the sport. Being talented doesn’t mitigate such things, it exponentially increases their atrociousness.
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by Boggles on Oct 4, 2010 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Matty’s wrist was slashed too.
I was pissed that neither slash was noticed by the refs.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
Should’ve earned him D.J. King. ROAAAR!!!
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Did it? I must have taken a nap in my seat.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
Anybody know what number Stevenson was wearing with the Bears over the weekend? Can’t seem to find a game roster or anything.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
Sorry, no idea, but I know he got cut to South Carolina. Shocking really as he was playing well with US.
Re: Morrison is actually a little more than mildly surprising to me. I still think he’ll find NHL work as there are still the Floridas and the Islanders of the league, but Vancouver not keeping him has got to be a harsh reality check for him, at the very least.
eh, that’s a pretty stacked team; it would have been a nice story with the return engagement but he’s got a better chance in FL, as you suggest.
back to cool special
Right, but I got the impression that he though he was, for all intents and purposes, hot shit, and that the Caps lost out when they didn’t re-sign him. I could be wrong, but I think that he’s probably the most surprised of anyone he didn’t make that team.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 4, 2010 9:14 AM EDT up reply actions
I bet someone signs BMo on the cheap once regular season injuries start accumulating.
"Because the game is not just about fighting no more. " D.J. King
As the Post article mentions, the Flames maybe a likely destination as they are suffering a slew of offensive injuries at the moment.
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory
by Rather Bengt on Oct 4, 2010 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions
Flames win the Preseason Presidents’ Trophy, BTW. They beat Alexandre Giroux and the Edmonton Oilers to finish 6-0.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Some Swedish Stuff
Aftonbladet’s New York correspondent talked to Nicklas after the game against Columbus, here’s some quotes from the interview.
I think Marcus looked good so far. He’s fast on his skates and "reads" the game very well.
The big difference compared to how it is in Sweden is that here you should go straight to the net. but who am I to talk about it? I haven’t learned to do that myself yet so we are talking a lot about that … he he.
I would be really surprised if he didn’t make the team.
About his own preseason form.
Well it’s gone alright I guess but I feel like I can do a lot better then I have so far.
Hocheykanalen.se have a headline that says "Bäckström tokhyllas av Washington – han får beröm för ALLT
which basically means that Bäckström is crazy popular in Washington and everything he does is absolutely fantastic.
They quote GMGM (don’t know where from).
– Nicklas have evolved into one of the finest centermen in the league. He’s one of the best when it comes to bringing offense and at the same time he is fantastic defensively.
He have come here to win he don’t mis games and he don’t miss a day in practice. He’s a winner and more importantly he’s a great team guy. He’s teamates like and respect him a lot.
Pft why play a small French guy when you have a Svensk viking.
by Malin A on Oct 4, 2010 9:09 AM EDT reply actions 7 recs
That may have been from CapsCon “Ask the GM” session. I wasn’t there, so don’t know for sure.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
That headline about Backstrom sounds correct, as much as a Caps player can be popular in a Redskins city.
Marcus had a Nicky move with the puck Friday night, he got the crowd going Wow. He skates so well too, I’ve enjoyed watching him.
Thanks for sharing.
Jordan and I both mistook Mackan for Nicky on more than a couple of occasions, they skate so similarly.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 4, 2010 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions
I think Johansson easily skates better than Nick, though. Nick has this weird gorilla stride when you see him up close.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
Backstrom doesn’t really have great straight line speed, imo. He’s so shifty and strong on the puck, and he stickhandles so well, that he compensates. Obviously.
Based on seeing a couple of MarJo’s games this year, he looks like he’s got plenty of speed for the NHL. Good hands, vision and hockey sense, too. Needs to get a bit stronger.
I’m with the many others that think MarJo gets the 3C spot out of the gate.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
Yeah, it’s his. He’s looked great. Would like to see him shoot more often, though.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
Like folks said about Nicky two or three seasons ago, right? It’s a learning curve.
Six Beers Too Many fantasy team: It's Neu-virth Than Usual
"I wake up in the middle night frustrated because we lost out in the first round and I want to see our players hoist the Stanley Cup." -Brooks Laich
by CapitalCentre on Oct 4, 2010 11:37 AM EDT up reply actions
Nick also doesn’t need it because he is able to slow the game to his pace like very few others. It’s really incredible.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Malin calls it “that freezing-time thing.”
