"Caps have reassigned forwards Jay Beagle, Andrew Gordon and Mathieu Perreault to AHL Hershey."
- via @VogsCaps (Mike Vogel)
over 1 year ago
David Getz
709 comments
0 recs |
Email
PrintComments
I don’t like it.
I have a twitter.
Not another Capitals blog!
"Victory is sweetest when you've known defeat"
There’s a lot of fondness for Perreault. Who doesn’t love to root for the underdog?
Gordon on waivers worries us all that we’ll lose him for nothing.
And we’re still left with a 3C who has zero games of experience under his belt.
Oh, and also still needing an upgrade on D.
You had me at no problem.
I think Gordon deserved a shot at some regular season games before we lost him for nothing.
I have a twitter.
Not another Capitals blog!
"Victory is sweetest when you've known defeat"
We HAVE NOT lost him for nothing yet.
Don’t panic.
Photography: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
I’m quite confidant we will.
Pittsburgh will claim him. Sid and Andrew are friends and they need wingers, don’t they?
I have a twitter.
Not another Capitals blog!
"Victory is sweetest when you've known defeat"
Then let them claim another one of our not-ready-for-the-NHL-yet wingers. How’d that work out for them last time?
You had me at no problem.
Pittsburgh already has their project winger in Comrie.. don’t worry about them.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
Gordon played well in the AHL with the best 1-2 punch in the league. I’m not sure he would do the same with Ovie and Backs, and we all know that it doesn’t matter who the hell Sid plays with, he has no particular chemistry with anybody.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 5, 2010 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions
while I agree that Sid is chemistry inept, anyone would play better with veterans.
AGordon wouldn’t be skating first line on this team (or the Pens I imagine). He has a better chance at making the wingless Pens than the wingfull Caps. and it just occured to me why penguins are flightless.
A danger to myself and others on the ice
The Pens don’t really need wingers. Right now it looks like Eric Tangradi is going to make the team as a second- or third-line winger, and he’s younger, bigger, and more skilled than Gordon already. Malkin’s playing wing until Staal comes back, and they’ve got plenty of third- or fourth-line energy wingers. Another one isn’t exactly what they need right now.
Tangradi has played exactly one game in anger in the NHL. How is it that one can project he will be a productive scoring line winger this year with that thin a resume? Pittsburgh does not have a legitimate first line winger on their parent roster. Malkin will play on Comrie’s wing as a conversion.
If you've read this far...seek help.
one game in anger
Sounds like a Metallica song.
"Never tell me the odds." - Han Solo
by Steck It Out on Oct 5, 2010 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions
Do they have good ones?
We're Hüsker Dü and we're on MTV. Who are you, and what are you on?
by bilspacecadet on Oct 5, 2010 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions
Yes, you just have to go back a couple decades to find them.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Oct 5, 2010 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
No it wasn’t. Quit fooling yourself.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
by D'ohboy on Oct 5, 2010 6:56 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
And I think they’d rather keep Tangradi in the A for a year if they had any other options. He still seems a little raw for the NHL, but they’ll let him learn on the job.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I had a horrible thought last night that Andrew Gordon was going to be this year’s Chris Smith. I’m glad at least that no one promised him a roster spot prior to waiving him.
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 5, 2010 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions
Yea, at least it wasn’t a stupid cap decision.
I have a twitter.
Not another Capitals blog!
"Victory is sweetest when you've known defeat"
Bye bye Andrew Gordon and your excellent guest-blogging skillz.
The keyboard is mightier.
by breed16 on Oct 5, 2010 10:45 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I hope he will continue to blog for RMNB as a Bear…
Photography: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
I don’t think he will pass through waivers.
I have a twitter.
Not another Capitals blog!
"Victory is sweetest when you've known defeat"
I’m torn. Selfishly I hope he clears.
I have a twitter.
Not another Capitals blog!
"Victory is sweetest when you've known defeat"
If he doesn’t clear waivers, I won’t be unhappy, because that means another team will give him a shot in the bigs. I’ll be happy for me if he stays a Bear, but happy for him if he moves onwards and upwards.
That’s the whole point of the waivers system.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
by EmilyB on Oct 5, 2010 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah… but I hope if he does get snagged that it’s by a team that really needs him, and not to spite the Caps.
Photography: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
Bourque was not grabbed to spite the Caps.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
by jordanDC on Oct 5, 2010 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Rec rec rec rec rec. (Because I can only click the thingy once. I love Gordo – he’s a great guy and he deserves a shot. But, there’s no place for him here, not right now. If he gets claimed on waivers, it means he gets a shot at the bigs. Good for him. I cannot out of my own selfishness deny a man his dream. I wish him all the best.
And if he stays, I will be happy to see him.
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.
While I’m not always nervous to see guys put on the waiver wire, I think a lot of Caps fans have a serious soft spot for Andrew Gordon. I know I do, in part because he’s been so very open with the fans, with his blog posts over on RMNB, and everything else. I’m disappointed for him, but I understand keeping Hendricks instead, and keeping Johansson instead of letting him go back home to Sweden.
Photography: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
Someone put a 5150 out on Jordan.
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.
Lets start a fund to buy MP some protein shakes to get him up to 190lb
We’ll call it the FATTY MATTY campaign!
by Brainumbc on Oct 5, 2010 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Weight Gain 4000? check
Cheesy Poofs? check
Kitty? check
If you want to survive out here, you've got to know where your towel is.
by ns on Oct 5, 2010 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Cartman: “No Kitty, that’s my pot pie!”
Cartman: “Ma! Kitty’s being a [DiPietro]”
Mom: “Then I know certain kitty-kitty that’s sleeping with Mommy tonight!”
Great stuff.
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Oct 5, 2010 1:13 PM EDT up reply actions
This subthread is still going?
Come on folks, ixnay.
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.
(hands Jordan tissues)
"Never tell me the odds." - Han Solo
by Steck It Out on Oct 5, 2010 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions
Not surprised at the Perreault demotion (I still think he’ll get 25-30 games this year), but the interesting one is A. Gordon. That one seems to be the product of weighing Matt Hendrick’s advantage of size and grit, and experience; over Gordon’s better offense and perhaps superior future up-side. That’s a “now for later” tradeoff. I would be surprised if Gordon is still in the Caps’ system tomorrow afternoon.
If you've read this far...seek help.
In the words of Marlo Stanfield from The Wire (when told that he’d have people coming at him when he finally sat on the crown)…
Sounds like one of dem’ GOOD problems
by Brainumbc on Oct 5, 2010 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions 6 recs
Why only 25-30 for MP85? In my mind, Mackan would get a brief stint before being sent home (like a junior), then Perrault would be up for the rest of the year.
The whole MP85 situation stinks to me. He deserves to be an NHL center, and if he were 5’ 11", he would be. If you can play you can play.
The keyboard is mightier.
I disagree. He hasn’t demonstrated, to me, that he’s a clear cut NHLer. I think even if he’s 5’11, or 6’1’’, he’s starting the year in Hershey.
This is where I come out as well. He hasn’t shown me enough to say he ought to make the team as a regular. He’s a tweener right now. I hope he makes it, but I don’t think he’s there just yet.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 5, 2010 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions
I think the organization should try him at wing.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
Not me, I think you’d lose a lot of his best assets, including his creativity.
I think the organization should try him at AHL PK and just have him focus on that this year in Hershey.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 5, 2010 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m not sure there’s space for him at center long-term. Unless he develops some defensive capability quickly, he’s getting pigeon-holed as a top-2 center. He’s not going to break the top-2 center position this year barring injury and, long-term, he probably loses that competition to any one of Johansson, Kuznetsov or Galiev.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
…which, of course, is all the more reason to give him a try on the wing. If you take away the defensive responsibility a center has, and give Perreault time to adjust, he’s virtually NHL ready right now.
If he can really become a half-board specialist on the Hershey PP this year, I’d love to see him replace Semin on the Caps PP and as 2LW next year
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 5, 2010 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions
Or put him with a defensive-minded wing and let them work something out.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
Is there anyone on the Caps who’s good enough to fill that role? Even then, I think it’s a stretch, because Perreault’s awareness in his own end is…not good.
I think it’s a double edged sword. You can give him a defensive minded wing to cover for him, but then you’re robbing him of some offensive potential and/or robbing the wing of some defensive potential. I think it ends up hurting both players.
And there are just very, very few defensive specialists on the wing. Wings don’t have the same defensive responsibilities that they can be real difference makers. So having a strong defensive W cover for a weak defensive C isn’t a sound strategy, IMO.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
You weren’t alone – I believe D’ohboy was pitching it as well.
It seems like a great idea. Is there any reason to believe Perrault’s ceiling is higher as a center than a wing?
I don’t think there’s room for him on the wing.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
On the RW there is and will continue to be.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 5, 2010 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions
Not with Knuble, Semin, and Fehr all healthy. You probably also don’t want MP on that side because he’d get blasted face-first into the wall all the time trying to curl back.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
Knuble, Laich, Flash, Semin – all UFAs.
I think there’s room.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
If the team doesn’t see him as a W, we’re all just jerking off here, though.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
Well, it’s pretty clear that the team doesn’t see him as an NHL C.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
By the time he’s older, Johansson is entrenched and something is done about second line center, probably.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
Exactly. He’s stuck between the needs of the present and his own current lack of development, and the fact that the Caps have better options in the pipeline (Johansson, Kuznetsov).
