Wednesday Caps Clips: Big Win in the Big Apple
by J.P. on Nov 10, 2010 6:31 AM EST
in Caps Clips
Email
Print
Your savory breakfast links:
- Recaps and other assorted musings on last night's win from us, Vogs, NHL.com (Lozo), CSN Washington (Masisak), Carrera (blog, gamer), McNally, NY Times, Caps365 video (Boudreau, players), CSN Washington (Beninati), Frankovic, Puck Daddy, SB Nation DC, Capitals Outsider, RMNB, Puckhead, Scotty Hockey and The Two-Line Pass.
- Mike Green continues to get noticed for his defense... [NHL.com (Lozo)]
- ... as does the rest of his team. [NHL.com (Lozo)]
- P.K. Subban, John Carlson and the Calder. [SI.com (Eliot)]
- Not so fast - maybe it's Michal Neuvirth's to win. [Edmonton Journal]
- Make it an even dozen Hockey News covers for Alex Ovechkin. [THN]
- Can Brooks Laich actually win SI's Sportsman of the Year? [Box Seats]
- I guess we can thank Donald Brashear for souring GMGM on Twitter. [Sporting News]
- Finally, happy 54th birthday to Greg Carroll.
349 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Laich, on the goal which he’s celebrating in the picture:
“Any donkey can go to the front of the net and stand there with his stick on the ice.” [Source]
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Have you ever seen a donkey try to play hockey?
I don’t have much tolerance for stupid. Or cheese on food that doesn’t need it. -duck
by twistedlogic on Nov 10, 2010 8:15 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah.
I kicked his…oh, the hell with it.
There's no 'i' in "team". But there's a 'nap' in "champion".
I believe “punch” was the verb you were looking for ;-).
by DrinkingPartner on Nov 10, 2010 8:42 AM EST up reply actions
I was going for the “donkey punch” joke, but it’s cool :-P.
by DrinkingPartner on Nov 10, 2010 8:49 AM EST up reply actions
Yes, last night actually. He was wearing a blue shirt with the #16 on the back.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Links guy at Five For Howling.
No, that’s just an ass.
I have a twitter.
Not another Capitals blog!
"Victory is sweetest when you've known defeat"
Hahhaa. Good one.
I don’t have much tolerance for stupid. Or cheese on food that doesn’t need it. -duck
by twistedlogic on Nov 10, 2010 8:30 AM EST up reply actions
The Edmonton Journal, in their speculation on possible Calder Trophy winning rookies, say that the Caps like Neuvirth better than Varly. It’s not that they necessarily like him better, as a person or as a player, but it’s true they like his health better. (Being healthy and not having recurrent groin issues certainly helps in that regard.)
Rocking the Red since 1975
Your mom is speculating (I’m going to skip right over the “you’re speculating” comment)
Everything sounds smarter in Tikkanesse....
You should have addressed that to dinasaur.
by DrinkingPartner on Nov 10, 2010 9:39 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
The Edmonton Journal, in their speculation on possible Calder Trophy winning rookies, say that the Caps like Neuvirth better than Varly.
I thought they despised him.
Neuvirth loves it when you wack mcs despise him.
"Now wait a minute. This is just purely a social call. You know, just two adults getting a stew on, man."
by The Ghost of Bebop on Nov 10, 2010 9:06 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Not that it is necessarily indicative, but note which guy got his contract extended first. Of course, Neuvy was probably a lot more willing to lock himself up for that rate.
I missed the game but recorded it so I watched just some highlights as I fastforwarded
Then I got to the Green-Dubinsky fight. It re kind of looked like this:
Next fight on Green’s card: Steven Stamkos or will it be Sid Crosby?
(Leave it to Green to fight the opposing team’s superstar.)
Rocking the Red since 1975
I may get shunned for saying this but I almost think Crosby woulld rip Green a new one.
Just seems like Green’s been too safe with his fights, like he’s trying too hard not to get hit. Sid just goes into the psycho zone
If Sid ever goes with a Capital, it will be with Ovie. No proxies.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Sid’s feisty and not afraid to go for the sack taps that will garner him victory.
by DrinkingPartner on Nov 10, 2010 8:43 AM EST up reply actions
After what Crosby did to Niskanen, Green would stand no chance. Even the stereotypical hyperbole Cindy Crosby would beat the snot out of him. Green is to fighting as Sloan is to playing defense.
Many a night from yonder ivied casement, ere I went to rest,
Did I look on great Orion sloping slowly to the West.
Calling Dubinsky a superstar is a stretch (I wish I could come up with a word more powerful than stretch…). Leading scorer on the team for sure, but super star? Come on.
He’s the superstar on that team as it’s currently made up, what with Gabs and Drury missing.
by DrinkingPartner on Nov 10, 2010 10:41 AM EST up reply actions
He may be their best offensive player right now but superstar? Maybe our definitions of the word are different.
by Yoshietree on Nov 10, 2010 11:22 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
More goals than any Capital. But we remember Anze Kopitar’s start of last year. So will Dubinsky keep it up. Probably not. But at least Green will take on the good players in his fighting.
Get their best off the ice along with him.
Do I really want Green to get in a habit of fighting? Not really.
Rocking the Red since 1975
The Two Line Pass was talking about such a disgrace it was for the Caps to give up a goal to Bougaard. Yes, it was embarrassing, that is true. But they were saying that, as a result, Neuvy is not an NHL goalie. The team with Bougaard should get 6 points. The team giving up the goal should lose 4 points.
Well gang, ‘tis the rules. All goals count the same, even if it’s to the most embarrassing player possible.
My own comment on the Bougaard goal: I’ve seen it happen so many times for the Caps. The same group who scores a goal is in the ensuing faceoff and gives a goal right back. It’s almost as if the guys need time to settle down after a goal. (And not just with yesterday’s 4th line and 3rd defensive pairing.) I’ve seen it happen for the first line too.
Rocking the Red since 1975
It must have been a memorable goal… it was the first post on that blog in six months. And I thought I was a slacker.
If you've read this far...seek help.
It’s no worse than the goal Lundqvist gave up to Erskine.
The bastards hung me in the spring of '25. But I am still alive.
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Nov 10, 2010 7:52 AM EST up reply actions
It sounds homer, but I think Erskine scores that on any goalie and Neuvy just made a mistake.
by DrinkingPartner on Nov 10, 2010 8:44 AM EST up reply actions
Looked to me from my POV that Lundqvist went down a bit early.
The bastards hung me in the spring of '25. But I am still alive.
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Nov 10, 2010 8:45 AM EST up reply actions
Perhaps. I was pleasantly surprised, though, I thought Erskine’s shot was pretty nice. He’s been stepping up more in that area.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
Erskine hit that corner perfectly. It was a beautiful, if unintentional, shot.
by DrinkingPartner on Nov 10, 2010 8:48 AM EST up reply actions
I know a lot of folks think that shot should have been stopped, but would they say the same thing if Ovie had taken it? Henrik went down a little quickly, but that shot nailed the corner, just under the crossbar.
I don’t have much tolerance for stupid. Or cheese on food that doesn’t need it. -duck
by twistedlogic on Nov 10, 2010 8:50 AM EST up reply actions
Definitely down early. For a Rangers fan’s perspective, Scotty:
Back to Hank for a second. He gave up the Erskine goal because he was already down in the butterfly when the Washington defenseman took the shot. When Hank loses track of the puck, he tends to drop down to take away the bottom of the net, leaving the top wide open. I mean, it isn’t as if Erskine realized that or that he actually tried to go top shelf but that is why he scored.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
That’s what I saw. It looked like he was already on his knees when Erskine fired it.
The bastards hung me in the spring of '25. But I am still alive.
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Nov 10, 2010 9:24 AM EST up reply actions
And it’s not like there was traffic in front of the net either. It was a clean shot with no deflections.
The bastards hung me in the spring of '25. But I am still alive.
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Nov 10, 2010 9:25 AM EST up reply actions
02:34 WSH John Erskine (1) Slap Shot – Assists: T. Sloan (3) & M. Hendricks (3)
03:15 NYR Derek Boogaard (1) Slap Shot – Assists: none
Erskine and Boogaard scoring within 45 seconds of one another. A truly unique series of events.
"Do not be afraid to ask for credit, for our way of refusing is very polite."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 10, 2010 8:47 AM EST up reply actions
Sloan doesn’t get the primary assist on the Ranger goal?
"DON'T SAY THAT! Please! That is the worst, most stupid thing anyone could say! Cause it quite clearly isn't "only a game." I mean if it was do you honestly think I'd care this much?"
by Bald Pollack on Nov 10, 2010 9:03 AM EST up reply actions
Quite possibly the single worst play I’ve seen all year. Its one thing to overskate/mishandle the puck in that situation. But to keep on gliding along into the offensive zone and let that lumbering oaf skate 80 feet uncontested for the shot is inexcusable. He should have been able to stop and catch up w/ that aircraft carrier before he sailed into the Caps zone.
