Monday Caps Clips: Madison Square Goose Egg
by J.P. on Dec 13, 2010 6:19 AM EST
in Caps Clips
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PrintYour savory breakfast links:
- Recaps and other assorted musings on last night's loss from us, Vogs, NHL.com (Lozo), CSN Washington (Masisak), WaPo (Carrera: blog, gamer), DCEx (McNally), Caps365 video (Boudreau, players), CSN Washington (Beninati), FanHouse (Perez), Frankovic, Peerless, RMNB, OFB, PHT, and Puckhead.
- On Alex Ovechkin's fight. [Puck Daddy, Hockeyfights.com]
- Could the current losing streak actually be a good thing in the long-run? [PHT]
- The Caps need a second-line center. Could Nik Antropov be the guy? [Edmonton Journal (Matheson)]
- Finally, happy 25th birthday to Andrew Gordon, happy 35th to Bates Battaglia, happy 41st to Sergei Fedorov, and happy 77th to Doug Mohns.
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CI was a hoot last night. I think my favorite was the guy who wanted the Caps to fire Boudreau and hire Mike Keenan.
Can't he be both, like the late Earl Warren?
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 13, 2010 7:14 AM EST reply actions
A “Best of” of CI hysterics FanPost would lighten the mood.
Btw, if GMGM was to pink-slip Boudreau, today would be a good day, given that they’ve got just one game over the next five days – plenty of practice time. Just sayin’.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I think I might actually do that.
Today’s off to a great start.
BOUDREAU; You Curly look-alike. When will you wake up and stick Ovechkin on the right wing for a while. You find ways to get your scorer going again. WAKE UP. Also when Ovie was off the ice – WHY did you have Semin on the point. He’s not meant to play the point. STUPID STUPID STUPID. I’m beginning to lose some faith in the decisions he’s making with personnel.
You’ve obviously not paid close attention to this GM since his first day on the job.
The list of his screw up moves is so long, that I’m no longer inclined to bother.
I know that the reason why this group will never, ever win a Stanley Cup is because McPhee is GM
They’re the best
My vote for new coach would be “Iron” Mike Keenan. He would kick ass and not take any prisoners – just the type of coach that is needed now by the team so that they have their heads on straight.
Can't he be both, like the late Earl Warren?
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 13, 2010 7:37 AM EST up reply actions
You mean the last commenter actually used the proper “their”?
I poured spot remover on my dog. Now he's gone.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 13, 2010 7:39 AM EST up reply actions
What, you missed the “second rebuild” comment from the second period thread?
"If you don't shut the [hell] up, I'm going to kick you in the balls so hard your dentist is going to have to work around them at your next cleaning."
by Bald Pollack on Dec 13, 2010 7:32 AM EST up reply actions
..but…but..we have OV and Backstrom for years………
Christaleffinmighty.
I poured spot remover on my dog. Now he's gone.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 13, 2010 7:37 AM EST up reply actions
You know, GMGM has saddled this team with two untradeable contracts. Vinnie L. here we go again.
The Caps just can’t find any buyers for OV or Backstrom.
ARGGGGGGH.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
I can’t believe how awful our luck is to have both Ovechkin and Backstrom here for the foreseeable future!
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 13, 2010 8:37 AM EST up reply actions
If someone seriously suggests pulling a “Herschel Walker” with either of those two guys, that would be the final straw for me. I think I’d get belligerent.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
When I read that, I think it was time to turn off the thread.
I poured spot remover on my dog. Now he's gone.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 13, 2010 7:38 AM EST up reply actions
Other names CI commenters are sure to suggest as BB replacements: Sergei Fedorov, Dale Hunter, Steve Peat.
The Kolzilla PR department has advised me to post a link to my work at Inside Hockey, so here it is.
www.Insidehockey.com
by Kolzilla on Dec 13, 2010 7:51 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Now they’re in love with Steve Konowalchuk
Can't he be both, like the late Earl Warren?
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 13, 2010 7:53 AM EST up reply actions
It’s his roguish eyes.
Can't he be both, like the late Earl Warren?
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 13, 2010 7:56 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
The campaign for DJ King as player-coach starts here (….if it hasn’t already started at CI).
I poured spot remover on my dog. Now he's gone.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 13, 2010 9:25 AM EST up reply actions
Takes the cake, by far.
Don't worry about getting to your point, I'm going to live forever.
by SeattleCapsFan on Dec 13, 2010 10:07 AM EST up reply actions
Happy Birthday
And this meant much, much more than last night.
My blog and Twitter, featuring coverage of the most unpredictable team in the NHL and where we defend Mike Green, Alex Ovechkin, and Alexander Semin until the bitter end. That is to say, when someone tries to call BS on the Corsi numbers.
If you don't know how to use Timeonice, read this.
"Numbers don't lie, they just don't agree with you"--George E. Ays
by red army line on Dec 13, 2010 8:05 AM EST reply actions 6 recs
I didn’t realize before how close he was. In my mind’s eye, he always shoots from the top of the circle.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
Maybe you’re thinking of the regular season game that basically sealed the Caps’ playoff spot?
"Hockey is my life, wine is my passion." -- Igor Larionov
by Scott in Shaw on Dec 13, 2010 3:20 PM EST up reply actions
Astonishing...
Sergei Fedorov was with the Caps only for 1 1/4 seasons and he managed to score two of the five biggest goals the Caps have scored since the lockout:
- Beating Craig Anderson to give the Caps the lead (eventually the winning goal) in the regular season finale in 2008 that put the Caps into the division title.
- Scoring the goal in the GIF above to give the Caps the lead in Game 7 against the Rangers with 5 minutes to go.
An awesome run, albeit brief.
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 13, 2010 2:02 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Don’t see how he would have solved any problems last year and this year
Can't he be both, like the late Earl Warren?
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 13, 2010 2:14 PM EST up reply actions
2C. It’s really saying something that on a team with Alexander Ovechkin, Sergei Fedorov was the best Corsi player.
My blog and Twitter, featuring coverage of the most unpredictable team in the NHL and where we defend Mike Green, Alex Ovechkin, and Alexander Semin until the bitter end. That is to say, when someone tries to call BS on the Corsi numbers.
If you don't know how to use Timeonice, read this.
"Numbers don't lie, they just don't agree with you"--George E. Ays
by red army line on Dec 13, 2010 2:19 PM EST up reply actions
Two years ago. Dude just turned 41.
Can't he be both, like the late Earl Warren?
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 13, 2010 2:26 PM EST up reply actions
And his last year here, he only played 52 games.
Can't he be both, like the late Earl Warren?
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 13, 2010 2:27 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t doubt he’d have been an upgrade over what we had last season and what we have today. None, zero.
My blog and Twitter, featuring coverage of the most unpredictable team in the NHL and where we defend Mike Green, Alex Ovechkin, and Alexander Semin until the bitter end. That is to say, when someone tries to call BS on the Corsi numbers.
If you don't know how to use Timeonice, read this.
"Numbers don't lie, they just don't agree with you"--George E. Ays
by red army line on Dec 13, 2010 2:33 PM EST up reply actions
The year before he only played 68. He had some nice moments here, but dude was fading.
Can't he be both, like the late Earl Warren?
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 13, 2010 2:35 PM EST up reply actions
He got $14M to play in the KHL…no team in the NHL can pay that due to the CBA.
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 13, 2010 2:16 PM EST up reply actions
Strength through adversity.
The 2009 Penguins were god awful, and the Flyers barely made the playoffs last year. You got to believe what doesnt kill you makes you stronger.
This ship will float again…lets just hope it’s sooner rather then later. I also dont want to think a coaching change is needed, but if we get as little as 6 out of our next 20 possible points..watch out..
The Blackhaws lost 7 of 9 last March too. Sometimes good teams go through awful stretches.
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 Dec 13, 2010 9:50 AM EST up reply actions
That team was…man.
For anyone that subscribes to advanced stats stuff, they’re the gold standard for possession. Just unreal.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Dec 13, 2010 10:15 AM EST up reply actions
Now, I’m not a huge stats person. But to see you have this type of reaction to a team’s stats; it must be rather impressive. I’m curious.
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 Dec 13, 2010 10:18 AM EST up reply actions
Not single player on their team had lower than a 53.9% O-zone start. Their tough-minute guys that they match up against the other team’s top lines are seeing OZ% numbers that the Caps shielded players are getting this year.
Zetterberg and Datsyuk were pulling the tough zone starts against the tough competition and absolutely tilting the ice the other direction. They were out attempting the other team by a shot every two minutes of game, or better than half-again what the normal team attempts over the course of the game. Seeing numbers near 30 in Corsi on in that context is absurd.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Dec 13, 2010 10:37 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Absolutely sick.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Links guy at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on Dec 13, 2010 10:40 AM EST up reply actions
Sweet lord. That is ridiculous. Also, makes me wonder how the Caps are considered a puck possession team by … anyone.
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 Dec 13, 2010 11:23 AM EST up reply actions
Totally.
If we’re not a puck possession team and we’re not a passive defensive team, what are we?
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.
An unorganized team going through an identity crisis?
Don't worry about getting to your point, I'm going to live forever.
by SeattleCapsFan on Dec 13, 2010 11:40 AM EST up reply actions
We’re either a 45 year old man or a 15 year old girl.
Can't he be both, like the late Earl Warren?
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 13, 2010 11:42 AM EST up reply actions
We’d better not get together with ourselves, because that’s illegal.
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 Dec 13, 2010 11:48 AM EST up reply actions 4 recs
Only if you get caught….
I don’t have much tolerance for stupid. Or cheese on food that doesn’t need it. -duck
by twistedlogic on Dec 13, 2010 11:55 AM EST up reply actions
Don't worry about getting to your point, I'm going to live forever.
by SeattleCapsFan on Dec 13, 2010 2:26 PM EST up reply actions
Puck possession wannabe? Here’s the top shot% teams since the lockout. Again, 08 Detroit tops the ledger, but there’s another couple of familiar teams on there…
My blog and Twitter, featuring coverage of the most unpredictable team in the NHL and where we defend Mike Green, Alex Ovechkin, and Alexander Semin until the bitter end. That is to say, when someone tries to call BS on the Corsi numbers.
If you don't know how to use Timeonice, read this.