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
Not only that, he’s got Galiev (whom I really don’t see as C, personally) and Kuznets coming in.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 5, 2010 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions
DAMN IT. I was just typing too slowly.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 5, 2010 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions
To be fair, I did mention Galiev :-P.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 5, 2010 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t see Galiev as being the same level of player as Kuznetsov. I see Galiev and I think Kugryshev 2.0, or Bouchard 3.0.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
He’s way more dominant right now than those guys were at the same age and stage of development (in camp).
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
Yeah, just from watching him (i have no stats on him), he’s a much more impressive player than Kuger or Bouch.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 5, 2010 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions
Although Bouch was the most impressive Q player. We’ll see how Galiev finishes but Bouchard tore up the Q.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
They’re very different players, but Galiev seems to have a lot more pure skill and game control (in the rookie game, which is the only game I’ve seen him play) than Bouch does (in all of the Bears games I’ve seen). Galiev’s skillset will translate better, I think, but it’s obviously all speculation.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 5, 2010 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Here’s the thing, though. Sometimes you only get one shot at it. MP had his shot last year, and it looks like he partied it away.
As it stands now, he’s almost surely going to get some NHL time this year, but it’s going to be as an injury callup or a shit-the-bed callup.
Shit happens.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
Nonsense. He’ll get another shot. There have been other players, with less talent, and more partying problems, to get second chances. If you can play, someone will give you a chance. MP can play.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Not nonsense.
He had his shot a year ago to grab a spot on the big club and make it his own. It didn’t happen then. Now he’s got immediate and future competition with more upside, better pedigrees and higher draft slots.
He’s going back to Hershey and he’s going to have to wait for someone else to either fail or get hurt before he gets another bite at the apple.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
Sometimes you only get one shot at it.
That’s nonsense. I positively guarantee that MP gets another chance in the NHL. Probably at least 2. Recall the conversation yesterday regarding MSL and Briere.
The guy he has competition with now is Mackan. Do you really think Galiev is going to be ready so fast as to pass MP? I don’t. He’ll finish the Q and then take at least a year in the A. That will be plenty of time for MP to make or break. Kuznetsov has an outside chance at being ready next year, but I think that is extremely optimistic, unrealistically so.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
This whole thing really has me wondering what CBo is like in the room.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
Very good point. Did you hear his dad is Ray Bourque?
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
The kid’s undeniably talented, short or not. It seems that he’s now worn out his welcome at three different organizations, and his comments w/r/t his time in the Caps organization leads me to believe he had some issues with the coaching staff.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
Seem him slamming doors and yelling at coaches more than twice playing for Hershey. Who knows.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
That’s nonsense. I positively guarantee that MP gets another chance in the NHL
You misunderstand me. I noted in the original post:
As it stands now, he’s almost surely going to get some NHL time this year, but it’s going to be as an injury callup or a shit-the-bed callup.
He had his shot when the competition was thin. Now the playing field has changed.
No?
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
I dunno. I don’t think the competition was exactly thin when he got his chance. I don’t think there was any way he was staying up when we got healthy. I agree he’s another injury call up this year. He never really had a shot at making a weak team, like CBo did.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
If you lose trade away Semin or another wing then there is room for him.
Think twice before you speak, and then you may be able to say something more insulting than if you spoke right out at once.
Maybe not on the roster right now, but with Knuble, Semin, and Laich all having their contracts running up, there may be soon. And if there’s not, playing a guy at a position he’s more suited for should help his trade value.
Right now. However, after this season or even before the end of it there just might be.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Even now. Fehr and Knuble aren’t moving, but I’d bump Chimera down to 4W easy if MP turned out to be a good winger.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 5, 2010 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions
I have no problem with Chimmer on the fourth line, but then you have to have somebody on IR or traded or sent down to have room for all of those guys.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
He’s got 4th line offensive ability. I’d replace him with MP any day of the week.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 5, 2010 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions
Chimera has scored 15 goals last year in the NHL. Perreault, getting PP time, has only once surpassed that total as a pro (16G last year).
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
Chimera’s capable of putting up 35+ points as a 3rd/4th liner getting almost no PP time. That’s great. MP, without PP time, likely will not replicate his scoring pace from last year.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
An NHL vet who averages14-15 goals a year + is a skating dynamo versus a guy who has averaged 14 goals a year in the AHL. No contest.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Give MP 82 games and see if he doesn’t hit 15 goals and/or 40 assists playing with Fehr and Mackan, is all I’m saying.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 5, 2010 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions
Without PP time, I think 10/30 is more realistic.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
Playing with Fehr and Mackan? That’s a line that I think would figure it out and put up decent points. MP’s not a sniper by any means, but I can’t see him not producing with talent like that.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 5, 2010 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t see him getting 15 goals. I think his goal-scoring last year was a bit fluky.
40 assists is an awful lot for someone not getting PP time.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
I dunno, that basically assumes that Fehr would get 30 goals and Mackan might get 15, not including any time that he was on the ice when Green/Carlson score goals.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 5, 2010 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions
If Fehr gets 30, at least 10 are coming on the powerplay, though.
To further D’ohboy’s point, only six NHLers had 40 ES assists last year: the Sedins, Thornton, Richards, Backstrom, and Statsny.
Why do we think MP would get 0 PP time again?
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
Semin – Backstrom – Knuble/Fehr – Laich – Fleischmann
Not a ton of room to jump in there, but definitely room to fill in when the (inevitable) injuries come. He wouldn’t get much serious PP time and, again, he’d be battling with MoJo (although that’s a battle I think he’d win).
There’s no playmaker on the 2nd PP line, there. That’s where MP would fit.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 5, 2010 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Why should I try that when I can already get the same production from a bigger, stronger, faster guy? I’d add I highly doubt that MP would put up those numbers.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Playing with Fehr and Mackan, it’s likely Chimera will put up more points this year than last. Given the choice, though, I’d bump him down to 4 and put MP in his place with other skilled teammates. The only issue I see with that is that the line becomes a lot softer without Chimmer on it.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 5, 2010 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m less concerned with the softness angle and more concerned with your assumption that MP, in what would be his first full NHL season, would collect more points than Chimmer did last season. I could maybe argue he might put up a few more assists, but not goals.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Points? I could argue points any day of the week. Goals? I could see MP hitting 15 over an entire season, sure. And you said yourself that MP’d likely have more assists.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 5, 2010 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions
The guy has 16 in the AHL last year getting better minutes than he ever will with the Caps. Eventually it could be argued he could become a better scorer than Chimera at NHL level, but not likely in his first season.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Sorry, but you and DP are playing the if game much, much harder, and the probability of your “ifs” are much, much lower.
Chimera HAS scored more goals in an NHL season (17) than MP ever has as a professional.
Chimera HAS scored 30+ points on multiple occasions in the NHL.
Chimera HAS demonstrated defensive consistency in the NHL.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
16 in the AHL over 59 games. He also had four in the NHL which does put him at 20 goals for the year over a period of 77 games.
Actually, that’s a good point.
Still, his future isn’t as a goal-scorer.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
Yeah, I really doubt he turns into a 30-goal-scorer or even a 25-goal scorer. He might sniff 20 but he won’t be the one lighting the lamp.
Who were his wingers in Hershey? Bouchard and… Kane?
Dude gets 50 points with 16 and 90 as teammates.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 5, 2010 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Players who got around 50 points last year:
Patric Hornqvist
Joe Pavelski
Marian Hossa
Tomas Fleischmann
Alex Frolov
Steve Sullivan
Michael Cammalleri
Alexei Ponikarovsky
Jakub Voracek
Olli Jokinen
Sergei Gonchar
Tobias Enstrom
Jordan Staal
Martin Erat
Alex Kovalev
Mark Streit
Nicklas Lidstrom
Tomas Kaberle
Do you really think Mathieu Perreault belongs on that list, particularly in light of the fact that he’s not going to get much PP time?
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
I don’t think a lot of those guys belong on that list. Right off the bat, throw out the D. Entirely different position/situation. Then throw out the guys that had significant injury history. I still don’t think MP is at that level yet, but it’s a lot more reasonable to compare him to Erat than Hossa. The list is misleading.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
The point is that all of those guys sees regular PP time and is a top-4 D or top-6 forward.
MP will not get 50 points unless he gets regular PP time and is playing in the top-6.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
So he should be AO or Semin’s W? I disagree heartily with that.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 5, 2010 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions
No, but his physicality and ability to forecheck are perfect for a third-liner.
Given that offensive types are going to get lots of zone starts in the offensive zone, Chimera’s a great third-liner because he’s very good at shifting the zone. Last year he started out 47% in the Offensive zone, but finished in the Offensive zone 50%.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
Agreed, his physicality would be missed with 90 and 16 as the rest of that 3rd line. Perhaps I’d trade Flash, move up Fehr and replace Fehr with MP, then.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 5, 2010 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions
That’s great, but then who is your 2C? You’ve got 3 wingers on the 2nd line.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
You’re right. In a perfect world, I would trade Flash for a legit 2C/top 4 D. In the first, we’d have 16-New 2C-28 and 85-90-21/25. In the second, I’d have 21-85-28 and 16-90-25.
As it stands, I would personally 16-85-28, 14-90-21, bumping Chimera down.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 5, 2010 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Ovi- Backstrom – Knuble
then…
Semin-Flash- Fehr
Laich-Johansson-Perreault
or (this one is entertaining)
Semin-Flash-Perreault
Laich-Johansson-Fehr
then
Chimera-Stex/Gordo-Bradley
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 5, 2010 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think so. I’m trying to remember the conversation F&B and I had. We went back and forth about the potential pluses and minuses. I know I felt like keeping MP out of the middle of the ice would help with size issues.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
I’m guessing it goes something like this:
A C is > than a W.