Please get well soon Tom Poti…
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Nov 10, 2010 9:10 AM EST up reply actions
Tyler Sloan is getting a lot of grief this morning about that whiff on the keep-in, but look at the play in its entirety and ask yourself whether you would have your full attention on the puck along the boards when a 6’8, 265 pound blur of white, blue and red was coming at you. How else does Boogaard skate past Sloan to pick up the puck? He was in a position to leave a red smear on the glass where Sloan once stood.
I can appreciate taking one for the team, but I have to admit to a certain sympathy for not wanting to endure that sort of collision. It was a bad play on Sloan’s part, but in some ways understandable. Of course, it’d be a lot less to sympathize with had the Caps lost as a result of that goal.
If you've read this far...seek help.
It’s the NHL. If you’re not prepared to go up against a 6’8, 265 pound blur of white, blue and red – especially when your barely a 6/7D – you don’t belong here.
"Do you see my fist? It was fists like these that built quaint Canadian cities out of the harsh Canadian wilderness, etc. etc."
Not in Seattle anymore.
by SeattleCapsFan on Nov 10, 2010 9:16 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
That he is here is not his fault. He doesn’t make personnel decisions, and I don’t think anyone is arguing that he is a long term solution at the 6/7 defenseman position. He is what he is, and beating him about the head and shoulders about it seems like overkill. The Caps are weak — very weak — at the 6/7 position on defense, weak enough that a 6’8/265 pound squirrel that couldn’t find an acorn since dinosaurs roamed the earth finally found one.
If you've read this far...seek help.
No I realize that. But if I’m in his shoes I’m going to do my damnedest to prove to people that I DO belong here. And pulling a duck and cover when there were several other options available just isn’t doing that.
I’m realizing now how absolutely heartless my previous post sounded. I’d like to be clear that while I completely fault Sloan for that play and goal, I am not advocating that he constantly throw himself in the way of probable injury just to prove himself.
"Do you see my fist? It was fists like these that built quaint Canadian cities out of the harsh Canadian wilderness, etc. etc."
Not in Seattle anymore.
by SeattleCapsFan on Nov 10, 2010 9:31 AM EST up reply actions
I agree, but this is a case of a player who just doesn’t appear to have the wherewithal of his peers to make quick decisions from among a variety of alternatives in a short span of time. That’s why his minutes get managed (seventh on the team). It is who he is, and that being the case, he is going to make those kinds of mistakes. His effort or willingness isn’t a question, in my view, but merely of making the wrong decision then acting reflexively when that decision turned out to be about the worst one he could make in that situation.
If you've read this far...seek help.
I will give him credit for effort/willingness, as you say. But I still don’t have to like him.
"Do you see my fist? It was fists like these that built quaint Canadian cities out of the harsh Canadian wilderness, etc. etc."
Not in Seattle anymore.
by SeattleCapsFan on Nov 10, 2010 9:41 AM EST up reply actions
I see a player who is doing (and largely succeeding) in doing the most with the skill set he’s been given. And the coaches do seem to manage his time as best they can. He’s just not all that suited to taking a regular shift for a team with Stanley Cup aspirations. It’s a position the Caps need to improve, because to date they have dressed a total of eight defensemen. I’d just as soon not see many games in which John Erskine, Tyler Sloan, and Brian Fahey are in the same lineup. If history is a guide, the Caps will probably dress one or two others before the year is out, and unless those “one or two others” come in trade to upgrade the defense, the thought of who those 9/10 guys might be scares the cheese and crackers right out of me.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Greg Zanon from MIN – GMGM look into it.
I poured spot remover on my dog. Now he's gone.
by Rather Bengt on Nov 10, 2010 9:52 AM EST up reply actions
But with that in mind, I’m pretty sure F&B said it in the recap that if you are Sloan you must at least recognize that you’re playing in a league that is above your level. And recognizing that, you adjust your play to be a bit more conservative. I spent half of highschool actually in a very similar situation, where when I moved up to Varsity I recognized that I was less skilled and in many cases not as fast as the forwards I was playing against. So I adjusted my play to compensate, and generally held my own.
Sloan, in general, does not. You can be less skilled like he is, and still not be a liability on the ice. He definitely has his moments, but those aside I see a liability more than anything else.
"Do you see my fist? It was fists like these that built quaint Canadian cities out of the harsh Canadian wilderness, etc. etc."
Not in Seattle anymore.
by SeattleCapsFan on Nov 10, 2010 9:57 AM EST up reply actions
John Erskine, Tyler Sloan, and Brian Fahey are in the same lineup
Now ponder the fact that Keith Ballard was a healthy scratch for Vancouver last night.
I don’t know about you, but that makes me want to cry.
And I hear you talk the talk, but I don't see you walk the walk and I still don't believe a thing you say.
by D'ohboy on Nov 10, 2010 12:19 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
He is what he is. If he’s going to get ice time, he’s going to cough up chances and goals.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Yep. The truth hurts.
Meanwhile, The Truth had a decent game, if unspectacular. I don’t blame him for either of Boyle’s goals, and Boogaard’s slapper was a beauty(can’t believe I’m typing that).
You had me at no problem.
Hmmmm. Can’t say I’m in agreement about Neuvy. I didn’t think he was terrible, but I didn’t think he was particularly good, either. The Boogard shot, imo, has to be stopped every time. And it would have been nice to have one of Boyle’s goals saved.
Beyond that, as Becca pointed out in the recap, he just didn’t look real comfortable all night. IMO he got a bit lucky not to cough up the tying goal last night.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
He had some pretty rocky rebounds too.
"Do you see my fist? It was fists like these that built quaint Canadian cities out of the harsh Canadian wilderness, etc. etc."
Not in Seattle anymore.
by SeattleCapsFan on Nov 10, 2010 11:57 AM EST up reply actions
The Boogaard shot was a close-range slapshot. The goalie physically can’t react to that before it’s in the net. All Neuvy could do was position himself and hope it hit him. I don’t know if Neuvy’s positioning was perfect or not(I’m no expert), but I assume it was solid.
You had me at no problem.
The Boogaard shot reminded me of Semin’s blast (okay…that just sounds wrong) in the SO against the Leafs. Tee’d up from close range and just a rocket.
I don’t have much tolerance for stupid. Or cheese on food that doesn’t need it. -duck
by twistedlogic on Nov 10, 2010 12:10 PM EST up reply actions
Reminds me more of a game against the Bs last season, the one in which NHL.com used the NESN feed for the highlights and the caller though Semin was Laich. 2-1 final, that being the GWG.
by red army line on Nov 10, 2010 12:22 PM EST up reply actions
Top of the circle, so not all that close. I watched the replay and Neuvy looked OK, he was out on the white ice, set, and ready. It just looked like he froze for some reason. Possible reasons: he didn’t realize it was Boogard and was waiting for a deke or a pass, and the slapshot took him completely by surprise (which it did me); the puck knucked or sailed; he just didn’t pick it up off the stick.
Whatever. On-his-game Neuvy stops that one, and should stop that one. If we were talking about a sniper like Semin, then that’s another thing entirely.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Something very tricky about Rangers firing harmless slapshots from the top of the left circle…
Signed,
Jose T
by mechanicsville on Nov 10, 2010 2:23 PM EST up reply actions
he Truth had a decent game
Were we watching the same game? I thought if Neuvy gave up one more in the second, BB was going to pull him. He looked atrocious. His positioning was off, his rebound control was bad. He looked tired.
If only someone could have foreseen that playing a young goaltender in a bajillion games straight was a bad idea. . .
And I hear you talk the talk, but I don't see you walk the walk and I still don't believe a thing you say.
I agree, and was itching for the hook a little after the Boogaard goal. If Holtby wasn’t backing him up, we might’ve seen it. Neuvy is looking very shaky lately, but I still have confidence that he’ll find his soon. Get well soon Varly.
If only someone could have foreseen that playing a young goaltender in a bajillion games straight was a bad idea. . .
I only wish that it was the guy with the Jack Adams trophy who seems to piss off as many goalies as he starts.
"DON'T SAY THAT! Please! That is the worst, most stupid thing anyone could say! Cause it quite clearly isn't "only a game." I mean if it was do you honestly think I'd care this much?"
by Bald Pollack on Nov 10, 2010 1:44 PM EST up reply actions
If only someone could have foreseen that playing a young goaltender in a bajillion games straight was a bad idea. . .
Is he still tired? He got pulled Friday night and sat on Sunday, so he had almost four full days between action. I understand the merits of not giving your rookie netminder a Brodeur-like workload, but come on. He should sit when there are back-to-backs and maybe one game a week when they’re playing every day, but at some point he/we/the Caps need to start accepting that a goaltender should be in good enough condition to not get tired playing a normal slate of games.
"Hockey is my life, wine is my passion." -- Igor Larionov
by Scott in Shaw on Nov 10, 2010 1:46 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
er…every other day.
