Tuesday Caps Clips: Habs @ Caps Game Day
by J.P. on Dec 28, 2010 6:37 AM EST
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Your savory breakfast links:
- Previews of tonight's clash with the Canadiens from Vogs, NHL.com (Pinchevsky), CI and Peerless, and be sure to check out our SB Nation partner Habs Eyes On The Prize for more coverage from the other side of tonight's match up.
- Notes and assorted whatnot from yesterday's practice. [Caps365 (video), CI, CI]
- John Carlson and Karl Alzner's emergence has to be one of the biggest positives for the Caps over the first half of the season. [CSN Washington (Masisak)]
- "The Capitals should definitely look to upgrade their goaltending and/or defense, both to shake up their roster, and to win now with a win-now team." [Hockey Prospectus]
- Everything you wanted to know (and then some) about the preparations for the Winter Classic rink. [NHL.com (Rosen), NHL.com's Winter Classic page]
- Everyone's fretting over whether the weather will cooperate. [ESPN, CI]
- Four other things that could go wrong for this incarnation of the NHL's marquee regular season event. [Puck Daddy]
- And what's next for the Classic? [FtR]
- Alexander Semin: "I like everything here, and I would not like to leave." [RMNB]
- Are the Caps winning "the right way" now? Where's R.J. Umberger when you need him? [Inside Hockey]
- The last word (we think) on Tim Gleason's hit on Mathieu Perreault. [SI.com (Hackel)]
- Alex Ovechkin's top five plays of the week. [CSN Washington (video)]
- How AO can get back into "The Debate." [ESPN ($)]
- "Now that the slump is over, Ovechkin can simply focus on going out and playing his game. There is probably going to be hell for other teams to pay in the very near future. That's just how hockey works, especially for the game's superstars." [Versus (Meltzer)]
- Brian Leetch on the Caps' struggles. [SI.com (and an additional blurb on 24/7, if that first clip didn't put you to sleep)]
- Some blowhard who gets paid to say inflammatory things says inflammatory things blowhardedly. [Beaver County Times]
- The year's most shocking on-ice moments include a current Cap doing something as a member of another team and a former Cap doing something as a Cap. Any guesses? [Puck Daddy]
- Bear Tracks! [LDN]
- I bet you've been wondering, "How's that Zach Miskovic coming along?" Wonder no more. [LDN]
- Nice night for Philipp Grubauer at the WJCs. [Buzzing the Net, KG's District]
- It looks as if Anton Gustafsson is going to give hockey another go. [hockeysverige]
- Finally, happy 34th birthday to Benoit Gratton.
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Stan Wong is the trainer for Team USA. Wow.
I'm gonna haul ass to Lollapalooza!
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 28, 2010 7:34 AM EST reply actions
Phil Housley’s an assistant coach as well.
"So if I drank a bottle of rum (not really, it was about 2/3 of a bottle) starting at 1p and continuing through the Caps game does that mean I need to do that every Caps game from here on?"
"I would, but I’d also get yourself onto the organ transfer list as well just in case."
by Bald Pollack on Dec 28, 2010 7:48 AM EST up reply actions
Is he really? LOL.
I'm gonna haul ass to Lollapalooza!
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 28, 2010 7:50 AM EST up reply actions
Tee hee
Massage Therapist: Peewee Willmann, Hannover, Germany
I'm gonna haul ass to Lollapalooza!
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 28, 2010 7:51 AM EST up reply actions
Jeremy Morin’s shoulder is just fine, dammit. Just. Fine.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
…Insert your own Pee Wee Herman joke here…
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 28, 2010 9:09 AM EST up reply actions
“The Capitals should definitely look to upgrade their goaltending and/or defense, both to shake up their roster, and to win now with a win-now team.”
Do these guys pay any attention, at all? You’d think they’d know by now this is far from a/the problem.
Spals to the wall.
Something bothers me about
and to win now with a win-now team
What happens if they don’t win with a win-now team? What exactly constitutes a “win-now” team?
I'm gonna haul ass to Lollapalooza!
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 28, 2010 8:08 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah, confusing. And whether or not the Caps “make a move”, they should expect to contend for the title as-is.
Spals to the wall.
by Chris Burton on Dec 28, 2010 8:10 AM EST up reply actions
I think “win-now” refers to the high number of free agents (Semin and Laich leading the way), with some other big names behind them in the next couple of years… but everyone with young talent is in a similar boat.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I would think that, with our core, we are the opposite of a “win-now” team. Maybe we’re a “win-now-if-Semin-wants-a-championship” team, but I think our window is as long as most teams’.
Eat, drink, and be merry! And then drink some more.
This is a team with a core and a lot of replaceable parts. That’s the way the cap forces clubs to manage. This year is the last chance for this team to win. If it doesn’t, especially if it fails early in the playoffs, a lot of those replaceable parts are going to be replaced. There isn’t much use in offering raises to everyone with expiring contracts for a team that arguably would have underachieved the last three seasons.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Totally agree, and it’s the exact reason the Caps shouldn’t even think about extending Semin (among others, perhaps) until after the season. If things go south in the spring, you probably need to rethink how you’ve built the team and take a bit of a different approach, which is much harder to do when you’re locked into more than a couple big contracts.
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by J.P. on Dec 28, 2010 9:47 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I don’t know if examining the rebuild is warranted, though I’d maybe assert that some of their decisions with folks that are here (read: the Steckel and Erskine extensions) are the things that need examining as they influence other decisions elsewhere.
"So if I drank a bottle of rum (not really, it was about 2/3 of a bottle) starting at 1p and continuing through the Caps game does that mean I need to do that every Caps game from here on?"
"I would, but I’d also get yourself onto the organ transfer list as well just in case."
by Bald Pollack on Dec 28, 2010 9:57 AM EST up reply actions
They do, but not nearly as much as locking in to a ~7m guy. If the Caps decide to tweak things this summer, moving from “flash and dash” to “bump and grind” is a lot tougher to do with Alex Semin back in the fold (not just b/c of the type of player he is, but b/c of the salary he’s likely to command).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Agreed. But I could see $7m*1 year.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
see I think he gives a major discount to stay hear, not only with Alex but in a place he doesnt need to talk. If he takes 7-8 m from a team that needs a face, I dont think he will be comfortable in the spotlight.
His agent has said he (agent) doesn’t believe in hometown discounts. We shall see.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Has Sasha had even one goal since Flash got traded? It’s been a while since he scored.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Semin is 0 for December in the Goals department.
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by Sombrero Guy on Dec 28, 2010 10:08 AM EST up reply actions
Does that officially put to rest the “he’s playing for a contract!” talk from November?
Like I said then, we’ve seen hot streaks from him before and we’ll see them again. If anyone thinks they know what motivates Sasha, they’re kidding themselves.
[Cue “but he’s been hurt/sick/whatever” responses]
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I don’t think it’s fair to pile on the guy when he’s whatever.
Eat, drink, and be merry! And then drink some more.
He’s always whatever.
You had me at no problem.
by Ninjak on Dec 28, 2010 10:12 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
These are Sasha’s United States of Whatever.
This game is all about overcoming diversity.
by D'ohboy on Dec 28, 2010 10:37 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Be nice to get one of those hot streaks from late April-Early June.
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 28, 2010 10:14 AM EST up reply actions
Ovi’s averaged like 1.5 points per game in the playoffs for his career so far. If he can keep that up, AND get some help from the other two lines, look out world.
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 28, 2010 10:28 AM EST up reply actions
For 9 or 10 m here I don’t see the captain taking a mic in his face after every game.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
He speaks alot after the games, and is a hell of alot more involved then Semin is. 9 or 10 m and a C for Ovi has been paid back in spades to the capitals franchise and the fanbase and there is still plenty to come.
He speaks alot after the games, and is a hell of alot more involved then Semin is.
Obviously. But there was at least one game during the losing streak (Boston) after which I believe he did not speak with media. It’s easy to talk after wins…
9 or 10 m and a C for Ovi has been paid back in spades to the capitals franchise and the fanbase and there is still plenty to come.
I’m not going to argue the first part, and I’m just as hopeful as you are on the second.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
By involved I also mean engaging with fans. I have a 7yo kid who is a Caps fanatic. It starts with Ovi and all the kids you see in VC because of him will build a strong fanbase for the future.
We have met 8 and 28 on many occasions. 8 is great with the kids, takes pics, smiles, jokes. 28 pretends he doesnt know english. These aspects should play into a contract when you are talking that kind of money.
Get your asses out of your heads -BB
Yeah, I certainly don’t disagree.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
You mean the Rangers finally grew a brain?
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Dec 28, 2010 12:28 PM EST up reply actions
Re: Sasha Minor – does anyone know what happened during the Pitt game when he was skating up ice, then just dropped his stick and kicked the puck into the end? It didn’t look like it was broken, from up in 400, but I saw that and just shook my head – more mercurial Semin nonsense.
This interview is telling as it somewhat confirms a theory I’ve had about 28 for a while – even if he could get more money elsewhere (and if he keeps this up, that’s dubious) I don’t think another organization would put up with the Semin Shenanigans we just sort of take as a fact of life with this guy. I think GMGM has the upper hand on this one. Push come to shove, Sasha wants to stay with his boys and be able to conduct interviews with a translator and be his inconsistent self. All that goes out the window if he leaves DC.