But an NHL W is > than an AHL C.
If MP is only an AHL C, then making him a W, if it gives him a good chance of being an NHL asset, is a good move.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
by D'ohboy on Oct 5, 2010 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Although Kuznetsov and Galiev have substantial experience on the wing so if someone has to be forced to the wing it might be one of them. And there is always the trade route.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I’d rather shift C’s to W than try the other way around.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
Isn’t that what I’m suggesting? I’m confused as to your point. The Caps think both Kuznetsov and Galiev should play C, but Galiev was drafted as a W and Kuznetsov has significant time playing W (at least on the WJC team, not sure about the KHL). We’ll be taking guys that should be C-capable and playing them on the W. I think MP could be in that hybrid group. Again, I just would like to know why the Caps haven’t even explored it yet.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I was agreeing with you, shocking as that may seem.
:)
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
Yeah, normally a reply from you is akin to a slap with a glove. I was just getting warmed up in case…
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I demand satisfaction
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
by D'ohboy on Oct 5, 2010 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I think you’d lose a lot of his best assets, including his creativity.
St. Louis didn’t lose any of his creativity by playing at wing. Nor did Theo Fleury.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
In addition to the examples, I think it’s worth considering the possibility that a role shift for Perreault could make him more productive by letting him focus on what he does best, namely, generating offense.
From what I’ve seen Perreault just doesn’t look like a natural center (at the NHL level) because his defensive instincts aren’t that good. Rather than having him fight that and worry about what he’s doing in his own end, take the burden off him and let him use his agility, hands, and vision to create chances.
by David Getz on Oct 5, 2010 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I’m not sure what the downside of keeping him in Hershey is? At this point he looks like he’d be a productive offensive player, but a defensive liability. On the NHL club, that is.
Isn’t that a good guy to have available for callup?
Between Flash, MarJo and Backstrom (knock wood), someone’s going to need some (ahem) “maintenance days”.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
The only downside I see is that he won’t be carrying the puck in the middle of the ice, where he’ll have more options open. But I don’t think that offsets the gains. You can let him play W, have the D/C headman the puck to him and then let him skate toward the middle (yeah lane-shifting drills!) and then slow the pace and let his linemates catch up. I commented yesterday about Nick’s ability to slow the game to his pace, and while I don’t think MP has that level of skill, I do think he has shown an ability to slow the game down when he has the puck. Even as a rookie last year, you could see that NHL D really did fear/respect him when he had the puck.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
As a D, you’ve got to watch out for him, because he can deke you, or take you wide, and even if you recover, he’s got the ice vision to know where his linemates are – even behind him.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
For sure, and even with probably very little scouting report the NHL D immediately recognized this and showed a lot of respect for his speed and shiftiness. That’s how he got the assist to Potsy, for sure.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
He also lost an assist on a crazy cross-ice pass that bounced off somebody’s stick along the way.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
Sloan or Potsy deflected it. Clark scored but it should have been MP’s assist.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
It’s its own category in the F&B Personnel Book. Update it accordingly.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
If MP were 6’1" with his same skillset and speed, he’d have been here 2 years ago.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 5, 2010 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions
Or another team would have drafted him much higher.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
Well, obviously, I’m assuming that he was still a Cap :-P. Hell, he could have had an 18 or 19 year old growth spurt like Semin had.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 5, 2010 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions
Semin.. spurt..
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
by jordanDC on Oct 5, 2010 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Not if he was producing at the level he was and needed as much work on the defensive zone as he does.
At 6’1", I think the Caps see him as less of a project. I think they’d have treated him like Mackan and kept him up just to keep him up with the big club.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 5, 2010 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions
At 6’1", he wouldn’t have as many issues in the defensive zone. His stick would be longer, he’d have greater reach, and he’d be better able to work in the corners. Not that any of that makes a difference to how defensively aware he is, but it makes him a little less of a liability.
if he were 5’ 11"
If Chris Bourque were 5’ 11", he’d be a Capital.
Such is life.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
I call BS. If Chris Bourque were more effective in the NHL, he’d be a Capital.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 5, 2010 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Bourque scored more in the AHL than MP ever did.
He had a bad cup of coffee with the Caps. So did Fleischmann and Fehr in both of their initial stints.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
Bourque is 2 years older.
I have a twitter.
Not another Capitals blog!
"Victory is sweetest when you've known defeat"
At comparable ages, Bourque scored more. By a lot.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
Perreault has never scored 20 goals as a pro.
Bourque has done it four times.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
Alex Giroux has scored more goals than either of them. Scoring a ton of goals in the AHL doesn’t make you an NHL player.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
by Carl Putnam on Oct 5, 2010 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Might should earn a body a longer look, though. I think that’s D’oh’s point.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
Alex Giroux sucks though, and the reason he sucks is obvious – he can’t skate.
If you put Bourque’s skating ability on Giroux’s body, the kid would get a much, much longer leash.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
In all the time I spent watching Bourque, his hockey sense never seemed a problem. He displayed poor judgment at times, but he knew where the play was going and where to be on the ice better than pretty much everyone else at that level.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
While we’re on the subject of ‘Giroux needs to go faster’, his release needs to be a lot quicker to beat NHL goalies.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Oct 5, 2010 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions
He needs to get released a lot sooner so he can start beating KHL goalies.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
by D'ohboy on Oct 5, 2010 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
If you put Bourque’s skating ability on Giroux’s body, you’d have a Chimera.
SEE WHAT I DID THERE???
by Wheeler on Oct 5, 2010 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
Chimera with better hands and a worse head (and much less work ethic – talking about Giroux there, not Bourque necessarily)
Bourque had multiple shots with the Caps along with a long stint with the Pens and never produced. What GOD said above is 100% accurate.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
33 games total in the NHL isn’t much of a shot. His “multiple shots” included stints of 4, 8 and 1 game wherein he saw nothing but 4th line time.
Over his first 43 games Flash put up 10 points, getting better/more ice time.
Over his first 58 games Fehr put up 9 points.
If CBo were taller, he’d get more benefit of the doubt.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
Different time period. If C-Bo were older and those call-ups were with Caps teams that weren’t making the playoffs like Flash and Fehr started with, he’d have had more opportunity.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 5, 2010 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions
Those last 23 games for Fehr were on a playoff team.
Moreover, can you honestly tell me we haven’t seen Flash go through 30-odd game periods of ineffectual play over the last several years?
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
OK, I concede — Flash and especially Fehr aren’t ready for the NHL and should be sent back to Hershey.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 5, 2010 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions
No, the point is what I said throughout the entire MVC thread with regard to MP:
Little players need to prove they can play. Big players need to prove that they can’t.
Guys like CBo and MP (and to a lesser extent A. Gordon) are set up for failure because they lack size. Anything outside of truly outstanding performances gets them sent down to the AHL.
Honestly, I don’t think the Caps’ would have given MP a realistic shot had he not performed so well during his brief stint last year.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
In 20 games with the Pens last season, Bourque had 3 points – all assists. In 21 games with the Caps last season, Perreault had 4 goals and 5 assists. Of the two, I know which I would view as NHL-ready. Bourque isn’t in the NHL because he couldn’t produce, which he could in the AHL – kind of like Giroux. His height has nothing to do with it, except that it might be making him a less effective player.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
Except for the fact that Giroux has obvious flaws (skating) that make him ineffectual in the NHL.
Bourque’s obvious flaw is his height.
I’m not the only one who thinks this. From Tom Awad’s GVS discussion:
Say Hello to My Little Friends
To get secondary scoring for the best possible price, supplement your roster with some talented but smaller players. I’m not just saying that to get on Iain Fyffe’s good side, it’s seriously easier to find underpaid little guys than underpaid big guys.
Just look at all the smaller guys on our value list – do you think that Burrows, Parise, Hornqvist and Greene would be obtainable for the same salary if they stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Dustin Penner? Smaller players of all different styles and roles come at discount prices, whether its Frans Nielsen (GVS 8.6), Mike Weaver (GVS 6.0) or Derek Roy (GVS 4.8).
It’s not hard to find little guys who consistently tear up the AHL. There are literally dozens of no-risk smaller players that could easily bag 30 points in the NHL for league-minimum contracts. Check out Keith Aucoin, David Desharnais, Chris Bourque, Martin St. Pierre, Corey Locke and Jason Krog, to name just a few.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
Bourque’s obvious flaw is his inablility to score. 33 games, 1 goal. And it has’t been with crappy teams, either.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
Weird how Perreault managed to put up points in the same situation..
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
Perreault was more like 11 1/2, with some powerplay time, with better teammates. His five assists were to Sloan, Fleischmann, Pothier, and Fehr; his four goals were helped, in total, by Ovechkin, Semin, Fehr, Green, and Bradley.
Although at least two of his goals were primarily (one exclusively) the product of MP’s effort and talent (I’m thinking of the tying goal against FLA and the sweet forehand to backhand roof job against I dunno who, assisted by Fehr).
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Do you really think that Perreault’s 15% shooting percentage (for a guy who’s clearly NOT a goal-scorer in the AHL) wasn’t in part due to luck?
Do you really think that Bourque’s 2.8% shooting percentage (for a guy who has been a consistent goal-scorer in the AHL) wasn’t in part due to (bad) luck?
I’m not going to continue making the argument that Bourque should or should not be in the NHL.