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Could have used that ability during the game yesterday.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
Yeah. That loss is really going to come back to hurt us. Wish Nick could have just sucked it up.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
by Rob Parker on Oct 4, 2010 5:14 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Thirteen stitches and he woulda played.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
by EmilyB on Oct 4, 2010 5:19 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I wasn’t saying he should have played. Since he’s played every NHL game since coming to DC, there are few moments to see what the team looks like without him. What he brings to the team was very apparent by his absence against the Preds.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
No disagreement there. He’s absolutely irreplaceable on this team.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I can’t help but wonder though what the story would be if the Caps would actually try to adapt without Backstrom. They play the same way, and centers are a huge part of the offense.
by red army line on Oct 5, 2010 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions
I think Mackan is noticeably faster and more explosive than Baxter.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
by Rob Parker on Oct 4, 2010 1:13 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
From a physical standpoint, yeah. Judging by the games I saw in person, it’s going to take him a while to figure out NHL attacking and NHL strength training. Mackan seems skinnier and more prone to be knocked off the puck than Backs was when he was a rookie.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 4, 2010 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Does anyone know who the moderator was for the fighting panel at Caps Con with King, Chimera and Bryan Watson? I missed the first few minutes so didn’t catch the introductions, but that guy was absolutely insufferable. I came to hear what the NHL players had to say, not to hear that guy constantly interrupting them and dominating the discussion.
by Kerry Fraser's Hairspray on Oct 4, 2010 9:22 AM EDT reply actions
Ryan Walter was like that also (to some degree) in the rookie panel. However in their defense the whole old/new mix of players doesn’t really work that well to begin with for that setting.
A very misguided piece on Huffington Post recently called 30 Rock the most racist show on television thanks to Tracy Morgan’s wild, manic, madcap performance. Tonight illustrated why whoever wrote that piece is full of shit and should be punched in the face until he has a more nuanced grasp on comedy.
Wow, that sounds familiar. I think Ryan Walter moderated the rookie panel; he never introduced himself but I finally put two and two together with the help of the list of attendees. Man, that guy was a total jerk! Does anyone know if he was that way when he played here?
"It's always good to have vikings."
I didn’t mind Ryan Walter…I thought he had some decent stories to tell, although I wasn’t expecting him to be as active as he was in the discussion. It was definitely someone else at the fighting one, though.
by Kerry Fraser's Hairspray on Oct 4, 2010 9:30 AM EDT up reply actions
I wasn’t at the convention so I don’t know about that panel, but I can tell you from very personal experience that when Ryan played for the Caps he was one of the nicest guys, on and off the ice, that you’d ever want to meet. I’m talking Mike Gartner, Olie Kolzig nice. Very humble, quiet but as friendly as any hockey player I’ve ever come across.
He’s a very religious man as well:
“We had an airplane over top of New York that dropped for three or four seconds,” Walter, 49, recalled in a telephone interview. "It’s funny, because on that airplane all the big guys and the social conveners who usually sit at the back of the plane thought we were going down and for the first time in their life they called out the name of Jesus. For the first time, probably in their life, it wasn’t a swear word in the dressing room.
“I got off that plane thinking, ‘Gee, is life all about goals and assists and winning Stanley Cups?’ " Walter added. “If the plane goes down, can you really know that you’re going to spend eternity with the creator? That really began my search for looking at the scripture and the new testament and just really trying to understand what is the spiritual dimension that I feel in my life.”
A true Christian-athlete was born … again.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
[insert inappropriate-to-this-site argument over the value of religion here] That’s not an inherent good in everyone’s mind…
/soapbox
Great. Now I have to change my name to "Jaromir meet Alex".
by Chris meet Alex on Oct 4, 2010 2:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Fair ‘nuff. As an atheist in today’s US I get overly sensitive about this issue, feel free to ignore my paranoid accusations.
Great. Now I have to change my name to "Jaromir meet Alex".
by Chris meet Alex on Oct 4, 2010 5:05 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
OT, but there are now two athiest lobbyists.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
Sweet
Though our mascot sucks [insert PastaFarian picture – which I won’t since it is indeed very OT]
Welcome.
Great. Now I have to change my name to "Jaromir meet Alex".
by Chris meet Alex on Oct 4, 2010 6:12 PM EDT up reply actions
He just kept inserting his own rookie experiences when questions were asked. I’d guess that half the people in the room may not have even been born when he was a rookie. And as I said, I didn’t even know who he was for most of the session.
But someone knew, because a gal came up to ask him a question late in the session.
"It's always good to have vikings."
It was kinda odd to have him talking so much and not even know who he was, I just wanted to hear from the rookies. I will say his story about filming Miracle was interesting but it didn’t seem the appropriate place for it.
Ex Caps captain Ryan Walter
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory
by Rather Bengt on Oct 4, 2010 11:06 AM EDT up reply actions
PIcture reminds me that the Caps Winter Classics are not exactly like to old school unis which had blue pants and white hats vs. the Winter Classics which will have red pants and red hats.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
.
