Monday Caps Clips: Leafs @ Caps Game Day
by J.P. on Dec 6, 2010 6:34 AM EST
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PrintYour savory breakfast links:
- Previews of tonight's truculence with Toronto from Vogs, NHL.com (Goodman), WaPo (Wang), Toronto Sun, Peerless, KOL and RLS, and be sure to check out our good friends and SB Nation partner Pension Plan Puppets for more coverage from the other side of tonight's match up.
- Notes and assorted whatnot from yesterday's practice. [Caps365 (video), CI (Carrera)]
- More on what 48 shots and one goal look like. [Peerless]
- Can Scott Hannan and Tom Poti be a shutdown defensive pair for the Caps? (Can Tom Poti first shut down his groin problems?) [CSN Washington (Masisak)]
- More thoughts on how to use Hannan. [We Love DC]
- Oooh... that couldn't have felt good. [CI (Wang)]
- The week that was, by the tens. [Peerless]
- Sid on Alex in Vanity Fair. [VF]
- Michal Neuvirth graduates, Braden Holtby is up and Philipp Grubauer joins the list. [Goalie Guild]
- The new Winter Classic ad disappoints... [Puck Daddy (with behind the scenes footage of the spot at Caps 365 (video))]
- ... but the rendering of what Heinz Field will look like is pretty cool. [CI (Applebaum)]
- Coverage of a few Caps (and alums) skating at the National Gallery's Sculpture Garden Rink. [Caps365 (video), WaPo, RMNB]
- And... action! [Globe and Mail]
- Be proud, Caps (and Caps fans) of your Movember efforts. [Blonde Girl's Guide (with more on the Embassy Row's Mo's at NYT)]
- Finally, happy 49th birthday to Chris Valentine.
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The rendering of the WC looks mighty “red.” Or maybe it’s just that those wimpy baby blue jerseys wash out in the comparison.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Yeah. I’m betting there’s a lot more black and gold on game day.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Or they’ll do that whole white-out thing they do for the playoffs.
If you've read this far...seek help.
That would be interesting, considering there will be many Caps fans in white.
"Hockey is my life, wine is my passion." -- Igor Larionov
by Scott in Shaw on Dec 6, 2010 12:09 PM EST up reply actions
God that commercial is brutal. Moreover it’s so improvident as to how to market a game with crossover appeal that the firm who did it should be forced to watch the Honda Vampire Weekend/Holiday commercial until they pee their pants and promise never to do it again.
"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."
Brutal is right. I was trying to figure out which one was Neo and which one was Smith in the Matrix Revolutions climactic scene ripoff. The Caps Flyers Verizon commercial was infinitely better (the one where they play an impromptu pick up game in the shadow of an airplane at the gate).
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Dec 6, 2010 8:10 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
And… among casual fans or those who aren’t hockey fans, but might be tempted to tune in, are they going to understand the significance of two players staring at one another across an open field? The hook for those folks isn’t the rivalry, it’s the game and the nature by which it is played — action. Not much action in that ad, unless you’re a Weather Channel fan.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Not usually a big fan of Puck Daddy Comments, but I loved this description of the ad:
I was waiting for them to choose their Pokemon.
"I would feed them lefts until I was pretty much tired of doing it." - Alan May, JRR, 10.16.2010
by bagace on Dec 6, 2010 9:38 AM EST up reply actions 5 recs
I don’t know what’s worse, the fact that you remembered that third Matrix, or the fact that you’ve made me remember it.
"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."
Not being a Matrix fan (I’ve seen maybe a few minutes of the movies along the way), I only know that’s the source because people have said so.
That has got to be an aboslutely worthless commercial. To play during a football game? What a waste of advertising effort. Bor-ing.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Super lame. Although it did remind me of yet another reason to be excited about going to the game…not having to watch in with NBC commentary.
Don't worry about getting to your point, I'm going to live forever.
by SeattleCapsFan on Dec 6, 2010 9:22 AM EST up reply actions
I saw all the tweets about how bad the commercial is, but I didn’t have the same reaction. Mind you, I wasn’t blown away, but I didn’t feel a need to tweet how bad it was.