My point is simply that Bourque and MP are hosed because they’re not big. I’m not surprised at all that the Caps went this direction. I said as much throughout the MVC discussion and in the earlier thread about centers.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
Yup. Jason Krog. There’s a guy that needs more NHL time. Clearly, Awad hasn’t actually watched what some of these guys have done in the NHL, nor has he a sound understanding of their skillsets or the way they play.
30 points is ok if you treat players as fungible (no shock from a guy like Awad), but most teams won’t keep an offense-only 30 point guy on the team. If all you bring is 30 points you better be a damn good PKer, or a great forechecker/grinder, or some sort of shutdown guy. You can fill in for a short time as a 30-point-offense-only guy, but it’s not the way NHL teams actually use roster spots.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
by Rob Parker on Oct 5, 2010 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I don’t think his attitude was very good early. He corrected that, but it set him back. He got plenty of NHL chances, and they didn’t work out. His best chance was probably early last year when he made the Caps, only to lose that shot due to salary shenanigans (chalk that one up to bad luck for sure).
But look, he made his choices. He could have started the year as the Caps first call-up at wing. Dude was playoff MVP last year. He’s decided to take another path. Good luck to him.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 5, 2010 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions
He got plenty of NHL chances
My point is that he didn’t get much of a chance with the Caps (4, 8 and 1 game), and that Fehr and Flash both had equally or more underwhelming debuts. Had Bourque been as tall as them, he’d be here.
I also think he had some attitude issues and that BB decided long ago that CBo wasn’t “one of his guys.”
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
If he was more effective in the KHL, he wouldn’t be in Lugano, Switzerland.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
The Caps already have enough forwards that shouldn’t be used in checking/penalty killing situations. Perreault needs to improve in that area, or he’s going to be waiting in line until the Flesichmann spot on the roster opens up.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Yep. MoJo made it because he can PK (and wasn’t too shabby at it).
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.
Since we are in desperate need of PK’ers since it was so abysmal last year.
Rocking the Red since 1975
.
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 5, 2010 8:05 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Perreault needs to improve in that area
I don’t think it really matters. I think BB and GMGM prioritize size on the lower lines. MP ought to improve that part of his game, but I think that demonstrating an ability to put up more points (combined with Flash shitting the bed) is all that’s going to get him to the NHL.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
Matt Hendrick’s advantage of size and grit, and experience
Hendricks can also play center, which A. Gordon cannot. If, like me, you think that the Caps ought to shop Steckel, this makes sense. I’m not saying the Caps are shopping Steckel, but they ought to be…
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
The thought crossed my mind as well. Maybe they’re hoping he starts the season off well enough to get another team to bite.
Part of me wonders if a possible Vancouver – Caps deal is still on the horizon.
Or maybe the Caps would take back one of NJD’s salaries in return for Steckel. Who knows?
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
From your lips to the front office’s ears.
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 5, 2010 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions
Zubrus for Steckel? Saves the NJD some cash, gives the caps more flexibility at the C position?
I’m not advocating this, just building upon D’ohboy’s musings.
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Oct 5, 2010 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions
That’s what I initially thought of. I think Zubie has a no-trade, though.. and the Caps would be dumb to take on that salary.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
I would love to have Zubie at 2C, though. Would love it.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 5, 2010 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions
2C? Really? I see Zubie as better suited to a 3C role, based on his skill set.
But the term of his K is a bitch. Can’t see the Caps signing up to pay him for another 3 years.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
Zubie’d be the immediate 2C and would likely stay there until New Year’s, at which point we’re all hoping Mackan figures things out enough to keep the 2C to himself.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 5, 2010 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions
agreed. 3.4 million through the end of the 12-13 season. No chance it happens.
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Oct 5, 2010 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions
Zubrus does not have a NTC/NMC. It’s why he was being discussed as a trade option.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
Must be thinking of Langenbrunner? Somebody up there has one.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
He has an informal NTC — it’s called “being so overpaid that no one will take you”
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 5, 2010 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Ah yes, he’s got a Nylander.
"Because the game is not just about fighting no more. " D.J. King
by bigeugene on Oct 5, 2010 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Oh, God.
That would make the fanboy in me from 10 years ago so happy.
Caps would have to eat a lot of salary, though, so it doesn’t make sense.
"Never tell me the odds." - Han Solo
by Steck It Out on Oct 5, 2010 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions
Versatility.
That’s gonna help A LOT more than people realize. Remember when the 11th or 12th forward was injured at times last season? Caps had to play Sloan at forward, which lessened their depth on D.
Enter Hendricks, no more Sloan on the offensive.
"Never tell me the odds." - Han Solo
by Steck It Out on Oct 5, 2010 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Remember when the 11th or 12th forward was injured at times last season? Caps had to play Sloan at forward, whichlessened their depth on Dmade the team much better defensively.
by David Getz on Oct 5, 2010 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions 7 recs
I concede.
"Never tell me the odds." - Han Solo
by Steck It Out on Oct 5, 2010 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions
Johansson was a good choice for a keeper.
While I like Perreault, I don’t know that he’ll hold up over an 82-game season in the NHL… YET.
That is a big yet.
He’s only 22; it’s not like this is his last chance.
Like many others, I’m torn about Andrew Gordon. Selfishly, I want to keep him. I’ll be mad if the Penguins steal him, but if he gets a shot in the NHL, I’ll get over it (as long as it isn’t to the Penguins or the Flyers!)
Photography: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
While I like Perreault, I don’t know that he’ll hold up over an 82-game season in the NHL… YET.
People only say this because he is small. There’s no proof that size has any correlation with wearing down quickly. I mean, look at Mike Green.
The keyboard is mightier.
I think people say it because during his call up last year he started to wear down over the last 5-10 games and that is why he got sent down
People say this because he slowed down after about a dozen games last season.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
While that is true, I would not want to be that small getting whacked on by guys 4-5 inches taller and correspondingly heavier than I am. Imagine Chris Pronger, for instance. Perreault would be crushed!
He’s 22. He’s not done with the Caps, and he’s not done filling out yet.
Photography: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
Again, AHL has less refs (and shittier ones) and more goons. MP deals with a lot of abuse in Hershey. That’s not a factor in my mind.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
He’s also fast enough to dodge most of the big hits down there.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
That is true. And he does make up for his lack of size with his shiftiness.
But he doesn’t have to clear waivers, and Hendricks would.
I firmly believe another half-year or so and he will be fine in the NHL. But right now, Hendricks was the better choice.
Photography: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
His defensive play is a much bigger factor in my mind. He has great energy, but I’m not sure he’s there yet in terms of a center’s defensive responsibilities in the NHL.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 5, 2010 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions
Is Johansson, in your opinion?
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
MJ90 is very defensively aware, yes. He prolly still has to adjust for the smaller ice and faster decision-making, but he’s got the general idea.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
He’s an unknown, though. I don’t think you can argue that he’s clearly better since he has played no NHL games.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
In that case you can’t make any statements at all. There are some skills that can still clearly come through in camp, practice, and preseason. MoJo’s defensive mindedness (and, as a throw-in, his skating) should be one of them.
We haven’t seen him play against a good offensive team yet. I’m sure he’ll be good, but you just can’t state it plainly at this point.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
We’ve seen him do better than Perreault against similar teams. You can state that plainly.
Part of it is mindset. MoJo has been drilled to think much more passively and, hence, focus on D. Perreault has been in BB’s system longer and takes more risks.
So it would sound like Perreault is the better choice..
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
Not really. He didn’t outperform MoJo, and depth has value. Perreault is the better choice if you absolutely need someone to fit the offense perfectly.
MoJo is much more versatile at this point, and there’s no reason to think he won’t pick up on the offensive system soon enough. They can use him on the PK, they can use him to play the 3rd line in a bit of a shutdown role, and they can probably still expect his offensive instincts to kick in before too long.
I was hoping both would make it, but MoJo earned the roster spot more than Perreault did because of his versatility.
Sounds like Perreault is the better 2C and Johansson is the better 3C.
The Caps need a 3C
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 5, 2010 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions
I’d argue they need a 2C as well. Sadly, I doubt BB would agree.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
by Carl Putnam on Oct 5, 2010 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
I’m less inclined to think about numbers in the traditional sense here. It used to be you had two scoring lines, a checking line, and an “energy” line (that played fast and loose with the rules). The way the game is called these days, plus the diminishing role of the traditional enforcer seems to argue for two scoring lines, a hybrid line, and a shutdown line. A team (say, the Caps) can still make occasional use of an enforcer type (say, D.J. King), but it’s not like every team has one, or that every team loses their mind and pays them $1.6 million, either.
The Caps could make use of a scoring center on a third line if he can play passable defense, which is why I assume Marcus Johansson will get a crack at that role. Right now, I’m not sure Perreault could play it, and he isn’t beating out Fleischmann for opening night. And there are no openings at wing with Ovechkin, Knuble, Semin, Laich, Chimera, and Fehr the top six.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 5, 2010 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
there are no openings at wing with Ovechkin, Knuble, Semin, Laich, Chimera, and Fehr the top six
That’s a mighty fine looking top six, I must say. :)
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Tyler Seguin and Taylor Hall are better than Matthieu Perrault. Right now. They’re already better.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 5, 2010 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions
Oh yeah, anyone who can stick in the SEL is going to be defensively fine. Maybe too good — I worry that he’ll be too conservative for Boudreau’s system.