"Hockey is my life, wine is my passion." -- Igor Larionov
by Scott in Shaw on Nov 10, 2010 1:47 PM EST up reply actions
But right now he is getting a Brodeur-like work load, playing in 14 of the Caps’ 15 games. He’s tied for first in games played for goalies, and 7th in minutes played. This is his first year against this level of competition. He should be able to handle the lion’s share of starts, but right now I (and it seems many others) think BB is riding him too hard. I’d like for him to get two out of every 3 games, not 14 out of every 15. That would give him ~55-60 games (allowing for variations and deviations from the 2 out of 3 schedule).
The guy is Peter Schumpmaker. Lord knows what a schump is, but you can bet your bippy his ancestors made them. What he's doing is far worse than crafting fine schumps.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Nov 10, 2010 1:55 PM EST up reply actions
I’ll bet he doesn’t get the start against Buffalo. That would be two on and one off. Either Holtby gets it as originally planned, or Varly is back and gets it. But I think Varly might have a higher likelihood of starting in Hershey this weekend.
"It's always good to have vikings."
I’m not as inclined to give Sloan the free pass there, especially since the option to back off and play it safe was available to him, too – if he wanted to bail out on what Boogey had in mind for him (as self-preservation might dictate), pull up and start skating backwards.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 10, 2010 9:19 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I agree, he doesn’t get a pass. But it seemed to me there was an order of events that occured in the blink of an eye of the sort that Sloan doesn’t handle very well, and that is the no-man’s land of whether to step up or skate back. Having made the former, then he had the matter of Boogaard about to line him up. Having made the wrong decision in the first place to step up (the game situation argued for the safe play, from my chair), he then made another decision of a sort to avoid that collision, compounding the first mistake. If Sloan was better at making those decisions or in thinking more quickly in such situations, he’d be getting more than 12 minutes a game. As it is, the fact that he is getting 12 minutes a game speaks to how soft the underbelly is of the defenseman group. He is what he is, but that he’s getting such an opportunity to do it over so many minutes is as much a roster problem as anything. But that’s another problem that has had it share of airing.
If you've read this far...seek help.
when a 6’8, 265 pound blur of white, blue and red was coming at you.
Not sure if Boogy has ever been called a blur, but Ty Slo had every opportunity to chip the puck past him and get out of the way. If he’s going to flinch in that situation then it’s time to study up for that insurance exam.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Nov 10, 2010 9:32 AM EST up reply actions
I rarely disagree with the vaunted Peerless but
a) Sloan should have put himself in harm’s way as the last defender able to prevent the “breakaway”, if the term even applies and
b) the only way you get Booger’s big ass to reach “blur” status would be with a particle accelerator.
That goal was shameful. I’m inclined to give Sloan a break because they keep throwing him in the deep end, but that was brutal. He kind of reminds me of another slick skating, underachieving defenseman who shared the ice last night: one Steve Eminger.
That’s just insulting to Eminger.
"Do you see my fist? It was fists like these that built quaint Canadian cities out of the harsh Canadian wilderness, etc. etc."
Not in Seattle anymore.
by SeattleCapsFan on Nov 10, 2010 9:42 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I would take Eminger over the entirety of our 3rd pairing defenseman candidates.
by DrinkingPartner on Nov 10, 2010 9:44 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
He’s cheaper than Erskine and less than the combined cap hits of Fahey and Sloan.
If you've read this far...seek help.
less than the combined cap hits of Fahey and Sloan
And better than the combined skill level (the possible exception being avoiding hits)
I don’t have much tolerance for stupid. Or cheese on food that doesn’t need it. -duck
by twistedlogic on Nov 10, 2010 9:55 AM EST up reply actions
the only way you get Booger’s big ass to reach "blur" status would be with a particle accelerator
I think it was Boogaard who broke the Large Hadron Collider in 2008.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Nov 10, 2010 9:51 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Sloan could have also conceded the offensive zone, collected the puck, and regrouped instead of trying to make a high risk play that he’s not skilled enough to make. Bitching out because he was scared, if true, only makes it worse.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
by Rob Parker on Nov 10, 2010 2:45 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
He’s in the wrong sport if he’s afraid to get hit by larger players.
The guy is Peter Schumpmaker. Lord knows what a schump is, but you can bet your bippy his ancestors made them. What he's doing is far worse than crafting fine schumps.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Nov 10, 2010 3:21 PM EST up reply actions
I think Aaron Ward made that excuse for Sloan last night. “Hur hurr guys listen here, I’ll tell you there were other factors at play, look at that huge piece of man flying at Sloan, he’s going to need some new shorts, there’s a reason he missed that puck.”
Think twice before you speak, and then you may be able to say something more insulting than if you spoke right out at once.
There is a reason he missed the puck. It’s because he’s not very good.
The guy is Peter Schumpmaker. Lord knows what a schump is, but you can bet your bippy his ancestors made them. What he's doing is far worse than crafting fine schumps.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Nov 10, 2010 3:36 PM EST up reply actions
Right, but there’s less chance with a more skilled defender. The only other D I can imagine trying that are Carlson and Green, both of whom are substantially more skilled with the puck and at making decisions than Tyler Sloan. There’s a real good chance that Erskine and Schultz decide they don’t have the footspeed to make that play and back out and there’s a real good chance that Karl Alzner decides that the percentages are against him and backs out, even if he could make the break on the puck.
If I’m Tyler Sloan, I’m thinking that I’m hanging on in the NHL by my fingernails and that I should be making conservative decisions, not trying to skate across half the o-zone to pinch on a bouncing puck with offensive pressure coming at me.
It could have happened to anyone, but it was most likely to happen to Sloan.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Nov 10, 2010 3:51 PM EST up reply actions
Just some continuity from last night’s GDT. If you’re bored enough to peruse the Second Period, you’ll see I agree with you completely.
Eat, drink, and be merry! And then drink some more.
Gotcha. I was a few fingers of scotch deep last night, so the GDT was a no-go.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Nov 10, 2010 4:25 PM EST up reply actions
I guess it COULD have happened to anyone. I don’t know about anyone else but I’ve never even seen that happen during an in-house game, tournament game, or league play. Much less an NHL game.
I’ve seen guys get the puck and then get it hit away where they are beaten, but never a puck flat on the ice just slide by while the skater speeds straight past the puck.
And seriously, if anyone can remember another instance of this I’d love to see the vid.
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 agree. That was a careless error and should never have happened. If he’s worried about getting hit (or whatever else), he could have made the safe play or, at a minimum, pushed the puck forward. Instead, he blew past it completely and didn’t even turn to try and get back on defense. Terrible play.
I don’t have much tolerance for stupid. Or cheese on food that doesn’t need it. -duck
by twistedlogic on Nov 10, 2010 4:08 PM EST up reply actions
On Boogard’s goal, Scotty Hockey wrote that it was a slow, weak shot that knuckled and dipped to fool Neuvy.
My reaction was completely opposite. I thought Boogard caught all of it, and it was a hard shot that sailed and rose to the top shelf. It looked like Neuvy either didn’t see it at all, which is hard to understand, or it froze him.
Who’s got it right?
Patron saint of quality footwear.
On the replay I swear it changed direction, but I wouldnt guess whether it knuckled near the goal or Neuvy got a piece of it. I’m almost certain it was not a dart like, you know, Erskine’s.
There's no 'i' in "team". But there's a 'nap' in "champion".
by redlineblue on Nov 10, 2010 10:44 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Absolutely. After watching the tv replay today it looked like a powerful shot but from my perch in MSG, I could clearly see it knuckle or dip.
I have a blog too! www.scottyhockey.com
Let's Go Rangers!
by Scotty Hockey on Nov 10, 2010 10:11 PM EST up reply actions
I thought Boogard got a lot of mustard behind it but the puck had some tumble to it that slowed it down significantly. It beat Neuvirth cleanly, it didn’t look like he lost track of the shot the way Lundqvist lost Erskine’s shot.
Many a night from yonder ivied casement, ere I went to rest,
Did I look on great Orion sloping slowly to the West.
I don’t know. Neuvy didn’t even flinch, which I usually interpret as a sign the goalie didn’t see it. Even when it’s by them before they can get to it, they usually wave at it or something.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
I think he was just surprised coupled with some funky puck action. If it was Dubinsky or someone with skill, I’d call it a good goal. Boogard has absolutely zero offensive prowess so it’s safe to say it was a complete and utter fluke. Like I said in the GDT, up until last night a mediocre goalie had as many goals as him.
Many a night from yonder ivied casement, ere I went to rest,
Did I look on great Orion sloping slowly to the West.
The thing is, Boogaard has no offensive prowess because he can’t stickhandle or skate so he never gets chances. Think of Milan Jurcina. If you give the guy an open lane to the net and let him wind up from the top of the faceoff circle he can beat almost anyone. I have no idea what the book on Boogaard’s shot is, but he’s still in the NHL and we literally gave him a shot from a prime scoring area. Think about Gleason’s goal against us last year as well. If you don’t challenge these guys, they can score. I’d be willing to bet that Boogaard’s shot is the least of his offensive shortcomings. Looked to me like he got a hold of it and just blew it by Neuvirth. If there is anyone, even an AHL caliber D somewhere in the neutral zone to actually make Boogaard do anything but skate straight forward with the puck then that goal never happens.