"Numbers don't lie, they just don't agree with you"--George E. Ays
by red army line on Dec 13, 2010 12:18 PM EST up reply actions
We’re not a puck possession team as much as a team that generates a ton of offense off the rush thanks to an extreme plethora of skill. When the skill players aren’t on, we’re a one-and-done operation.
The Kolzilla PR department has advised me to post a link to my work at Inside Hockey, so here it is.
www.Insidehockey.com
Reality
The reality here is that we are who we appear to be and thats a very disfunctional hockey team right now.This team has maybe played a full 60 minute game four or five times all season so far. Ovechkin has been absolutly horrible,and so has the whole squad all season.If the ship isn’t writed by Jan 1,you got to believe BB will get the axe.I always liked BB and I love the uptempo style he has us playing but its his constant tinkering that drives me nuts.First off I am sick of seeing Ovi on the point for the PP.It doesnt work the dude has 2 pp goals all year,while he has given dozens of odd man rushes to the opposition with his horrible stick handling and poor desicion making from the point and if you remember in the game where he scored his 2 goals against Calgary he was where he should always be and thats on the left wall firing away one time after one timer.I think BB just doesnt get it anymore.the constant line tinkering doesnt work either it doesnt motivate anyone.All it does is mess with chemistry building.BB is not putting our guys in position to succeed anymore and if he doesnt get it figured out in the next few games.I can’t help but wonder if on Jan 2 he will still be an NHL coach. I like all the rest of you believe that this team will turn things around but the clock is ticking,I hope BB can do what is neccessary to save his job.
Ice Breakers>Goal Shakers....THE CAPS !!
Forgive me, but did you comment from a phone?
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 13, 2010 8:40 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I think in Calgary he was playing the point too, just Backstrom rotated up, Green rotated left, and AO rotated down.
Also, paragraphs, pretty please?
My blog and Twitter, featuring coverage of the most unpredictable team in the NHL and where we defend Mike Green, Alex Ovechkin, and Alexander Semin until the bitter end. That is to say, when someone tries to call BS on the Corsi numbers.
If you don't know how to use Timeonice, read this.
"Numbers don't lie, they just don't agree with you"--George E. Ays
by red army line on Dec 13, 2010 8:42 AM EST up reply actions
The point is that he just doesn’t belong on the point.It’s a liability to have him there.
Ice Breakers>Goal Shakers....THE CAPS !!
I don’t agree. Perhaps risky plays back to the point, or pinches from Green considering he’s the only D back there, but not AO, I don’t think. I see SH chances against as more a team thing than anything—I don’t think you can blame a single guy most of the time since there’s so much passing and rotation.
My blog and Twitter, featuring coverage of the most unpredictable team in the NHL and where we defend Mike Green, Alex Ovechkin, and Alexander Semin until the bitter end. That is to say, when someone tries to call BS on the Corsi numbers.
If you don't know how to use Timeonice, read this.
"Numbers don't lie, they just don't agree with you"--George E. Ays
by red army line on Dec 13, 2010 8:51 AM EST up reply actions
A lot of SH chances against the Caps do come from Ovie mishandling the puck. And not always from much pressure either – he just hasn’t been handling the puck well this season on the point. I think risky passes have been a factor in some, but Ovie being on the point seems to be the main factor.
There is no problem a hammer cannot either fix or make irrelevant.
Watch every really good PP in the league and you’ll see that rotation constantly. It shouldn’t matter a ton where the original line up is. Every player should be capable and comfortable playing at every spot in the PP. Whether it’s Pronger in front of the net or MSL on the point there should always be movement.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
by Rob Parker on Dec 13, 2010 3:43 PM EST up reply actions 8 recs
Rec rec rec a million times rec’d.
Standing still like the Caps do makes it insanely easy for the PKers to defend.
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 Dec 13, 2010 3:46 PM EST up reply actions
Since I’ve been extremely critical of the leadership aspect of Ovechkin’s game, I should give credit where its due – props to him for making an excellent effort to get his teammates fired up. It didn’t work, apparently, but an admirable move nonetheless.
I’m with you CB. You have to try.
This reminds me of my favorite Toronto Star columnist, who hasn’t appeared here (thankfully for a while):
@DamoSpin Ovechkin fights when Caps down by 4, they lose by 7. As usual, fight does nothing to turn a game around or influence the outcome. Gratuitous
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
Yeah, that’s absurd. Game’s not going to change if he doesn’t fight, either, so like you said it was certainly worth a shot. I’ve seen more than a few instances where a fight tilted the ice in one team’s favor.
by Chris Burton on Dec 13, 2010 8:51 AM EST up reply actions
That, and it made me happy (er…relieved?) to see a pissed off Ovi try to do something about the all around lack of effort.
Don't worry about getting to your point, I'm going to live forever.
by SeattleCapsFan on Dec 13, 2010 10:12 AM EST up reply actions
Showed a lot of heart and guts.
You know…“gritty”
Can't he be both, like the late Earl Warren?
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 13, 2010 10:17 AM EST up reply actions
With you on this one. Outside of Hendo and Ovie, this team looked pretty uninspired. Ovie tried, but his attempt was “futile.” Or so the front page of ESPN says.
I don’t have much tolerance for stupid. Or cheese on food that doesn’t need it. -duck
by twistedlogic on Dec 13, 2010 8:57 AM EST up reply actions
Hey, maybe if Weber didn’t mess up his hand he’d be scoring goals and stuff. Blame him.
I tweet far too much. Follow me!
Pleasure and pain, though directly opposite are contrived to be constant companions.
From the Pro Hockey Talk link:
Or maybe they just need offensive defenseman/catalyst Mike Green to return? The hockey media’s go-to Caps scapegoat hasn’t played in a game since November 28th; the Capitals won exactly once since then.Ummm… my sources tell me that the Green has played five games since November 28th, with the Caps amassing a 1-3-1 record in the process.
No Schultz, no win, baby.
"If you don't shut the [hell] up, I'm going to kick you in the balls so hard your dentist is going to have to work around them at your next cleaning."
by Bald Pollack on Dec 13, 2010 8:47 AM EST up reply actions 5 recs
Reminder from Earlier This Year
I think we could use a funny skater right now, don’t you?
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
by STLSpidey on Dec 13, 2010 8:51 AM EST up reply actions 7 recs
On the bright side from yesterday. I meant to bet the Skins +7.5 and the Caps getting 1.5 but mixed up the teams…
Any official word on why DJ King was not on the roster? Was he put on IR and, if so, for what? Did he burn his tongue on some hot nacho cheese? I’m also a bit confused why Brads is a healthy scratch? He’s not a top line scorer, but certainly does the dirty work that this team needs more of.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
Was AGordon called up with the potential of a Semin suspension? He was already there and doing the same old same old wasn’t exactly working, so scratches are bound to happen when change is available.
That’s just my guess.
And King? Jesus Christ, who knows. Hendricks has made him excessively useless.
Re: King
He was supposedly hurt in practice.
I tweet far too much. Follow me!
Pleasure and pain, though directly opposite are contrived to be constant companions.
Yup, he got hit with a puck or something in front of the net during morning skate on Saturday when he was working with the other scratches – stayed down for a long time and seemed to be in a lot of pain.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
Apparently Boudreau was seen yelling at him “Stay down. Stay down. That must really hurt, right? Don’t rush it.”
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
by STLSpidey on Dec 13, 2010 12:46 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Thankfully the all-knowing local media has deemed the Caps a dead fish, basically on par now with the Redskins.
But let’s ignore that 6 losses makes up just 7.31% of the season, while a single game of NFL action eats up 6.25%. I suppose this is the kind of crap we have to put up with until the team wins it all once or twice. “Building America’s Hockey Capital” my ass.
Who’s been declaring the Caps dead?
The Kolzilla PR department has advised me to post a link to my work at Inside Hockey, so here it is.
www.Insidehockey.com
I think you might be the first person to ever describe the Junkies as “media”.
by Yoshietree on Dec 13, 2010 9:06 AM EST up reply actions 4 recs
They do interviews. I don’t consider them credible or even worth listening to but sometimes my dial ends up there.
You can basically go to them for an early preview of other local outlets. I can guarantee the local news will kick them while they’re down.
The Junkies are radio personalities. Nothing more nothing less.
I can guarantee the local news will kick them while they’re down.
I see….so what you’re saying is that the local media hasn’t deemed the Caps as dead fish yet.
Are you done chastising me yet?
5 losses came before this one and the attitude is no different around the area.
Last point then I’m done.
The local media reporting, and offering opinion on, the six game streak does not equal the local media deeming the team as a dead fish. I haven’t seen or heard even a hint from the media that suggests the Caps’ season is over. I don’t think that even the Junkies have stated that the season is over…
My point was more that we have terrible media outlets in this area and the Caps don’t get the same leash as the rest of the teams.
Yes, this team is better than the Redskins, Wizards and Nationals. Yes, they should be held to a higher standard, but the Caps lose 6 in a row and now it’s time to blow it up. It’s time to replace the coach and the stars aren’t worth their weight.
The Caps only get coverage when they’re doing well, and now that they’re a “losing team” (and yes, I have heard them called this) they’re getting pushed aside for more Redskins yapping.
And please, for the love of god, don’t assume I’m some supporter of the piss poor work of the Junkies. Sadly, you can’t take away from the fact that they do talk Caps sometimes which is far more than some other stations do. The reason I used them as an example is because they were simply the most recent source of chatter for me this morning. Plenty of people get their news from the Daily Show, I don’t really consider them any different.
They know a lot about the bandwagon, though, being such prominent members.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 13, 2010 10:06 AM EST up reply actions
And if they decide to jump ship, I will not lose much sleep.
Don't worry about getting to your point, I'm going to live forever.
by SeattleCapsFan on Dec 13, 2010 10:16 AM EST up reply actions
They’re only being forced to talk hockey because all the other local teams suck SO badly, all at the same time.
You had me at no problem.
Agreed. Junkies were piling on last year after game 7, & their “BFF” is Bob Ehrlich. Need I say more?
" Liberals feel unworthy of their possessions. Conservatives feel they deserve everything they've stolen." - Mort Sahl
by Langway's Legacy on Dec 13, 2010 11:23 AM EST up reply actions
Man, Caps Fans Are Hard to Please....