Also the CAPITALS as a patch dont seem quite as big as the individually sewn letters
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
I take it that the universal response has been trending negative. I’ll reserve my opinion until I see one up close.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
lots of negative reaction that it’s a patch.
Watching the O’s try to use strategy is like watching Mike Green trying to figure out the difference between "your" and "you’re"--Terpgrrl
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
I don’t mind it. I’m probably going to get one, and it looks exactly like I expected. The red pants and red helmet was a surprise, but I don’t mind them either.
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
I was fully expecting red pants. I figured they would try to throw red into as many things possible since we’re drooling lemmings of “rock the red.”
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
I thought about googling “drooling lemming” to post a picture reply to this, but I’m at work.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
.
This might make a good avatar for someone.
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
I understand people wanting authenticity, but if that’s the way uniforms are made today, that’s the best you’re getting. It’s a throwback, but it’s not a reincarnation.
"It's always good to have vikings."
.
They wore red pants with the white sweaters in 1974-75:
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I guess that sentence was a little redundant, I guess.
by Capcrazy77 on Oct 4, 2010 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I was pretty pleased to see the stars on the pants’ outseam.
Six Beers Too Many fantasy team: It's Neu-virth Than Usual
"I wake up in the middle night frustrated because we lost out in the first round and I want to see our players hoist the Stanley Cup." -Brooks Laich
by CapitalCentre on Oct 4, 2010 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions
It was Michael Landsberg. He hosts a show on TSN called “Off the Record” which is a half-hour interview show, and he pretty much runs it like that.
For what it’s worth, I thought there was some interesting stuff that came out of his questions.
Hahaha…I just Googled him, and the 4th result that comes up is “TSN’s Michael Landsberg, ballsy or dickhead?” Sounds about right.
by Kerry Fraser's Hairspray on Oct 4, 2010 9:34 AM EDT up reply actions
He’s a dickhead. But I don’t mind watching him on Off the Record. And he had some great Caps interviews during the Habs series last year. Including the one with Brads and Brooks.
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory
In that interview, Brooks looked like he wanted to punch Landsberg after a couple of pot shots were taken at Alex Semin’s playoffs against the Habs.
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
He wouldn’t be the first one wanting to deck Landsberg. Brads got off some great lines in that interview.
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory
by Rather Bengt on Oct 4, 2010 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions
Question about Marjo’s status. Assuming he makes the team now, what happens should he falter during the season, say December or January. What happens then? Could he be sent to Hershey, or would he still leave for Sweden at that late date? Or does his contract require that he remain on the team, taking up a roster spot up in the press box?
"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
I am sure DGB will have something to say soon...
According to Puck Daddy, Kyle Wellwood is heading to the KHL.
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory
PD had it over the weekend, fat jokes and all.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
He just wants to play on a line with Chris Bourque, is all.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
by EmilyB on Oct 4, 2010 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
He’ll have to go to the Swiss league now.
A very misguided piece on Huffington Post recently called 30 Rock the most racist show on television thanks to Tracy Morgan’s wild, manic, madcap performance. Tonight illustrated why whoever wrote that piece is full of shit and should be punched in the face until he has a more nuanced grasp on comedy.
by Bald Pollack on Oct 4, 2010 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions
I checked his stats and he was getting well under 10min TOI/Game in the KHL.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
Am I right to assume Bourque’s trade was to make room for Wellwood? : )
Seriously, doesn’t the KHL limit the number of non-european players on each team?
"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
Yes they do, and it’s non-Russian players, not non-Europeans (for the teams based in Russia). Other teams have to limit the number of players not born in the country in which the team is based, if I understand correctly. I believe the limit is 5 per team.
Photography: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
Except looks like Bourque isn’t there anymore… went to HC Lugano
If you've read this far...seek help.
Not really, since I poached it from you. Or Kevin Bacon, I don’t know.
A very misguided piece on Huffington Post recently called 30 Rock the most racist show on television thanks to Tracy Morgan’s wild, manic, madcap performance. Tonight illustrated why whoever wrote that piece is full of shit and should be punched in the face until he has a more nuanced grasp on comedy.
by Bald Pollack on Oct 4, 2010 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions
Ahh I see. One step behind hockeywise. Zoned out on NHL action this weekend.
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory
by Rather Bengt on Oct 4, 2010 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions
He did have a couple of good ones last night on Twitter:
I’m pouring out a 40 of gravy for the “Kyle Wellwood is fat” tag. RT @RealKyper: Sources say Kyle Wellwood is headed to the KHL.
And during last night’s football game:
What does Jay Cutler have in common with Kyle Wellwood’s groceries? Nine sacks, with multiple turnovers. #onefortheroad
"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
I know we’ve already discussed the Comcast was going to have Plus in HD this year, but I wondered if I’d actually get it. Going through my bills, I decided to read the “news” section and good news just in time – Cox will carry Plus in HD on or about tomorrow. So just in time for opening night. (I haven’t looked to see when the first game is on Plus) Yay!