I wish King would have fought Boogaard right after the Erskine goal. That would have been his greatest contribution on the year.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
/\/
IMO, it was a fast shot but a pretty terrible goal. Something that would be routine in warm-ups.
I don’t know why Neuvy even went down other than habit. From that angle and from how far he was out of the crease he could have stood there and the puck would have hit 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.
by zephyr on Nov 10, 2010 12:21 PM EST up reply actions 5 recs
Nonsense! It was a great play by Boogard, not a misplay by Neuvirth!
"Now wait a minute. This is just purely a social call. You know, just two adults getting a stew on, man."
by The Ghost of Bebop on Nov 10, 2010 12:26 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
When he slowed down and started the interminable wind-up process, I was thinking, “what the hell?”. Then when I realized it was Boogard I was thinking, “lousy break for the Rags.” And then it went in and I was baffled.
I’m with Zephyr btw, that one’s got to be stopped every time.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
I agree he shouldn’t go down from there, but that’s not a routine warm up shot. Guys don’t go full blast top corner in warm ups. Especially not some jack ass fourth liner.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
They do sometimes. =\ especially jackass fourth liners.
When you’re that far out you don’t even need to really move your blocker or glove much to stop top corner shots anyway. It’s like an adjustment of ready position.
Think twice before you speak, and then you may be able to say something more insulting than if you spoke right out at once.
Don’t take anything he writes too seriously – he’s a humorist.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I blame Sloan more than Neuvy on that.
"Do you see my fist? It was fists like these that built quaint Canadian cities out of the harsh Canadian wilderness, etc. etc."
Not in Seattle anymore.
by SeattleCapsFan on Nov 10, 2010 9:15 AM EST up reply actions
Good thing the Caps had DJ King in the lineup. His fight against Dubinsky, steller defensive play, ice time eating, and his multiple goals really helped out.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Links guy at Five For Howling.
A shutdown defensive forward for true.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
by EmilyB on Nov 10, 2010 7:50 AM EST up reply actions 4 recs
It took me about 2 seconds to truly appreciate the wit of this comment….
Everything sounds smarter in Tikkanesse....
by Bonzai!!! on Nov 10, 2010 9:29 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
He actually wasn’t terrible out there. A ringing endorsement.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Nov 10, 2010 8:25 AM EST up reply actions
He had four seconds of power play time last night. That’s ∞% more PP time than he has had all season!
"Do not be afraid to ask for credit, for our way of refusing is very polite."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 10, 2010 8:36 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
“Imaginary percent” would also have been acceptable.
by DrinkingPartner on Nov 10, 2010 8:44 AM EST up reply actions
His first few shifts were actually sort of decent but yeah, Steckel could have done better.
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’d venture to say Andrew Gordon could have as well.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Links guy at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on Nov 10, 2010 12:42 PM EST up reply actions
I think we’re seeing the evolution of Mike Green, he’s seemingly no longer content to be pushed around, but he’s standing up for himself and his teammates. I like it.
I have a twitter.
Not another Capitals blog!
"Victory is sweetest when you've known defeat"
I like that he’s standing up for himself. I’d prefer he find a way to do it without taking himself off the ice for five minutes. I suppose the line of thinking is if he can establish that he won’t put up with cheap shots they’ll eventually stop, but I wouldn’t ever count on that.
"It's always good to have vikings."
I like that is limits his ice time.
I have a twitter.
Not another Capitals blog!
"Victory is sweetest when you've known defeat"
it limits*
I have a twitter.
Not another Capitals blog!
"Victory is sweetest when you've known defeat"
That’s one way to look at it, certainly. I just don’t want him fucking up his hands.
by DrinkingPartner on Nov 10, 2010 8:45 AM EST up reply actions
Or his shoulder.
Rocking the Red since 1975
by CapsFan75 on Nov 10, 2010 6:33 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Taking himself off for 5 minutes is mitigated by who he takes with him. As long as he keeps fighting superstars/top scorers for the opposing team, and doesn’t hurt himself, I’m fine with it.
and doesn’t hurt himself
I like the battling, and the sticking up, and general uptick of snarl in the defensive zone, but 52 breaking a mitten in a needless endeavor like last night’s would piss off just about everyone concerned. The timing / location was just mystifying, too.
"I don't care about winning the division or winning the President's Trophy. I just care about getting to the playoffs." --GMGM
I agree that we all don’t want Green hurting himself that way. But if he chooses superstars/top scorers to fight with, neither of them are going to want to get hurt, so the fight will end like it did last night, just sort of petering out, and neither giving 100% effort. I’m not advocating that Green fight more frequently, but if he’s going to do it, he is picking good partners for the fight.
As far as the timing, it seems like we’ll never know since Versus wasn’t interesting in figuring out what started the fight.
by vtcapsfan99 on Nov 10, 2010 10:25 AM EST up reply actions
Edzo was acting like he’d toked up before the broadcast. He should stick to the Hawks if he’s smoking numbers during pre-game.
"I don't care about winning the division or winning the President's Trophy. I just care about getting to the playoffs." --GMGM
by bigonetimer on Nov 10, 2010 10:34 AM EST up reply actions
My favorite line from Becca’s excellent recap last night.
Jeff Schultz and Mike Green losing sight of an 8-foot-tall forward?
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Links guy at Five For Howling.
I Like that he obviously took a lesson or two from somebody. His back peddle step allowing the aggressor to get close or grab his jersey without actually putting himself within range of a big right hand; and using his opponent’s first right thrown as both leverage and momentum for his own punch were marked improvements. Not that these are advanced hockey fighting tactics, but Greenlife52 looked a lot less of a danger to himself this time around.
Country Gentlemen's Pig Fertilizer Gazette
Dunny-on-the-World
I question the timing of the fight. The Caps were in the middle of a flurry and putting up some big pressure in the offensive zone. That’s not the time to throw down with Dubinsky.
The bastards hung me in the spring of '25. But I am still alive.
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Nov 10, 2010 8:22 AM EST up reply actions
Any quotes from Greenie as to what precipitated that fight? The timing was odd.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Nov 10, 2010 8:28 AM EST up reply actions
You could see in the replay that Dubinsky had just taken a run at Green out at the point. If they’re going to fight, no time like the present.
by mechanicsville on Nov 10, 2010 11:05 AM EST up reply actions
Absolutely agree. Totally the wrong time: Offensive zone, team has possession deep, tight game. A very poorly picked point for pugilism. I was only complimenting him on getting a tactical lesson, not on the bigger picture of “Know when to…” Whoops, almost went all Kenny Rogers there.
Country Gentlemen's Pig Fertilizer Gazette
Dunny-on-the-World
I feel like he just didn’t know what condition his condition was in.
The bastards hung me in the spring of '25. But I am still alive.
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Nov 10, 2010 8:35 AM EST up reply actions
Agreed on the timing. Poor. But Versus did zippy to explain what led up to it, so… who knows?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Didn’t even bother to show us a replay.
The bastards hung me in the spring of '25. But I am still alive.
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Nov 10, 2010 8:41 AM EST up reply actions
IIRC, I think Dubi finished his check on Green some 5 seconds after he let go of the puck, and they had a somewhat spectacular crash into the boards. This all happened some 10 seconds before the actual fight.
by DrinkingPartner on Nov 10, 2010 8:47 AM EST up reply actions
I read in one of the game summary articles that Dubi had checked or hit Green hard back in April, perhaps this is a belated retaliation from Green.
by vtcapsfan99 on Nov 10, 2010 10:27 AM EST up reply actions
Laich was on the radio this morning and was asked about it. He said Dubinsky took a run at Green and he took issue with it.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Thanks, I missed that interview because I stupidly tuned into 101.1 and then wondered why no Brooksy.
Sounds like Green is tired of getting hit by Dubinsky.
by vtcapsfan99 on Nov 10, 2010 10:33 AM EST up reply actions
I’m totally and 100% OK with what Green did, regardless of timing. In fact, I’m more than OK with it, I’m ecstatic.
Look, I don’t want to see Greener getting his bell rung or breaking his hand a la Souray any more than the next Caps fan but. . .
Green gets run every fucking game over and over and over again. Part of this is Green’s game – he puts himself in dangerous positions to make a play. But much of it is the fact that opposing teams realize that Green is the Caps’ engine. The more I watch this team, the more I’m beginning to feel like Green might be the Caps’ most valuable player and that opponents know this. So they run him every chance they get.
I had hoped that the acquisition of King might have meant that a few of Green’s attackers got their faces scrambled, but that hasn’t happened yet. Green gets drilled just about every third shift. At some point, he’s gotta stick up for himself and say “fuck this, I’m from western Canada and you fuck with me at your peril.” If that means a few fights this year so that he gets space, then so be it.
For what it’s worth, my dad saw the first game Bobby Orr ever played as a Bruin. He remembers that one of the first things Orr ever did was get in a fight after several opponents took runs at him. Orr whooped the dude’s ass and people knew not to mess with Bobby Orr after that.