It was a short, 30 second start to being the promos. I’m a notorious Sid hater, but I saw the two starts on an equal pedestal in the ad. It simply shows us how NBC plans to build its promos for the game – Sid vs. Ovie. If I was them, I would do the same exact thing, especially if I’m trying to attract fans that aren’t normally going to watch an NHL game.
Featuring the starts is classic sports marketing. It’s always “Kobe Bryant and the Lakers versus Chris Ford and the Hornets” or “Donovan McNabb and the Redskins versus Eli Manning and the Giants.” I just don’t see a problem with this ad.
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Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
I didn’t feel a need to tweet how bad it was.
Sorry not all of us will dance to any instant dance club hit.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Links guy at Five For Howling.
….by Depeche Mode.
I poured spot remover on my dog. Now he's gone.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 6, 2010 10:12 AM EST up reply actions
C’mon – the remix of People are People has a great beat and I can dance to it.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
I think you may be 2 for 2. Missing the point and the reference.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Links guy at Five For Howling.
Damn!
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
Chris Paul plays for the Hornets, joke about how effective the marketing is ensues.
"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 6, 2010 10:34 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Michal Neuvirth graduates
I just had a significant 90210 flashback.
John Carlson - Glory follows him.
Six Beers Too Many Fantasy Team - BizNasty's Hobo Rodeo
by boutros23 on Dec 6, 2010 8:10 AM EST reply actions 3 recs
So my random thought of the other evening – Allan Walsh represents three NHL goalies, the oldest of whom (Marc-Andre Fleury) defeated the Caps in the playoffs two seasons ago. His “middle child” (Jaroslav Halak) defeated the Caps in the playoffs last season. And his third client? Ondrej Pavalec.
If the Caps face the Thrashers in Round 1 (or two or whenever)…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Is Alan Walsh secretly one of the world’s elite goalie coaches?
"Now wait a minute. This is just purely a social call. You know, just two adults getting a stew on, man."
by The Ghost of Bebop on Dec 6, 2010 9:37 AM EST up reply actions
He really might be “Alain Walche”
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Dec 6, 2010 9:40 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Perreault on recall. Do we have a center who’s hurt? Guess we’ll find out shortly.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Thanks Peerless for your breakdown of the Caps’ shots on Saturday. Pretty much what I wanted to do after Saturday’s game, but I don’t have the hockey know-how to actually articulate the weakness that was our shot production. Really interesting piece.
The distance and frequency are the two most disturbing stats from your breakdown. Like I briefly mentioned in the recap, Pavelec was giving up quite a fair number of juicy rebounds right up the middle that we constantly failed to capitalize on. But every time that happened, there was no one in red anywhere nearby. When you’re not jumping on the rebounds like that, you’re going to make any goalie look frickin’ fantastic.
Don't worry about getting to your point, I'm going to live forever.
Perhaps the most convincing nugget of the value (or lack of it) in 46 shots comes at the end… three shots in the last 7:48 of the game. A team down two goals might display more shooting urgency, or their shots were taken from so far out that they could be blocked or otherwise missed entirely.
If you've read this far...seek help.
I heard what you were saying, but the NHL shot-distance data are so suspect that I hate to base any firm-ish conclusions on them?
I did think your point about the lack of rebounds was good; my thought while watching the game was that it would take a rebound shot to beat Pavs. I also thought that they had guys in front and looking for rebounds, they just had the rebounds skitter invconveniently away from them.
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by fat_daddyo on Dec 6, 2010 9:55 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
What I saw was a guy planted directly in front of Pavelec, but his rebounds were shooting just past him, to right in between the hash marks about ten feet away. And there wasn’t anyone even remotely in the vicinity.
Don't worry about getting to your point, I'm going to live forever.
by SeattleCapsFan on Dec 6, 2010 10:01 AM EST up reply actions
There’s such a thing as being too close to the goalie, especially when rebounds are bouncing out like that. If you watch guys like Crosby, he’s rarely on top of the goalie. Instead, he’s about 3-4 feet away so that he can corral the rebound and get it up over the goalie, rather than just what away at his pads.
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.
That’s the conundrum, and that’s why you need more than one player going to the net. You want a guy like Holmstrom who is just going to set up shop on the crease and not move, but you also need the other guys to crash late and that way they should be further out and in better position to swoop the loose pucks when rebounds are kicked out. It’s another reason I want AO playing lower on the wing on the PP.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Exactly. And that was the problem on Saturday. The guy screening the goalie is important, but he’s a helluva lot more effective when the rest of the offense is picking up those rebounds.