"It's always good to have vikings."
Two things stood out at yesterdays game:
1. Verizon Center ice was looking pretty bad.
2. Shea Weber was looking pretty good.
Didnt Ted just say to bring a sweater because the arena would be downright chilly due to improving the ice conditions?
Ted says a lot of things.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
by jordanDC on Oct 4, 2010 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I’ve actually seen the ice looking worse than it did yesterday, a whole lot. There was one area that may have been bad, right around the blue line by the visitor’s bench, but the rest of it didn’t look too awful…
Photography: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
Yes that is where they were. The puck was jumping pretty badly in that area.
Photography: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
From Row B in Sect.113, I would have to agree. It was chilly. However the ice was chewed up pretty bad. Didn’t look like a fresh sheet at all.
What else happened in VC within 24 hours of the Caps game?
Photography: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
nothing. best I can tell, there were no events scheduled for Saturday.
Watching the O’s try to use strategy is like watching Mike Green trying to figure out the difference between "your" and "you’re"--Terpgrrl
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
What I noticed was there seems to be someone selling knockoff Caps home jerseys. Saw several folks w/ off color red jerseys that looked closer to the color of the retired numbers banners (i.e. Avalanche colors). Also, the names on the back were noticable bigger than real Caps jerseys. They had Reebok logos on the back which leads me to believe some unauthorized knockoffs were being sold somewhere.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
Yeah, I see people wearing those all the time. When you buy an “authentic” jersey on eBay for $40, you certainly get what you pay for.
by Kerry Fraser's Hairspray on Oct 4, 2010 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions
There was a guy in Section 101 on Friday that had the worst knockoff I have ever seen. It was the edge design sweater with a CCM logo, undersized weagles on the shoulders, and all the blue parts were royal blue.
I realize even the Premier replicas are expensive, but if you’re going to get a knockoff, get a decent knockoff.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
I’m going to take a picture of a guy who typically sits near me with the worst "jersey’ of all time. It’s an old mesh long sleave thing that must be circa 1996. Blue with black block lettering and some indescipherable logo of an exploding puck or something. It’s horrible. He wears it every game.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
I’m pretty sure I’ve seen him before. I remember seeing a jersey thatw as an obvious knock-off because of royal blue last season.
Watching the O’s try to use strategy is like watching Mike Green trying to figure out the difference between "your" and "you’re"--Terpgrrl
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
Friedman has posted a new 30 thoughts.
"The most important thing - to get to the playoffs and move on." Evgeny Kuznetsov
As for people complaining sending down Redden violates “the spirit of the CBA,” well, ladies and gentlemen, I give you the New York Islanders. The Islanders abuse it so badly that Amnesty International may get involved.
Anyone know what this refers to?
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
How is that abusing the CBA? They bought him out and it gets applied to the cap just like anyone else? I guess I just don’t see that as abuse. Sure, they are trying to stay cheap, but I have much less problem with that than the teams that are paying above the ceiling but manipulating a way under.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I didn’t get that little snippet, either.
And I don’t think that sending down Redden violates the spirit of the CBA. I think that the CBA, in fact, contemplates exactly what the Rags have done: you have a guy that has a high salary but sucks, you can stash him in the A and get rid of his cap hit.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
I think the complaint is based on the assumption that the floor was meant to achieve parity by forcing teams to field a team of a minimum level of competence. If you reject that that premise (like I do), then the argument makes no sense.
My assumption is that the floor was meant to put money in the players’ pockets by guaranteeing them that no one team would spend too little.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 4, 2010 6:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Yashin’s buyout counts towards the cap-floor, for one thing. I don’t know of any other transactions in particular.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Oct 4, 2010 4:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Is that a Botta comment?
I believe one issue is the bringing in vets on tryouts mid-camp in order to meet the minimum vet requirement for preseason games.
As noted, there’s also the issue that the Isles don’t even meet the floor unless you add in the buyouts to Yashin and Witt.
The rest, well he used to be a team employee.
As a lawyer, all I can say is: the buyouts count for meeting the floor. The CBA says so. So they’re not circumventing the CBA by following the CBA. There’s no implication in the CBA that old salaries shouldn’t count for the floor, the way there’s an implication that salary years the player will never play shouldn’t count for the salary averaging.
The players union may not like what the Islanders are doing, but it’s 100% within the agreement.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 4, 2010 4:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Sorry for the “As a lawyer” line, but it’s a pet peeve of mine. This is exactly what they contracted for. If the players union doesn’t like it, change the agreement next time. Totally different situation than Kovalchuk.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 4, 2010 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think I said I agreed with the comment, just speculating on why he made the comment and asking if it was Botta’s quote.