And I hear you talk the talk, but I don't see you walk the walk and I still don't believe a thing you say.
by D'ohboy on Nov 10, 2010 12:31 PM EST up reply actions 12 recs
I concur, I think in an early regular season game it’s OK to start sending a message to the rest of the league that you will not fuck with Mike Green without some form of payback. DJ King sure ain’t going to do a fucking thing about it so someone has to.
by Kolzilla on Nov 10, 2010 12:36 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I’d say it’s actually most effective when it’s coming from Green himself.
"Do you see my fist? It was fists like these that built quaint Canadian cities out of the harsh Canadian wilderness, etc. etc."
Not in Seattle anymore.
by SeattleCapsFan on Nov 10, 2010 12:37 PM EST up reply actions
Although it does make one wonder what Green could do if he had a couple D like Stevens and Daneyko riding shotgun for him.
It’s almost enough to make me wish for the Caps to acquire some washed-up ornery cuss like Adam Foote just to regulate.
And I hear you talk the talk, but I don't see you walk the walk and I still don't believe a thing you say.
gr33n l1f3 $2
"fuck this, I’m from western Canada and you fuck with me at your peril.
Lol’ed
Think twice before you speak, and then you may be able to say something more insulting than if you spoke right out at once.
by zephyr on Nov 10, 2010 12:40 PM EST up reply actions 6 recs
If your tacit assumption (which of course makes sense) that Green was run by Dubi immediately prior, I’m with you. I was just saying that VS didn’t show what precipitated it and, in a vacuum, the timing was poor.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Green’s not the smartest guy I’ve ever seen, but given that he’s not exactly a goon, I’ve gotta imagine that Duby did something more than insult his momma.
And I hear you talk the talk, but I don't see you walk the walk and I still don't believe a thing you say.
Maybe Duby insulted his sister instead...
.jpg)
"Do you see my fist? It was fists like these that built quaint Canadian cities out of the harsh Canadian wilderness, etc. etc."
Not in Seattle anymore.
by SeattleCapsFan on Nov 10, 2010 12:58 PM EST up reply actions 4 recs
I’m with you. My primary gripe is with Versus, not Green.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
The Rec of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
"Hockey is my life, wine is my passion." -- Igor Larionov
by Scott in Shaw on Nov 10, 2010 1:49 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Great beer, too.
And I hear you talk the talk, but I don't see you walk the walk and I still don't believe a thing you say.
Fun Fact
The Mighty Fitz sank 35 years ago today.
"Hockey is my life, wine is my passion." -- Igor Larionov
by Scott in Shaw on Nov 10, 2010 5:37 PM EST up reply actions
Caps Report specifically Stretch explaining what happened there specifically, AND how he’s getting more fierce in response to the “treatment” he’s been receiving from the opposition. They also mentioned how smart he’s been in front of the caps net, re: taking opportunities on bigger/stronger forwards when the ref is not watching closely and drawing retaliation penalties as an added bonus.
Country Gentlemen's Pig Fertilizer Gazette
Dunny-on-the-World
They also mentioned how smart he’s been in front of the caps net, re: taking opportunities on bigger/stronger forwards when the ref is not watching closely and drawing retaliation penalties as an added bonus.
Like he did on Dubinsky while killing a penalty? Oh, wait, he ended up taking a penalty there. My bad.
/cherrypickedexample
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
BTW, what was the deal with Olczyk during last nights game? I usually think he’s pretty good w/ Joe B, but last night was odd. Joe would set him up and Eddie sounded like he was listening to another game. Other times just dead air. Perhaps he was mezmerized by Joe B’s shirt/tie combo.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
That came through most noticeably when Joe B. was asking him about the goal being waved off. Asked him a direct question, Eddie O didn’t answer, which prompted Joe B. to ask him the question again. It just fit in with how beyond bizarre the entire night was.
The bastards hung me in the spring of '25. But I am still alive.
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Nov 10, 2010 8:44 AM EST up reply actions
Where’s Locker when you need him?
I don’t have much tolerance for stupid. Or cheese on food that doesn’t need it. -duck
by twistedlogic on Nov 10, 2010 8:47 AM EST up reply actions
It was almost as if EO was completely ignoring him.
The bastards hung me in the spring of '25. But I am still alive.
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Nov 10, 2010 8:48 AM EST up reply actions
The first time that happened, I kinda thought to myself “Bueller? Bueller??”
I don’t have much tolerance for stupid. Or cheese on food that doesn’t need it. -duck
by twistedlogic on Nov 10, 2010 8:52 AM EST up reply actions
IF YOU WANNA PLAY COLLEGE HOCKEY….WE HAVE OUR OWN LOCKER ROOMS.
The bastards hung me in the spring of '25. But I am still alive.
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Nov 10, 2010 8:49 AM EST up reply actions
From Scotty Hockey
Rozy, perhaps channeling his departed teammate Tom Poti, had his worst game of the season, going -3 while gifting the Caps the go-ahead goal.
Speaking of, where is that darned Poti and when’s he getting back!?
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.
Who?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 10, 2010 9:21 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Great response JP ...
=)
I have a blog too! www.scottyhockey.com
Let's Go Rangers!
by Scotty Hockey on Nov 10, 2010 10:11 PM EST up reply actions
So last night’s game is exactly why 2 goal games that include an ENG should be included in the 1 goal game discussion from yesterday. An absolute fight to the finish, and I loved (almost) every minute of it.
"Do you see my fist? It was fists like these that built quaint Canadian cities out of the harsh Canadian wilderness, etc. etc."
Not in Seattle anymore.
This game and the Bruins’ game (to a lesser extent because obviously they let the B’s back in that one) both could go into the discussion – which makes their record in such games 8-1. Which is impressive. Even when they screw up they’re finding ways to claw out a win.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
I’d call the 3-0 blanking of the ’Cane’s the Caps’ most impressive “1-goal game” of the season. Almost the entire game was played at 0-0 or 1-0 Caps. Backstrom scored rather late to make it a 2-goal game, so it doesn’t officially count, but I was extremely impressed with the way they held a slim lead all game long.
You had me at no problem.
I actually hadn’t seen the Canes game yet, so I watched it on Sunday off my DVR before watching the Philly game live.
The Philly game was a better effort.
The end result masks things a bit, but there were a fair number of defensive lapses in the Canes game. Neuvirth was amazing in that one, but for all-around team effort, the Philly game was better top to bottom, and against a better team.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 10, 2010 11:01 PM EST up reply actions
Went to the game. I live in NYC. Man do I enjoy watching 20,000 dejected Rangers fans leave the arena.
They’re such an angry bunch, and that’s before the first puck even drops.
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
What was going on during the Anthem? The crowd seemed angry/annoyed about something.
The bastards hung me in the spring of '25. But I am still alive.
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Nov 10, 2010 9:47 AM EST up reply actions
Steven Page, formerly of the Barenaked Ladies, he sucks.
I poured spot remover on my dog. Now he's gone.
by Rather Bengt on Nov 10, 2010 9:57 AM EST up reply actions
Seriously, how do you forget the words to the freaking National Anthem? They play it before every single sporting event!
Helps if you knew them in the first place. He’s Canadian. It’s not like all Americans know Oh Canada.
"It's always good to have vikings."
I didn’t even realize that he forgot the words.
The bastards hung me in the spring of '25. But I am still alive.
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Nov 10, 2010 10:01 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah. Instead of singing “O’er the ramparts we watched / were so gallantly streaming” in the second stanza, he sang “what so proudly we hailed / at the twilight’s last gleaming,” repeating the line from the first stanza.
Yikes. I did remember something was off, but I didn’t pick up that he’d forgotten the words.
The bastards hung me in the spring of '25. But I am still alive.
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Nov 10, 2010 10:07 AM EST up reply actions
It’s not like they’ve never sang it before. There’s like a dozen youtube vids of BNL singing the National Anthem.
The bastards hung me in the spring of '25. But I am still alive.
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Nov 10, 2010 10:07 AM EST up reply actions
Cocaine is a helluva drug.
I poured spot remover on my dog. Now he's gone.
by Rather Bengt on Nov 10, 2010 10:16 AM EST up reply actions
But not all American’s are singing Oh Canada in front of thousands of Canadians at a sporting event. If you’re going to, get it right.
I don’t have much tolerance for stupid. Or cheese on food that doesn’t need it. -duck
by twistedlogic on Nov 10, 2010 10:01 AM EST up reply actions
Yup.
“now I know why you’re a one hit wonder” – guy behind me.
Also, MSG didn’t show any replays. It sucked. Couldn’t tell if any penalties were bad calls. Couldn’t see what happened on the bang bang goals.
I did sit in the nosebleeds though and liked it a lot. I could see everything that was happening. Last year I sat real close and had trouble following the puck if I ever took my eye off it for a second.