After the Caps were eliminated from the playoffs the last two seasons, everyone liked to say “They got through the regular season too easily, and then they were too complacent when the playoffs started.”
Now, the Caps are trying to encounter some regular season adversity so they’re ready for the playoffs, and you guys complain about that too!
by Link_Gaetz on Dec 13, 2010 9:02 AM EST reply actions 3 recs
So what you’re saying is that 98-0 was an unreasonable expectation?
by Yoshietree on Dec 13, 2010 9:05 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
“I thought you came here looking for a challenge. "
“Duh! A challenge I could do! "
by David Getz on Dec 13, 2010 9:05 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
I think complaints about the Caps having it too easy in the regular season were more a comment on their opposition than their own performance. They’ve been able to run away with the division with ease the past two seasons, and I think people were hoping for another Southeast team to catch up to them and challenge for the division, rather than seeing the Caps create their own adversity through poor play.
Yeah, I was just trying to lighten the mood a little. I work with a Caps fan who looks like he is on Sui Watch today. There’s a lot of season left, and my money is still on the Caps for the #1 seed in the East.
my money is still on the Caps for the #1 seed in the East.
Betcha a round it doesn’t happen.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Dec 13, 2010 10:20 AM EST up reply actions
Bet you a seed they win the 1st round?
You had me at no problem.
by Ninjak on Dec 13, 2010 10:30 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Ew.
Can't he be both, like the late Earl Warren?
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 13, 2010 10:32 AM EST up reply actions
I see the opportunity for a free beer, I’m not passing it up :]
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Dec 13, 2010 10:37 AM EST up reply actions
For another Southeast team to challenge the Caps wouldn’t they need to lose more games? Lord knows no other team in the SE would come close to anything near what the Caps have done over the last couple of years.
by Yoshietree on Dec 13, 2010 9:09 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Fair enough. As good as Atlanta and Tampa Bay have been, I still think they’re both at least a year away from even being considered as serious challengers for the SE division crown, and you’re absolutely right that that also requires some regression on the part of the Caps. I just wish the balance was tilted more towards “Wow, Atlanta/Tampa Bay has gotten a lot better!” and less towards “Wow, the Caps have gotten alot worse!”
I know Link was trying to be amusing above…but he’s right. Have the Caps looked like shit at times this year? Absolutely. But Caps fans have been spoiled since BB got here…
There seemed to be a general consensus amongst Caps fans going into this year that the regular season doesn’t matter…that this team would be judged by how they perform in the Playoffs. As little fun as I’m having watching games right now, that consensus has not changed one iota for me. IMO everyone needs to take a deep breat, step off the ledge and remember that while we need something to talk about….the regular season still doesn’t matter.
Agreed, but with a caveat. I think the overall results of the regular season don’t matter. I don’t care one bit what their win-loss record is on April 10th, so long as they have a decent playoff seed, and I still think they’ll win the division so that’s not an issue. The concern is that they’ve looked pretty bad in getting to where they are now. The question marks heading into the season are still question marks now. They’ve shown flashes of improvement in areas like the penalty kill and defense overall, but on balance they seem to be right where they were last season. Wins and losses might not matter, but preparing themselves for the postseason does. Alot of it can be attributed to the slump they’re mired in right now, but much of it was concerning even when they were winning games.
by Kevin O. on Dec 13, 2010 9:31 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
The question marks heading into the season are still question marks now…Wins and losses might not matter, but preparing themselves for the postseason does.
Absolutely. I guess from my point of view it’s not even Christmas yet. GMGM has already addressed one of the question marks in the form of Hannan. Granted right after that the team lost it’s 1 and 2 dmen. How would another team react if they lost personnel like that? The Penguins only lost one of their top 2 dmen (Gonchar) a couple of years ago, squeeked into the Playoffs and came home with the Cup.
That came off a little more pessimistic than I intended. I still think there is time for this team to turn things around, and getting all of their top six defensemen healthy would be a big step in that direction. I also still have (some) confidence that GMGM still has one or two moves up his sleeve to resolve the issue at 2C (of course, that may just be wishful thinking). I definitely don’t think the sky is falling, but I also think that saying “It’s just the regular season, it doesn’t matter” is a bit flawed.
The caps looked pretty good on their only All-Top-Six-D-in-the-lineup game (vs. Toronto). Poti had three assists, Ovi scored a classic Ovigoal, then the puck bounced the wrong way and took out Sarge. After that, the SS Caputals sprung a pretty bad leak.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
So now they are complacent during the regular season too. They’ve learned!!
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Dec 13, 2010 9:12 AM EST up reply actions
Don’t look now but teh twitterz are going nutz on account Evgeny Nabokov has been released from his KHL contract and is officially a free agent.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Hmmmm. Hmmmm.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
Isn’t that because he stunk up the joint? I don’t really follow any of that, but I thought I saw a comment to that effect recently.
"It's always good to have vikings."
He had a poor season and (reading between the lines) his family wants to come back to North America. The sooner the better.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
How the hell did you find that?
Can’t read it because I’m on a small screen, but very nice.
"It's always good to have vikings."
I was trying to find an interview from (I think) sometime in August, after Nabby had signed with SKA but before the season started. I can’t even remember if it was in the North American press or if I read it through Googletrans from the Russian press, but the interview centered on his adjustment to being back in Russia. He siad that one big difference between America and Russia is that you can trust an American contractor to finish their work and not rip you off, and that he was having a lot of difficulty fixing up his new home in Russia b/c the contractors just took his money and provided very little service.
He also noted that his kids were not super excited, but coming around on the whole Russia thing.
Note: this is all extremely paraphrased and from memory.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
I think it was Corey with my favorite tweet from last night. Essentially that the biggest cheers during the Ovi fight were from the HBO box at MSG.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
I think it was @Fake_DamienCox.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
I wonder if McPhee is rethinking his enthusiastic support for the HBO 24/7 series. If you thought last night was ugly, wait until 10:00pm Wednesday.
Hopefully the 24/7 series will show what we really can’t see on the ice. That the team is focused, frustrated and not lacking for leeadership off the ice. I think it will be a more compelling show as a result of what’s happening now. O
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Dec 13, 2010 9:14 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Obviously it’s going to feature Ovechkin vs. Crosby, and how they’re polar opposites achieving the same results… except they’re not right now, which is perfect for them.
I’ ve always wanted to be a screenwriter, so I just kind of put something together that I thought might be a great opening. Tell me what you think:
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times; it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness; it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity; it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness; it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair; we had everything before us, we had nothing before us; we were all going directly to Heaven, we were all going the other way.”
Pretty good, huh?
“The descendants of one Mr. C. Dickens for you on line 1.”
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 13, 2010 9:45 AM EST up reply actions
It will be easier to watch if the Caps don’t stink it up against the Ducks.
Please?
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
I don’t know if any of you have watched ‘Oil Change’ following the Oilers this season on the NHL Network. I have a feeling it’s going to be a lot like that, except with more vulgarities.
Hopefully the HBO footage will capture how sick the players actually are.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
That would actually make a lot of fans feel better, wouldn’t it?
"It's always good to have vikings."
It would make me feel better. And which of the Rabbits out there wouldn’t love seeing Nicky sitting on the floor of his bathroom next to the toilet curled up with some medicine and a stuffed animal?
LET'S GO CAPS!!!
If by stuffed animal you mean Swedish Blonde Bombshell, sign me up.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 13, 2010 10:07 AM EST up reply actions
Not me. I’ve taken care of someone with explosive flu before and there is nothing attractive about it, no matter who it is.
There's always more to learn about Hockey.
What about if either of the Alexes are there to hold Nicky’s hair back while he pukes?
LET'S GO CAPS!!!
- I’m hoping for a Robotic Dictatorship to come in and take the reigns.
- It looks like the whole team is just scatter brained right now. They are basically playing so poorly that it’s hard to imagine it continuing even one more game. I’m thinking they are going to come out one of these games and score 15 goals just because everyone is in a drought.
- The lists of “streaks” etc. on the Peerless recap is a humbling, good read.
Think twice before you speak, and then you may be able to say something more insulting than if you spoke right out at once.
When Semin came down the left wing and tried Ovie’s patented “puck between the legs power-move”, and muffed it with a backhand that went about 8 feet wide, that was the last straw for me.
BB must be telling these guys to keep it simple, go back to fundamentals, work as a team and not individuals… And we’ve got Sasha pulling crap like that? Some players are not respecting the coach.
You had me at no problem.
That’s a case of “trying anything,” not disrespecting the coach, IMO.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 13, 2010 10:11 AM EST up reply actions
I understand trying something new when you’re down 4-0 or 5-0, but come on… A move like that? Semin flubs it so badly, it’s embarrassing, and it pulls the morale down even lower.
You had me at no problem.
I’d say a little bit of trickery is better than passing to an out of position teammate or getting another shot blocked. Given his options on that particular play, going around or stopping behind the net was pretty much his only option.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 13, 2010 10:23 AM EST up reply actions
I think hitting 5 posts last night was the morale-killer.
"I would feed them lefts until I was pretty much tired of doing it." - Alan May, JRR, 10.16.2010
Didn’t Backstrom nail the post twice in row on one shift?
I don’t have much tolerance for stupid. Or cheese on food that doesn’t need it. -duck
by twistedlogic on Dec 13, 2010 10:26 AM EST up reply actions
The Ovi fought, yea
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Pleasure and pain, though directly opposite are contrived to be constant companions.
then*
I tweet far too much. Follow me!
Pleasure and pain, though directly opposite are contrived to be constant companions.
I probably would have too, after that. Talk about frustrating.
I don’t have much tolerance for stupid. Or cheese on food that doesn’t need it. -duck
by twistedlogic on Dec 13, 2010 10:34 AM EST up reply actions
if the team has quit on Boudreau, then GMGM has some difficult decisions to make.
as I just posted in the game thread:
were I the GM I wouldn’t fire him yet, but after the last few years, and especially the way we got so badly out-coached (IMO) vs Montreal in the playoffs, I wouldn’t hesitate to fire him at some point this season.
Bourdreau has never made wine out of water. He’s simply been a solid players’ coach who knows how to maximize offense out of very talented offensive players. A lot of times he does a good job simply by staying out of the way.