I will say I’m not a fan of the preseason tryout gimick (sp?) the Isles pulled or their preseason scheduling that resulted in the practice.
Yeah, that one is uglier. Leading people on with no chance to make the team is ugly. Like the “minority consideration” charade when NFL head coaching positions open up and the team already knows who they’re going to hire.
Didn’t mean to put words in your mouth, I was just spouting off on my own.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 4, 2010 4:57 PM EDT up reply actions
It’s silly to argue that it’s circumvention at all. The Islanders chose to sign Yashin, and then chose to buy him out.
If the motivation of the NHLPA is to make sure players get more cash and owners keep less, who has the complaint here? The player got paid his cash, and commensurate cap space is taken away from the team. Should the Islanders have to pay twice?
You had me at no problem.
Does anyone have more of a problem with the Isles only making the floor because of buyouts than they do with CHI only staying under the cap by ignoring a boatload of bonuses?
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
In a word. A lot.
Great. Now I have to change my name to "Jaromir meet Alex".
by Chris meet Alex on Oct 4, 2010 6:15 PM EDT up reply actions
He doesn’t attribute anything to Botta, it seems like it’s Friedman’s own comment.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Sorry, I missed that this was in the Friedman thread, oops.
And it sounds like something Botta might say.
I just saw that Lambert also said the same thing. I just don’t get it. At least Botta has reason to be bitter.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Just got caught up on the Cammalleri situation. What a bitch. I like the guy’s talent and he can be a great player, but that is such a lame response. It wasn’t a bad hit at all and then he acts like a spoiled child. Glad he got suspended. I remember the “should have been suspension” from the playoffs two years ago as well. Any chance he gets treated as a repeat offender?
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Yeah the sucker punch in the playoffs was the one he didn’t get suspended for. He did get a game for chasing Nino around the ice after he couldn’t take his hit like a big boy. Sounds like Habs fans think it was a brutal blindside hit, but from the video I’ve seen it doesn’t look that bad. All shoulder, not terribly high speed, not terribly awkward. Man up.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Should have gotten one for the jab that preceded the slash, too.
I agree that the Niederater (or however you spell it) hit wasn’t all that much to get worked up over.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
Yeah that looked like he almost speared him in the face. One game is pretty generous.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Not Fit for OUR CAPS !!!!!!!!!!!!
On a side note to all the really Caps issues………. Can some please explain to me why they must play that STUPID song “rock the red”. It is so so lame I want to vomit everytime they play it. There is nothing to that song that reflects the way the caps play hockey, maybe if it was a figure skating team it would work.
BAN THAT SONG NOW !!!!!!!!!!!
Shout out to section 115
Drop the Puck !!!!!!!!!
"Do you smell that? It's napalm, son. Nothing else on the world smells like that. I love the smell of napalm in the morning. Y'know, once we had a hail bomb....12 hours....and when it was all over I walked up. We didn't find one of them, not one stinking dink body. The smell, y'know that gasoline smell, that whole hell. Smells like........ Victory. Some day this war's gonna end."
- Lieutenant Colonel Kilgore.
and focus on things that are really important.
OR – just hit the head while the song is playing.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
I’m not necessarily a fan of the song, either. It’s way too low-key.
I’m against both the Chelsea Dagger (Blackhawks) song and Blur’s “Song #2” because they’re both ridiculously overplayed.
It might be a soccer song, but I’ve always thought this would be a great post-goal song (1:00 to 1:16, looped). It’s loud and encourages audience participation, without being as overplayed as AC/DC’s “TNT.”
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
Sorry, can’t get behind that one. Something about it just seems not at all “hockey.”
Country Gentlemen's Pig Fertilizer Gazette
Dunny-on-the-World
I was going to say breath through your nose a little more, but whatevs.
A very misguided piece on Huffington Post recently called 30 Rock the most racist show on television thanks to Tracy Morgan’s wild, manic, madcap performance. Tonight illustrated why whoever wrote that piece is full of shit and should be punched in the face until he has a more nuanced grasp on comedy.
There is nothing to that song that reflects the way the caps play hockey, maybe if it was a figure skating team it would work.
No one’s run with this one yet?
seriously! everyone knows it should be “if it were a figure skating team..”
by Natty Bumppo on Oct 4, 2010 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Canes already down 2-0 in St. Petersberg.
"The most important thing - to get to the playoffs and move on." Evgeny Kuznetsov
Just turned on the game to catch Gleason fighting some guy and the score tied.
"Just the fact that I knew something was bad, I knew it was probably broken, I knew I'd have to miss some time--that makes me upset more than anything."
by QuintinLainged on Oct 4, 2010 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions
And now Yashin scores to take the lead 3-2.