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
Nice. I’m in the 400s for the game in December, good to know the sight lines are good up there. Interesting comment about the fans – I’ve only sat in the lower level at MSG in the past several years, and they are extremely passive/disinterested down there overall. Figures that it gets more intense the higher you go.
I actually had a similar experience last year too.
Drunk couple behind me, making off hand comments trying to start sh-t. Intentionally singing their dumb post-goal song in my ear.
Strangely silent as the Caps got a stranglehold on the game.
My friend sat a few seats away and was glared at the entire time by some old Rangers fan. Neither said anything to each other. My friend wasn’t doing any loud cheering. But this Rangers fan just gave him death looks all game. From the first whistle.
NY fans, or sports fans in general, just want to start sh-t if they can.
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
Good looking out. I don’t mean to indict the Rangers fans I’ve encountered as a whole with the passive/disinterested remark. They were relatively amped for Game 6 in the playoffs a couple of years ago. I was wearing my red #8 and got plenty of “Ovechkin sucks!!!” (always hilarious) and “Caps suck!” comments from passersby. The regular season lower-level crowd is just very corporate. It doesn’t compare to VC in terms of average passion/engagement level (but few barns do).
I generally respect that kind of passion from opposing fanbases as long as it doesn’t rise to the level of assault or chanting “F__ Ovechkin” or any of that other pleasant stuff that CERTAIN TEAMS’ (ahem) fans love to do.
I’ll be a little more on guard for the game on the 12th given the seat location. I’ll be there with my wife and parents, hopefully they’ll just target me and the missus (she’s tough) and have mercy on the elders.
Rangers fan just gave him death looks all game. From the first whistle.
Just blow ’em a kiss…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 10, 2010 11:03 PM EST up reply actions
Not to mention how pitchy he was. That was one of the worst anthem performances I’ve ever seen.
Think twice before you speak, and then you may be able to say something more insulting than if you spoke right out at once.
Well now you’re just getting all technical.
"Do you see my fist? It was fists like these that built quaint Canadian cities out of the harsh Canadian wilderness, etc. etc."
Not in Seattle anymore.
by SeattleCapsFan on Nov 10, 2010 11:03 AM EST up reply actions
At least this didn’t happen
Think twice before you speak, and then you may be able to say something more insulting than if you spoke right out at once.
by zephyr on Nov 10, 2010 11:05 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Wow. Just….wow.
"Do you see my fist? It was fists like these that built quaint Canadian cities out of the harsh Canadian wilderness, etc. etc."
Not in Seattle anymore.
by SeattleCapsFan on Nov 10, 2010 11:16 AM EST up reply actions
It’s a hard song to sing. Requires a lot of range and has a lot of long jumps between notes. To really do it well requires a fair bit of technical proficiency, and the words lend themselves to error, especially if you’re concentrating on hitting the high note that’s coming next.
Tons of people have dorked it up.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
I know how it is. I’ve forgotten a part while on stage before. The old “something’s wrong with my instrument” trick only works once though.
You shouldn’t go sing the song if you don’t have the chops for it though and barenaked lady guy doesn’t have the chops.
Think twice before you speak, and then you may be able to say something more insulting than if you spoke right out at once.
Agree with you on the last part. Professional performers should know what their limits are.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
This is why Bob and Caleb fucking own.
Two best anthem singers in the biz in my opinion. And super-nice guys to boot.
And I hear you talk the talk, but I don't see you walk the walk and I still don't believe a thing you say.
The tune is a drinking song (specifically, “To Anacreon in Heaven,” the official song of the Anacreontic Society, named for a Greek poet — that would be “Anacreon” — who apparently wrote a lot of poetry about partying). Might help to drink first.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Nov 10, 2010 12:22 PM EST up reply actions
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZrK_kOk8Lw
Bolton double clutching on that was brilliant.
Many a night from yonder ivied casement, ere I went to rest,
Did I look on great Orion sloping slowly to the West.
Not to mention how pitchy he was. That was one of the worst anthem performances I’ve ever seen.
Well now you’re just getting all technical.
You could tell he was losing track of the words when he started to drop into the butterfly early…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 10, 2010 11:05 PM EST up reply actions 4 recs
I wish you were a morning person.
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 Nov 10, 2010 11:16 PM EST up reply actions
It’s 5:18 AM here — good enough? < grin >
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 11, 2010 8:18 AM EST up reply actions
Lulz. Corey tweets that MJ90 just showed up at Kettler with all his gear, not knowing the Caps have the day off in NYC.
Welcome back, rook.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Aww, poor guy. Showing up to nobody in Ballston while the team enjoys NYC.
I don’t have much tolerance for stupid. Or cheese on food that doesn’t need it. -duck
by twistedlogic on Nov 10, 2010 9:57 AM EST up reply actions
Maybe he did know but was just so eager to get back to the caps? Maybe he wanted to watch Nicky be interviewed by HBO? Or he really wanted to see Alyonka?
by vtcapsfan99 on Nov 10, 2010 10:30 AM EST up reply actions
Actually it looks like he just wanted to give Varly some company.
cmasisak22 Corey Masisak
Marcus Johansson and Semyon Varlamov are getting some work in on the ice for the #Caps.
by vtcapsfan99 on Nov 10, 2010 11:08 AM EST up reply actions
I’m betting the boys take him snipe hunting soon.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Nov 10, 2010 12:09 PM EST up reply actions
Accommodation Recommendations
After work, I am planning on getting my shit together and finally ordering these tickets for my trip down to DC (Thurs Dec 2 pm to Tues Dec 7 am). I am flying into Baltimore and thinking about staying at a hotel in the College Park area, as I hear it is convenient to the Metro line.
Do any of you have any recommendations on hotels ort places to stay that are convenient and proximate to the Baltimore airport and the Metro line that will get me to Verizon Cente?. Any suggestions or stay clear of this place would be helpful
WOI suggested earlier Comfort Inn in College Park. Price looks reasonable but if anyone has any horror stories to the contrary pass them on
Go easy on me as I have never been to either Maryland or DC so if I ask questions you’ll know why.
Thanks in advance everyone.
I poured spot remover on my dog. Now he's gone.
Oops sorry wrong thread. Grrr.
I poured spot remover on my dog. Now he's gone.
by Rather Bengt on Nov 10, 2010 10:20 AM EST up reply actions
Rather Bengt, check rates for the Red Roof Inn on H Street in Chinatown. It might be affordbl, and puts you two blocks from the Phonebooth and convenient to all of downtown.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Thanks Em :)
I poured spot remover on my dog. Now he's gone.
by Rather Bengt on Nov 10, 2010 10:29 AM EST up reply actions
that’s a money call, RB. Irish Channel is attached to the hotel and very solid. And you cannot beat proximity to the Booth.
"I don't care about winning the division or winning the President's Trophy. I just care about getting to the playoffs." --GMGM
by bigonetimer on Nov 10, 2010 10:39 AM EST up reply actions
Thanks Big :)
I poured spot remover on my dog. Now he's gone.
by Rather Bengt on Nov 10, 2010 10:43 AM EST up reply actions
Also, flying into Baltimore will either require you to take the Light Rail to a metro, then metro into DC, or you will have a $75 – $80 cab ride one way, assuming no traffic. If you fly into DCA, you can metro right into downtown from the airport.
If you’re planning on cabbing it, and the airfare to DCA is within 150 bucks of the flight to BWI, you’re dollars ahead to fly to DCA, plus it’s a ton more convenient.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Metro runs buses from BWI to Greenbelt Metro every 40 minutes.
The bastards hung me in the spring of '25. But I am still alive.
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Nov 10, 2010 11:47 AM EST up reply actions
or you can take the super shuttle, I think it cost me $40 something to get down to Bethesda.
by vtcapsfan99 on Nov 10, 2010 11:49 AM EST up reply actions
There’s also a Comfort Inn a couple blocks west of the Convention Center that I’ve stayed at. It’s not the Renaissance but it’s not that hateful. :)
I believe in JC.
Comfort Inn in CP is not easy walking distance to metro (narrow sidewalks and hostile pedestrian environment down RT1). You can take the metrobus that runs up and down RT1 or drive to metro, but be aware you’re competing against commuters and it costs $4.25 on SmarTrip to park there on weekdays.
The Quality In, however, is very convenient to metro (6 or so block walk) and I believe they have a shuttle also.
Also, there’s not much to do at night in CP if you’re a respectable person (read- not into the trashiest college bars on the planet). Plan on spending evenings in DC.
Via Dobber Hockey:
Brendan Morrison played just 5:54 last night. What did I say? Decent numbers early and then a gradual fade. Coaches don’t seem to like the post-surgeries Morrison the way they liked the pre-surgeries Morrison.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
It seems a bit early to arrive at that conclusion, but I can understand the concern. So far, Morrison’s season cleaves into two parts…
First nine games: 3-6-9, plus-4, 15:51 TOI
Last five games: 0-2-2, minus-2, 15:30 TOI
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Nov 10, 2010 12:16 PM EST up reply actions
But that’s Joe B.? Here’s the Kolbe call video
Think twice before you speak, and then you may be able to say something more insulting than if you spoke right out at once.