So, that being said, if the team is struggling, and Boudreau’s NHL track record is mixed at best, I don’t see any reason to stick with him longer than necessary.
Were I GM, the biggest problem for me would be: there doesn’t seem to be any good candidates to replace him with.
A friend who’s a diehard Rangers fan was at the game yesterday, he’s been watching hockey for decades, and he thinks the team might have quit on Boudraeu. If that’s the case, GMGM is in a tight spot.
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
by smutsboy1 on Dec 13, 2010 11:54 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I seriously doubt that the team has quit on BB. Once we get everyone back healthy, and some semi-steady line pairings, and some time to have a practice or two, then we can start to analyze things more closely to see if the team has quit on BB.
We’ve had guys out with injuries all over the defense, has any of them not had to sit b/c of injury? Alzner’s the only one I can think of. We’re still trying to find a 2C, meaning when it’s working, we’ve only got 1 real scoring line. A bunch of the forwards are fighting injuries and/or illnesses.
Things will turn around, the guys will heal up/get healthy, take a breather. Besides if the Caps are too much stress for you to handle right now take a break and do some holiday shopping.
LET'S GO CAPS!!!
Oh…cuz that’s a break ;-)
Anyways, I completely agree. I hate the idea of firing a coach because of a losing streak anyways, especially one that’s marred with injuries, illness, and constant line shuffling.
I don’t have much tolerance for stupid. Or cheese on food that doesn’t need it. -duck
by twistedlogic on Dec 13, 2010 12:38 PM EST up reply actions
As I said, I wouldn’t fire Bruce over a losing streak. I’d fire him over his body of (mediocre IMO) work.
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
3 division titles and the best winning percentage since he came in is hardly mediocre. Playoffs are another matter – but even then, the Caps have won 1 of the 2 series they should have won, lost 1 series they couldn’t have been expected to win, and lost 1 series that could have gone either way.
There is no problem a hammer cannot either fix or make irrelevant.
The Caps have played 0 series in which they were so outmatched you couldn’t expect them to win. They have had 4 game 7s, all at home. I don’t know how you can’t expect them to win any of those games.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 14, 2010 1:45 AM EST up reply actions
The Flyers in ’08 had them hugely outmatched. The Caps barely squeaked into the playoffs, and that only due to one of the hottest runs ever. For them to even take it to Game 7 was an amazing accomplishment.
There is no problem a hammer cannot either fix or make irrelevant.
Disagree. That team under BB was pretty damn good. They only “squeaked” in because of the horrendous start. You could expect the young players to struggle and learn some playoff lessons, but PHI had lots of young players as well.
At the end of the day, it simply wasn’t a mismatch that would have been crazy to expect a Caps win, and the game 7 OT confirms that.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Meanwhile the juggernaut Flyers had a full point more than the Caps in the regular season and squeaked into the playoffs by going 7-2-1 in their last 10 games.
But hey, with future HOFer Martin Biron in net, the corpses of Derian Hatcher and Jason Smith on D I can see how you would think the Flyers were unbeatable.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 14, 2010 12:37 PM EST up reply actions
They didn’t have to win… what was it, 80% of the games in the last half of the regular season? The Flyers were much more consistent and much better than the Caps that season. And a little less sarcasm would be appreciated.
There is no problem a hammer cannot either fix or make irrelevant.
The Flyers were only more consistent because they didn’t have a garbage record to start the season with a poor coach. The Flyers were no better or more consistent than the Caps were under Boudreau, and it was the Boudreau Caps that were in the playoffs, so I don’t think the Hanlon period is relevant.
The Caps had home ice advantage against a team that barely got into the playoffs as a low seed by finishing the season hot. You can say that the Caps’ seeding is inflated by virtue of being a division winner, and that is accurate. You can also say that the Flyers were the favorites, and I can even understand that argument. But I absolutely cannot buy any claim the Caps had no business winning that series, or that taking it to game 7 was a huge achievement.
The Caps weren’t great that year, but neither were the Flyers. If you can get past my sarcasm there is substance behind my shot at the Flyers D and G in the previous post. Sure, the Flyers went to the Conference Finals (and got abused), but they did so by beating an inexperienced team that didn’t (and still doesn’t?) understand playoff hockey and having Carey Price almost literally hand them a series. It’s not like it was the upstart Caps against the Wings or Pens that season.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 14, 2010 4:18 PM EST up reply actions
First, the Flyers didn’t “barely” get into the playoffs – the Sabres would have needed 3 more.wins in order for the Flyers to miss out, as well as 2 of 3 other teams having 1 more win – or certain combinations of 4 other teams having wins, which gets complicated. Second, the Caps DID barely make it in – as the result of Carolina losing their last game. If Carolina had won that (or 1 more game during the season) the Caps would have been out.
The Flyers weren’t great by any stretch of the imagination, but they were quite a bit better than the Caps – something not reflected by the standings. And a large part of that was inexperience – the entire core of the Caps hadn’t been to the playoffs. I’m not surprised the Caps gave a good series, but for the Flyers to not close them out earlier was surprising.
There is no problem a hammer cannot either fix or make irrelevant.
Even if the Canes won one more game, the Caps get in over Boston. There are lots of scenarios that could have changed the playoff seeding that didn’t happen. Canes get 3 more points and the Caps get 1 more point and PHI is out.
And you seem to be ignoring the fact that the Caps had a tale of two seasons there and focusing on the final points standings.
PHI had more playoff experience, but they also had plenty of inexperienced guys playing major roles on that team.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Not to mention experience isn’t everything. I’d argue the Caps had a talent advantage or were at least equal to the Flyers at F, D and G. Plus they had home ice advantage. That definitely cancels at least some of the experience advantage of the Flyers. Experience aside, the Caps matched up well against the Flyers: they were an offensive team playing against another team with shaky goaltending and D. That’s the kind of team a young run and gun team wants to play in their first playoff round, one where they can play their game rather than a team like NJ that would force them to change their identity.
Again, I can accept an argument that the Flyers were a favorite. But to suggest that BB overachieved just by getting to game 7 is a pure fallacy, IMO.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 14, 2010 11:17 PM EST up reply actions
The Caps were quite a bit behind on talent.
To break it down by position:
Defense – Caps had Poti, Erskine, Jurcina, Morrisonn, Eminger, Green, and Schultz. Flyers had Kukkonen, Coburn, Parent, Smith, Modry, Timmonen, Jones, and Hatcher. Advantage: Flyers, for having more than 2 guys worthy of being top 4 dmen (at the time).
Goalie – Caps had Huet, Flyers had Biron. Advantage: Caps.
Forwards – Caps had Brashear, Ovie, Brads, Flash, Gordon, Backstrom, Laich, Cooke, Kozlov, Semin, Steckel, Federov, and Fehr. Flyers had Upshall, Carter, Richards, Umberger, Lupul, Hartnell, Prospal, Knuble, Thoresen, Cote, Dowd, Briere, and Kapanen. Now, I would take the Caps roster. Then – Flyers roster, hands down. The Caps stars simply hadn’t reached their current level at that time.
Simply, the Caps were outmatched in pretty much every way. They didn’t have a skill advantage, they didn’t have an advantage on defense, they didn’t have an experience advantage – it’s amazing that they took the series as far as they did.
There is no problem a hammer cannot either fix or make irrelevant.
Defense: Caps had 2 top 4 (Green and Poti) Flyers had 2 top 4 (Timonen and Coburn). Smith and Hatcher were top 4 guys before the lockout, not in 2008. The rest of those guys on the Flyers are comparable to Shamo, Juice and Erskine. Caps had better offensive D, Flyers a bit better defensive D, so call it even.
Goalies, I agree. But the Caps didn’t even have Huet the whole season and still gave up 1 fewer goal on the season, even with their horrific start. So I don’t know how you think the Flyers D was better.
Forwards I think you are way off. In terms of established top 6 talent the Caps had AO, Semin, Fedorov, and Kozlov. Flyers had Briere, Richards, Prospal and Knuble. Lupul, Hartnell and Umberger were kinda in between but still young. But the Caps had a clear advantage in top end talent up front, even if only for AO/Semin vs. Briere/Richards.
Backstrom, Laich, Flash, and Fehr may have been developing, but so were Carter and Upshall, and they were missing Gagne. And even I’d even take 2008 Backstrom over almost any of the 2008 Flyers Fs. The rest of those guys on each team are role players that wash out. Flyers may have had a bit more depth in scoring, but the Caps had the clear advantage in top end talent.
We are clearly at an impasse here, but I just don’t see how you see the Flyers as such a better team. Even in the regular season, when the Caps basically conceded the first quarter of the season, they were very evenly matched.
GF: 248 to 242(PHI)
GA: 233 to 231(WAS)
Shots/G: 31 to 28.8 (WAS)
SA/G: 27.5 to 31.8 (WAS)
PP%: 21.8 to 18.8 (PHI)
PK%: 83.2 to 80.5 (PHI)
EV GF/GA: 1.06 to .9 (WAS)
Just as the Caps were not the same team they are now, neither was Philly.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 15, 2010 1:22 AM EST up reply actions
let’s recap:
were I the GM I wouldn’t fire him yet, but after the last few years, and especially the way we got so badly out-coached (IMO) vs Montreal in the playoffs, I wouldn’t hesitate to fire him at some point this season.
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
To be fair, injuries and illnesses considered, the constant line shuffling is the fault of the coach.
Don't worry about getting to your point, I'm going to live forever.
by SeattleCapsFan on Dec 13, 2010 1:03 PM EST up reply actions
Yes…but with injuries and such, it’s really hard to keep your initial line combos together.
I don’t have much tolerance for stupid. Or cheese on food that doesn’t need it. -duck
by twistedlogic on Dec 13, 2010 1:06 PM EST up reply actions
Hence the “injuries and illnesses considered”…but BB has taken the line shuffling to a new (and IMO counter-productive) extreme.
Don't worry about getting to your point, I'm going to live forever.
by SeattleCapsFan on Dec 13, 2010 1:08 PM EST up reply actions
Why? Ovechkin hasn’t been hurt (at least, he hasn’t missed games). Neither has Backstrom, Semin, Laich, 85, Johansson, or Fehr, to my knowledge.
by Chris Burton on Dec 13, 2010 1:08 PM EST up reply actions
Defensive pairings have required a fair amount of shifting from injuries. That and the team has no legitimate 2C option which adds to the problem.