"The most important thing - to get to the playoffs and move on." Evgeny Kuznetsov
And Skinner ties it 3-3. The fact that I’m somewhat transfixed by this game shows you how badly I missed hockey.
"The most important thing - to get to the playoffs and move on." Evgeny Kuznetsov
It’ll be embarrassing if a team from the Southeast loses to a non-NHL team.
You had me at no problem.
another season of putting up with “SouthLEAST! ha ha ha ha ha! Aren’t I funny?”
Watching the O’s try to use strategy is like watching Mike Green trying to figure out the difference between "your" and "you’re"--Terpgrrl
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
I don’t think so. SKA’s lineup is nothing to sneeze at. Plus, Peters, not ward, is in net for the Canes.
"The most important thing - to get to the playoffs and move on." Evgeny Kuznetsov
by Carl Putnam on Oct 4, 2010 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Dig the name change.
A very misguided piece on Huffington Post recently called 30 Rock the most racist show on television thanks to Tracy Morgan’s wild, manic, madcap performance. Tonight illustrated why whoever wrote that piece is full of shit and should be punched in the face until he has a more nuanced grasp on comedy.
Thanks BP. I started contributing over at Five For Howling, so I’m going with the real name now.
"The most important thing - to get to the playoffs and move on." Evgeny Kuznetsov
by Carl Putnam on Oct 4, 2010 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
Well done sir! I’ll try and start getting over there a little more.
A very misguided piece on Huffington Post recently called 30 Rock the most racist show on television thanks to Tracy Morgan’s wild, manic, madcap performance. Tonight illustrated why whoever wrote that piece is full of shit and should be punched in the face until he has a more nuanced grasp on comedy.
I, on the other hand, will now studiously avoid it.
Good day to you, sir.
:P
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
by D'ohboy on Oct 4, 2010 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
If I haven’t said I love having you back yet, consider that it pal.
A very misguided piece on Huffington Post recently called 30 Rock the most racist show on television thanks to Tracy Morgan’s wild, manic, madcap performance. Tonight illustrated why whoever wrote that piece is full of shit and should be punched in the face until he has a more nuanced grasp on comedy.
I’m the new and improved version.
"The most important thing - to get to the playoffs and move on." Evgeny Kuznetsov
Bad news for the Rooster…
TSNBobMcKenzie:
Forgot Alexandre Giroux on the EDM waiver list. Sorry about that.
less than 20 seconds ago via Twitter for BlackBerry®
"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
Flyers just released Bill Guerin, according to NHL.com.
21 goals doesn’t buy as much as it used to, apparently.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
Not when you’re 39 and played like crap in the preseason, it doesn’t.
"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 4, 2010 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Not $2MM for a over-the-hill winger without Crosby to dish him the puck, that’s for sure.
You had me at no problem.
From WaPo article
“It’s pretty disappointing [to end the preseason with the loss],” Capitals forward Boyd Gordon said. “They played the body and it was just one of those games where we just seemed to keep losing that battle. I think the energy level wasn’t good and it’s one of those things that we have to learn we can’t just turn on when the season starts.”
Nashville gave Chicago everything they could handle and then some during last years playoffs…and you didn’t think with their full lineup in for the last pre-season game they wouldn’t be ramping up to the regular season? Nashville has the hardest division in the NHL, blown opportunity to prove that you can handle a defense first, shot blocking team much like they faced in the playoffs last year.
Instead it has to serve as a wake up call? Really? I know, I know…it’s pre-season…..but what else hasn’t this team learned that we will find out about in April?
waiting for the trade deadline now
I would chalk it up to the last preseason game, an unusual start time and general indifference by most guys. Probably some guys playing not to get hurt too. I certainly wouldn’t extrapolate it to mean we should be concerned about them not being ready for the regular season.
We were also missing our number 1 C and top 4 dman and our presumptive number 1 goalie did pitch a shutout when he was in there.
I don’t want to see Erskine and Fahey paired up ever again.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
my biggest issues were the fact we were shut out. No they shouldn’t and Erskine looks even worse than I remember from last year.
All of our questions will become answers at the trade deadline, apparently
They played Wednesday in Boston, a very physical game on Friday v. CBJ, then a long day of autographs and pictures and panels, then an early start for the game. No excuses really, but I was pretty tired in the stands too.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Everyone should probably relax. Teams lose games. If they lose 1 out of every 6 this season, we’ll all be pretty happy.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
I said this yesterday and Mr. B didn’t know if I was being serious or not.
Watching the O’s try to use strategy is like watching Mike Green trying to figure out the difference between "your" and "you’re"--Terpgrrl
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
Dear Ted,
The season is a failure unless you guys go 104-0.