The MP-85: Compact, durable, travels well and capable of sustained firepower when needed. The most deadly thing to come out of Quebec since Poutine.
by TheMattyHatty on Dec 28, 2010 2:22 PM EST up reply actions
Adding to that thought, I wonder how much he’s worth to a team that wants a “face of the franchise”? That’s not what they’re going to get.
"It's always good to have vikings."
not at all, thats my point. If someone else is gonna pay him 7 or 8 m, he will need to talk after every game. I think hed take 5m to stay here behind the other sasha
I think you’re right that he’ll take less money to stay here, but I don’t know how much less. His agent might also push him about getting a bigger contract somewhere else. Did you read the RMNB translation of a Russian interview of Semin? He seems quite content here.
by vtcapsfan99 on Dec 28, 2010 11:39 AM EST up reply actions
Yea I read that. He is most definitely very comfortable here. I think he JUST wants to play hockey. I dont think he wants a letter on his sweater. A stage to stand on during conventions and fans to interact with. He can have that only here really. So the question is, how much a year is that worth to him. 1-2m below market value would be my guess.
Get your asses out of your heads -BB
Sorry I’m late to this conversation….
If Semin wanted 3 years/$19.5M and wouldn’t budge, and you were GMGM, would you:
a) take it?
b) keep him for the duration of the season, make a run at the Cup and let him walk?
c) trade him at the deadline and get some value in return for him?
Personally I would hate to see scenario b unfold. I’m not convinced Semin’s integral to a Cup run and am unsure how he fits into this new we’re-serious-about-defense team. So we’d be letting a valuable asset walk for what is in my opinion a non-integral playoff rental. (But I realize I’m in the minority on my views re: Semin.)
The "Other" Box Seats Blogger
I’m not convinced Semin’s integral to a Cup run and am unsure how he fits into this new we’re-serious-about-defense team.
Sigh.
Alex Semin is good at defense.
"Hockey is my life, wine is my passion." -- Igor Larionov
by Scott in Shaw on Dec 28, 2010 3:30 PM EST up reply actions
you’re using facts? Facts have a well known pro-Semin bias!
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Sigh.
Semin’s good defensive numbers pointed out in that dated link are not because of his sound defensive system play or hustle on the back-check. It’s because he plays a puck possession game and keeps the puck out of opposing team’s hands. They can’t score if they can’t get the puck. Otherwise, at 5-on-5, he’s not exceptionally good at playing team-oriented defense -a style of play the team is moving to.
I’ll concede that he still is a net positive player, with his ON/60 at 1.31 for the season. But if this move from the Run-N-Gun to a more defensive style is permanent, Semin becomes less and less valuable to the team.
The "Other" Box Seats Blogger
How about his Rink Wrap from the end of last season, is that late enough for you? You can’t make the argument about his defensive skills while ignoring his stellar PK work. Playing in his own end was never an issue with Semin; his problems have more to do with discipline and general flaki-ness.
"I would feed them lefts until I was pretty much tired of doing it." - Alan May, JRR, 10.16.2010
I’m somewhere in between on this argument. He can play very good D, but he doesn’t always. But the flakiness is a huge problem. To play a real defensive system you need to be focused all the time, and I don’t think we can rely on that from Semin.
Drunk Guy: "Alex Ovechkin is playing more like Magic Johnson than Michael Jordan this year."
Laichitor: "He has AIDS?"
I’ll give you Semin’s PK abilities. They’re excellent and the Caps should use him more in that role. But I don’t see his focus playing 5-on-5 defense in his own zone. He doesn’t back-check well, he doesn’t block shots, he’s not great at tieing up his man and he cheats on the break-out. That might have worked in the days of the run-n-gun, but if the new system sticks there won’t be patience for this sort of play.
Don’t get me wrong…Semin’s valuable to this team. I’m just not sure that he’s worth $6M to a team that is moving away from the Run-N-Gun. We need guys that can play two-way system hockey, and Semin has shown no willingness to do it consistently on the defensive end. (I actually think the idea of playing system hockey would make Semin puke.)
The "Other" Box Seats Blogger
I’m not convinced he’d fetch all that much in a trade.
If wishes were horses, we'd all be eating steak.
by Hang a Laingtern on Your Problems on Dec 28, 2010 3:33 PM EST up reply actions
Hope he packs all his stuff for the K.
Frankly at this point we’ve got other assets that we need to think about making commitments to and he’s getting too pricey for this club.
"So if I drank a bottle of rum (not really, it was about 2/3 of a bottle) starting at 1p and continuing through the Caps game does that mean I need to do that every Caps game from here on?"
"I would, but I’d also get yourself onto the organ transfer list as well just in case."
by Bald Pollack on Dec 28, 2010 3:39 PM EST up reply actions
I’d choose c, b and a in descending order of preference (dependent on what that “value” is in c). I would not choose a under any circumstances, unless it’s after the season and he’s holding the Conn Smythe trophy he just won.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Basically, in a salary cap world, every team is in a win-now situation. However, with Ovechkin, Backstrom, Green, Schultz, Carlson, Alzner, Varly and Neuvirth all under 25 and under the team’s control for the next few years, I’d say this team is under far less pressure to win now vs teams such as Philly, Pittsburgh, Boston or Detroit.
They need to win now. Shoulda won last year. Got the core to win lots of Cups, but they have to win the first one…first. This year is as good as any to start.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Actually, they should have won in 1986. The road to the Cup opened up like a five-lane highway and somehow the Caps still managed to drive the bus into the ditch.
by b.orr4 on Dec 28, 2010 10:02 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
This. A kazillion times this.
The OatesStache: Tickling taints since 1975.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 28, 2010 3:28 PM EST up reply actions
My favorite part of that Madden article:
Following this:
McPhee is too much in love with the current version of his team to make the changes necessary to win a Stanley Cup. He tinkers, but won’t make a big move. Weaknesses linger and become more obvious, but not to McPhee.
With this:
McPhee might deal, but there’s no quick fix when it comes to closing the gap.
So the Caps apparently need to make a “big move” but even if he does make a “big move”, there’s no “quick fix”.
I'm gonna haul ass to Lollapalooza!
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 28, 2010 7:56 AM EST reply actions
____
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 28, 2010 7:59 AM EST up reply actions 5 recs
Looks like a typical all-hands meeting at my job, right before the scheduled time for pay raises…
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 28, 2010 9:10 AM EST up reply actions
You’re expecting rationality from this?
"So if I drank a bottle of rum (not really, it was about 2/3 of a bottle) starting at 1p and continuing through the Caps game does that mean I need to do that every Caps game from here on?"
"I would, but I’d also get yourself onto the organ transfer list as well just in case."
by Bald Pollack on Dec 28, 2010 7:59 AM EST up reply actions
The article has been bookmarked for when we beat them in the playoffs, so I can pull it back out and make fun of him.
I'm gonna haul ass to Lollapalooza!
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 28, 2010 8:01 AM EST up reply actions
At least that video helped us finally Identify this kid. A young Mark Madden
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 28, 2010 9:58 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
At least he can dance...
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 28, 2010 5:23 PM EST up reply actions
You’re not getting it. Madden has (or so he claims) an IQ of 170 (or some similarly lofty number). For the uninitiated, this is a “genius” level more commonly associated with university faculty and academic researchers. You common folks simply are not capable of comprehending the sort of thinking that would result in the self-affirming logic that says, “McPhee isn’t a big move guy, and even if he was, he’d fail because he’s McPhee.”
If you've read this far...seek help.
This guy is the worst
I live in Pittsburgh and until about Feb. of 2010 (when the FAN finally got a local sports talk frequency here) I had to listen to this jackwagon for hockey news if I wanted to get information from the radio. Now, it should be said that just because he is probably the most unathletic person (see this link to get an idea: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/images/200805/20080528pdmadden_500.jpg) on the planet doesn’t mean he doesn’t know or can’t know hockey. However, I can’t come to terms with how a guy that spends as much time, if not more, at a strip club compared to time spent honing his craft on the radio can be taken seriously. Also keep in mind that this is “written” for the Beaver County Times which is pretty much a daily rag distributed to the 10 people that have a subsription. I am one of two Caps fans I personally know here in the Burgh (grew up in upper MoCo and relocated here after college here in PA — really the property values are to die for!!) and there are a lot of good Pens fans in this town. I enjoy hanging out and discussing our respective teams with the reasonable, rational ones that understand the game and the ebbs and flows, etc. However, there is a large number of folks that listen to this guy and take what he says as gospel — it is sad. . . . very very sad indeed.
Forget about finding your perfect match, I want a website where you can find your perfect arch-nemesis
by Lunatic Fringe on Dec 28, 2010 9:12 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
There’s something there with “spends all his time at a strip club” and “Beaver County Times” but I haven’t had coffee yet.
Eat, drink, and be merry! And then drink some more.
by SmallZ827 on Dec 28, 2010 9:16 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
The club newsletter?
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Dec 28, 2010 9:43 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
not sure coffee was even needed
But yeah, you kinda get an idea of what perspective this “blowhard” is coming from. . .