I don’t have much tolerance for stupid. Or cheese on food that doesn’t need it. -duck
by twistedlogic on Dec 13, 2010 1:20 PM EST up reply actions
Tinkering with the lines in December makes sense, especially given the illness/injuries and new players this year. Tinkering in March (like he did last year, which many players complained about after the season ended) can cause serious damage.
"I would feed them lefts until I was pretty much tired of doing it." - Alan May, JRR, 10.16.2010
I didn’t watch the game, but apparently Bruce called a timeout after the first goal or two. And the guys came over and appeared to not care what Bruce was saying, then promptly went back out and gave up two more goals by playing the exact same way.
It is posited to me that they quit on him yesterday, not b/c of the losing streak.
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
Bourdreau has never made wine out of water. He’s simply been a solid players’ coach who knows how to maximize offense out of very talented offensive players. A lot of times he does a good job simply by staying out of the way.
I completely agree. The thing with Boudreau is that he gets a lot of credit based on his (regular season) success. Obviously the record and the numbers have been outstanding, but in this case success is a function of two things: what you have to work with and what you do with it. Obviously what Boudreau has to work with is pretty impressive, which is why we have high expectations.
Evaluating how well a guy uses his team is obvious a pretty hard thing to do, and Boudreau’s stat sheet works in his favor, but what have we seen him do? We see him shuffle the lines, we see him motivate the team, but he hasn’t broken players of bad habits, or changed his system when his team has run into adversity, and those are things you need to do if you’re going to get the most out of your players. Now, perhaps the adjustments being made are too subtle to be picked up on by observers, but it just doesn’t seem like he’s doing a great job of working with what he has.
by David Getz on Dec 13, 2010 1:05 PM EST up reply actions 5 recs
were I the GM, the Montreal series last year would basically put me in “show me or you’re gone” mode for 2010-11.
There were a lot of factors in the Caps loss in that series, but one of the biggest was A) How badly Bruce was outcoached and B) Bruce’s inability to adapt or adjust to anything, whether on the PP or the regular offense.
If Bruce can’t carry his (ahem) weight in the playoffs, they need someone who can.
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
In fairness to Bruce, they have revamped the PK (an off-season adjustment).
However, there still appears to be an utter lack of a Plan B other than line-up shuffles for the offense and PP. And the absence of in-game adjustments (and/or lack of execution thereof) after 3 seasons remains puzzling.
The ice will show everything.
Except even the PK numbers aren’t THAT outstanding. Right around 83%. It’s better, but is it that much better?
Honestly? I think a lot of the improvement has just been getting 1) better personnel out there 2) keeping shifts shorter (i.e. ideally around :30 sec). and 3) making it a bit harder for other teams to set up.
This isn’t rocket science.
by Charlie Foxtrot on Dec 13, 2010 1:38 PM EST up reply actions
Good point on the PK, and I think the team has done pretty well with that this year. I admit when I commented, I was thinking more of shorter-term adjusts, which is the one area I’m not sold on Boudreau. Don’t get me wrong – I think he’s a smart guy, a good hockey mind, and has a good system. I just feel like he hasn’t tweaked it when it has been needed.
We never see any noticeable in-game adjustments. Boudreau is not a tweaker. He lays his cards on the table before the game starts.
You had me at no problem.
Boudreau is not a tweaker.
I want to go somewhere with this, but I’m not going to.
Can't he be both, like the late Earl Warren?
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 13, 2010 1:57 PM EST up reply actions
His constant mid-game line shuffling would beg to differ.
Don't worry about getting to your point, I'm going to live forever.
by SeattleCapsFan on Dec 13, 2010 2:03 PM EST up reply actions
He doesn’t seem to adjust strategy mid-game though. Unless you consider randomizing the lines to be a strategy shift, which I guess it could be.
I wonder if some of the lack of a solution to some of the opposing defences is a result of his insistence on not matching lines. Maybe if he matched lines, his forwards could have a chance to figure out what works against what opponents.
If it's too loud, turn it down.
I totally agree that randomizing the lines is not really a mid-game strategy shift. Ninjak said “mid-game changes” though, of which BB makes plenty. Part of the problem, as I see it, is that I think BB sees these line changes (both mid-game and after the fact) as sufficient strategy shifts. And in many cases, they just make it worse.
Don't worry about getting to your point, I'm going to live forever.
by SeattleCapsFan on Dec 13, 2010 2:16 PM EST up reply actions
He said ‘adjustments’, which I read as strategy shifts, like switching from carrying the puck in to dump and chase. I think we are agreeing though.
If it's too loud, turn it down.
Yea we are. And wow did I just have a quote fail.
Don't worry about getting to your point, I'm going to live forever.
by SeattleCapsFan on Dec 13, 2010 2:20 PM EST up reply actions
I’d like to see him let linemates develop some chemistry by having them together for more than 2 games in a row.
But really, I’m just down on BB today. It’s hard for me to muster praise for him at the moment. Harumph.
You had me at no problem.
Here’s the thing, though. Shifts in hockey usually last around 45 to 50 seconds. (A little more with some, of course.) While there are some guys that have a super-human connection (the Sedins, Gretzky and Kurri, Gilmour and Andrechuk) that you would probably want to not split up, in other situations you want to play the best guys who are playing their best and working hardest together.
While hockey and basketball aren’t very similar, you don’t have specific five-man units that play. You put the guys out that are able to perform the best at that time, during that game.
Chemistry is not always a super human thing though. It comes from playing together all the time. Some line juggling is gonna happen during a game, for instance when a player gets caught out on a long shift. But I think that it can also be detrimental to the team, and in this case, with the frequency and seemingly arbitrary nature of the line juggling, it is a detriment to this team.
If it's too loud, turn it down.
Despite the crap streak, Matt Hendricks has had a sorta solid week, I expect an up arrow.
I tweet far too much. Follow me!
Pleasure and pain, though directly opposite are contrived to be constant companions.
Outside of Ovie, Hendo looks like he was the only guy even remotely inspired out there.
I don’t have much tolerance for stupid. Or cheese on food that doesn’t need it. -duck
by twistedlogic on Dec 13, 2010 9:33 AM EST up reply actions
I am curious just how sick some of these guys are with the flu. Green must really be in bad shape if he couldn’t even make the trip.
I think it’s probably just a case of perspective in terms of a, relatively, meaningless game. And perhaps lingering shoulder injury/soreness.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 13, 2010 9:49 AM EST up reply actions
It could be pretty bad. I had some kind of stomach bug last weekend and I could barely eat for two days and didn’t really want to get out of bed.
I don’t have much tolerance for stupid. Or cheese on food that doesn’t need it. -duck
by twistedlogic on Dec 13, 2010 9:55 AM EST up reply actions
He’s got a charity event he’s suppose to host tonight so we’ll find out. (I still think the stomach flu is a smokescreen for his shoulder)
"I would feed them lefts until I was pretty much tired of doing it." - Alan May, JRR, 10.16.2010
I don’t think anyone deserves an up arrow, quite frankly. While Hendricks has been doing his thing well, and his backhanded PPG against the Avs was sweet, hard to give any forward an up arrow when they scored six goals in four games (4 in one of those games) during the week. I think not getting a down arrow is the new up arrow.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Dec 13, 2010 9:35 AM EST up reply actions
I’d agree for anyone other than Hendricks. The guy has been one big ball of energy….which is even more impressive considering in most of these games he’s been the only one. He’s dropped the gloves on multiple occasions, laid the hits, on top of the fact that his beauty of a goal was beyond anything anyone could have hoped from the guy (ten bucks says it goes down as one of his best goals of his career).
Don't worry about getting to your point, I'm going to live forever.
by SeattleCapsFan on Dec 13, 2010 10:25 AM EST up reply actions
Leafs' fan perspective
Looks like you all have a case of the dreaded “Blue and White Disease”. No, not complacency brought on by an adoring fanbase. That’s BS. I mean a combination of poor goaltending and incredibly bad puck luck on offence. Looking at the scoring chance data it seems you’re doing as well or better during the losing streak than in the rest of the season.
Lucky for you, the Caps still have amazing underlying talent (unlike the Leafs).
"That’s why stats are so important – anecdotal evidence just doesn’t cut it when you’re talking about history." - Bower Power
Lucky for you, the Caps still have amazing underlying talent
Which makes this all the more frustrating because you keep thinking this will be the time they bust out of it. I just keep telling myself not to get too worked up about the slide because it’s only December and it’s just a game. It could be worse, though. I could be a Caps fan and a Redskins fan.
I think if you check the profiles of many here (myself included) you’ll see the following:
a fan of
Washington Capitals
Washington Nationals
Washington Redskins
Washington Wizards
Hey, at least our unemployment rate here isn’t bad. :)
"I would feed them lefts until I was pretty much tired of doing it." - Alan May, JRR, 10.16.2010
The 7 – 0 loss is one thing. Down your top pair, with a 1C playing sick, a bunch of other guys playing sick, at the tail end of a busy stretch, a real bad game is understandable. It’s in the context of the previous stretch that it galls.
The Rangers and Avs were both playing their second game of a back to back.
AO has scored a PP goal in one game this season, which just beggars belief. The focus has been an issue all season.
I understand that the team and the coaching staff gets an opportunity to work their way out of this mess. But the team is a whisker away from falling to 7th – 8th seed territory. If they eventually fall out of the Top 8 by, say, the middle of January, I think there’s no choice but to make a change of some sort.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Regarding AO on the PP, maybe it’s time to take him off the point? I’ve been a supporter (or at least and ‘understander’) of putting him there, and he can virtually play the entire two minutes standing still but if he needs more action in the middle or up front to get him in the groove, then why not.
Sadly we need 3-4 or so solid point players for that to work. Green, maybe Carlson, Poti… sure. Perhaps it’s just time to try out some new faces back there.
he can virtually play the entire two minutes standing still
Never advocate this. Ever.
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 Dec 13, 2010 10:03 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
That was a bit tongue-in-cheek. Anyway, he certainly moves more than your standard defenseman would on the point, but the PP has really seemed different since the whole Halak.. thing.