Signed,
Caps Insider commentators.
"Yes, but Rimmer Directive 271 states just as clearly, 'No chance you metal ba****d.'"
But with our luck the one loss would be in Game 7 of the playoffs.
(just go with it)
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 4, 2010 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions 7 recs
Man, losing a series 6-1 would be really hard to stomach.
You had me at no problem.
by Ninjak on Oct 4, 2010 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
82 + 16 = 98, no?
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
Sorry – you were counting pre-season. Got it.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
I didn’t go to yesterday’s game since I went to the O’s game instead but I was really exhausted after Caps Con and I had also gone to the game on Friday as well.
I figured given that schedule, I could see why the guys were not at their best yesterday, especially with an early start. While we hate to make excuses for the guys, yesterday’s game does not count.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Regular season : dick :: preseason : balls
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
by Rob Parker on Oct 4, 2010 2:23 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions 3 recs
Which makes the Rookie Game the taint?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 4, 2010 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
And Alzner vs. Carlson in ping pong is… oh, nevermind
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 4, 2010 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
So on the Ask GMGM panel George mentioned something about a strength test that they do and that Varly scored higher than ANYONE they had every seen before. I think he said Ovechkin got like a 605 and Varly got a 930. Could someone elaborate on what this test is and what the score is?
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
I believe he said it was some sort of squatting or other lower-body test, but I’m not sure what the number signifies.
by Kerry Fraser's Hairspray on Oct 4, 2010 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions
maybe there's a new varly meme take on this?
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
by zephyr on Oct 4, 2010 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Ovi had something in the 800s, I think he said, and IIRC GMGM described it as a “squat test,” which I took to mean quadriceps and/or hamstring strength. I’d also love to know if anyone actually has specifics.
Six Beers Too Many fantasy team: It's Neu-virth Than Usual
"I wake up in the middle night frustrated because we lost out in the first round and I want to see our players hoist the Stanley Cup." -Brooks Laich
by CapitalCentre on Oct 4, 2010 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Ahh, i think you’re right. Maybe the 600 was the average score for the players tested?
A squat works the core, glutes, hamstring, hips, and quadriceps all very hard. It’s basically the greatest lift there is.
None of those guys are squatting 600lbs though, much less 900. If they are talking actual weight for the number the only thing feasible to me would be a leg press. 20 45lb plates =D
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
Yes, I think 600 was the average… And those numbers were definitely a score, not a weight… so maybe it somehow measures speed/explosiveness, too? Or maybe a weight-over-time thing?
Six Beers Too Many fantasy team: It's Neu-virth Than Usual
"I wake up in the middle night frustrated because we lost out in the first round and I want to see our players hoist the Stanley Cup." -Brooks Laich
by CapitalCentre on Oct 4, 2010 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions
It would be funny if it was a completely arbitrary system of measure.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
It probably is some goofy in-house formula.
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
He said it was a power-squat test, so that would seem to be some combination of having players lift different amounts of weight, measuring the distance they lift it, and the time it takes them to lift it. Then take the average of the power calculated from each of those factors and use it as the measurement.
Too bad his joints can hold up their end.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Another prospect goalie under contract
Vogel tweeted that Grubauer is signed
So they’re actively shopping a goalie then?
/baseless speculatin’
A very misguided piece on Huffington Post recently called 30 Rock the most racist show on television thanks to Tracy Morgan’s wild, manic, madcap performance. Tonight illustrated why whoever wrote that piece is full of shit and should be punched in the face until he has a more nuanced grasp on comedy.
Ticket Prices
Since when have upper 400-level seats been $123 a pop?!? I recently became available to watch the home opener on Sat. I don’t recall paying more than $75 last year, and that was for near the front of the upper level. I know ticket prices were going up this year, but this much?
"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
I think they went up, plus it’s probably a premium game or whatever.. kinda sucks.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
Why are they so much cheaper on TicketExchange? They’re historically more there, but for this game they’re going around $97 for center ice 400s. I guess that’s a perk for STHs, since they’re paying $65ish a seat. Still, $100 for upper level is a bit much for me to swallow, especially when I had club level playoff seats for the Rags series in 09 for $130.
"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
Supply and demand, and flex pricing. Face value on my ticket for Saturday, which is the cheapest available, is $85.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Urg. Home opener is the second night of a back-to-back and it’s against the NJD.
That sucks.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
That’s the truth.
Does Eric Fehr have a good track record against the Devils? If so, we should give his line more ice time.
Rocking the Red since 1975
9 games, 1 G, 1 A. He should still get more time though, just on general principle.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
I say so, as well. Given our personnel, we have enough scoring power on three of our lines that we can adjust the percentage of time, based on the opponent. If Fehr has a great track record against a team, say Montreal, his line should get more time and the second line given a little less time that day, if the second line has trouble with Montreal.