Forget about finding your perfect match, I want a website where you can find your perfect arch-nemesis
by Lunatic Fringe on Dec 28, 2010 12:02 PM EST up reply actions
Speaking of dumb statements, Poti’s out with a head injury per the team, right? So that’s why On the Fly says he’s out with a groin injury. Not that it isn’t still an issue, but it’s not officially why he’s out. And I haven’t seen any of our beat reporters say anything otherwise.
"It's always good to have vikings."
If his groin is injured, that’s still a head injury, right?
I'm gonna haul ass to Lollapalooza!
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 28, 2010 8:05 AM EST up reply actions
000
Hey! Chris Osgood won his 400th game!
One of these things is not like the others…one of these things just doesn’t belong….
I'm gonna haul ass to Lollapalooza!
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 28, 2010 8:06 AM EST reply actions
Good stuff at Brodeur is a Fraud on Ozzie. Money quote:
Chris Osgood’s career record in playoff series where his team had a 20+ point regular season advantage over their opponents:
7 wins, 1 loss
Chris Osgood’s career record in playoff series where his team had an advantage of less than 20 points over their opponents:
8 wins, 8 losses
Granted, I’d have killed for the Caps to have an .875 all-time playoff series record against teams who finished 20+ points behind them in the regular season, but that’s another story.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
HALL OF FAME HALL OF FAME HALL OF FAME HALL OF FAME HALL OF FAME HALL OF FAME HALL OF FAME HALL OF FAME HALL OF FAME HALL OF FAME HALL OF FAME HALL OF FAME
- Joe Wings Fan
Spals to the wall.
by Chris Burton on Dec 28, 2010 8:11 AM EST up reply actions
He’s the ultimate proof that wins are a terrible stat for judging goaltenders (and pitchers)
I'm gonna haul ass to Lollapalooza!
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 28, 2010 8:17 AM EST up reply actions
As is consecutive games played for judging major league baseball players. Longevity is not excellence.
OK, that’s unfair, but in fairness to Osgood, he does have a 2.09 career GAA and a .916 save percentage in the playoffs. You wouldn’t put Billy Smith in the Hall of Fame for his regular season work, but he was 20 points better in his save percentage and almost half a goal a game better in his GAA in the playoffs.
If you've read this far...seek help.
OK, that’s unfair, but in fairness to Osgood, he does have a 2.09 career GAA and a .916 save percentage in the playoffs
He’s pretty much spent his entire career playing on all-star teams.
I'm gonna haul ass to Lollapalooza!
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 28, 2010 8:32 AM EST up reply actions
OTOT but Ripken was more than just the streak. Two time MVP, rookie of the year, All Star like 19 years in a row, 3,000 hits, 400+ home runs, 2 time (should have been at least 3) gold glove award winner, etc etc.
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by Sombrero Guy on Dec 28, 2010 10:03 AM EST up reply actions
yeah people forget that Ripken earned his spot on the roster for all those years and early on, a power hitting, tall shortstop was completely unheard of. He changed the face of baseball and forced shortstops to become more than just defensive specialists.
My death was arranged by special plans in Heaven and only occasioned comment by ten persons in Adams, Massachusetts. The best thing ever said about me was that I was deft at specifying trump.
Yep. He revolutionized the position. I mean, he wasn’t Bobby Orr, but he changed the game.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
That’s like comparing Osgood to Roy because they both won a Cup (in this case, a gold glove)
Lightyears of talent difference between the two. 10 straight 20+ HR seasons as soon as he hit the majors for Ripken and 4 or 5 total 20+ hr seasons for Yount
My death was arranged by special plans in Heaven and only occasioned comment by ten persons in Adams, Massachusetts. The best thing ever said about me was that I was deft at specifying trump.
Sort of. Yount was 4 inches and 40-50 pounds smaller, and hit for 200 fewer career home runs.
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 28, 2010 11:15 AM EST up reply actions
Also helped change SS, being as he was the first “big man” that played at that position.
I'm gonna haul ass to Lollapalooza!
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 28, 2010 10:05 AM EST up reply actions
It’s easier to make the play when you’re already standing where the ball is going to go because you’ve studied the hitter’s trends, are paying attention to what pitch the catcher called for, the count, who’s on base, etc., etc., etc.
His preparation is an underrated way in which he changed the position.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 28, 2010 5:26 PM EST up reply actions
Comparing the HOF credentials of Osgood to Ripken is laughable.
I’ve never even understood the debate of whether or not Ripken belongs in the hall (to those to try to make one). To not put Ripken in the HOF would be a crime against baseball, whereas Osgood is at best a bubble choice, based on longevity stats (such as career wins).
"I am ready for his provocations"
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by PaintDrinkingPete on Dec 28, 2010 11:47 AM EST up reply actions
Important yes, but not as much in my opinion as individual numbers, at least not in my opinion (which may or may not mean anything). Average players can play on great teams and win Stanley Cups, just as great players can play on crappy teams that never get the chance. I guess it can mean a bit more for a goalie, but still…
"I am ready for his provocations"
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by PaintDrinkingPete on Dec 28, 2010 12:07 PM EST up reply actions
After hearing everyone bash the Caps because “Yeah, they’ve got great fowards, but they don’t have the goaltending to go all the way,” I get annoyed when people bash Osgood after he provided the necessary goaltending to go all the way… multiple times.
Maybe not HoF material, but deserving of waaay more respect than he gets.
You had me at no problem.
I agree 100% with this statement.
My point was that (a) he’s not exactly automatic HOF material (b) Cal Ripken was…so the comparison was silly (again, in my opinion). Apples to oranges a bit, but still not a great analogy to this hockey/baseball fan.
"I am ready for his provocations"
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by PaintDrinkingPete on Dec 28, 2010 2:37 PM EST up reply actions
More on Ozzie’s Hall unworthiness.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
After falling into Sabermetrics in baseball analysis, I re-think everything in all of the sports I enjoy and have been able to see beyond the number of W’s a player (pitcher in baseball or goalie in hockey) have piled up in their careers.
He lost me right there. “W’s” are the object of the exercise. Period and point blank. The rest is stuff to make Excel useful.
Using Osgood’s regular season numbers to justify his not going into the Hall is a self-fulfilling exercise. He doesn’t have great regular season numbers. But his playoff numbers are a good deal better than his aggregate regular season numbers. We’d make the point again…if Billy Smith was judged on only his regular season numbers, he might not be in the Hall, either.
I’m on the fence about Osgood; I just couldn’t be as dismissive of his worthiness as Rogers is. I suspect with Osgood it is going to be a matter of who he competes with when he becomes eligible. Some classes have a lot of shoo-ins; others are rather thin. A thin class, and he squeezes in.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Dec 28, 2010 12:46 PM EST up reply actions
The other issue with that statement is that it implies that Sv% and GAA are totally accurate descriptors of a goalie’s play. Right now, they seem to be the best we can do, but they’re still only in the ERA/WHIP-level of stats, and no self-respecting sabermetrician would use those to make an argument.
This game is all about overcoming diversity.
Looks to me like his GAA has been above average more often than not. That’s hardly damning. And I’d say the same about what he says is the “most damning evidence”. Yeah, no one would go crazy over Osgood in the free agent market. But the UFA market for goalies is shit right now. Even Brodeur wouldn’t generate very big offers if he were free today.
Let’s not forget: 74 playoff wins, .916/2.09 career postseason.
You had me at no problem.
I believe he also holds the record for most shut-outs in a single playoff year. He broke Olie’s record from 1998 when he went on that insane run in 2008.
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Wins may be a terrible stat, but the purpose is to win the game, and it is a meaningful stat. There was a pitcher in the 1970s and 1980s, Mike Torrez, who was kind of like Osgood. His ERA was never all that good, his K/W ratios weren’t good either, but his won-loss record was always good. He somehow knew how to bear down when needed and deliver for his team.
As he knew, so does Osgood. And when you’re in a game, the object is to win. If the Wings get 4 goals, and he gives up 3, he wins, and the Wings win…
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 28, 2010 9:14 AM EST up reply actions
If the Wings get 4 goals, and he gives up 3, he wins, and the Wings win…
And if the Wings get 13 goals and he gives up 12 goals, he wins, and the Wings win
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 28, 2010 9:17 AM EST up reply actions
Win wings with five goals, is how I understand it.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
For my money, Tomas Vokoun was the best goaltender in the league last year. He faced more shots a game than Ryan Miller did, and had less offensive support.
His W/L record was 23-28.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 28, 2010 9:26 AM EST up reply actions
That guy, like Luongo before him, just does not get the support he should have. The shot totals he faces are rediculous
If it's too loud, turn it down.
See, Luongo is an example of why I think Osgood is underrated by just looking at stats. People look at Osgood and say “well, he just played on great teams.” Everyone looked at what Luongo did in FLA, then said, “well, if he can do that in FLA, he’ll win Cups in Vancouver.” It hasn’t really worked out all that well, despite the fact that Luongo has played in front of All-Star quality talent.
This game is all about overcoming diversity.
It’s also worth noting that the statkeepers in Florida count nearly anything that touches the goalie as a “shot.” Florida is top-ten in the league in terms of shots generated, which makes no sense given the players they have on offense.