Don't worry about getting to your point, I'm going to live forever.
by SeattleCapsFan on Dec 6, 2010 1:31 PM EST up reply actions
He seems like he can score at will from the left face-off dot, and yet on the PP, he’s about 40 feet away from his ideal position on the ice. Would it be so bad to move Semin back there? Or just have two defensemen — Green and Carlson.
Ovie is also more likely to get over-agressive at the blue line and have the puck bounce over his stick. leads to too many SH chances the other way.
You had me at no problem.
I think very few forwards are good at puck protection out there, and Ovechkin doesn’t seem any better or worse.
Do the Pens and Flyers play with 3 forwards/2 defensemen on the power play? If I remember correctly, with the Pens it’s Letang and Martin on the blue line and Crosby/Malkin/Kunitz up front.
With the Flyers, are both Pronger and Timmonen out there?
Geno and Mike Richards both play PP point at times, I’m pretty sure, though with the Pens it may just be their rotation at times putting Geno up top and another D further down.
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"Numbers don't lie, they just don't agree with you"--George E. Ays
by red army line on Dec 6, 2010 3:14 PM EST up reply actions
Brad Richards also played the PP point last year, not sure about this year.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Dec 6, 2010 3:15 PM EST up reply actions
He plays basically the full two minutes but half is on the point and half is as a forward.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Versteeg is playing the point for the Leafs. Ovie’s strong enough as a skater to do it I think.
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by PPP on Dec 6, 2010 3:16 PM EST up reply actions
He’s definitely strong enough as a skater, but do you really want his one-timer and nose for the net up there? I’d rather have him causing problems down low with his strength and ability to find the soft spots than messing around at the point.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Dec 6, 2010 3:18 PM EST up reply actions
I think that the more shots he gets on the PP the better. I guess he can slide up with some simple rotation rather than have him as the 2 D.
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by PPP on Dec 6, 2010 3:20 PM EST up reply actions
If he can blast it low and hard to find a rebound, I’m down with that, but teams are shifting two guys into his lane and daring the Capitals to pass around them. The gameplan is literally block Ovechkin’s shot and work from there.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Dec 6, 2010 3:23 PM EST up reply actions
But that does open the ice up for the other skill players.
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by PPP on Dec 6, 2010 3:33 PM EST up reply actions
It does, Backstrom and Semin kill people when they have space.
All that said, they don’t need all that much space, especially if it means that they can pass to an open or single-teamed Ovechkin.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Dec 6, 2010 3:34 PM EST up reply actions
He can do it, but it’s just not the best use of him. Especially if you try to keep him there for 2 minutes, then you’re asking for SH breakaways against. I’d love to see him set up shop in the left face off circle.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Well, he owns that spot and it’s clearly hard to plan to stop.
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by PPP on Dec 6, 2010 3:21 PM EST up reply actions
Exactly. That’s where Stamkos is making hay and it’s something AO could easily do. I’m with KHtaD. Putting him on the point makes it too easy to isolate him and basically shut him off. It opens up some space lower in the zone but that’s not enough reason to take him out of the play. He would be much more able to cause mayhem if he plays lower in the zone.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I don’t watch either team enough to know, but it seems like the Caps would do well to at least try the same sort of thing TBL employs, but with Backstrom in MSL’s place and AO in Stamkos’.
Yeah, that’s what I want. Semin can kill it from the left circle, so it’s not a huge drop, I just don’t think it’s the best use of our best player.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Isn’t the Tampa PP system basically just a ripoff of the Caps’ PP system?
Not disagreeing with you on Ovi, I think he would be much more useful anywhere but on the point, just tired of people saying “gee, look how Tampa does it…the Caps should try that” when they HAVE been doing it that way. It’s why they’ve been so deadly in recent years, that cross-ice pass to the sniper at the side of the net is something we’ve seen over and over again – whether it’s Green or Semin or Ovi or whomever pulling the trigger.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
TBL has been moving better than we have. Everyone wants that cross ice pass to the circle but TBL is great at setting it up. You see a lot of their guys cycle through point duty on the same shift and ultimately work their way back to whhere they want to be. With the D following people all around the seams open up.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Right, lately they have. I’m not saying the Caps are carrying it out right now, I’m just saying it’s how they’ve set up in the past.