He can’t take a faceoff and he needs to show that he can keep up on offense, but I don’t worry about his defense.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 5, 2010 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions
Faceoff thing is worrisome.. if he’s getting d-zone starts, that’s a potential scoring chance against. If he’s getting o-zine starts, that’s a gift of possession to the other team.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
Give Marcus some time to work on his faceoffs. He’s had a lot of adjustments coming here. I’m sure he’ll improve.
What better way to learn than to learn on the job?
"Never tell me the odds." - Han Solo
by Steck It Out on Oct 5, 2010 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions
pronger definitely picked Matty for his first hit in one of their games last year.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
I’m just biased because I myself was an undersized player and consistently proved the HATERz wrong. Just think it’s obvious that someone like Mackan gets the benefit of the doubt about “wear and tear.”
The keyboard is mightier.
With Mackan and MP, it’s not about “wear and tear” – it’s about skills. Mackan has more skills than MP, and hopefully can develop them this season playing ~12 minutes per game between Fehr and Chimera.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
Hey, at least your guy can go back and forward with no problem.
I have a twitter.
Not another Capitals blog!
"Victory is sweetest when you've known defeat"
I watched most of the preseason games (didn’t see any practices), and thought that offensively MP85 is right on par with Mackan, and more adept in the corners at this point. Plus better at faceoffs.
It’s probably more about upside.
The keyboard is mightier.
They should keep Mackan until he is unable to go back to Sweden, if that’s possible, then send him down!
I have a twitter.
Not another Capitals blog!
"Victory is sweetest when you've known defeat"
A lot of blonde chicks?
I have a twitter.
Not another Capitals blog!
"Victory is sweetest when you've known defeat"
but does she play with fire?
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.
As we all know, yes. Yes she does.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
The possibility of a recall!
I have a twitter.
Not another Capitals blog!
"Victory is sweetest when you've known defeat"
Bigger ice and proximity to better chocolate?
I know, blasphemy. But the Swiss make some really good… nevermind.
Photography: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
It’s the place mentioned in Mackan’s contract where he can choose to play, if he doesn’t make the Caps.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
Right, hence the implication that he should choose Hershey because it’s better because way hotter babes(?) and better chocolate and Sweden is cold and boring.
The keyboard is mightier.
Mackan’s GF still lives there. Though she was apparently here at the convention.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Well she needs to move her ass over here where the rinks are properly proportioned and fried foods flow like water down a raging river.
The keyboard is mightier.
by breed16 on Oct 5, 2010 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
A river of fryer oil?
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.
OHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. I had a dyslexic moment. I’d also argue that Sweden probably has superior sweets.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 5, 2010 11:49 AM EDT up reply actions
Oh, I definitely worry about Mackan and any other 19 year old wearing down as the season goes on. I’m not thrilled that Mackan is the 3C right now
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 5, 2010 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions
Johansson was a good choice for a keeper.
While I like Perreault, I don’t know that he’ll hold up over an 82-game season in the NHL… YET.
Perreault’s played at least one very long season now, while MarJo’s played in the SEL, which plays a lot fewer games than the A. If I were worried about one or the other wearing down over the course of the season, I’d worry about the 20 year old who played in 50 game seasons rather than the 22 year old who’s played in 100 game seasons.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Oct 5, 2010 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Even at 13 minutes a night?
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.
Even at 13 minutes a night. Although I don’t know how many minutes a night MarJo got in Sweden, he’d have to have been playing in all situations on the top line to equal the amount of ice-time he’s going to see here at 13 minutes a night. He’s also going to see it against stronger, faster players on a smaller ice surface, in a more physical league.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Oct 5, 2010 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions
He got a steady 10-13 minutes a game in the regular season, with a little bump to just over 14 minutes in the playoffs. From which his team was out in seven games in the first round.
There’s some analysis in the Mackan Manifesto.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
So yes. If the Caps go deep, he’ll be doubling his total ice time against a much more physically demanding set of opponents. I’m very much worried about him grinding down over the course of the season.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Oct 5, 2010 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions
How many international games did he play last year?
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
That’s a good point and one I don’t know the answer to, but I do know this: It damn sure wasn’t 30 and it damn sure wasn’t anywhere near the level of play that he’s going to see on a nightly basis in the NHL.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Oct 5, 2010 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree with you, just trying to collect all the info.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
He played three friendlies in canada in November, and six or seven at World Juniors, possibly only five or six because he had to sit out the bronze medal match with either a suspension or a wrist injury (still not clear.) He sat out a game or two after the Olympic Break as well, possibly with that same wrist. Ice Warrior/Malin might know more.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
I for one am glad Hendricks is on the roster. Kid’s got some jam. And he earned his spot.
The ice will show everything.
I will like it if Andrew Gordon clears.
I have a twitter.
Not another Capitals blog!
"Victory is sweetest when you've known defeat"
I kinda want him to get claimed so he gets a chance in the NHL though :(
I have a twitter.
Not another Capitals blog!
"Victory is sweetest when you've known defeat"
He’ll be back as a callup for the Caps, don’t worry.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
I hope you’re right. He’s just one of those players I think genuinely is a great guy and I’m really pulling for.
I have a twitter.
Not another Capitals blog!
"Victory is sweetest when you've known defeat"
Watch Andrew Gordon get picked up by the Penguins
Sigh…I’m not too disappointed by Perrault not staying. We’ll see what happens with MJ…
A. Gordon
I didn’t really see anything out of A. Gordon that would lead me to believe he’s a great loss. He’s not an improvement over any of the players that we kept on the roster. He’s a heady, gritty player, but he’s a clear step or two slower than Bradley.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
by D'ohboy on Oct 5, 2010 11:02 AM EDT reply actions 3 recs
Agreed. I see his value to someone like NYI, but, looking at NYI, specifically, I don’t see him as a clear upgrade to anyone projecting to a similar 3 or 4W. The hoopla surrounding him doesn’t make sense to me.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 5, 2010 11:06 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
NYI did lose Okposo for the year, and they still could choose to send Niederreiter down.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
Unless Neiderreiter is really, truly not ready, he’s too good to go to Bridgeport.
And oh shit, Okposo is done for the entire year? (Drops him from fantasy team…)
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 5, 2010 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions
No. The Isles may realize that he’s almost ready, but that they’re hosed this year, and choose not to waste his ELC year.
Of course, that would require the Isles being intelligent. Hahahahaha!
I think I almost peed myself typing that.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
I would keep Niederreiter up to develop chemistry with Tavares if I were them, hosed year or not. The kid is real good.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 5, 2010 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions
Okposo is supposed to be back around December..
http://okposo.blogspot.com/2010/09/okposo-out-indefintely-surgery-required.html
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Oct 5, 2010 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions
I think he’d be a loss, but I think we kept the right guys.
Fantasy Teams: Baby Got Backstrom (Ladies of Twitter) and All's Fehr in the Crease (Six Beers Too Many)
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
I think it’s slightly problematic if one of our grinders goes down to injury, but given Beagle’s showing in the preseason and his ability (like Hendricks) to fill in at center, I think we’ll be fine.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
I just think he has a lot more upside than Hendricks, Beagle, Bradley, Steckel and even Chimera. I get this feeling he’s going to have a long and solid NHL career.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 5, 2010 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Do you agree that he didn’t look terribly impressive in the preseason?
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
The guy led the team in shots and hits almost every night he played. He played 3 games on 3rd and 4th lines and ended up #3 in shots taken, above people who played 4 games.
http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/teams/stats/WAS/preseason?&1:col1=9
Nope, I don’t agree at all. I thought he had a great preseason, especially considering age and pedigree. He continues to make the most of opportunities.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 5, 2010 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions
so this means Hendricks makes the team?
or are there more cuts to be made?
I’m OK with MP being sent down, there’s no waiver issue so it’s fine with me if he rides the Alzner train for a while.
What I don’t like is keeping Hendricks over AGordon. Sure Hendricks has had a very nice camp. But consider these points: He was floating on waivers before camp and there wasn’t a whole lot of action on him from other teams; he doesn’t bring anything the Caps don’t already have; and, if we were to lose Hendricks to a waiver claim it’s not like the Caps had anything beyond this camp invested in him.
So AGordon may get picked up so BB can keep a castoff who got hot in camp. That’s a shame because I could see AGordon being a Laich type player (but better defensively) the kind who can skate on a second line one night and the forth line the next.
A danger to myself and others on the ice
I kinda dislike that we have 3 fourth line centers on the big team right now.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
Why? All three of them are perfectly capable of playing the wing position. Having three fourth-line centers, with two of them being righties and one being a lefty, gives you a lot of different options on defensive zone faceoffs. Oh, and with Hendricks being a righty, he provides another right-handed center to replace Boyd Gordon if knock on wood Gordo has any injury issues this year.
This training camp waivers thread is running about 800 comments behind last year’s.
Slackers.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Heh. I was just thinking that this is the equivalent of last year’s Chris Smith thread.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
It’s going to exceed it. We’re crying over more than one player.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Taking the under, reserving the right to revise pending any claim on Gordon.
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 5, 2010 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
You know what the real problem is?
Flash. If he is gone, these decisions are simpler. And I am happier.
The keyboard is mightier.
I think that’s an oversimplification. Even if he’s not the answer at 2C, he’s probably better than either rookie this season.
Without Flash our offense is probably weaker, assuming a rookie replaces him.
But other areas where we’re wanting get stronger.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
Maybe (can you say that if the swap is Flash for MP, though? I think at best you get faster and everything else looks almost like a wash). My point was I think there are other, less useful players you can point at that would clear up a roster spot (let the lines work themselves out at that point) cough Steckel cough
Wouldn’t mind seeing that happen, either.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
Although Flash would/should have more trade value, so you have a point there if there’s anyone useful available.