Is there a reason why Boudreau hasn’t touched it one bit outside of rewarding the occasional bottom six forward with a minute in the spotlight?
Because he’s not a very good coach and doesn’t know how to make adjustments.
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 Dec 13, 2010 11:18 AM EST up reply actions
With all the talk about how the PP is run, for those who play hockey, how well do teams/special teams retain different systems? For example, as a dancer, I learned eleventy billion variations of certain dances to perform depending on circumstances: stage size, number of dancers, personnel changes due to illness or injury. Often we would have to perform the variations without rehersal. Are hockey players able to hold different strategies in their head/body to use on short notice? For example, could they rotate an agressive PK with a more passive PK as needed and still execute both of them well?
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
I assume he has faith in the numbers and past performance and that if the players will just listen to him and execute then they’ll score. I can kind of understand it; if it’s just a cold streak there’s no need to blow it up. But when is it no longer a cold streak?
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
That’s the million dollar question.
JP proposed that it occurs when the team no longer responds even though the coach’s job is manifestly on the line.
I think that’s a fine definition for the time when you absolutely have to pull the trigger. I don’t think we’re there yet.
5 posts/crossbars last night tells me the team was still trying.
But are they trying the right way? That’s the question I’m asking myself. I don’t think BB is the guy. I don’t think his system will ever bear fruit, or that he’ll ever get the most possible out of his troops.
I’d be OK with giving Hartley a shot, and I’m semi-OK with perhaps MacTavish on an interim basis.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
5 posts/crossbars last night tells me the team was still trying.
And Ovie turning the puck over at center ice then skating slowly toward the bench instead of backchecking tells me otherwise.
The same goes with Ryan Wilson’s goal the other night vs. the Avs.
For me, line changes are a great barometer of whether players are actually listening to a coach, or if they’re tuning him out. Consistently sloppy line changes are a sign that A) the coaching staff is calling for them at the wrong time, B) the players are undisciplined about when they come off the ice, or C) the players are irretrievably stupid and just don’t understand when they ought to come off. Given that the folks who are C are usually weeded out by the NHL, the answer is likely A or B.
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.
When they lose the division lead? And let’s not take it for granted folks, the Lightning and Thrashers have two games in hand and are three and four points back. This has the potential to turn ugly pretty quickly if it doesn’t get straightened out.
The Kolzilla PR department has advised me to post a link to my work at Inside Hockey, so here it is.
www.Insidehockey.com
If they eventually fall out of the Top 8 by, say, the middle of January, I think there’s no choice but to make a change of some sort.
I think we’re past the point of coyness. There is only one change to be made, and I’m not the only person hoping that it happens sooner than January.
You had me at no problem.
There is only one change to be made, and I’m not the only person hoping that it happens sooner than January.
Schultz to 2C?
by David Getz on Dec 13, 2010 10:21 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Schultz to the Kings for Belanger and Malkin.
Can't he be both, like the late Earl Warren?
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 13, 2010 10:22 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
This made me spit coffee. Well played, sir.
I think you could get Scuderi as well if you threw in a bucket of pucks.
by docciavelli on Dec 13, 2010 11:02 AM EST up reply actions
The entire conversation around BB is, I believe, based solely on expectations not on actual results.
If expectations were higher in Nashville or Buffalo, would Ruff and Trotz be gone by now, instead of being around forever. Based on results only, those two should have been long gone.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
Those expectations are based on the talent of the roster. Neither Ruff nor Trotz have ever had the kind BB has had. They have been saddled with offensively challenged squads and have gotten about as much as they could out of their rosters most years.
As for actual results, one playoff series win and that was in 7 game series against a team that made John Erskine look like Rod Langway. If that satisfies you than by all means carry the BB flag.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Links guy at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on Dec 13, 2010 10:35 AM EST up reply actions
Interesting. Where does the responsibility then lie, for example, in Nashville? If Trotz is a good coach, then their mediocrity is based on the players and Poile should be fired?
How long does Tippet get a honeymoon before expectations catch up with him?
When is it the players’ fault and not the coach?
Of course I’m not satisfied with BB’s one playoff series win, but Trotz has none, I believe, in a much longer tenure. Yet I doubt Trotz considers himself a caretaker coach.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
Trotz is limited by a lack of funding for player salaries. That team has to try to win on a shoestring, and so is hamstrung with respect to competing for the big prize.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
When you consider that Trotz has a roster that is consistently closer to the floor than the ceiling, and he’s coached a team to the playoffs 5 out of 6 years, won well over 400 games, and is one of only five teams to win 40 games 5 years in a row, I really don’t think he’s culpable to the extent some might.
There are a lot of problems, yeah, but you take Trotz away and it takes the Preds half a decade to return to where they are now (hold the jokes, people).
by Chris Burton on Dec 13, 2010 11:27 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
I’d argue that Regier in Buffalo should be gone and that Poile for all his acumen continues to struggle at drafting and acquiring significant offensive talent. However, both teams are in small markets and have had fiscal restraints put on them. Cost restraints make it harder to succeed, especially from year to year.
Expectations of Tippet? The guy is coaching a team that doesn’t have a legit elite scoring threat. If they make the playoffs he’s met expectations. Not his own and not the player’s, but one’s that are realistic based on what that team has to work with. GMDM has cobbled together a good roster, especially given the limitations placed upon him. Comparing Tippet to Boudreau is comparing apples to oranges given the rosters the two have.
In almost every work situation or relationship its not just one side’s fault. It is normally a combo of the GM, coach, and the players. However, the direction of the day to day goings on and the on-ice production falls upon the coach. If an entire team is under performing its on the coach. If the team lacks talent then that is on the GM. As for the players, while there may be a few trouble makers from time to time, all most guys want to do is win. If they aren’t performing up to their talent level then they are either in the wrong system and/or they have lost faith in their coach.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Links guy at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on Dec 13, 2010 11:00 AM EST up reply actions
Agreed. Poile has drafted exactly two elite-level offensive prospects, and one’s in Russia.
by Chris Burton on Dec 13, 2010 11:28 AM EST up reply actions
But that D is gold, baby, gold. He’s always had a great eye for the blueline.
"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 Dec 13, 2010 11:29 AM EST up reply actions
It is, but you can only go so far building like that. We’re 5th in GA/G, but you don’t win games 0-0.
by Chris Burton on Dec 13, 2010 11:30 AM EST up reply actions
GMDP only drafts D, GMJR only drafts Fs…maybe they should trade.
My blog and Twitter, featuring coverage of the most unpredictable team in the NHL and where we defend Mike Green, Alex Ovechkin, and Alexander Semin until the bitter end. That is to say, when someone tries to call BS on the Corsi numbers.
If you don't know how to use Timeonice, read this.
"Numbers don't lie, they just don't agree with you"--George E. Ays
by red army line on Dec 13, 2010 12:24 PM EST up reply actions
Rutherford, Carolina.
My blog and Twitter, featuring coverage of the most unpredictable team in the NHL and where we defend Mike Green, Alex Ovechkin, and Alexander Semin until the bitter end. That is to say, when someone tries to call BS on the Corsi numbers.
If you don't know how to use Timeonice, read this.
"Numbers don't lie, they just don't agree with you"--George E. Ays
by red army line on Dec 13, 2010 12:49 PM EST up reply actions
I thought it was “General Managers of Japers’ Rink”
"I would feed them lefts until I was pretty much tired of doing it." - Alan May, JRR, 10.16.2010
I think in one of the fanposts BP posted that someone on CI posted a list of potential McPhee replacements starting with “japers”
My blog and Twitter, featuring coverage of the most unpredictable team in the NHL and where we defend Mike Green, Alex Ovechkin, and Alexander Semin until the bitter end. That is to say, when someone tries to call BS on the Corsi numbers.
If you don't know how to use Timeonice, read this.
"Numbers don't lie, they just don't agree with you"--George E. Ays
by red army line on Dec 13, 2010 1:24 PM EST up reply actions
…which we have done entirely too many times in the past few years.
by Chris Burton on Dec 13, 2010 12:46 PM EST up reply actions
Hey, it’s what Tippett did last season…
My blog and Twitter, featuring coverage of the most unpredictable team in the NHL and where we defend Mike Green, Alex Ovechkin, and Alexander Semin until the bitter end. That is to say, when someone tries to call BS on the Corsi numbers.
If you don't know how to use Timeonice, read this.
"Numbers don't lie, they just don't agree with you"--George E. Ays
by red army line on Dec 13, 2010 12:49 PM EST up reply actions
I’d rather lose in shootouts now and win in the playoffs later, thanks.
by Chris Burton on Dec 13, 2010 12:50 PM EST up reply actions
I guess the question comes down to this.
Are the Caps just not that good?
Or is this just a rough patch that good teams sometimes go through, a la the ’Hawks last year, the Red Wings two years ago, as has been pointed out numerous times here?
Or is this the death throes of a coaching regime, where a team just lays down until a change is made?
It looks and smells like option 3 to me, but that’s just based on a mix of personal biases and intuition.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Look at what the same roster did before BB – last in the East. The talent is a major factor, but BB’s coaching has put them at the top.
There is no problem a hammer cannot either fix or make irrelevant.
Only if you consider “the top” to not include the playoffs.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 14, 2010 1:47 AM EST up reply actions
They are considered as one of the top teams by everyone who knows hockey.
There is no problem a hammer cannot either fix or make irrelevant.
They are considered as one of the top teams by everyone who knows hockey…in the regular season.
And that is not the same as being at the top. By definition, only one team can be at the top.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 14, 2010 12:38 PM EST up reply actions
Disagree, but…its probably irrelevant. I’m not sure how anyone could expect Trotz to do any more than he has, considering all the surrounding circumstances. I’d cut Poile loose long before Trotz, I think.
by Chris Burton on Dec 13, 2010 11:26 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Trotz is a good coach. He simply has no neck. As well as not having a guy in double-digit goals. Not his fault that the team won’t spend the money.
by docciavelli on Dec 13, 2010 11:29 AM EST up reply actions
Its not that they won’t (they have when its been there), they can’t. And Trotz’s system doesn’t really allow for a primary goal scorer – the Preds, for all intents and purposes, have four 2nd lines.
by Chris Burton on Dec 13, 2010 11:31 AM EST up reply actions
You may not be the only person, but the two opinions that matter aren’t quick to jump on big changes like that.