Just hope everyone realizes florida is a damn good team this season…at 5 on 5. Adjusted corsi at objective nhl has them just better than the caps and top ten, derek zona’s scoring chances at litter box cats have even their worst and tough minutes forwards outchancing last time I checked, and their es goal ratio is top ten as well. Their special teams suck though and vokoun has been unvokounesque.
And at least entering last season, per jlikens, yes, florida overcounts, I think most egregious in the league. Nashville is pretty bad, and njd undercounts. Something like that.
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by red army line on Dec 29, 2010 12:06 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
if he gives up 12 goals I would want to know what’s wrong with his backup that he didn’t get pulled
LET'S GO CAPS!!!
/Tremblay’d
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 28, 2010 10:59 AM EST up reply actions
Speaking of Tremblay, “The Bionic Blueberry” could be the greatest nickname of all time.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 28, 2010 11:00 AM EST up reply actions
Last night was a prototypical Osgood win, and indicative of why I think he’s a better goalie than folks give him credit for. After coughing up a couple goals to the Avs early (one of which was pretty soft), he absolutely slammed the door. The Avs dominated that game completely, and Osgood was basically the only reason it wasn’t a laugher (well, that and the Avs’ complete inability to kill a penalty). Ozzie’s ability to deal with adversity (something that he didn’t do very well when he was younger) was impressive.
As an Avs fan, I’ve always loathed the Wings, but I’ve got a huge amount of respect for most of them (Maltby and Bertuzzi are big exceptions). Osgood’s stats never fully told the story on that guy and likely never will.
This game is all about overcoming diversity.
I’m with you. A guy just doesn’t get to that number of wins without doing a lot of things right. His numbers may not look amazing but he knows how to win. Sure, he has had a great supporting cast but some goalies just fit in very well with certain teams.
Think twice before you speak, and then you may be able to say something more insulting than if you spoke right out at once.
I’m leaving in a little while to head down to DC with K_C to catch the Caps game tonight. It will be the first one this year I get to see in person.
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 28, 2010 8:34 AM EST reply actions
Oh, nice! Have a great time tonight!
I like Laich, but I <3 Green
Keep the faith!!!!!!
by RockinRed4Life on Dec 28, 2010 8:40 AM EST up reply actions
I assume that’s for Perreault?
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 28, 2010 8:57 AM EST up reply actions
Beat me to it. That’s what I was gonna ask…
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Probably a reasonable assumption.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
ooo I look forward to watching him play, for sure. But I do hope Matty P is okay soon.
I like Laich, but I <3 Green
Keep the faith!!!!!!
by RockinRed4Life on Dec 28, 2010 8:59 AM EST up reply actions
Nothing against Aucoin (for an emergency fill-in), but… sigh.
Didn’t think Perreault was going to be able to go tonight, given the report yesterday that he could only breath through his mouth. Surgery, here we come.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Oh damn, I was hoping he would get to play with a cage, but I hadn’t seen that report…not being able to breathe = not being able to play.
I like Laich, but I <3 Green
Keep the faith!!!!!!
by RockinRed4Life on Dec 28, 2010 9:20 AM EST up reply actions
He can only breath through his mouth? Next thing you know he’ll be complaining about how Schultz hits no one.
"So if I drank a bottle of rum (not really, it was about 2/3 of a bottle) starting at 1p and continuing through the Caps game does that mean I need to do that every Caps game from here on?"
"I would, but I’d also get yourself onto the organ transfer list as well just in case."
by Bald Pollack on Dec 28, 2010 9:21 AM EST up reply actions 7 recs
Rec’d.
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 28, 2010 9:27 AM EST up reply actions
If you normalize the playing time for all Caps over the last two years. Auction technically has more points per minuts than anyone else on the team :)
Fight fire with fire. Fight smurfs with smurfs.
This game is all about overcoming diversity.
by D'ohboy on Dec 28, 2010 11:00 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
The real reason behind the Aucoin recall.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
What’s more threatening, a Smurf or a Norwegian Hobbit Wizard?
(Of course, Danny “The Magical Spearing Midget” trumps them all.)
Nobody has ever been deemed unhealthy for eating too much broccoli. -- Andrew Gordon at RMNB
And the Caps 23-man and 50-man rosters continue to merge…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 28, 2010 5:28 PM EST up reply actions
All this Winter Classic weather controversy is just now popping up in the last few days. It baffles me why this didn’t occur to the NHL and organizers when they first announced the location.
A Capital Wasteland - art & hockey from Washington, D.C.
It did occur to them. It’s unlikely, but it happens sometimes. Such are the risks of outdoor sport events.
You had me at no problem.
Four days before the WC, rain was in the forecast last year too (albeit lower temperatures). It’s just too early to accurately predict.
"I would feed them lefts until I was pretty much tired of doing it." - Alan May, JRR, 10.16.2010
On Friday, folks couldn’t predict if the Northeast would get two inches or 20 of snow on Sunday, and DC’s forecast was iffy until the first flake fell (or in the case of where I live, didn’t, since we didn’t get anything).
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Dec 28, 2010 12:49 PM EST up reply actions
I’ve wondered that myself. Its not like DC would be much better, but Pittsburgh?
Honestly, there aren’t that many NHL cities that are not at risk for warm weather on 1/1. Detroit-area, New York, St.Paul/Minneapolis, Canadian cities…where else?
Spals to the wall.
by Chris Burton on Dec 28, 2010 9:33 AM EST up reply actions
New York has had its share of freak 60 degree January days, too. I don’t think you can get a guarantee of cold weather in very many NHL cities.
Eat, drink, and be merry! And then drink some more.
Edmonton is pretty much a frozen wasteland right now.
A danger to myself and others on the ice
by can't skate on Dec 28, 2010 11:50 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Yeah, that’s the other thing that came to mind for me. If D.C. was promised to host a WC in the future, what are they going to do about weather then? It’ll be even warmer here than in Pittsburgh.
A Capital Wasteland - art & hockey from Washington, D.C.
by Jake Shapiro on Dec 28, 2010 9:38 AM EST up reply actions
I wonder if the unseasonable weather forecast for Pittsburgh has the NHL rethinking plans to hold a game in DC, given that the average high temperature on January 1 over the past 11 years has been 49 degrees (69 in 2005, a record for the date), and twice received more than an inch of precipitation on the date.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Dec 28, 2010 12:51 PM EST up reply actions
Has anything been said about the other 45000 ticket holders plans if god forbid the WC is held at Consol?
None yet, but you have to figure it’s just refunds. I’m more than happy with that because of the extensive scalping. People will hopefully think twice before supporting them by buying tickets at exaggerated prices.
My death was arranged by special plans in Heaven and only occasioned comment by ten persons in Adams, Massachusetts. The best thing ever said about me was that I was deft at specifying trump.
yea…Ill have to explain to my kid that Santa screwed him, I guess give him the cash from the tickets…It would suck to be on the scalping end of these tix. Imagine if you paid 4 or 5 hundred a seat and you only get back face…that sucks…hopefully this convo is all for not and the game goes on as scheduled
They’re gonna play. My wild-ass guess is 7PM Saturday night.
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Hey, a fifty percent chance of rain can easily mean it rains before or after the game. I guess at the moment that’s the best-case scenario.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Well, there’s a 50% chance that it doesn’t rain at all, no? That’s the best-case scenario.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Well, true. I’d like lit a lot better if the forecast didn’t include rain on Sunday. More hopeful is that the forecast keeps sliding, and the sun/clouds forecast for Friday ends up on Saturday.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Six extra hours of tailgating. Oh joy.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
/Bringing a spare liver for the drive up.
"So if I drank a bottle of rum (not really, it was about 2/3 of a bottle) starting at 1p and continuing through the Caps game does that mean I need to do that every Caps game from here on?"
"I would, but I’d also get yourself onto the organ transfer list as well just in case."
by Bald Pollack on Dec 28, 2010 9:57 AM EST up reply actions
Less worried for your liver than I am for even-drunker Penguins fans. Surly lot, that.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
I’ll go out on a limb and suggest there’ll be fools on both sides of the fence, so I’m not going to fret over it.
"So if I drank a bottle of rum (not really, it was about 2/3 of a bottle) starting at 1p and continuing through the Caps game does that mean I need to do that every Caps game from here on?"
"I would, but I’d also get yourself onto the organ transfer list as well just in case."
by Bald Pollack on Dec 28, 2010 10:06 AM EST up reply actions
Would be nice if they all just passed out drunk and never left the house.
I'm gonna haul ass to Lollapalooza!
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 28, 2010 10:07 AM EST up reply actions
I am thinking the WC is a different scene. Pittsburgh fans in Pitsburgh actually arent that bad. I went to the Steeler Raven AFC Championship all Raven’d up and had no issues. The WC is a feel good atmosphere…not as tense as the AFC Champ.
I’ve had nothing but awesome experiences with Pittsburgh fans from Pittsburgh/surrounding areas. It’s the people who spent a year in Pittsburgh one weekend or bandwagon Pittsburgh fans that are the ones that barely count as people.
My death was arranged by special plans in Heaven and only occasioned comment by ten persons in Adams, Massachusetts. The best thing ever said about me was that I was deft at specifying trump.