Yeah. I’d trade Steckel for Beagle and a pick and Flash for some top 4 D fella.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
Most of the fanbase is. Too bad we couldn’t flip him for Bieksa or whatever the rumor was.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
Honestly I’d be happy with draft pick(s) for Flash. He is completely worthless when the games count. I genuinely believe he is a negative, and the team improves by his absence, regardless of who replaces him at 2C.
The keyboard is mightier.
I’m not a huge Flash fan, but I disagree with this.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
Me too. 25-goal guys don’t grow on trees. Flash has plenty to dislike, but he’ll help in the regular season this year.
In the playoffs, he’ll disappear. Hopefully there’s A) enough healthy bodies and B) a real 2C acquisition, so that Flash won’t have to be a key cog in any playoff push.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
Patrick Sharp is an interesting comparison. Like Flash, he’s a converted winger.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
Not happening, sadly.
Brad Richards, though…maybe.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
By the trade deadline it won’t be, and it’s the last year…we’d have TONS of cap space by then to make that move.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
I’m thinking long term, sorry.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
He’s a UFA so yeah, pure rental. Not the worst idea though. You get a strong playoff performer (albeit someone who’s main roles would be somewhat redundant) and next year you can reevaluate how the youth did/how Fleischmann did/how you can afford to allocate salary (read: Semin).
Not by the time the trade deadline rolls around. Although I’m skeptical we could end up the highest bidder.
I don’t think we have what the Stars need, which is defensive prospects. I could see us shipping out Steckel, a higher-end offensive prospect (Kuznetsov or Perreault)/one of the kid goalies (Holtby, for example), and a draft pick for Richards. Might be an overpayment (particularly given his injury history) but the guy brings it in the playoffs.
I don’t really see him as being a valuable trade asset unless the Caps can sign him to a contract before the trade deadline. He’s not a flight risk, exactly, but a lot of those Russian teams have a history of strongarming young players into signing contracts they don’t necessarily want to sign.
Another option for a trade deadline 2C: Tim Connolly, if he’s healthy. Buffalo might be out of contention by that time (especially if Ryan Miller gets injured), and he’s a good playmaking pivot. Send over MP or Cody Eakin (Buffalo doesn’t mind a having a ton of smaller, offensively-minded centers, e.g. Derek Roy/Tim Kennedy/Tyler Ennis). I doubt Buffalo would feel like they were getting fleeced on that.
Connolly would be Semin II in terms of injury prone-ness and fanbase frustration.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
I didn’t say it was the best option. I said it was another.
If you look at potential 2Cs on bubble teams who are UFA next year, it’s pretty much Richards and Connoly (well, unless you want to count Brendan Morrison or Eric Belanger, which I don’t).
I’d be OK with that, except he has three more years on his contract at 4 mil or so a year. I really doubt they ship him out unless he wants out.
The signed him for Kovy.. He’d be a fantastic second center on this team. I’ll continue to dream.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
Not at 4 mill he wouldn’t. He’s also a guy that hasn’t really been a reliable crunch time performer.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
He’s played for TOR and ATL.. has he had a chance to prove that?
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
He was the top C for NYR and he didn’t do much. He played in the playoffs on some TOR teams that weren’t that bad.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I don’t like the contract for that term and I hate his skating, but the dude produces. I’d feel better if he’d looked less sluggish for the Rangers in the playoffs against the Caps. I feel like he was the best offensive option on those teams, though; 8/19 are going to draw that opposition against the Caps. It’s not a total mitigating factore (as we saw with Semin), but I can’t imagine it does anything but help.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Oct 5, 2010 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Obviously excepting Sundin when he was with TOR.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Oct 5, 2010 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Give a guy the 5 on 5 and PP minutes Flash does, and you can find a suitable replacement with similar faceoff and defensive abilities, and who can’t possible do worse in the playoffs. Say, perhaps an MP85.
The keyboard is mightier.
In preseason games, where vets aren’t really trying, and the youngsters that do are not the elite, MP was getting pushed around in the corners.
The idea is up upgrade at 2C, not lateral.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
MP was getting pushed around in the corner
I didn’t see that, but more to the point we know what Flash gives us at this point. Can’t hurt to give someone else a shot. It’s not lateral if there is unknown growth ahead.
And applying the more narrow evaluation that only playoff performance matters (and a more proper one in my mind), the Flash I’m evaluating is the one who even his #1 supporter couldn’t trust in game 7. Three years now the kid has been basically a zero in the playoffs. Could MP85 possibly be worse?
The keyboard is mightier.
Even if MP is a slight downgrade, moving Flash gets you stronger in other areas.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
From everything I saw in the preseason, that’s how it appeared to me. MP is great in tight spaces – with the puck. Battling for it along the boards, MJ looked better.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
MJ looked weaker, IMO. MP is smaller and MJ was getting thrown around. Probably not for much longer, but in preseason, definitely.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 5, 2010 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Right now, you and Jordan are the only ones on your side of this fence. If there are others around, feel free to chime in.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
Did any of you actually attend one of the preseason games or were you watching internet feeds?
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
Two preseason games, the rookie game, the developmental game, and a practice or two all in person this summer.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 5, 2010 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions
In the rookie game, Mackan was a man among boys. In the preseason games, Mackan was clearly physically outmatched by a few pairs of D between Boston and Columbus. He looks like an NHLer and belongs, but he was certainly worse than MP at digging the puck out of the corners/off the boards in the preseason games.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 5, 2010 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions
MackanMP was clearly physically outmatched by a few pairs of D between Boston and Columbus.
That’s how I saw it, at least.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
This is what I think too. MP is better at controlling the puck, but MJ is much better without it.
by red army line on Oct 5, 2010 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions
I only saw the games against Boston and CBJ (second one), so small sample size and all that. That said…
MP looked fine in open ice, either with the puck on his stick or moving in to space.
When the puck got tied up in the corners, he either just bounced off guys or got moved off the puck pretty easily.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
That’s just not the case. One of his biggest strengths is his boardplay. Johansson was the one not dealing with contact terribly well.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
No offense, but you’re not exactly an unbiased observer.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
Whoa. My impressions were completely the opposite.
MarJo wasn’t stellar along the walls by any stretch, but I thought MP was a real liability below the net.
Mind you, I’m talking about when the puck is tied up. When MP is moving his feet, and there’s flow to the game situation, he’s fine.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
MP was a bit of a mess in his own zone. MJ looked confused when put at wing (he kept trying to play C and bumping into Bax), but overall looked pretty good.
MP was definitely more creative/confident with the puck on his stick.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
You know what the real problem is?
Flash. If he is gone, these decisions are simpler. And I am happier.
Honestly, I think the bigger issue is King, then Steckel. Two guys who are on the team to do one thing, and ultimately that one thing doesn’t help you win many games…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 5, 2010 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m fine with King because nobody else does his job. Steckel is replaceable with Gordo and Hendricks (or Beagle).
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
But his job is worthless. Heavyweights aren’t even a deterrent because they can’t fight the irritators of the world. Hendricks took Campbell on, not King.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 5, 2010 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions
They’re a lot less worthless now that we’ll have to face Boogaard and Shelley in the conference. Things changed this year vs. last.
King’s NHL skills are (or at least seem) better than Steckel’s at this point, even ignoring fighting.
Do they have to face Booger and Shelley? What happens if King isn’t there? Is someone else actually going to fight them? Doubtful. It’s more likely Booger gives us 8 minutes of PP trying to goad someone into a fight.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I think the one thing enforcers can do is, I think BB or GMGM said it like this, “make the other guys stand a little taller.” An intangible that makes the other guys feel a little tougher thereby helping team toughness. Hard to quantify and for sure, many guys don’t need it. But I do think there’s at least a little merit.
Caps didn’t need it last regular season. Caps won’t use an enforcer this coming postseason.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 5, 2010 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Caps didn’t need it last regular season
I beg to differ. Other than a brief stretch during the season where “team toughness” actually seemed to apply to their play, the Caps were like room temperature butter. We’d be fools to think that other teams don’t know this.
I’m not going to get drawn into another “value of fighting” debate, but the regular season is chock full of game situations where the other team simply tries to bully, bait, and take liberties simply because they can, or because they think the team they’re playing is too soft to fight back. That kind of play doesn’t normally happen in the playoffs, thus why King won’t taste a minute of the Caps postseason, which I’m fine with.
I fully believe that King’s presence does make the other guys “stand a little taller”, as Reckless said.
by Cluster on Oct 5, 2010 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
We’ll see how it plays out, but at 600K I think King is worth it. If he can do anything to keep Mike Green from being beaten on all season then he earned every penny.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I also think his presence means that B. Gordon won’t be expected/relied upon to play 82. I would like to see a healthy B. Gordon as our playoff 4C instead of Steckel, and I don’t think a B. Gordon in the lineup every night ends the regular season healthy.
Eat, drink, and be merry! And then drink some more.
King’s presence didn’t deter Shea weber from hacking at Ovechkin’s wrist on Sunday.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Neither did our power play! No one player is ever going to deter every bit of chippiness, and he may not have any effect on such play sat all, but if he’s a serviceable body that can eat some minutes that would otherwise have to be played by a notorioiusly fragile B. Gordon, I’m all for it.
Eat, drink, and be merry! And then drink some more.