In their prime – think last year during the regular season – the Caps’ PP has looked downright scary, with the way they’ve cycled the puck and gotten that pass across so that the goalie really has no chance. Watching Tampa’s PP against other teams, that’s what I’m reminded of – the Caps’ PP when it’s clicking.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
my issue is by moving AO to that spot on the PP, you’re taking semin off it, and that’s where semin’s hands really shine. or you could move backstrom off the other side? honestly, i’d rather have AO up top for the entire two minutes, with the freedom to move up into open space from time to time.
But he can’t be as aggressive jumping in if he’s the point man. He has very little help and we can’t keep getting caught with SH breakaways. I’d much rather he have to worry only about scoring.
I think we could use all the young guns and either Laich or Carlson on the PP and it could work. It would mean both Backstrom and Semin spending time up by the point if we go with Laich, and it means everyone has to take turns crashing through the crease if it’s Carlson.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I don’t know anymore. I’ve railed against using him on the point on the PP but to no avail.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I have no doubt NHL shot data are as subjective as their “real time” stats, but I expect whatever biases they have to be in the same direction. If a shot is scored from the “perimeter” in the first period, the same sort of shot will be scored that way in the third period, and it will be the same for both teams.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Congratulations
Congratulations to Neuvy for Graduating!
He had a great game vs the Nucks last night and it confirmed something I have believed the last couple seasons. STL’s Alex Steen would be a really nice 3C on the Caps. This, of course depends on whether you see Mackan becoming a legit 2C for us.
I poured spot remover on my dog. Now he's gone.
Ouch. Just looked at his contract. Disregard this.
I poured spot remover on my dog. Now he's gone.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 6, 2010 10:47 AM EST up reply actions
Funny stuff from Puck Daddy:
Cam Fowler turned 19 yesterday. “He should probably buy us dinner,” said Ryan Getzlaf, who doesn’t understand how birthdays work.
Shocking that people dislike Getzlaf.
Maybe they both should Jonas Hiller dinner after their performance last night.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Links guy at Five For Howling.
In India it’s a custom for the birthday person to treat all their friends. My Indian friends here in the US have continued that tradition when they go out for their birthday with their American friends.
In Soviet Russia, dinner eats YOU!
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 6, 2010 1:27 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Getzlaf must be a Hobbit.
Hobbits give gifts on their birthday, after all. :-)
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My sister’s Korean friends are the same way. North American friends are mooches.
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by PPP on Dec 6, 2010 2:54 PM EST up reply actions
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-j25y0Mkxk&feature=player_embedded
Someone needs to punch in Kaleta’s face.
What did Dorsett do to deserve a pounding like that?
It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a guy yank his opponent back up off the ice to continue pounding on him…
Patron saint of quality footwear.
He hit Vanek at the bench during a change, no puck in the vicinity, just trying to rough up Buffalo’s best scorer. If anyone hit Semin or Backstrom or another one of our skill players like that, I’d fully expect someone to kick his ass.
Although, maybe Dorsett got a few more than he really deserved. That was pretty rough, the officials could have ended it earlier.
You had me at no problem.
Did the Matty P recall thread get deleted? Or am I missing something…
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
I had that problem too. But click the link in JP’s post above and it will get you there.
Or try this.
http://www.japersrink.com/2010/12/6/1858320/caps-recall-perrault
"It's always good to have vikings."
This is an article about how great Stanislav Galiev’s team is playing this year, but worth the click for the picture:
http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com/sports/article/1338928
When you’re playing well, all the bounces go your way. Or so it seems.
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Huh, I don’t know why I never noticed before that the Sea Dogs are coached by Gerard Gallant.
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I always liked GG when he played.
I poured spot remover on my dog. Now he's gone.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 6, 2010 11:30 AM EST up reply actions
The 2010 Olympics in Vancouver were drastically different experiences for rivals Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin. Since then Crosby has also been more productive.