Hey, if Max Talbot tells his dad not to wear his Penguin jersey in Philly because it’s “rough down there,” take it seriously. I went to a Flyer/Flames game there a few weeks ago and thought I was going to be beat up because “he got the smell o’ Capital on ’im.”
If you've read this far...seek help.
strangely enough, there was a guy at the Caps-Pens guy in a Flyers jersey. Couldn’t figure that one out.
Once made the mistake of wearing a Capitals sweatshirt up to Philly when I took some girls up there for a gymnastics meet. More than one knuckle-dragging father made a remark about it.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
I planned to go to the Philly/Caps game on the 18th alone…my friend told me I was not allowed…
really that bad there?
I like Laich, but I <3 Green
Keep the faith!!!!!!
by RockinRed4Life on Dec 28, 2010 1:40 PM EST up reply actions
A wise man once suggested that you hide your kids, hide your wife, and hide your husband, cuz they beatin’ errrrbody up there.
This game is all about overcoming diversity.
by D'ohboy on Dec 28, 2010 1:46 PM EST up reply actions 6 recs
They are soooo dumb. They are so duuuuumb.
Drunk Guy: "Alex Ovechkin is playing more like Magic Johnson than Michael Jordan this year."
Laichitor: "He has AIDS?"
Fo real.
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 28, 2010 2:51 PM EST up reply actions
I was driving my brother’s car up to my aunt’s house in West Chester and some guy started riding my ass and flashing his brights and honking and I couldn’t figure out what the hell his problem was until I realized my brother has a small Weagle sticker on his bumper. The guy was ready to run me off the road just for that.
Eat, drink, and be merry! And then drink some more.
JP – I’m right with you. Sunday shows sunny and 32 now. Rain goes through Saturday morning and games is played Saturday night as it gets colder.
Because of football on Sunday, the NHL is going to do everything possible to play on Saturday.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
Saturday is now forecast as “low 50s”. Does anyone know if the ice is ok with temperature of low 50s (assuming it doesn’t rain)?
They say yes, up to around 60, I think.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
The rain is the issue more than the temps. Rain falls, freezes and becomes a safety hazard for the skaters.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
Right. Rain and direct sunlight are bad. If there was a rule about feeding the rink after midnight, I’d think it was a Gremlin.
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by J.P. on Dec 28, 2010 10:42 AM EST up reply actions 5 recs
What hockey at 7 PM might look like...
Maybe Jon Gruden will do the color on the broadcast…
If you've read this far...seek help.
Hopefully the home team doesn’t romp in this one (sorry, Sparty).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
they’re already competing with bowl games. Penn State, Michigan, and Michigan State all play mid-day on the 1st.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Wonder if NBC will try to nudge the game deeper into the day if there is the threat of bad weather. With the midday bowl games that cut into the Pennsylvania and Michigan television markets, plus the fact that NBC isn’t televising any bowl games, they would — coincidentally, of course — have a clear field for the sports viewer later on Saturday (except for those Fiesta Bowl freaks)
If you've read this far...seek help.
I thought NBC had the Gator Bowl at 11?
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 28, 2010 1:26 PM EST up reply actions
Never mind. They used to.
I'm gonna haul ass to Lollapalooza!
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 28, 2010 1:30 PM EST up reply actions
I’m sure they’d rather take their chances with non-championship college bowl games than the final Sunday of the NFL season.
"I would feed them lefts until I was pretty much tired of doing it." - Alan May, JRR, 10.16.2010
Helps that the Michigan/Mississippi State game and the Florida/Penn State games are starting around the same time.
I'm gonna haul ass to Lollapalooza!
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 28, 2010 1:33 PM EST up reply actions
This household’s not happy that the Capital One game is the same time as the WC, but those are the breaks.
"It's always good to have vikings."
My bowl game’s tomorrow, so I’ll be good.
It’s amazing how much CFB has killed itself with the proliferation of all these bowl games. I remember how as a kid I was so excited to watch football all day on January 1st, and now since the bowl season starts in early December and lasts to nearly the middle of January, it’s become a “who cares” thing to me, especially since I now have the Winter Classic.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 28, 2010 1:46 PM EST up reply actions
Caps just posted their game notes.
http://capitals.nhl.com/v2/ext/10-11_GameNotes/122810_vsMTL.pdf
Jason Chimera is a team-worst minus-10? And Brooksie a team-best plus-12.
Carlson has more points (17) than Mike Green with 16.
Strange days.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Green missed a bunch of games for which Carlson took over quite a few minutes….I am not surprised. That kid is coming along nicely. Chimmer is -10? geeze.
I like Laich, but I <3 Green
Keep the faith!!!!!!
by RockinRed4Life on Dec 28, 2010 9:55 AM EST up reply actions
The bottom 6 (whomever it may be) really hasn’t been that hot on ES all year.
"So if I drank a bottle of rum (not really, it was about 2/3 of a bottle) starting at 1p and continuing through the Caps game does that mean I need to do that every Caps game from here on?"
"I would, but I’d also get yourself onto the organ transfer list as well just in case."
by Bald Pollack on Dec 28, 2010 10:32 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah they did...
…and we get L’Ecuyer and Joanette in the stripey shirts tonight… yuck.
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by IRockTheRed on Dec 28, 2010 10:24 AM EST up reply actions
Carlson/Alzner
Pretty happy to see their development. Alzner has a much more quiet game, but with Carlson every time he’s tasked with more responsibilities he really shows that he is wise beyond his years. Apart from Vanek embarrassing Alzner, Carlson, MarJo and Holtby single handedly there hasn’t been many times they’ve looked like rookies.
Even if the Caps were to totally miss the playoffs this year that is one hell of a bright spot. The blue line has a legit 1st and 2nd pairing now and on the strength of those 4, the team could potentially end up having one of the best defensive corps in the league.
My death was arranged by special plans in Heaven and only occasioned comment by ten persons in Adams, Massachusetts. The best thing ever said about me was that I was deft at specifying trump.
Love Corey bringing the snark.
#Caps spokesman also said MJ90, MP85, Poti are all day-to-day with injuries. My phone is also day-to-day. Actually its days may be numbered.
"It's always good to have vikings."
@SkyKerstein
Boudreau MJ90 out tonight, MP85 is questionable
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
MJ90 was off yesterday for a “maintenance day”. Today’s just another maintenance day; it just happens to also be a game day.
I think the question on MP85 is whether he plays Saturday. I doubt he plays tonight. Hope I’m wrong though.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Just watched the morning skate video. BB definitely said Marjo is out. That leaves our centermen as Backstrom, Aucoin, Steckel, Hendricks/Beagle (if Matty is indeed out).
"I would feed them lefts until I was pretty much tired of doing it." - Alan May, JRR, 10.16.2010
If I recall correctly, Hendricks was centering the second line at practice yesterday.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Wow, our depth down the middle is decimated right now.
The Kolzilla PR department has advised me to post a link to my work at Inside Hockey, so here it is.
www.Insidehockey.com
Wow, our already stunning lack of depth down the middle is decimated right now.
FTFY
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
We’re thinner down the middle than one of the Olsen twins.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 28, 2010 10:46 AM EST up reply actions
Hey Olli, how's the Capitals depth at center? -------------------------------------------------------
My death was arranged by special plans in Heaven and only occasioned comment by ten persons in Adams, Massachusetts. The best thing ever said about me was that I was deft at specifying trump.
The parent club is always the main concern, but that sound you hear is teeth gnashing in Hershey. We’d better not need anything else from them, because they’ve only got scraps left.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Timely!
@timleone
Bouchard has gone 7 games without a point, corresponding with Perry’s recall. Tonight would be a propitious time to start scoring again.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
I was just thinking about Bouch this morning and how he has never gotten a sniff here.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Same here! You would have thought at some point he would have gotten a call up for just a look-see, but absolutely nothing.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 28, 2010 11:07 AM EST up reply actions
Says a lot about him as a player.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Every time I’ve seen him in Hershey I’ve never noticed him. I guess management feels the same way.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 28, 2010 11:11 AM EST up reply actions
Here’s the latest thing they have for him at Hockey’s Future
Bouchard once again faces the prospect of competing for a scoring line role on a team loaded with scorers. Despite the impressive numbers he put up in juniors, and has at times puts up in the AHL, Bouchard’s ticket to a spot with the Capitals may be as a two-way, lower line forward. While long range he could one day be a scoring second-line forward with special teams prowess, he would likely have to be in another organization to get that type of opportunity.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 28, 2010 11:15 AM EST up reply actions
Sounds like Flash 2.0, no?
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 28, 2010 11:16 AM EST up reply actions
minus the AHL success.
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 28, 2010 11:20 AM EST up reply actions
According to them it was last updated September 21, 2010.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 28, 2010 11:21 AM EST up reply actions
Funny, almost 150 comments and not a mention of revenge against Montreal. Forward thinking or has everyone just blocked last April from their collective memory?
blocked
You had to use that word, didn’t you?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I have actually Halaked it from memory.
I like Laich, but I <3 Green
Keep the faith!!!!!!
by RockinRed4Life on Dec 28, 2010 10:51 AM EST up reply actions
I dunno about anyone else, but their lack of Halak makes it feel less like a revenge game.