Sorry. I guess the link doesn’t change when you switch videos after all.
by red army line on Nov 10, 2010 11:52 AM EST up reply actions
Just a reminder...
As of this morning, The Caps…
- Have more wins than any other NHL team Have more points than any other NHL team
-
- Lead the NHL in scoring Are top-ten in fewest goals allowed per game
-
- Are top ten on the power play Are top ten on the penalty kill
-
- Are top ten in blocked shots Have not lost a game when leading at the first intermission
-
- Have not lost a game when leading at the second intermission Are second in the league in takeaways
-
- Are second in the league in total team plus-minus Have the second best win total and winning percentage in one-goal games
-
— Have not lost an overtime game this year
All in all, things are going pretty good.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Nov 10, 2010 11:11 AM EST reply actions 12 recs
except for the stray strikeouts all over that post.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Nov 10, 2010 11:12 AM EST up reply actions
I kinda thought that the stuff that was stuck out was a comparison thing (with the non-stuck out stuff) being the true fact, but then I realized it was all true. Yeah, all-in-all, we’re doing quite swell.
I don’t have much tolerance for stupid. Or cheese on food that doesn’t need it. -duck
by twistedlogic on Nov 10, 2010 11:16 AM EST up reply actions
Great minds?
It’s mildly trippy that you just posted this because I actually looked a lot of this up and emailed it to myself last night after the game (…because I am a dork):
Top 10 in the following categories:
- Wins (1st – 11)
- Losses (T3rd – 4)
- Points (1st – 22)
- G/G (1st – 3.40)
- GA/G (9th – 2.47)
- PP% (10th – 20.3%)
- PK% (9th – 85.9%)
- S/G (9th – 32)
- SA/G (7th – 27.9)
- 2nd pd goals (1st – 23)
- 3rd pd goals (2nd – 17)
- OTG (1st – 4)
- BkS (7th – 220)
- Hits (9th – 329)
- TkA (2nd – 133)
- Win % trailing after 1st (1st – .700, 7-3-0)
- Win % when trailing first (1st – .727, 8-4-0)
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
by Becca H on Nov 10, 2010 11:25 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Rec’d
"Hockey is my life, wine is my passion." -- Igor Larionov
by Scott in Shaw on Nov 10, 2010 11:26 AM EST up reply actions 10 recs
Have not lost a game when leading at the first intermission
You’d have to have a lead after the first to lose it. =]
I’m really happy with that list though. It’s a lot of the good things from last year with neuvy new things mixed in.
Think twice before you speak, and then you may be able to say something more insulting than if you spoke right out at once.
You forgot," have not lost a game while leading at the third intermission"
But those are some nice numbers
Proud member of the Popsicle Division of the Cupcake Conference.
by Bman21212 on Nov 10, 2010 11:48 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
A lot of that takeaway total is Nicklas Backstrom. He’s tied for second in the league in takeaways with Duncan Keith and Pavel Datsyuk, and Jonathan Toews. Start the Selke chatter, ladies and gentlemen.
Imagine how good they’ll be when they quit playing like crap.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 10, 2010 11:08 PM EST up reply actions 4 recs
D'oh
I’m about ready to switch sides of the fence on Wolski. Yup, I’m going to be coming over to your side soon at this rate. Wolski floats around the ice with seemingly no purpose.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Links guy at Five For Howling.
Oh, just wait. He’ll have a stretch of play where he’s mind-bendingly good. Like “Good Sasha” good. You’ll think, “Goddamn, this is what I had hoped we were getting!”
Then he’ll go back to floating and being totally invisible. It’ll make you want to put your eyes out.
And I hear you talk the talk, but I don't see you walk the walk and I still don't believe a thing you say.
Didn’t he catch fire last season after the trade? Or am I thinking of Stempniak?
I remember some discussion last year after this video was posted, about the sick skill level, and someone (might have been D’oh) said he’s soft as butter.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Stempniak.
The bastards hung me in the spring of '25. But I am still alive.
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Nov 10, 2010 1:01 PM EST up reply actions
Of the 2 forwards they traded for at the deadline last season Wolski’s definitely my least favorite. The Desert Ninja scores more and competes for the puck every shift. I’d add he’s 3 inches shorter and about 20 pounds lighter than Wolski as well.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Links guy at Five For Howling.
How has Wolski been in the shootout? He was supposed to be a specialist after his ‘07-’08 numbers.
You had me at no problem.
I think you mean 08-09. He was 10 for 12 that season. His attempt this past Saturday night left a lot to be desired. Of course, he actually scored a goal in that game, so I guess I shouldn’t complain. That was the Coyotes one and only SO game of the season so far.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Links guy at Five For Howling.
I’ve seen Wolski make plays that would make Semin jealous.
I’ve also seen him go for a month without showing up in any discernible way.
One of the most frustrating players I’ve ever watched.
And I hear you talk the talk, but I don't see you walk the walk and I still don't believe a thing you say.
It amazes me how depending on who shoots the puck no matter how great a shot it was if it’s certain guys it should “always be stopped”. Even Boogs and Erskine can load a cannon up from the top of the circles. When you rip it top shelf like that doesn’t matter who shot it or whether they went down too early. Some shots are just not going to get stopped.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 10, 2010 2:25 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Two very different shots though, aren’t they?
Erskine’s shot was an uncharacteristic, 1 in 1000 chance for him, snipe through a lot of traffic and distraction.
Boogs, not so much. A huge wind up at above the circles, no one around, goalie there and ready.
Think twice before you speak, and then you may be able to say something more insulting than if you spoke right out at once.
Erskine had a clear path to goal I don’t think Lundy had blocked sightlines at all. I’ll grant that Neuvy had more time to position for Boogs’ shot definitely. Still think neither guy could hit same spot again in 100 tries today. They were both great shots that neither guy could predict where they’d end up.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 10, 2010 2:52 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I think you have to consider that both Neuvy and Hank, upon seeing who was loading the cannon, probably relaxed a bit. Hank clearly expected a low harmless shot or one that missed the net entirely. Or perhaps he didn’t expect Erskine to shoot at all. Neuvy was out of his net in seemingly good position but still didn’t stop it. The element of surprise and instinctive assumption that neither guy would be able to pull off what they did certainly helped those pucks find the net.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Nov 10, 2010 3:00 PM EST up reply actions
upon seeing who was loading the cannon, probably relaxed a bit.
I keep seeing people alluding to that. If it’s true, both goalies have some issues. A lot of the top goalies study shooters for breakaway moves by watching highlights. I think that’s more used for shootouts\penalty shots though. The moves guys are going to do in game aren’t going to be as crazy.
When a guy is coming in the goalie is watching the puck primary, not thinking about the jersey number (unless it’s a top offensive guy who does the same shot all the time.)
Some goalies will check really quick to see where the shooter is looking. For instance, if a guy is looking down the whole way sometimes you’ll come out real quick and try for a poke.
They aren’t thinking, OH it’s Tyler Sloan I’ll just do a two pad stack for kicks. I’d say in a lot of cases they are trying to read the shot even harder instead of guessing since the guy is such an unknown.
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 didn’t mean to insunuate that either goalie relaxed on purpose, more of a subconscious reaction to seeing who was winding up. I’ve never played goalie, but I’ve got to believe these guys recognize who’s out there taking the shots and react accordingly. If that was Webber instead of Erskine out there, I doubt Hank would have gone down as easy. Just my theory.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Nov 10, 2010 4:24 PM EST up reply actions
I’ve played goalie before, sometimes you just miss it. Boogs and Erskine both drilled the shots and put them in great places. Most of the time you stop those but, sometimes your not expecting that kind of pace by a non-shooter and they fool you. It’s like looking for a change-up and getting a fastball. I bet neither shooter aimed for the spot, they just loaded it up, tried to elevate the puck and got some good luck.
I don’t think Lundy had blocked sightlines at all.
There was a lot going on in front of him and he had to go east to west. Just watch it
I’m glad you’ll grant that Neuvy had more time considering he had the entire time from Sloan missing the puck in the Rags zone until slow ass Boogs skated into the Caps O-zone.
All I’m saying is Erskine’s shot was good and hard to stop. Boogs shot was a hard shot but it should have been a routine stop and there was a ton of time (for the NHL) to read what was going to happen.
Think twice before you speak, and then you may be able to say something more insulting than if you spoke right out at once.
As dc said above you…what read can you get in either one of those guys winding up. He had to go east to west but it wasn’t any lightning fast change of direction Erskine pulled…and it was clear soon as he stepped up that he was going to let fly. I doubt either goalie sat there thinking he’s going under the bar short side.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 10, 2010 3:54 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
The read you get is that the guy is going to shoot and then you watch where the puck goes.
Think twice before you speak, and then you may be able to say something more insulting than if you spoke right out at once.