Soon we’ll get a blog about how this was just a pothole in the road to success after our big three game winning streak. Now everything is peachy in Caps land and we can buy more tickets and glisten in the sunlight while unicorns feed us rainbows through their horns.
And then the playoffs come.
I also doubt that GMGM will drop BB without a much worse collapse than we’ve had so far. Let’s remember that a coaching change would be a HUGE deal for this team. Many of these players came up from the AHL with Bruce. This kind of continuity has made resigning our players easier. You think Green is as happy to resign in DC if Bruce Boudreau has been fired?
I am not, however, convinced that the team will easily pull itself out of this funk. And I’m not convinced that they will ever solve their mental lapse issues with BB at the helm.
You had me at no problem.
The losing streak is a result of multiple absences of key players, lackluster goaltending, and most if not all of the scoring forwards and MIke Green scoring well below their career averages. There is no reason to think that all three of these issues will not right themselves over a fairly short period of time.
So where was the forecheck last night? How does Green/Schultz’s absence stop our forwards from playing with urgency and vigor?
You had me at no problem.
Varly wasn’t even supposed to start last night and they couldn’t pull him because Nuevy was so sick.
I’m wondering if Varly was getting sick himself, because he really didn’t play well. His worst game so far this season.
by vtcapsfan99 on Dec 13, 2010 11:26 AM EST up reply actions
Your savory breakfast links?
Hmm.
Your rancid breakfast links?
Your putrefactive breakfast links?
Your loathsome breakfast links?
[sigh]
by Uncle C on Dec 13, 2010 10:45 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Like a kidney stone.
But true. Nothing cures like wins. They are coming.
"Right now, I can't wait for the playoffs." -- Mike Green 1/18/2010
Not often you see putrefactive in a SBNation blog, you get a Rec.
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 13, 2010 2:08 PM EST up reply actions
Ha, for a second there I thought you were referring to how high Bradley’s shorts were hiked.
"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 Dec 13, 2010 11:36 AM EST up reply actions
Eyebleach… now….. someone please invent it!
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 13, 2010 2:08 PM EST up reply actions
I was working at a Borders in Princeton, New Jersey in 1996 when Bradley was considering a run for the Democratic nomination for president. He had just had a book published, and his staff called up our store and said that the Senator would be coming around later that day to sign copies, if we wanted him to.
Of course we said it was fine, so around 10 AM, with no customers in the store (this place did no business whatsoever), Bradley came in with several Secret Service agents and walked over to a table we had set up for him. There were about a dozen copies of his book, a pen, and a bottle of water.
He sits down at the table (he was a very tall guy, a bit lanky) and starts autographing each book. I was about 20 feet away from him when he started, but I walked up to him and said, “Sir, if you’re going to write in the books, you’ll have to buy them.”
He looked at me, dumbfounded, and stammered that he wrote the books.
“Yeah, I’m just joking,” I said and smiled. The guy didn’t do anything. Just stared at me.
This tells me two things: one, Bill Bradley was as stiff in person as he seemed on the court, and two, I am not a very funny person.
by RCheli on Dec 13, 2010 2:19 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Has no one in the press asked why he’s been benched?
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Links guy at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on Dec 13, 2010 11:18 AM EST up reply actions
Flu?
Can't he be both, like the late Earl Warren?
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 13, 2010 11:20 AM EST up reply actions
Quite possible. I just wonder if the question has been asked.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Links guy at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on Dec 13, 2010 11:23 AM EST up reply actions
It might be worth asking if the Capitals ever provided any credible information on injuries/illnesses – but they don’t.
True.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Links guy at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on Dec 13, 2010 11:38 AM EST up reply actions
It might be worth asking if the Capitals ever provided any credible information on injuries/illnesses – but they don’t.
And which teams in the NHL do? Hell, expand the question to all professional sports and tell me the team that’s open with their injuries.
The Caps need a second-line center. Could Nik Antropov be the guy? [Edmonton Journal (Matheson)]
First off, Matheson’s wrong—Antropov has another two years on his deal in Atlanta.
Second, Atlanta looks like they’ll squeak into the playoffs this year. That team needs a playoff series in the worst way to stay relevant and stoke what little of a fan base they’ve got. I doubt Waddell deals anyone of significance unless the Thrashers are more than 4 points out of the playoff race at the deadline in March. Further, the only pending UFA on that team that would garner any interest is Brent Sopel.
I don’t know what the hell Matheson’s smoking, but there are better options out there than Antropov. I still think Arnott’s a decent fit for the Caps.
I think you are remembering the Jason Arnott of old. Now he’s just old.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Links guy at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on Dec 13, 2010 11:26 AM EST up reply actions
Yes, but compare him to the Caps’ other options at 2C. If the Caps are looking at playoff success this year, wouldn’t it make more sense to have Arnott on that second line with Semin than Perreault? I don’t think Richards will wind up in Washington, so it’s really Arnott and Connolly that fit the mold of 2C among what’s available. Connolly isn’t a proven playoff performer like Arnott, and while Arnott’s getting old, he’s still better defensively and as a key FO man.
by docciavelli on Dec 13, 2010 11:37 AM EST up reply actions
Saying he’s better than the Caps current options isn’t a stellar recommendation, but I could buy your line of thinking. I’d prefer Connolly if I knew he wouldn’t fall apart 2 games into his time in DC.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Links guy at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on Dec 13, 2010 11:43 AM EST up reply actions
My thinking is that we try to pick up someone who’s signed through 2012 as a 2C. It might not be ideal, but there are more good centers available who are UFA in 2012 than there are in 2011. And since the major UFAs/RFAs to resign this year (Alzner, Varlamov, Laich, and Semin) won’t command as much of a raise as the major UFAs/RFAs next year (Green, Carlson, Fehr, and Chimera) it might be wise to trade for someone who’s signed through next year.
Dudley’s the GM there now, but yeah, agreed on the rest of your post.
"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 Dec 13, 2010 11:26 AM EST up reply actions
I thought Waddell was President now, and still had final decision-making power? I could be wrong here.
by docciavelli on Dec 13, 2010 11:30 AM EST up reply actions
Waddell is indeed the president. I’d like a job where the high water mark is mediocrity and the result is a promotion.
My guess is Dudley has full control, though.
"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 Dec 13, 2010 11:34 AM EST up reply actions
Someone had to go in there and do right.
Can't he be both, like the late Earl Warren?
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 13, 2010 11:35 AM EST up reply actions
well played, sir.
"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 Dec 13, 2010 11:36 AM EST up reply actions
I’d like a job where the high water mark is mediocrity and the result is a promotion.
There are PLENTY of government jobs available.
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 Dec 13, 2010 11:36 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I don’t know if you’ve worked for Lehman Bros. or any lending institution over the past decade, but …
by docciavelli on Dec 13, 2010 11:38 AM EST up reply actions
i’m taking my son to the game Wed and am looking forward to it. I think when they do break out of this funk they will trash some unsuspecting team. BTW, I wonder who Ted is referring to when he says “we” will meet. Is it him and GMGM, the two of them and Bruce or the entire team?
Don’t get too caught up in semantics, Ted uses the collective “we” quite a bit. I think its just his way of telling us he hears “our” concern and is not oblivious to whats going on.
Am I the only one who didn’t like that Ovechkin fought yesterday? While he didn’t get hurt, he very well could have (either by breaking his hand or getting his face broken), and he seemed to fight more out of frustration than of anything else.
I didn’t cheer when Crosby fought or when other skill players fight, because I’d rather see them do what they do best. Ovechkin being a good captain is working harder than everyone and being a leader on the ice. I really don’t know how he showed leadership here.
Trying something, anything, to change the momentum is what it comes down to. The regular season has come pretty easy to this team, for the most part, since Boudreau arrived. Now that it’s not, at least AO showed for a minute that he’s willing to try something to spark the team.
I would prefer that he try adjusting his offensive game, but for now I’ll take what I can get.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
I think he did plenty by that good, hard check on Girardi. I think, in stretches, he played harder than he has in weeks. Shouldn’t that get the team going?
You’d think so, but it wasn’t and he knew that. I thought it was great – I’m not a huge fan of superstars fighting in general, for the obvious injury concerns you laid out.
But in limited use I’m fine with it, this isn’t going to be a nightly thing for Ovi – he pulled it out almost as a last-ditch effort to save the game. That his teammates didn’t respond is a different issue but as I said in the recap, the fight and the screaming at the bench that followed was the most captainlike thing he’s done in a long time.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
By trying to spark his team? Because nobody else had bothered to fight when they were down 3 or 4-nothing and things weren’t improving? By screaming at the bench as soon as he finished fighting to show some passion?
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 13, 2010 11:48 AM EST up reply actions
Burton Coopcrab wouldn’t have pulled that stunt.
Can't he be both, like the late Earl Warren?
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 13, 2010 11:50 AM EST up reply actions
Burton Coopcrab is American Royalty, and he will do what he needs to inspire his troops!
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 13, 2010 11:54 AM EST up reply actions
Funniest part of the fight? At the beginning when Poti skated up to them, but stopped and looked around (no doubt looking for Bradley).
"I would feed them lefts until I was pretty much tired of doing it." - Alan May, JRR, 10.16.2010
I thought he looked very protective, which I could appreciate…if it was the best Poti could manage…
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 Dec 13, 2010 12:27 PM EST up reply actions
I was fine with it. It was nice to see something human from him. He also made sure to rip the helmet off before he kept fighting to help avoid breaking his hand.
Think twice before you speak, and then you may be able to say something more insulting than if you spoke right out at once.
Apparently Brandon Dubinsky is cool with the fight too:
Dubinsky praises Ovechkin & has nothing but respect 4 him despite fight “Really respect how he plays and the competitor he is…good battle”
-thenyrangers tweet
The Rangers were all in a good mood after thrashing us 7-0. I’d be surprised if Dubi talked crap after that.
You had me at no problem.
I think there’s also another issue going on. Dubinsky has had a running feud going on with Crosby where he’s called him a dirty player after his run-ins with him. I think Dubinsky is making it a point to praise Ovechkin as a counter-point to his scraps with Sid.
by b.orr4 on Dec 13, 2010 3:16 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
That was essentially my initial thought….praising Ovechkin is another slap in the face to Crosby.