I like Laich, but I <3 Green
Keep the faith!!!!!!
by RockinRed4Life on Dec 28, 2010 10:51 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah, that’s what I was thinking. In order to exorcise the demons that Jaroslav Halak brought, we have to face Halak.
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by IRockTheRed on Dec 28, 2010 11:13 AM EST up reply actions
Done. Just not with the same group in front of him.
http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20102011/GS020361.HTM
"It's always good to have vikings."
I felt so good after that game. Like a black-cloud named Halak had been lifted.
I like Laich, but I <3 Green
Keep the faith!!!!!!
by RockinRed4Life on Dec 28, 2010 11:24 AM EST up reply actions
Then our eight-game losing streak cloud moved in.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
I almost added that, but decided to think positive.
I like Laich, but I <3 Green
Keep the faith!!!!!!
by RockinRed4Life on Dec 28, 2010 11:28 AM EST up reply actions
In order to exorcise the demons that Jaroslav Halak brought, we have to face Halak.
Funny, I thought the point of the game was to win the Cup.
This game is all about overcoming diversity.
by D'ohboy on Dec 28, 2010 11:26 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
2 hours and I’m the first to rec this? Am I in the right place?
"So if I drank a bottle of rum (not really, it was about 2/3 of a bottle) starting at 1p and continuing through the Caps game does that mean I need to do that every Caps game from here on?"
"I would, but I’d also get yourself onto the organ transfer list as well just in case."
by Bald Pollack on Dec 28, 2010 1:16 PM EST up reply actions
Doesn’t really matter any more. I would care more if Halak was still there, but he’s not.
I'm gonna haul ass to Lollapalooza!
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 28, 2010 10:51 AM EST up reply actions
Also, I never really had much, if any animosity towards Montreal. I have a lot more against Buffalo and Boston in terms of the Adams Division.
I'm gonna haul ass to Lollapalooza!
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 28, 2010 10:59 AM EST up reply actions
No question. That was glorious, and made me forget all about what had happened earlier.
Of course, they went and shit the bed epically against the Flyers and earned my rage again.
I'm gonna haul ass to Lollapalooza!
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 28, 2010 2:40 PM EST up reply actions
In that division, I really don’t have any abnormal animosity towards anyone there. I personally think Buffalo’s had some obnoxious fans; consider Boston our main rival there, but my real dislike is reserved for Atlantic Division teams.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
I think it’ll be interesting on some level to see if the Caps have learned anything. If MTL blocks 41 shots (like they did in Game 7), I may hang myself.
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Ovi is due a make-up goal (or three).
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Ovi actually had a good series, I think 28 or 52 have some making up to do
Get your asses out of your heads" -BB
No, Ovi actually had good games in Games 2-4 and ended up with strong aggregate numbers for the series. He did not have a good series.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
stat wise, I said good series, not great, but he was being Ovi more so then we have seen this year with the exception of a few games. If 28 and 52 had shown up Ovi would have had a Great series. The 3 of them were on that dreadful PP thru most of the series together. had they buried a few more of those we would be having a different conversation
Get your asses out of your heads -BB
Sure, 28 and 52 were, overall, worse. But that doesn’t take away from the fact that 8 had a bad series.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
It was a decent series but by games 5-7 MTL had Ovie totally mapped out and really shut him down.
If Ovie tries the cut-to-the-middle move more than 3 times tonight I’m going to…well I can’t think of anything clever, but I’m going to be very disappointed.
The Kolzilla PR department has advised me to post a link to my work at Inside Hockey, so here it is.
www.Insidehockey.com
… and in Game 1 he didn’t have a shot on goal. So in 4 of the 7, he was almost completely shut down, and he was particularly awful at the other end of the ice in the first 10 minutes of Game 5, which pretty much turned the series around. Not sure how anyone can argue that he “had a good series.”
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Was liking the new look power play v. the Canes. Hope we see more like that tonight. Green and Carly with their bombs at the blueline, everyone else getting dirty in the middle.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
agreed. my only quibble is with four R shots (if PP1 has Knuble) but it’s a solid configuration with 8/28 in the left circle.
A gourmet who thinks of calories is like a tart who looks at her watch.
--James Beard
by bigonetimer on Dec 28, 2010 12:22 PM EST up reply actions
Atlanta just got goonier, recalled Patrice Cormier today, they play PIT tonight.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
May God have mercy on Rick Dudley’s soul if something happens to Sid and Cormier’s responsible.
I'm gonna haul ass to Lollapalooza!
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 28, 2010 11:06 AM EST up reply actions
maybe he can rip that nasty little dirt mark of Sid’s face. I die a little inside every time I look at it.
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buy or sell
in the middle of awad’s ESPN article:
Like it or not, another playoff disappointment will cement the Capitals’ reputation as underachievers and make it impossible to keep Alexander Semin.
does semin’s future with the caps ride on the caps’ team playoff success?
Of course, significant playoff success for Semin may make it impossible to keep him, too.
You had me at no problem.
The Caps may have to face a “damned if you do, damned if you don’t” situation with Semin… not pretty either way you slice it.
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by IRockTheRed on Dec 28, 2010 11:21 AM EST up reply actions
I think that’s less likely. If he has a successful playoffs and wants to stay in DC he’ll be in DC next year….albeit with only a 1-2 year deal.
Only with a “hometown discount”. If he plays out of his mind in the playoffs, he might get offered the same sort of UFA offer Gaborik got($7.5MM x 5), and the Caps aren’t gonna touch that.
You had me at no problem.
Like I said…
If he has a successful playoffs and wants to stay in DC he’ll be in DC next year
FWIW I don’t see him getting that kind of money anywhere…regardless of playoff performance.
Yeah, you’re probably right. But two consecutive 40-goal seasons capped off by playoff dominance could make enough positive noise in the press that even some GMs might be willing to overlook some flaws.
But I’m also in the camp that thinks Sasha wants to be in DC. I don’t think he’s going anywhere if the team makes a serious offer.
You had me at no problem.
Buy. If Semin has another disappointing playoffs, and that coincides with another early exit, I have to think the Caps re-think how the team is constructed and put more emphasis on being strong down the middle.
This game is all about overcoming diversity.
see, i’d always thought of it as “semins’ future with the caps rides with semin’s playoff success,” not “semin’s future with the caps rides with the caps’ team playoff success.” i hear JP’s argument above and it makes sense that a real facelift could not be managed around another huge semin contract, but in truth i’ve always anticipated semin would re-sign and it’s hard for me to come to terms with the idea that it’s out of his hands. if semin lights it up in the playoffs and the other alex goes missing….what then? and what constitutes “success”? stanley cup finals or bust? i’ve gotta think there are more shades of grey than awad is acknowledging.
by Natty Bumppo on Dec 28, 2010 11:35 AM EST up reply actions
There’s a flip side to that coin though. Imagine this scenario: Semin has an amazing playoffs, but Ovie/Backis/Green play poorly and the Caps lose in the first or second round.
Now Semin’s camp has ammunition for contract negotiations, but the Caps can see the need to re-tool. What do you do?
Basically, if the Caps flame out in the playoffs, I think Semin’s gone either way. If he plays well, but the team stinks, they won’t be able to afford him while re-tooling. If he plays poorly, they won’t want to pay him.
This game is all about overcoming diversity.
knowing GMGM, we’ll sign him before the playoffs start.
by Natty Bumppo on Dec 28, 2010 12:06 PM EST up reply actions
I’d think they’re related. As I said above, if there’s another playoff disappointment, things need to change, and it’s hard to imagine that Alex Semin wouldn’t be one of those changes, whether or not he is a key factor in the disappoinment.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
And as a result, if the Capitals don’t win the Stanley Cup this year, they never, ever, ever will.
I mean, cement is pretty permanent, right?
Argghhhh.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
the whole article reads like that. as much as i like GVT, awad the writer leaves me unimpressed.
by Natty Bumppo on Dec 28, 2010 11:26 AM EST up reply actions
The return of Sarge?
@kcarrera: Jeff Schultz said his thumb feels good and he’s going to skate in warm ups tonight and hopes to face the Canadiens. #Caps
Poti’s out, and Sloan had the after practice extra work. No Fahey recall, so that leaves only 52, 23, 74, 27, and 4 for tonight, right?
"I would feed them lefts until I was pretty much tired of doing it." - Alan May, JRR, 10.16.2010
If he rushes back (as this feels like he is doing) and seriously aggravates that injury, it will be extremely poor decision-making on the part of the team. I understand the desire to get him into the game on Saturday, but this smells a little reckless to me.
Eat, drink, and be merry! And then drink some more.
Sarge says it’s just about how much pain he can play through and how effective he can be. I don’t think re-injury is an issue with this.
You had me at no problem.
That’s the nice thing about breaks. A lot less tricky to deal with than muscle/tendon issues.
Less drama, more hockey
by SeattleCapsFan on Dec 28, 2010 11:28 AM EST up reply actions
It will be well-deserved if Sarge can play Saturday.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
Gametime decision. We’ll see Sloan and sarge warming up, and then watch the jumbotron for the scratches.
That being said, Sarge plays.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
I’d have thought that if Schultz was questionable, Sloan wouldn’t take extra work after practice. Just in case he had to play.