Which just goes back to my original train of thought…I know we’re not talking about Ovie or Kovy taking these shots but these weren’t wristers from the blueline either. Both guys from that range are capable of bombing one that a rising shot like they both were the goalies won’t always be able to see it and react in time…like any other great shot.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 10, 2010 4:43 PM EST up reply actions
This is similar to what I thought about the Erskine goal. Would we still call it a stoppable shot had it been Ovie?
I personally think both shots were great. Boog’s might have been easier to stop, but both were bullets and fairly well placed.
I don’t have much tolerance for stupid. Or cheese on food that doesn’t need it. -duck
by twistedlogic on Nov 10, 2010 4:49 PM EST up reply actions
Japers' Rink "Schedule" Page Needs Correction
Shows Caps beat NYR last night “OT 5-3” but Caps won in regulation.
FYI, that’s auto-populated from a stats service. Nothing we can do about it.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I’d love to see a 2-goal OT win.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
_________________
OK. This is just too funny.
by Wheeler on Nov 10, 2010 4:28 PM EST reply actions 6 recs
Just wandering through behindthenet’s 5on5 ratings and noticed that Brooks Laich has the highest RATING in the NHL for skaters with 10 GP and 10 TOI/60 (my criteria for players that matter).
Tyler Myers is 2nd from last.
Sloan is bottom 20 among defenders, but more disappointingly, meets my criteria for players that matter.
Brooks has a PDO of 1102, which is going to come down. Rating is adjusted plus-minus, so the goalie making saves behind you and your shots going in really matters and the sample size is still really small. PDO (on-ice SV% + on-ice S%) regresses hard towards 1000 for almost all players, Brooks Laich included. He’s going to hit a rough patch sooner or later, just remember that the bounces have stopped all going his way.
That said, he’s been performing very well this season if you look at the underlying numbers. The only caveat on that is that he’s been getting three o-zone starts for every two d-zone starts, so his shot numbers are going to look a smidge better that they otherwise would.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Nov 10, 2010 4:55 PM EST up reply actions
Under the Corsi report at behindthenet.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Nov 10, 2010 5:12 PM EST up reply actions
From Scotty Hockey:
Sadly little can be done about the Czech vet but MDZ needs to be banished to the bus league, and fast. The kid is atrocious in his own zone, his passes are off the mark, he panics with the puck and is often too afraid to shoot the damn thing. This marked the second straight game where the opponent shined a mirror on the Rangers, showing the mistake they made with bringing MDZ into the NHL too soon.
I love it. If I was allowed over there I’d show this to BSB. MDZ being “ten times the player that Cam Fowler is” was a major reason they justified taking McIlraith. Well… MDZ ain’t such hot shit anymore. And anyway, isn’t two great puck moving D better than one?
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Cont'd
Caps fans, if you aren’t going to have the good sense and decency not to get hammered and act like a jackass in an away arena,
Hilarious, coming from a NY fan.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
by Rob Parker on Nov 10, 2010 5:04 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I guess you have never seen Ranger fans at away games. I would think somebody showing good sense and decency would look out of place in New York. A jackass would be normal.
He knows, that was the point.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Nov 10, 2010 5:28 PM EST up reply actions
Home games at MSG (otherwise known as “20,000 booing New Yorkers”) are pretty hilarious too.
"I would feed them lefts until I was pretty much tired of doing it." - Alan May, JRR, 10.16.2010
Oh really? Ive been to Ranger games in eight opposing arenas and not once have I 1- gotten drunk, 2- spilled beer and called everyone around me assholes, 3-just start yelling how the best opposing players “suck cock”, 4- tried to start a ‘your team sucks’ chant, 5-stand and cheer a goal by the Rangers for five minutes, loudly yelling “woooooooo, fuck youuuuuuuuuu” with children sitting directly in front of me.
I have a blog too! www.scottyhockey.com
Let's Go Rangers!
by Scotty Hockey on Nov 10, 2010 10:16 PM EST up reply actions
I’m embarrassed on behalf of Caps fans. I guess every team with fans has some real a-holes mixed in there.
Indeed, and thats all I was saying. I wasn’t trashing all Caps fans. Especially as many of them don’t know any player’s name outside of Ovechkin. Oh, zing!
j/k, relax.
I have a blog too! www.scottyhockey.com
Let's Go Rangers!
by Scotty Hockey on Nov 11, 2010 12:36 PM EST up reply actions
That settles it. Rangers fans are never classless.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Nov 11, 2010 12:35 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
And I’ve been to plenty of other arenas as a Caps fan and behaved myself.
Your opinion is fine, and we all like you, but you should recognize the crew around you. I’ve been to plenty of Rangers games, home and away (as well as Yankee and Mets games) and for any NY fan to complain about other fans being classless is hilarious. The behavior you’ve complained about I’ve seen from Rags fans at MSG, VC, and Nassau Colliseum. Not saying Caps fans are perfect, but people in glass houses…
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I noticed that, too. And then laughed.
But seriously, if Fowler is a rich man’s Del Zotto (he is) and your blueline is starved for offensive, puck-rushing presence, why are you drafting Dylan McIlrath, who’s best upside scenario is Marc Staal with an edge. Makes. No. Sense.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Nov 10, 2010 5:28 PM EST up reply actions
Marc Staal with an edge is extremely generous. I’d say maybe a little bit better than Andy Sutton. Of course, they think he’s the next Shea Weber so there won’t be any consensus.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Like I said, best-case scenario is a very good defensive stopper with a physical edge. I think Sutton is the most likely scenario, or even worse if the concerns about his hockey sense and skating are true.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Nov 10, 2010 5:41 PM EST up reply actions
The fact that Jeff Skinner had skating concerns upsets me a little. If McIlraith’s skating concerns are the same as Skinner’s (which I doubt) then maybe it’s not such a big issue. It’ll be real interesting to see if McIlraith makes Team Canada for the WJC and how he plays if he doesn’t. If he can’t even make it I’m going to laugh my balls off.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
For you amateur scouts, have you ever actually seen McIlrath play? I went to two Moose Jaw games last season and was absolutely joyful when the Rangers drafted him. While I hate to throw other names out there but best case scenario (and I stress that) he is Chris Pronger. A reach? Of course but he has the size, toughness and slapshot already. He just needs to refine his skating and work on his passing. Several scouts say Adam Foote but I think McIlrath has more offensive upside.
Worst case he is Jeff Beukeboom – a physical shutdown guy who stands up for his teammates and can make the smart play to get the puck out. Sutton is a lumbering goon who’s expertise is limited to head shots. Staal’s development has been entirely screwed up by the Rangers as he has the ability to be a solid two-way guy rather than just a above-average shutdown guy with little physical edge.
I have a blog too! www.scottyhockey.com
Let's Go Rangers!
by Scotty Hockey on Nov 10, 2010 10:27 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t know too much about the Rangers organization in terms of development. So why was Stall’s messed up, and why do you think they will do better with McIlrath?
Proud member of the Popsicle Division of the Cupcake Conference.
Because there was no Staal and no Girardi type veterans already on the team when Staal came up. He was brought into a blueline that had Rozsival and Malik. Staal had to play big minutes as the No. 3 defenseman as a rookie and managed to built confidence and chemistry with Fedor Tyutin. And then Sather went right out and dealt Toots away (for Zherdev no less). Renney then put Staal alongside Rozy, leaving the kid to have to cover for his inept partner. Not an ideal situation.
When McIlrath makes it, he should/could (hopefully) be able to be slowly weaned into a corps that will have Staal, Girardi, McDonagh, Valentenko and Sauer … no pressure and plenty of people to help him grow.
I have a blog too! www.scottyhockey.com
Let's Go Rangers!
by Scotty Hockey on Nov 11, 2010 12:44 PM EST up reply actions
If they messed up Staal’s why would you have faith in McIlrath’s? I admitted I haven’t seen him, but given how the pre-draft rankings have looked, and the relative production to this point, it’s hard to say that McIlrath is a better choice than Fowler.
If Jeff Beukeboom is the “worst case” then he’s a lock for the NHL top 4 D. I don’t think that’s accurate. As I’ve said, time will tell.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Indeed it will …
And Fowler and McIlrath are two totally different guys. That is like comparing a Leetch to a Beukeboom. The Rangers thought they had a Leetch in MDZ and/or Gilroy (and were wrong) so they went with the toughness they needed. I was happy with the selection.
I have a blog too! www.scottyhockey.com
Let's Go Rangers!
by Scotty Hockey on Nov 11, 2010 12:47 PM EST up reply actions
Forsberg’s giving it one last try.
:SIGH: If only you weren’t made of glass, Foppa.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/photos?photoId=879228&gameId=301008029
It might come true yet! Too bad it means losing Bradley back to the Sharks.
Many a night from yonder ivied casement, ere I went to rest,
Did I look on great Orion sloping slowly to the West.
More great stuff from Premium Scouting
Scouting reports from NCAA Action
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Nov 10, 2010 5:38 PM EST reply actions
And did you happen to see where McIlrath is on his top 100 draft prospects?
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
You’re damn right I did. He’s totally with you on the Andy Sutton comparo.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Nov 10, 2010 8:59 PM EST up reply actions
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