I know I shouldn’t like it, but it brings a smile to my face.
I don’t think winning was that important to Ovechkin. It was all about making a statement to the rest of the guys on the bench. Obviously, it didn’t do much for that game but if the Caps do turn this around starting Wednesday night, then beat the Penguins next week and ultimately do something in the playoffs, you know that fight is going to be cited as the act that saved the season.
Dubie’s a former Winterhawk. Automatically good people.
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.
And I’d gladly give up part of my anatomy to get him on the Caps.
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.
Agreed. I’d love to see either him or Callahan (or Staal) on the Caps. I’d love it so hard. Take it out to a fancy dinner at a nice steak house and then to a Broadway show.
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 Dec 13, 2010 3:37 PM EST up reply actions
Happy Birthday Doug Mohns
I can’t say I was a Caps fan when Mohns played here. In fact I was born the year he did, which was the Caps expansion year of 1974-1975. He was our first ever captain and the year he played here was the end of a long career where he also played for Boston, Chicago and Minnesota. It was in Chicago that he had his most success as he was an enforcer for Bobby Hull as well as the LW on the Hawks’ famous “Scooter Line” in the 60s with Stan Mikita and Kenny Wharram.
Mohns was one of the first players to wear a helmet. He wore it, not only for safety reasons but also to cover his ever-growing bald spot. This also was related to this story recalled on the Capitals Memories site:
From the Washington Star: Mohns “used to carry a curious red box with him on road trips. There was a big furor when it got lost one night. He kept his toupee inside the box.”
I poured spot remover on my dog. Now he's gone.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 13, 2010 12:53 PM EST reply actions 3 recs
In looking back on old photos, I am always amazed that Bobby Hull played with a toupee and without a helmet. I’m sure there were others. I’m shocked that no one tried to rip it off his head.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
BTW, Spidey, Ted himself applauded your Monty Python pic.
Nice work.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
by fat_daddyo on Dec 13, 2010 1:15 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
“Life of Brian” was probably their best film, and it almost didn’t get made. They were close to running out of money on the project and it was reported in Variety Magazine. George Harrison read that, got in touch with the Pythons and offered to fund the movie so that it would be made so he could see it. As he called it, “The most expensive theatre ticket in history.” From that investment, Harrison and the Pythons created “Handmade Films” and it actually made Harrison a lot of money with Life of Brian, Time Bandits, and many other movies….
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 13, 2010 2:13 PM EST up reply actions
And my favourite, Withnail & I
I poured spot remover on my dog. Now he's gone.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 13, 2010 2:20 PM EST up reply actions
Admittedly, that’s kinda cool. Thanks for pointing me to it.
Good for the whole board though and good for Ted to be able to digest the positives and the negatives.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
Agreed. And to think that some people call us elitist. If Ted’s elitist, I’ll take it.
(See YLM’s post on CI for reference to above.)
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
I’m pretty sure we already knew that, but it’s still neat.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 13, 2010 2:31 PM EST up reply actions
I actually didn’t believe he read the commments here, just the posts. I wonder if he sleeps.
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 Dec 13, 2010 2:52 PM EST up reply actions
He does. On a pile of money, with many beautiful ladies.
Can't he be both, like the late Earl Warren?
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 13, 2010 2:53 PM EST up reply actions
A bit of nostalgia
Daily Awards
* Hart: Eric Belanger (4A, +1)
* Ross: Eric Belanger (4 points)
* Norris: Kent Huskins (0 points, +5, 4 hits, 3 takeaways, 0 giveaways)
* Vezina: Martin Gerber (W, 35 saves on 37 shots against)
* Richard: Peter Schaeffer, Jarret Stoll, Daniel Alfredsson, Corey Perry, Joe Pavelski (2G each)
* Calder: Denis Tolpeko (G, A, +1)
* Aiken: Lubomir Visnovsky (0 points, -4)
From Nov 16, 2007 Roundup after a 2-1 loss to FLA.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Wow…Denis Tolpeko?
Can't he be both, like the late Earl Warren?
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 13, 2010 1:35 PM EST up reply actions
S/t PPP
My blog and Twitter, featuring coverage of the most unpredictable team in the NHL and where we defend Mike Green, Alex Ovechkin, and Alexander Semin until the bitter end. That is to say, when someone tries to call BS on the Corsi numbers.
If you don't know how to use Timeonice, read this.
"Numbers don't lie, they just don't agree with you"--George E. Ays
by red army line on Dec 13, 2010 2:20 PM EST reply actions 13 recs
What exactly was he doing when that clip was taken? Other than chowing down on a delicious waffle of course.
I don’t have much tolerance for stupid. Or cheese on food that doesn’t need it. -duck
by twistedlogic on Dec 13, 2010 2:30 PM EST up reply actions
Fantasizing about waffley loving: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ergxf2I_ilM&has_verified=1
You had me at no problem.
000
Oh God, the PPP post with Waffle shops was hilarious.
I think this was my favorite
Can't he be both, like the late Earl Warren?
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 13, 2010 2:32 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
How come the Leafs get all the good memes? We’re stuck with making fun of CI and “haters gonna hate”
Can't he be both, like the late Earl Warren?
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 13, 2010 2:33 PM EST up reply actions
I dunno. It seems like they just kind of organically fall into awesomeness.
Can't he be both, like the late Earl Warren?
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 13, 2010 2:38 PM EST up reply actions
Well, it must be at least partially due to having about 100x as many hardcore fans as we have. There’s bound to be way more class clowns and skilled photoshop artists in their fanbase.
You had me at no problem.
Plus we’ve got a lot of time on our hands when we don’t have to focus on things like “winning” or “playoffs”
20 miles to Legoland!
by nhlcheapshot on Dec 13, 2010 3:01 PM EST up reply actions
Haters gonna hate w/Green carrying a waffle? Maybe one day it’ll be the Stanley Cup instead…
My blog and Twitter, featuring coverage of the most unpredictable team in the NHL and where we defend Mike Green, Alex Ovechkin, and Alexander Semin until the bitter end. That is to say, when someone tries to call BS on the Corsi numbers.
If you don't know how to use Timeonice, read this.
"Numbers don't lie, they just don't agree with you"--George E. Ays
by red army line on Dec 13, 2010 2:35 PM EST up reply actions
It’s not the size of the meme that matters, it’s what you do with it.
20 miles to Legoland!
by nhlcheapshot on Dec 13, 2010 3:01 PM EST up reply actions
A little rant by me that some of you might find interesting…and others will probably ignore and/or tear apart, that’s fine :P
http://www.japersrink.com/2010/12/13/1873624/resurfacing-the-rink-bringing-respect-back
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
Apparently someone started a Fire Bruce Boudreau Facebook group. I can’t get there from work, but I’ve seen it on Twitter.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
I don’t want to frontrun tomorow’s clips today, but noted hockey expert John Feinstein just penned a column about the Caps and their need to trade for a goalie.
Spoiler Alert- the names Brodeur and Roloson appear.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
thanks for the heads up, I’ll be sure to avoid it.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Smart Fella, this Friedman
The concern I have for the Capitals is this: Of all the really good teams in the NHL, they are the most fragile. Bruce Boudreau is tough on his goalies, but everyone else gets a lot of freedom and encouragement. Despite that, there’s a kind of “Woe is me attitude” when things go bad.
Sounds a lot like a “brittle” team.
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 liked this too:
27) Brian Rafalski got hit twice going back for pucks against Nashville last Wednesday. If Jonathan Ericsson doesn’t get it no matter what side it goes to, Mike Babcock is displeased. Same goes for Brad Stuart and Lidstrom.
You mean you can find ways to protect your precious defensemen without putting a goon in the press box?
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Yeah. There was a good interview with Babcock about that on NHL Live a couple days ago.
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.
Indicative of a team that hasn’t had much regular season adversity in a few years. I don’t think they are more or less brittle than any other team with high expecations who are crapping the bed consistently. How guys respond now may go along way in determining what moves need to be made at the deadline.
If I were Eric Fehr, I’d make sure the Ducks goalie is smelling my farts all game long.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Dec 13, 2010 5:01 PM EST up reply actions
Indicative of a team that hasn’t had much regular season adversity in a few years.
Three years ago, this team was DFL in the league before BB came in and only made the playoffs on the last day of the season.
Two years ago, they had a bajillion injuries and a horrendous West Coast road trip.
Last year, the team’s star players all saw their Olympic hopes go up in smoke.
Was it adversity just like this? No, but it was adversity.
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.
Yes, it was adversity, but I think the type of adversity matters. Injuries and Olympic losses are a lot different than facing adversity from the teams you are going to meet in the playoffs, IMO.
I think in the end, this will be good for them. (Or at least am hoping a praying it will be).
I like Laich, but I <3 Green
by RockinRed4Life on Dec 14, 2010 5:22 AM EST up reply actions
They’ve certainly been brittle over the past three games. They were brittle against New Jersey and Atlanta. So I’d say the shoe fits.
But that being said, it’s not exactly something that we’ve seen from this team before. How many come-from-behind victories have we witnessed from the caps? How many times, over the past three years, have we seen the Capitals spot a three goal lead to the other team by the 10 minute mark in the second period, only to tie it up and force overtime? To an extent, this team, over the past three years, has been better when they’re coming from behind.
To an extent, that’s bad. You don’t want a team that is so overconfident as to not turn it on until the 10th minute in the second period. Then again, it’s also a useful skill to have if you end up behind every once in a while. But if you’re having scoring issues, then it becomes more of a problem.
I think the Capitals are at a point where they don’t know how not to go down into that 3-0 hole, and they feel like they’ve forgotten how to climb out of it (or, for some reason, they’re unable to do so).
I’ll throw this out here, too, since not everyone has Twitter:
One very generous Rink Reader has provided me with ONE FREE VIP PASS to tonight’s Mike Green charity event at the 930 Club – that means a ticket to the concert PLUS drinks, hor d’oeuvres, and a meet and greet w/ Greenie and G. Love.
To get the pass, email me (rebeccahenschel@gmail.com) with a good deed you’ve done recently. Best response gets it :)
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
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