I’m with Cluster on this. To add to what he said, the Caps had Brashear then let him go, opting to go instead with “team toughness” and the deterrent effect of the PP. Several players voiced their displeasure with this, and the downside became clear in games such as the Tampa/Downie incident.
After this experiment, the team gave up a possible asset to go and get a bona fide heavyweight. Even if you don’t like fighting and don’t agree with the move, clearly the organization sees the value in having a heavyweight around.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
Especially since they didn’t go and get a 3 minute a night goon. They got a legit 4th liner who happens to be one of the better fighters in the league.
I don’t mind deterrence, I just think a heavyweight is a non sequitor in 2010. I think the lightweight pests of the world have figured out that Boogaard and Shelley can’t and won’t fight them, so they ain’t worth a damn as deterrence.
I’d rather see deterrence from the likes of Brooks Laich. One of the reasons Chris Clark is gone is that he didn’t step into that role.
I think the additions of Chimera and Hendricks may do a whole lot more to help this team from a deterrence standpoint than King. I hope King proves me wrong and really goes after (and catches!) the Carcillos and Cookes and Downeys of the world. But I’m skeptical and I’ll believe it when I see it.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 5, 2010 5:18 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I think the additions of Chimera and Hendricks may do a whole lot more to help this team from a deterrence standpoint than King.
I agree. Hendricks’ fight with Campbell in Boston right off the opening faceoff is a perfect example. It’s impossible to know whether that deterred anything, but at a minimum it immediately held Campbell accountable for the previous game’s hit, and it served notice that the Caps are a team that will get in your face. With all due respect to Brads, he’s got heart and courage to spare, but he’s just not a snarly dude. I want the Caps to be more than a team that’s hard to play against just because of their skill.
But I still value in King in that when he gets a sweater, the other Caps know that they have one of the toughest, bomb-throwing heavyweights in the league sitting on their bench. He may fight, he may not. He won’t get a shift at the end of tight, meaningful game, but he’s a 600K security blanket to use when needed.
King looks to be a better grinder than Steckel right now. He’s faster, better with the puck, and he doesn’t loaf around.
At this point Steckel’s only NHL skill is faceoffs.
Notable because King isn’t terribly fast or good with a puck..
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
I’m a little a surprised at Hendricks sticking, I thought for sure he’d be a Bear with high priority call up.
I was really rooting for both MP and MJ to stay up and fight over 2/3c the entire year and to keep flash at wing.
Though I find it odd that our newest Toe-headed belle isn’t swedish haha
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.
Is there an official deadline by which teams have to be down to the max NHL player limit and salary cap? With six teams currently over the cap (per capgeek), i would not think this roster is completely set until after all the cuts are announced.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
One Andreas Lilja, please
Ok, so he’s not exactly what I was hoping for at the start of the offseason, but Andreas Lilja would be cheap (he’s desperate for a visa, since his kids are already enrolled in school), and he’s familiar with a puck-possession system, and he’s got playoff experience, and most of all, he’s not fucking Sloskine.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
I’m sure that’s the first question that GMGM asked when he say Lilja was available.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
Grabner claimed by NYI according to McKenzie Tweeter.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
Tambellini, Tim Kennedy, Todd White all on waivers.. I am very much not worried about Gordon getting claimed.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
I don’t know that those guys are necessarily that comparable to Gordon, but I will say I’m much less worried about Gordon being claimed today than I was yesterday, just because I can’t remember the last time George McPhee let a useful player go.
Got a late round pick for him, no?
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 5, 2010 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions
5th Rounder, which I believe we used to select Caleb Herbert. Either that, or we traded it and our fourth to Toronto for the pick that we used on Grubauer.
The former (thanks Wiki).
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 5, 2010 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, but it was essentially letting him go.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
And I meant “let go” in terms of trades too, honestly.
Lepisto was a good call, but other than that…?
Not much, admittedly. I thought we could get more for Zubie than we did, but that’s neither here nor there.
My main beef with GMGM has been his unwillingness to recognized the fungible nature of bottom-line/bottom-pairing players.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
After all, you could just use the words identical, transposable, changeable, commutable, compatible, converse, convertible, correspondent, equivalent, exchangeable, fungible, interconvertible, mutual, reciprocal, reciprocative, same, substitutable, synonymous, or workalike for the same thing.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 5, 2010 3:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Fungible and fungible are fungible?
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
FWIW, I think Lepisto benefits a good bit from the backchecking support and conservative breakout schemes in PHO.
Still would be no worse than Sloane, of course.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
After last year’s preseason, I thought I was OK with Erskine as a #6D. He looked slow and terrible this preseason, whereas Sloan at least displayed some mobility.
Honestly, I hope neither of them see regular ice time.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
wasn’t there concern that he was going to go back to Finland?
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.
Lepcina can now be cured with a pill. No need to go to any Lepcina colonies anymore.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Oct 5, 2010 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions
As long as it’s not Yonkdoigmuirwittpisto…
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Oct 5, 2010 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions
You left out Kwiatkowski….
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Oct 5, 2010 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions
To be fair, he wasn’t useful when we gave him up.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 5, 2010 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions
We’ll see what becomes of Broda this year.. crazy junior numbers.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
Byfuglien back on D in the ATL
Friday night should be interesting. I think this actually makes it easier for the Caps
If you want to survive out here, you've got to know where your towel is.
Good to see all the Jay Beagle defenders out in full force.
(hehe)
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory
He’s here next year. He’s on a one-way contract for 2011-2012. He’s already slotted in to take the position of a departing Boyd Gordon/Matt Bradley/Matt Hendricks
He also can’t be lost on waivers right now, so he’s not part of the discussion. I don’t think anyone expected him to be the camp winner.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Ryan Parent on waivers
Any takers? Hasn’t looked good lately but still only 22, cheap and still RFA when next contract expires. A wild card but still preferable to Sloan IMO.
I think to think better the devil you know than the devil you don’t in a case like that.
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.
No, Parent would be a clear talent upgrade.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
Parent’s a better skater than Erskine and is more laterally mobile. But he’s got some issues in terms of making rookie mistakes on the blue line – bad turnovers, being out of position, etc. Stuff like that can be corrected, but it speaks a ton if Nashville would rather have Shane O’Brien than him.
bad turnovers, being out of position, etc.
That sounds nothing at all like Sloskine.
Nope.
Not at all.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
So how is he an upgrade over Sloan, if he’s going to do the same things?
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.
Parent’s stats don’t look all that great until you put them in context. His Corsi was worst on the Flyers, but if you dig a little deeper, you see that he started a ton of possessions in his own end. Not coincidentally, so did some other guys (Krajicek, Bartulis) who sucked at this stat.
Unlike Krajicek though, Parent finished more possessions in the offensive end than he started. The team’s puck possession direction was a net positive when he was on the ice. Something tells me that had Parent gotten better teammates and better ice time, his stats would look a hell of a lot better.
Beyond that, the kid’s only 23 and clearly must have a skosh of talent, since the Preds drafted him in the first round, and they tend to be pretty good at identifying defensive talent.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
Ryan Parent = Steve Eminger + Injuries.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I know next to nothing about Ryan Parent, but, OUCH.
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.
Not so – I was very impressed with Parent during camp and preseason, both of which I saw live. Now; you’re free to discount my opinion, but I’m inclined to believe he was put in bad positions in Philly.
And GMDP got rid of him for why? And then VAN just summarily waived him? GMDP gave him a second chance because he thought he was going to be that shutdown D they drafted him to be. Why would GMDP give up on him so quickly? He was impressive enough to not have an NHL team. We’ll see what happens with waivers.
And Steve Eminger has had short stretches of impressive play as well. His happened to be in the NHL playoffs (ultimately rewarding us with John Carlson). Eminger isn’t totally worthless, he’s just a player who is never going to realize the potential he had when drafted. I don’t think Parent is ever going to live up to that “smooth skating shutdown D” projection that people had for him.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Oh, wow. VAN traded for Parent and then waived him?
Well, that’s a horse of a different color.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
They did. So bizarre, apparently they traded O’Brien (and some guy I can’t remember) for Parent (and some guy I can’t remember :P) and then put him on waivers right away…but a lot of the media guys hadn’t seen the trade go through so they basically reported it after seeing Parent on waivers from Vancouver.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
last I knew, VAN was still over the cap. I think this is, essentially, an attempt to dump salary.
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.
According to CapGeek, though, Parent was not on the parent roster (no pun intended), so he did not count against VAN’s cap.
VAN is still going to have to waive or trade a roster player.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
but they managed to get rid of O’Brien’s salary (and a second salary) by taking Parent and immediately putting him on waivers That’s what I meant by salary dump.
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 knew what I meant in my head but didn’t express it real well here, sorry for the confusion.
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.
Fahey down, Holby not to stay if Varly is injured. via Corey
Country Gentlemen's Pig Fertilizer Gazette
Dunny-on-the-World
Some of us do not have access to Twitter from work. Can you provide the tweet text?
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.
Boudreau said Fahey has also been sent down. Roster down to 24 guys. BB says Sabourin will probably stay (no Holtby) if SV1 isn’t ready.
sure, sorry I should have remembered that.
Boudreau said Fahey has also been sent down. Roster down to 24 guys. BB says Sabourin will probably stay (no Holtby) if SV1 isn’t ready.
Country Gentlemen's Pig Fertilizer Gazette
Dunny-on-the-World
Also thought this was interesting:
McPhee says MJ90 didn’t personally have the option to go Sweden, it would’ve been the Caps decision where he went either Her or Sweden
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
Interesting.