"It's always good to have vikings."
I’ve seen (and heard of guys) taking extra work since they were assumed to be scratches but ended up playing anyhow.
That was the case with Alzner last year on the day Chris Clark was traded.
That was also the case for last Caps/Bruins game where Fehr was practicing with the scratches but ended up in the game since Hendricks was too sick to play.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
LTIR and Sarge
Coming back tonight would place Schultz at 9 games missed and only 22 or 21 calendar days (Toronto game was 12/6 so I’m not sure if the clock starts on 12/7 or not).
LTIR starts at 10 games, or 24 days, right? This could noticably impact the Caps’ Salary cap space
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 28, 2010 11:27 AM EST up reply actions
Not true. LTIR only allows you to go over the cap, it doesn’t relieve the cap hit of the guy on IR.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Crap, you’re right. thanks.
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 28, 2010 12:01 PM EST up reply actions
Yesterday afternoon, NHLN showed a replay of the 2003 Heritage Classic from Edmonton.
Sitings of Joe Juneau, Jan Bulis, Richard Zednik, Jose Theodore – for the Habs.
and a much younger Jason Chimera for the Oilers, shouting at someone from the penalty box.
It looked cccccccold.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
Jose's toque!
that’s the image that always springs to mind when I think about that game.
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by RedBirdie on Dec 28, 2010 12:48 PM EST up reply actions 7 recs
Me, too. Such a great picture.
John Carlson - Glory follows him.
Six Beers Too Many Fantasy Team - BizNasty's Hobo Rodeo
yeah, it looked completely awesome. If there’s a Heritage/Winter Classic image, it’s Theodore in his toque.
My death was arranged by special plans in Heaven and only occasioned comment by ten persons in Adams, Massachusetts. The best thing ever said about me was that I was deft at specifying trump.
Wow! I would think the toque is not standard equipment. I guess all the guys could put toques over their helmets . . .
The OatesStache: Tickling taints since 1975.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 28, 2010 3:45 PM EST up reply actions
These pictures always make me chuckle b/c they totally look photoshopped. And he looks like he is in a South Park episode.
"And then they’ll look at guys in my situation, that could play three good games in a row and have one bad shift, and they’ll say, ‘Well, that’s why he’s been in the minor leagues his whole career.'" --Matt Hendricks
it was unbelievably cold that day, iirc. It was particularly difficult for the goalies.
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Blue Jackets fans claim NHL ref made ‘crying face', obscene gesture
Guess which ref it was? Since this is a Capitals site you might not know who the ref is since there’s zero history whatsoever between the team and him.
My death was arranged by special plans in Heaven and only occasioned comment by ten persons in Adams, Massachusetts. The best thing ever said about me was that I was deft at specifying trump.
my loonies are on Auger
A gourmet who thinks of calories is like a tart who looks at her watch.
--James Beard
by bigonetimer on Dec 28, 2010 12:17 PM EST up reply actions
damn…
A gourmet who thinks of calories is like a tart who looks at her watch.
--James Beard
by bigonetimer on Dec 28, 2010 12:23 PM EST up reply actions
So Corey says “Tom Poti says he hopes to play in the Winter Classic, but will have to see how his body reacts tomorrow to today’s hard skate” followed by “Poti says it is a head injury.”
Sure sounds like we’re talking about the “c” word, no?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
.
This game is all about overcoming diversity.
by D'ohboy on Dec 28, 2010 12:38 PM EST up reply actions 12 recs
Could be. But “how his body reacts” doesn’t sound quite as acute as those issues would probably be.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
the 4-23 pairing doesn’t give me warm fuzzies.
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Inexplicable. Fehr gets a goal and an assist and seven shots against Ottawa, and follows that up with 4 shots and 2 hits against Pittsburgh in 10 minutes of ice time. He’s rewarded for those efforts with a healthy scratch.
Of course, that assumes he actually was 100% healthy…
I like Laich, but I <3 Green
Keep the faith!!!!!!
by RockinRed4Life on Dec 28, 2010 1:42 PM EST up reply actions
More personal reasons or did they mean his earlier absence due to his grandfather’s death.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Must have been more “personal reasons,” as he played in between his absence due to his grandmother’s death and the Carolina game.
He had 4 goals in the 4 regular season games against MTL last year (and 3 more goals in the playoffs). I can’t see him as a healthy scratch tonight.
"I would feed them lefts until I was pretty much tired of doing it." - Alan May, JRR, 10.16.2010
Hmmm. Doubt it. Laich’s not going back to C if they called Aucoin up.
My guess:
8-19-22
28-20-21
25-26-16
63-39-83
52-23
27-74
4-55
I don’t think they’ll throw Schultz in the deep end his first game back.
This game is all about overcoming diversity.
I agree. I don’t think Sarge should be thrown back with Green just yet. Hannan is finally starting to pay off paired with 52, and after his last two games the last thing we need is to start tossing things around.
Not wanting to mess with the zen of Carlznerson at the moment, I guess that leaves Erskine.
The MP-85: Compact, durable, travels well and capable of sustained firepower when needed. The most deadly thing to come out of Quebec since Poutine.
by TheMattyHatty on Dec 28, 2010 2:14 PM EST up reply actions
I really hope they don’t pair Schultz and Erskine – that’s a disaster waiting to happen. Each of them needs a faster partner to be effective.
There is no problem a hammer cannot either fix or make irrelevant.
Maybe usually, but in this case, they’ll get sheltered minutes and see lots of time on the PK. At home, BB can prevent them from getting stuck out there with the Plekanec/Cammalleri/Gionta types.
This game is all about overcoming diversity.
Steinberg has his Top 11 Moments in DC Sports 2010 list up, and the Caps 14-game win streak comes in a number 8 (let us not talk about the other Caps appearance on the list):
8. The Caps cap their best-ever winning streak with a Snowvechkin. I feel like this should be higher, but I just can’t find a spot. Those magical weeks in January and February when the Caps couldn’t lose felt, at the time, like something we would never forget. The Capitals went from a good team to a team we expected to be playing into June, to the point that I begged out of a World Cup trip. They set a franchise record for consecutive wins. Their ratings skyrocketed, with all five of the most-watched regular-season games in CSN history to that point coming during the streak. And for D.C. sports fans, the climax — the snow storm win over the Penguins on national television — was a terrifically fun time, far outclassing the Super Bowl later that night. That game must have been one of the two best D.C. sports events to attend in person in 2010. It was just pure good stuff.
He’s right. It was damn fun. Just thinking about that game makes me smile. So, in that spirit, despite all the gut-wrentching moments, the tears, the very one-sided conversations with the hockey gods that make me sound like Bruce, I have never had more fun at a hockey game, or any sporting event, than I did at Snovechkin.
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by RedBirdie on Dec 28, 2010 2:58 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
His first goal in that game was absolutely incredible. The breaking of the goal cam was pretty amazing, but the way the ice tilted so much in favor of the Caps afterward was sick.
My death was arranged by special plans in Heaven and only occasioned comment by ten persons in Adams, Massachusetts. The best thing ever said about me was that I was deft at specifying trump.
Darryl Sutter out in Calgary.
Feaster takes over. Waiting for the next Sutter er, shoe to drop.
Obstreperously Avatarless
I had no idea that Flames have one draft pick in the first 100 for next year’s draft. And $56 million committed to next season already. That’s almost enough to make Jersey look like a competently run organization.
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Serves them right for throwing silly money at effin Matt Stajan
The OatesStache: Tickling taints since 1975.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 28, 2010 3:52 PM EST up reply actions
And a bare farm system to boot.
They need to blow it up and start from scratch, but they can’t.
Obstreperously Avatarless
and 11 players with some kind of NTC or NMC
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 28, 2010 5:20 PM EST up reply actions
Rolston on re-entry waivers: buy or sell?
I think sell, but, short of a Brad Richards deadline miracle, his experience is tempting at $2.5 Million hit.
It’s not tempting for a guy on a pace to have fewer than ten goals who is really a top-six forward sort of player, and who is 1-1-2, -11 in his last 11 games. I think the end is near for him at 37.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Well, he was killing it in MIN, not exactly an offensive player’s paradise, then went to NJ to die an ignominous death, it appears. His two way game is appealing and might find life in BB’s system – I’m assuming he hasnt forgotten how to skate.
sell. “lost a step” is being polite about his current level of play.
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If his contract were for just this year maybe I’d buy, but we’d be on the hook for another year.
This game is all about overcoming diversity.
I prefer Roloson to most backups in the league. That said his contract does gave me major pause, and would say no. But if (or hopefully not when) Varly groin explodes again, I could see myself eating these words.
The OatesStache: Tickling taints since 1975.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 28, 2010 3:56 PM EST up reply actions
Rolston, the Jersey forward :) I think the Isles are quite happy to keep their goalie.
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Oh fuck me, I need to get back to work. My reading comprehension skills are kaput. :)
The OatesStache: Tickling taints since 1975.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 28, 2010 3:58 PM EST up reply actions
I think I had Roloson on my mind, because I just read some Burnside blurb on an ESPN article yesterday saying the Caps should look into him.