Here is a look at their stats since the Winter Games:
Crosby – 32 goals, 77 points in 48 regular-season games
Ovechkin – 19 goals, 54 points in 46 regular-season games
Looks like someone’s heart was broken by Canada :D
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by PPP on Dec 6, 2010 2:55 PM EST up reply actions
John Carlson likes to break hearts IN canada
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by RedBirdie on Dec 6, 2010 3:00 PM EST up reply actions 5 recs
Can’t see that. Five gold medals are covering my eyes.
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by PPP on Dec 6, 2010 3:01 PM EST up reply actions
You want to invoke Patrick Roy, but we all know the more accurate depiction would invoke Mike Commodore.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
There’s just so many gold medals and only two ears/eyes.
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by PPP on Dec 6, 2010 3:04 PM EST up reply actions
That taunt is best used against a team that has zero gold medals. USA has gold medals enough to plug both ears.
You had me at no problem.
Two only seems like a lot when you don’t have 2 runs of five in a row.
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by PPP on Dec 6, 2010 3:06 PM EST up reply actions
That’s the US’ excuse any time they lose something. The NTDP suggests that it means a lot to you guys too.
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by PPP on Dec 6, 2010 3:09 PM EST up reply actions
And you guys have a huge head start. You can talk shit now, but you know we’re making gains and it’s not going to be one-sided much longer. Canada is obviously the best hockey country on earth. Good to see you handle it so graciously as well.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
by Rob Parker on Dec 6, 2010 3:10 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
haha
Guess I should have just stopped replying after the Carlson gif ;)
We’ll be able to talk shit for a while still. Suggesting otherwise sounds like the Nike 2010 plan for the World Cup.
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by PPP on Dec 6, 2010 3:12 PM EST up reply actions
You know what I meant. It means a ton to the folks in this forum. But it came down to a single overtime, and if Parise had tapped in the GWG instead of Crosby, the national anguish from North of the border would have been considerably greater than the reaction to the South.
Also, I was at the game where we shelled Brodeur in the group round. USA had quite a bit to be happy about in that tourney.
You had me at no problem.
I was at the Gold Medal Game :smug:
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by PPP on Dec 6, 2010 3:21 PM EST up reply actions
We were having a field day with the “Miiii-ike Greee-een!” chants. After seeing all of Canada root so hard against Russia in their group games, it was nice to see that crowd have a loss shoved down their throats.
Of course, I wish I still had all the $$$ I laid out for that… Maybe not the wisest decision of my life.
You had me at no problem.
That was the logic. No idea when it’ll be back in North America again. And by then, Ovechkin probably won’t be playing anymore. Certainly not in his prime, anyway.
You had me at no problem.
exactly. See, a totally reasonable thing to spend your money on.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
depends on what the exchange rate is these days. Are the Russians getting grouchy with their neighbors?
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Not as good as it was watching Canada pump Russia…which I also saw in person.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
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by PPP on Dec 6, 2010 3:34 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, in hindsight, it’s a damned good thing I couldn’t afford to stick around for the elimination rounds.
But we know how much losing to the USA burned your butt at the time. Like losing a ping-pong match to your long-dominated little brother. The hand-wringing in the media was so delicious on the flight home.
You had me at no problem.
In the end it helped get Brodeur out so thank you :)
You would have enjoyed the US-Finland semi. Terrible game for my group that went because it was a snoozer but 6-1!
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
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by PPP on Dec 6, 2010 3:39 PM EST up reply actions
See, in exchange for that, I’d have to suffer through Ovie’s humiliation AND watch Crosby cement his reputation(in a tourney where he was mostly invisible, on a play that was mostly Iginla). No thank you.
You had me at no problem.
Crosby read the play and called for the pass. Iginla just had to ditch the puck to become part of history.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
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by PPP on Dec 6, 2010 4:57 PM EST up reply actions
wasn’t aware you had a hand in winning those 5 golds.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Didn’t know your name was Carlson.
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by PPP on Dec 6, 2010 3:05 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
we got the better part of the continent :)
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Or hate hurricanes and tornadoes.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
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by PPP on Dec 6, 2010 3:17 PM EST up reply actions
We don’t get either in DC (or, not more than once a decade). Send some of that beer down this way, though.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Dec 6, 2010 3:19 PM EST up reply actions
And I’m getting OT.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Dec 6, 2010 3:19 PM EST up reply actions
You guys have a great micro-brew industry in the US. Wish I could get some of it shipped up here!