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.
Apparently, it’s because of the new transfer agreement between the SEL and the NHL.
Players under 22 who haven’t been drafted in the first round may return to the Elitserien if they can’t make the NHL club roster.
That’s an interesting detail right there. You’d think the Swedish would press a little harder to keep their elite talent in Sweden and not riding the buses in the AHL.
@SkyKerstein – Caps beat reporter for 106.7.
Also said this:
McPhee says he thinks MJ90 is ahead of where 19 was at this point of their careers
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
Probably because MJ90 doesn’t have Glen Hanlon as his coach.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Oct 5, 2010 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions 7 recs
le burn.
If you want to survive out here, you've got to know where your towel is.
by ns on Oct 5, 2010 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions
LeBrun?
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Oct 5, 2010 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions
From what I saw, MJ is much faster than Backstrom. He has a fluidity to his skating that allows him to effortlessly move at speeds that, for other players, would require full effort.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
He’ll make a quality 2nd line center if he adjusts to the ice and maintains that absurd defensive discipline they demand from forwards. Hopefully he gets a quality introduction to the league this year with 3rd line minutes and maybe some PK time in a blowout.
Human existence being an hallucination containing in itself the secondary hallucinations of day and night (the latter an insanitary condition of the atmosphere due to accretions of black air) it ill becomes any man of sense to be concerned at the illusory approach of the supreme hallucination known as death.
I was absolutely enamored of the play with Green where he skated across the blueline and across the faces of the two defenders, dropped the puck back for 52 while simultaneously clearing space for 52 to work. The D was headed the wrong way because of the speed 90 turned up the ice with and Green had all the space he needed to hit Fehr’s stick on the way to the net.
To my eyes, that was some pretty advanced hockey sense and a play only possible from a great skater.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Oct 5, 2010 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Right after that play, I turned to my wife and said “that was [Franceschetti] pretty.” My jaw dropped.
by Wheeler on Oct 5, 2010 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I feel bad about MP missing a roster spot, but I sure as hell don’t feel bad about Mackan making one.
~~~ R0cK D@ R3D ~~~
by Chaz-Capapalooza on Oct 5, 2010 1:08 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
There's got to be a better way
Sending MP down is the wrong move and hopefully it’s just for the short term until they make room for him. MP’s a play-maker, he’s gritty and sets the tone for his line. His skill set is something this team is missing. I love Steckel, but he’s got to be moved and moved fast. They can move Flash to the wing. They can do a bunch of things, but we need MP here and we will need him quickly. He plays playoff-style hockey all year long and this team needs to learn from him.
When Hell Freezes Over
you’d have to drop Chimera to the fourth line and Bradley (?) to the bench?
If you've read this far...seek help.
Trade Fleischmann to the Wings.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
they got rid of him once already
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.
They also got a then-league-leading Robert Lang in the deal. It’s not as if they were down on the guy.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 5, 2010 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions
KCarrera
RT @gene_wang: George McPhee says Johansson farther along after his first camp than Backstrom
What’s with these comparisons? Backstrom is nearly as rare a talent as Ovechkin himself. Are we to believe Johansson will be as good or better? Is anyone seriously saying he has that kind of ceiling?
You had me at no problem.
Say what you will, but I agree with McPhee. Johansson was a beast in the game I saw live vs. Boston.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
I think it might just be the speed. I just can’t bring myself to actually believe Mackan is going to sniff Baxter’s ceiling.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
He doesn’t have to. But if he’s anywhere close, we’re collectively rejoicing.
"It's always good to have vikings."
If he can play good defense and put the puck on Alex Semin’s stick, I’ll be happy.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 5, 2010 5:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Maybe he meant in relative terms. MoJo may be closer to reaching his potential than Backstrom was.
Or maybe he means in terms of how rapid they’ve developed. MoJo is one year behind where Backstrom was in his development, I think (based on their time in the SEL, not their draft years) so he’s making the jump “earlier.”
Or maybe he means exactly what he’s saying, either just the pump up the player or because he really believes it. Who knows.
I get what you’re saying but the Nylander analogy is more Dan Quayle-Jack Kennedy.
Choking since 1985.
Because there’s Backstrom, and there’s “not exactly”.
Choking since 1985.
by macvechkin on Oct 5, 2010 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I think you’re discounting the impact Nylander had on Backstrom early on. It may have not shown up on in terms of point production for Nylander, but he took Backstrom in…literally and I’m sure toosed in a few pointers along the way. You’re awfully quick to forget the number of years that Nyls spent in the NHL as a solid 1/2 center.
by Yoshietree on Oct 5, 2010 6:26 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I went to all the preseason games except Nashville and I had a hard time not watching MJ the entire time he was on the ice. The guy is just plain good.
GMGM is saying that Johansson is more NHL ready after his first camp than Backstrom was after his first camp.
Think twice before you speak, and then you may be able to say something more insulting than if you spoke right out at once.
I found myself saying, “Holy crap, that kid’s fast,” on more than one occassion. I think my expectations for him were raised artificially by hope, then tempered by, among other thing’s, Ice Warrior’s article, but getting a chance to see him live makes me think he’s just about ready.
Eat, drink, and be merry! And then drink some more.
It’s not just speed, but power, and his transitions are so fluid you hardly even see them.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
And all this with the puck on his stick. It’s one thing to be smooth without the puck – another thing entirely with it.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
Precisely this. I tend to watch the puck more often than not, rather than focus on a particular player while he’s on the ice, so I was noticing him whenever he had the puck and pretty much did whatever he felt like with it. And as KHtaD said below (above?) the set-up for the Green/Fehr play was beautiful.
Eat, drink, and be merry! And then drink some more.
MP shows no fear in the corners, often comes away with the puck, is tenacious in the defensive end (and by the way, there are other guys on the line with him….)
In answer to your question (which is really a loaded question, or at least is not the right question): AO, AS, MK, EF, BL, TF. Still plenty of room for more wings. Centers are NB, JC, MJ and MP
When Hell Freezes Over
MP shows no fear in the corners, often comes away with the puck, is tenacious in the defensive end
I think you were mistaking Beagle for MP.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
yeah, nothing against his desire or energy. It’s more a positioning issue.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 5, 2010 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions
(and positioning is directly related to maturity, so I think he’s got a decent shot of improving that and making himself an NHL regular)
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 5, 2010 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Probably repeating what's already been said, but my opinion:
Like keeping MJ90.
Hate losing MP85 to Hershey when he’s already shown he can perform in the NHL. (Not a huge deal, as we know he’ll be called up soon enough)
REALLY HATE potentially losing A.Gordon because Hendricks impressed for a few weeks.
Hendricks.. I don’t really know what to say here. I would have figured now was the perfect time to fill the minor gaps with youth. I understand he’s a decent player, and that’s great, but in my opinion, not worth it if he’s claimed by another team, particularly by the flightless fowl. On the plus side he’d probably be back in the Caps’ system before the two teams even played, knowing the Pens have absolutely no idea how to use wingers.
Hendricks.. I don’t really know what to say here. I would have figured now was the perfect time to fill the minor gaps with youth. I understand he’s a decent player, and that’s great, but in my opinion, not worth it if he’s claimed by another team, particularly by the flightless fowl. On the plus side he’d probably be back in the Caps’ system before the two teams even played, knowing the Pens have absolutely no idea how to use wingers.Oh well, as someone mentioned, trading now for future. I’m just not sure Hendricks is going to make enough of a difference for the move to be worth it.
Hendricks pretty clearly outperformed A. Gordon in the preseason. Combine that with his ability to play center, his feistiness, and his NHL track record, and he made the team.
I like him as a major upgrade over Laing.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
I can’t help thinking that as soon as Hendricks got a contract, Gordon was destined for Hershey. Not sure why they didn’t send him down with the larger round of cuts if they were worried about keeping him.
"It's always good to have vikings."
An upgrade over Laing for sure, but beyond taking a beating, there wasn’t much Laing did.
by TFG on Oct 5, 2010 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions
And that’s purely from the on-ice only perspective of course- I can’t speak for anything beyond that.
by TFG on Oct 5, 2010 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Happy for Matt Hendricks
He’s a player who is not without skill (9 goals in only 56 games last year), says the right things in the locker room, downplays his own accomplishments, and is willing to drop the gloves against some tough dudes.
It would suck to lose AG for nothing, but if that is the only casualty of putting together our roster and keeping it getting younger and better while adding some grit, are we really going to cry over it much later in the year? You never want to lose something for nothing but many other teams have lost far more and gotten nothing in return.
Glad to see Johansson starting year in DC. Regardless of my fondness for MP, Johansson is the clear choice and brings more to the table regardless. Let’s see what his ceiling for this year is.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
We got two calder cups out of AGord. That’s not nothing.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
AHL playoffs do not compare to NHL playoffs, nor championships or even NHL regular season play.
Keith Aucoin and Alex Giroux attest to this.
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Japers' Rink
Related FanShots on Japers' Rink
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
FanShots
Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.
Recent FanShots
The Vault
In Association With
Latest Puck Daddy - NHL from Yahoo! Sports
- Why the Devils and the Kings are evidence the Capitals shouldn’t trade Alex Ovechkin
- Eulogy: Remembering the 2011-12 New York Rangers
- Stanley Cup Final: 5 keys for New Jersey Devils and Los Angeles Kings
- Friday’s Three Stars: Devils head to Final; Brodeur, Kovalchuk the difference in Game 6
- Devils eliminate Rangers in Game 6, ending fear of the past, setting course for the future