The OatesStache: Tickling taints since 1975.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 28, 2010 3:59 PM EST up reply actions
Burnside’s trying to trade any goalie to the Caps. He really doesn’t seem to like either of ours.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Awesome. Maybe Burnside can take over the FLA or NYR GM job and make that happen ;)
The OatesStache: Tickling taints since 1975.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 28, 2010 4:02 PM EST up reply actions
I just read some Burnside blurb on an ESPN article
I think we just solved the mystery of why your reading comprehension skills are kaput. You’re turning your brain into mush reading that drivel! Puck Daddy comments are less hazardous to your brain than Burnside.
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Oh I know. Trust me. He’s pretty shite. The risks one takes when idly looking about for daily trade rumours.
The OatesStache: Tickling taints since 1975.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 28, 2010 4:09 PM EST up reply actions
On Burnside, the sad thing is — is that the opinions of the fans here are more positive than the fans on In Lou We Trust. One fan actually dissected a Burnside written article on the Devils point by point and refuted each one.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
They may just have more time on their hands.
The OatesStache: Tickling taints since 1975.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 28, 2010 5:05 PM EST up reply actions
The OatesStache: Tickling taints since 1975.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 28, 2010 5:10 PM EST up reply actions
Well, this looks like good news:
“I should be back in the lineup not tonight, but the next game,” said Perreault, who has a gash of several inches running along the left side of his nose. “I practiced today hard, and I felt good.”
Next game being the Winter Classic, of course.
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/capitalsinsider/keith-aucoin/keith-aucoin-glad-to-be-back-w.html
"It's always good to have vikings."
Wisniewski to Habs for 2nd & 5th round draft pick.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Doesn’t say if he plays tonight.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Seems like a great deal for the Habs to me. I think that will do a lot of good for their defense after losing Markov for the year. Also smart move for the Islanders to start collecting draft picks to continue the rebuild.
"Ovechkin is as subtle as a shot of vodka."
I know he’s kind of a jerk, and some think he’s a blowhard, but I admire his spunk.
Eat, drink, and be merry! And then drink some more.
by SmallZ827 on Dec 28, 2010 4:41 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
When did that go down?
The OatesStache: Tickling taints since 1975.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 28, 2010 4:43 PM EST up reply actions
Come on, folks.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Sorry Emily, you’re right. That was a low blow.
The OatesStache: Tickling taints since 1975.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 28, 2010 4:48 PM EST up reply actions
A little viciousness added to the Habs. His last name would start with the “v” sound in Poland and be pronouced “visnievsky”. Hence, could not resist calling him “vicious”, especially given his reputation as a player.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Wazowski approves...
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 28, 2010 5:38 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Canada scores a PPG to tie the game with the Czechs. Do not give Canada PPs. This squad is deadly. Hands down they have to be the favorites.
Drunk Guy: "Alex Ovechkin is playing more like Magic Johnson than Michael Jordan this year."
Laichitor: "He has AIDS?"
Lunch pail! Blue collar!
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
only 15 first round picks! 15! It’s not like the whole team is first-rounders!
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And I bet one or two guys on this team are first rounders in this next draft as well.
Drunk Guy: "Alex Ovechkin is playing more like Magic Johnson than Michael Jordan this year."
Laichitor: "He has AIDS?"
And Eakin has a great shift and then draws a PP for Canada. He hasn’t stood out much this tournament so far but that was a nice shift.
And before I finish the comment Canada scores. This PP is deadly.
Drunk Guy: "Alex Ovechkin is playing more like Magic Johnson than Michael Jordan this year."
Laichitor: "He has AIDS?"
Eakin’s line with another phenomenal shift but Eakin blows what should have been an easy goal. Got a pass in front wide open in the slot and he shot it right into the goalie’s foot. Oh well. If they keep playing like that they’ll put up points.
Drunk Guy: "Alex Ovechkin is playing more like Magic Johnson than Michael Jordan this year."
Laichitor: "He has AIDS?"
Any good Czech prospects with an NHL future I should be looking out for?…I just turned the game on
The OatesStache: Tickling taints since 1975.
here‘s Buzzing The Net’s take on the Czech team. might help a little. A numebr of them play in the CHL, and a few kids have been drafted.
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thanks RB
The OatesStache: Tickling taints since 1975.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 28, 2010 5:13 PM EST up reply actions
mirtle James Mirtle:
One Czech player to watch is Martin Frk, who is only 17 and not eligible for draft until 2012. Has nearly point a game in QMJHL.
Pronounced “Ferk”. You’re welcome.
Plays for the Halifax Mooseheads in the Q.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
What is it about the Czech names that seem to be missing vowels? #NeedsMoreVowels. In any case, his name almost sounds like something the opposition would say after he scores against them.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
no prob. Buzzing’s been my go-to on most teams since I know so little about their juniors if they aren’t a Caps pick!
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Gets 5 and a game for it. Can’t say I like it. No call on the original hit but then after the stretcher comes out he gets 5 and a game? Ridiculous. I’d like to see these hits stay in the game but it’s international hockey so I can’t say I’m sure. Unfortunately, I mostly agree with Pierre on this one.
Drunk Guy: "Alex Ovechkin is playing more like Magic Johnson than Michael Jordan this year."
Laichitor: "He has AIDS?"
It was rather after the fact. But I couldn’t make a judgement on the hit from TSN’s replays…Didn’t look like any elbows though
The OatesStache: Tickling taints since 1975.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 28, 2010 5:15 PM EST up reply actions
I have to teach tonight and will miss most of the game. Let’s Go Caps!
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Now that’s how you do an aggressive PK.
The OatesStache: Tickling taints since 1975.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 28, 2010 5:20 PM EST up reply actions
any links you’re aware of, matey?
A gourmet who thinks of calories is like a tart who looks at her watch.
--James Beard
self-relied…here’s one:
http://www.myp2pforum.eu/threads/50234-2011-World-Junior-Hockey-Championship-Dec-28th
A gourmet who thinks of calories is like a tart who looks at her watch.
--James Beard
Gorgeous play right there. I want to see Cody do something today.
Drunk Guy: "Alex Ovechkin is playing more like Magic Johnson than Michael Jordan this year."
Laichitor: "He has AIDS?"
You and me both.
The OatesStache: Tickling taints since 1975.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 28, 2010 5:21 PM EST up reply actions
That’s going to be USA’s best chance if they play. USA’s skaters should be able to score some goals, I’m just not sure they’ll be able to keep them out.
Drunk Guy: "Alex Ovechkin is playing more like Magic Johnson than Michael Jordan this year."
Laichitor: "He has AIDS?"
Yeah Roy doesn’t inspire a lot of confidence in me.
The OatesStache: Tickling taints since 1975.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 28, 2010 5:33 PM EST up reply actions
How is it that there’s a #failednhlbestsellers hashtag making the rounds on twitter and nobody has mentioned “The Ovechkin Project?”
Give and go finished with a shot over the glove side
The OatesStache: Tickling taints since 1975.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 28, 2010 5:37 PM EST up reply actions
Started in the D zone when Eakin picked up the loose puck. Looked like CZE had numbers back but Eakin and Casizkas isolated one D and blew down his side of the ice. Eakin made it look so easy and just flew by both other guys and then of course the beautiful snipe to end it. No hesitation.
Drunk Guy: "Alex Ovechkin is playing more like Magic Johnson than Michael Jordan this year."
Laichitor: "He has AIDS?"
Caps have the most prospects in this tournament. Hopefully the stats say the same.
Drunk Guy: "Alex Ovechkin is playing more like Magic Johnson than Michael Jordan this year."
Laichitor: "He has AIDS?"
I hope so also, though our Russians didn’t do much t to jump out at me the other day vs Canada.
The OatesStache: Tickling taints since 1975.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 28, 2010 5:39 PM EST up reply actions
They had their moments. Orlov did end up with 2 A and I think a +2.
Drunk Guy: "Alex Ovechkin is playing more like Magic Johnson than Michael Jordan this year."
Laichitor: "He has AIDS?"
Canada’s PP conversion rate in that game made the +/- totals all wonky.
The OatesStache: Tickling taints since 1975.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 28, 2010 5:41 PM EST up reply actions
I believe the Caps are one of 2 or 3 teams with 5 prospects; before Galiev was cut they had the chance to have the most.
Eakin with a beautiful goal. Great shot. But his speed was totally apparent as he blew past everyone on the ice.
Drunk Guy: "Alex Ovechkin is playing more like Magic Johnson than Michael Jordan this year."
Laichitor: "He has AIDS?"
a real backbreaker with nearly no time left in the 2nd. But yeah, the wheels…
A gourmet who thinks of calories is like a tart who looks at her watch.
--James Beard
That game was done anyway. It’s all about goal differential now.
Drunk Guy: "Alex Ovechkin is playing more like Magic Johnson than Michael Jordan this year."
Laichitor: "He has AIDS?"
I have British play by play for the game and listening to these guys lace as many footie references as possible into his commentary—“bookings” and “sanctions” and “sent off” for penalties; the hockey “match” = comedy.
A gourmet who thinks of calories is like a tart who looks at her watch.
--James Beard
That would be sweet: I would love to hear them call the rink, “the pitch”
The OatesStache: Tickling taints since 1975.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 28, 2010 6:21 PM EST up reply actions
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