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
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by PPP on Dec 6, 2010 3:22 PM EST up reply actions
BC has a great marijuana industry. Plenty of it DOES get shipped down here, though!
You had me at no problem.
My OT comment to myself was a hint.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Dec 6, 2010 3:27 PM EST up reply actions
Minnesota is nearly as hockey-mad as Canada. Whole damn state shuts down for the boys high school tourney.
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That’s a state I could get behind.
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by PPP on Dec 6, 2010 3:34 PM EST up reply actions
Shattuck – St. Mary?
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Canadians always get a little twitchy when I point that out.
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because everyone wants to spend some quality time in southern rural Minnesota!
there’s a boatload of “name” players on their alumni list. But I think a lot of them go for a year or two and then head off to major juniors. Toews is an exception.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Aren’t you dying to go to the Spam museum in nearby Austin? I lived in Rochester as an intern at Mayo Clinic one summer and I thought it was one of the most ugly parts of the state. No lakes, very flat, lots of farmland and not so many trees. I was used to the rolling green hills, trees and lakes everywhere part of Minnesota.
Actually Corvo is a Chicago boy, right? Chicago is a doable drive from Southern Minnesota.
Shattuck – St. Mary’s would have a heck of an alumni game.
I’ve been to the Spam Museum! The stupid things we do in college….
I lived in Duluth (briefly), so I was spoiled by the North Shore and Boundary Waters and think the rest of the state, while nice, just isn’t quite as nice. But, yeah, the Rochester area really leaves a lot to be desired.
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The North Shore is very beautiful area, along with Boundary Waters (it was so weird to drink water straight out of the lake there). I lived in northern and central Minnesota. We lived in Park Rapids, near the birthplace of the Mississippi, when I was really young. Similar to the North Shore, lots of pine trees and lakes. Central Minnesota is also nice though, St. Cloud and surrounding counties are pretty although there is a lot more farmland. I was back in St. Cloud for part of a day this summer, we went down to a park on the Mississippi River, which is very pretty, and to Munsinger Gardens. Of course we drove a block away from the hockey arena on our way home so I made my mom drive by it for me. It’s not too exciting on the outside. I actually think I was inside a few times as a kid but I barely remember it. The one redeeming thing about Rochester area is being somewhat close to the Mississippi River bluffs.
I have never been to the Spam Museum but I have been to see the largest Ball of Twine in Darwin.
Bill Guerin Retires
I always liked the guy, even if he did end up as a Penguin. Seeing him on EDM on a line with Doug Weight and Ryan Smyth in their primes was quite an awesome line. I remember waiting a couple trade deadlines back for the announcement that he would be coming to the Caps after TSN said at 11 pm the night before that a move was imminent. His pedophile stache was also funny in an icky sorta way. He seemed like an OK guy with a good sense of humour (as the Puck Daddy write-up seems to testify)
I poured spot remover on my dog. Now he's gone.
the bonus video towards the end is pure gold. “First of all, we have a lot of guys who shouldn’t be chewing gum, and doing something else at the same time….”
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That was great. They had him on HNIC Afterhours last season at one point and it was quite funny. A little known fact to me is that his best friend in hockey of all people was P.J. Stock.
I poured spot remover on my dog. Now he's gone.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 6, 2010 12:50 PM EST up reply actions
I recall when they were interviewing Caps about the upcoming 24/7 series, Knuble was asked who he thought might be the most “colorful” talker on the Pens side, he mentioned that too bad Billy Guerin wasn’t there anymore, that he always had something to say.
"I would feed them lefts until I was pretty much tired of doing it." - Alan May, JRR, 10.16.2010
Finally got a look at my dead tree version of the Post. Photos from the Caps’ skate at the Sculpture Garden are on the front of the Metro section. Nice.
"It's always good to have vikings."
So putting Bondra on a current jersey is no longer a jersey foul, right?
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More pictures of Caps at the Sculpture Garden on DCist.
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Tix for Tonight
If you’re in the mood for some live truculence, email me (in my profile) — I have two club seats available for any reasonable offer since it’s too late to post in the RRTE.
"Hockey is my life, wine is my passion." -- Igor Larionov
Updated close games rankings. Scott incorporated the ENGs concern JP brought up.