Conversely, if the second line has a great track record against a team, the second line should play more (and other lines get time reduced)
Rocking the Red since 1975
I wonder if any of the Caps have a good track record against the Devils. It’s not a team the Caps have had much luck against.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
That’s the truth. (They were the playoff opponent I dreaded most, even more than either Montreal or Ottawa.)
Rocking the Red since 1975
Against the Devils:
Ovie – 17 games, 7 G, 15 A
Backs – 12 games, 3 G, 11 A (1 G, 4 A in one game though)
Semin – 14 games, 7 G, 5 A
Flash – 15 games, 5 G, 0 A
Laich – 20 games, 5 G, 5 A
Fehr – 9 games, 1 G, 1 A
So, not too good for any of them. Only Ovie and Backs even average 1 point/game.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
Great research! Frankly, I had expected Semin’s figures against NJ to be worse since he had a couple of horrendous games against them last year (and a good portion of our fan base was ready to dump him as a result.)
If memory serves me correct, Fehr missed most of our games against NJ last year.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Ersberg on waivers. Anyone thinking he might not be a terrible pick up; at the very least as an insurance for Varlamov?
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Rumor is – and I stress rumor since nothing is official until noon tomorrow related to players put on waivers today – that Nashville plans to or has submitted a claim.
Also, and what would you do with him when Varlamov is healthy?
For the short-term, why Ersberg rather than using Sabourin? And if a decision for the season, why Ersberg over a more veteran goalie?
They made their decision about going with the young tandem and signed Sabourin to have someone in Hershey with some NHL experience, plus Holtby available as another younger goalie.
I’d send Ersberg to the AHL (or let him get taken off waivers) if/when Varlamov shows he can stay healthy. I think Ersberg has much more upside than Sabourin and you can never have too many quality goalies go through the organization.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I have to disagree, so watch them go and claim him, lol.
Unless there are serious concerns at this time about Varlamov’s longer term health for this season, I don’t see the point in claiming him for a short stint and then putting him on waivers. I also think there’s a good chance he gets claimed by someone like Nashville before he would make it to the Caps. Maybe, maybe not, maybe Philly claims him although not sure about the cap situation and ability to claim him.
I’d say that the last two years are enough for me to be concerned about Varlamov’s health for this season. What was a “maintenance” day has turned into zero playing time for the rest of the pre-season.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I’m concerned about his health and durability, too, but it depends on what the org. knows about his health, which is a lot more than we do and I have to take a step back and eval. the options before I’d say an Ersberg claim is the right move. I liked the Sabourin signing as a depth move this summer.
BMo signed by Calgary. Don’t know what terms.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
At least his kids will have snow.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
They had no shortage of snow here last year, if I recall…
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Oct 4, 2010 6:06 PM EDT up reply actions
"That’s something the league should look into," said veteran defenceman Jaroslav Spacek. "This was our last exhibition and we’re trying to get ready for the season and they bring all these kids."
Poor Habs, the league should really look out for them. What were the Isles thinking? (Maybe that they had a split squad game and they wanted their A team to play for their home town fans.)
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Even aside from that, two of their best three players are sidelined with shoulder surgeries for the long-term. Who the hell are they going to bring after that?
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Oct 4, 2010 6:18 PM EDT up reply actions
And since when does another team owe you anything in a pre-season game? Maybe the Isles wanted to see the borderline players and determine who they wanted to fill out the roster?
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
All those damned kids actually get out there and, you know, hit and stuff. They don’t know it’s the last preseason game, the drill is to skate around and avoid anything that might cause an injury.
Poor Habs, having to endure the threat of potential injury…
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
Milan Jurcina will save them
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 4, 2010 6:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Juice on the Loose...
Just ask Sidney!
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Oct 4, 2010 6:59 PM EDT up reply actions 8 recs
NHL and the Official’s Association reached a tentative 4 year agreement for a new CBA.
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=539536
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
Thank goodness. It would be sad to see those guys in the yellow sweaters from the 1989 playoffs from that Devils-Bruins game…
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Oct 4, 2010 9:19 PM EDT up reply actions
So I just caught the last two minutes of the On the Fly East Preview. On the panel are Larry Murphy and Bob Errey. Now if I remember correctly Murphy works for/with the Wings, so he’s in the West. But Errey does color for the Pens. Biased much? You betcha. I don’t really care who thinks what in a these pre-season rankings, but give me a break.
"It's always good to have vikings."
how bad was it?
and, yes, Murphy does Wings broadcasts. He’s entertaining.
Watching the O’s try to use strategy is like watching Mike Green trying to figure out the difference between "your" and "you’re"--Terpgrrl
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
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