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
Can’t say I’m entirely surprised at the results. And as for that as an indication of teams playing well/poorly, I’d say the Caps’ record is accurate.
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 6, 2010 1:54 PM EST up reply actions
Also important, tonight’s anthem: Bob McDonald.
Woo!
John Carlson - Glory follows him.
Six Beers Too Many Fantasy Team - BizNasty's Hobo Rodeo
He’s undefeated, right?
So far, when they have a gal sing, Caps lose.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Yeah, pretty sure Bob’s undefeated. Plus, I like him. :)
John Carlson - Glory follows him.
Six Beers Too Many Fantasy Team - BizNasty's Hobo Rodeo
Actually, the Caps won 2-1 against the Islanders when Leigh Ann Hinton sung the anthem.
I don’t remember which of the women sang when we lost to Atlanta the other night, but the game summary said it was Caleb Green, and unless he’s turned soprano, it definitely wasn’t him…
Sara Gray’s record is 0-1-0-1 (1L, 1SOL)…
I also remember Caleb Green sang the anthem against the Lightning on 11/11… at least I thought he did… he’s also 2-0-0-0.
Bob McDonald is 3-0-0-0 on the season. :-)
I think we should stick with Caleb Green and Bob McDonald for the rest of the year!
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Don’ t know her name, but I remember her singing last year during a Toronto game, where she had to read the lyrics of “Oh Canada” from a cheat sheet. Jeez, it’s a pretty easy song to memorize.
And Wes Johnson wasn’t announcing last Sat night either. We were doomed!!
"I would feed them lefts until I was pretty much tired of doing it." - Alan May, JRR, 10.16.2010
Wes was at the Caps thing on Sunday downtown at the sculpture garden, though… is he not announcing tonight?
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He says he is…
@WesJohnsonVoice: I’ll be rocking the mic at Verizon again TONIGHT! Who’s with me? It’s time to rake some Leafs! #backinthesaddle
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Minor point, but i can’t figure out why the Caps are listed as the 1 seed over Philly? Each have 38 points and 16 non-shootout wins; they each have 3 points in the two games played against each other, but both games were at VC, so wouldn’t the first game get thrown out, leaving the Flyers with the extra point, as they won the last meeting?
No?
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Caps’ win was an OT win (thanks Game Over Green!), Flyers’ win was a SO win, which don’t count in the tiebreaker this year.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Ah ha. Did not know they were discounting SO wins in the H2H “points earned” comparison.
Makes sense, though.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
1. The fewer number of games played (i.e., superior points percentage). — Flyers, Caps, and Penguins all have 28 games played
2. The greater number of games won, excluding games won in the Shootout (NEW for 2010-11). — Caps have 18 wins, Flyers 17, Penguins 18 Caps trump Flyers
3. The greater number of points earned in games between the tied clubs. If two clubs are tied, and have not played an equal number of home games against each other, points earned in the first game played in the city that had the extra game shall not be included. If more than two clubs are tied, the higher percentage of available points earned in games among those clubs, and not including any “odd” games, shall be used to determine the standing. — Flyers have four points in games with Pittsburgh, Penguins have two points. Philadelphia trumps Pittsburgh.
4. The greater differential between goals for and against for the entire regular season. Doesn’t matter. Caps beat Flyers in second criterion, Flyers beat Penguins in third criterion.
If you've read this far...seek help.
but wait!...
On that number 2, Caps have 18 wins, two won in the shootout. Flyers have 17 wins, ONE via the shootout. so they are now tied with 16 “wins”…the Pens have two SO wins, so they are at 16, too.
So, on to criterion 3… Since three clubs are tied, how do they stack up on “percentage of available points earned AMONG those club?”
Caps have earned three of possible four points (.750) — win and SO loss to PHL, no games against PIT
PHL has three of possible four points against Caps — win and OT loss, four of six possible points against PIT (two wins, one loss, all in regulation). So that’s 7 of 10 possible points (.700)
So that’s how the Caps are in front.
I’m going to lay down now. I have a headache.
If you've read this far...seek help.
30 Thoughts
Best weekly feature ever, today’s is no exception – a few Caps-related goodies:
10. Report from a Western scout on Scott Hannan: “Two things: One, the Capitals must partner him with a puck-mover. (According to Bruce Boudreau, it will be Tom Poti once Poti is healthy.) Second, he has a habit of not moving his feet.” That’s going to be a problem if not corrected.
11. Was talking to Martin St. Louis as that Fleischmann/Hannan deal was announced. His initial reaction: “That’s because of Marcus Johansson. He’s a really good player.”
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
by Becca H on Dec 6, 2010 2:07 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
Another thing I found interesting in there, and this is totally speculation spurred on by G.O.D.‘s math work in the Matty P thread is where Friedman says:
Another GM said he knows he’s going to add someone, but has to wait until that player’s salary comes down to an exact point before he will do it.
What are the odds that Friedman is talking about GMGM and that GMGM is talking about Brad Richards specifically, but it just triggered in my mind.
LET'S GO CAPS!!!
Low and low. GMGM doesn’t tip his hand very often, and Brad Richards won’t be affordable for months so it doesn’t make that much sense.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
The more I read that statement, the more I think it’s a generic. As in, the guys I’m looking at that I’d trade for are all too expensive right now, but when I can afford it, I’ll see what’s offerred.
"It's always good to have vikings."
I think it is a short term situation. The principles of a deal are in place but the cap number has to wait a month or so to come down. Talking about Richards is too speculative for that quote.
You could be right, but it sounds like a specific team has a specific player in mind.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Keep this in mind. Brad Richards has a no trade clause. I’ve seen quite a bit devoted to a Richards-to-Manhattan scenario lately (most of it from the NY press). I wonder if Richards will waive his NTC to a team that doesn’t have much of a chance to go deep this year. He’d be better off in that regard staying in Dallas. And that is why I do not discount the possibility that the Friedman comment applies to the Caps. Not that the particulars of the comment are correct (the comment could apply to Jason Spezza and his $7 million hit, for instance — he also has a NTC), but that such a scenario — waiting for the residual cap hit to drop — could play out.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Of course, Richards also might not want to play on a team where he’d be on the 2nd line, and potentially overshadowed by 3-4 other star players.
/devil’s advocate
You had me at no problem.
That’s not in Brad Richards’ make up. He’s absolutely unselfish and he was second line when he won the Conn Smythe. He knows that line designations aren’t the end all.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Especially if he’s playing on the second line with Semin. I don’t think anyone would mind being his center.
by vtcapsfan99 on Dec 6, 2010 2:50 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I want him bad, I just don’t think it happens. It’s too good to be true, and things that are too good to be true usually aren’t. I wouldn’t mind if GMGM makes him the “Hossa” of our trade deadline and offers a ton to DAL to get him.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Waaaay too good to be true. Waaaay too expensive. And waaaay too little chance that Dallas trades away one of the league’s top centers when they’re in the playoff hunt.
Also… It’s December. Let’s wait to get worked up over this until February. Otherwise, people will think I have rabies by the Winter Classic.
You had me at no problem.
I’ve seen quite a bit devoted to a Richards-to-Manhattan scenario lately (most of it from the NY press). I wonder if Richards will waive his NTC to a team that doesn’t have much of a chance to go deep this year.
You know, every time I see those reports I question them for the exact same reason. Would he really waive that NTC just to be reunited w/ his old pal Torts, even if it meant ultimately going to a team that’s not quite there yet? And the Rangers have slightly less cap space than us, to go all in for someone like Richards would likely set them back in their growth as a team – they’d have to give up good roster players and/or prospects.
I don’t know. Not that I’m holding out hope that he’s coming here but I think the NY press just makes the “Torts coached him in Tampa OH EM GEE” connection and wants him there. I honestly think he’d prefer to go to a contender, and if you consider the Eastern contenders to be us, the Bruins, the Flyers and the Pens…we’re the only team w/ cap space at the deadline AND a need at center.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
If Dallas stays in first in their division, why would they even consider trading him? Sure, GMGM doesn’t like to lose assets for nothing (which there is the possibility of with Semin, remember), but if you think you’ve got a good shot at the Cup, don’t you take the risk?
"It's always good to have vikings."
No way Dallas trades Richards if they remain in a playoff position.
F&B pointed this out originally, but I thought the point was good enough to paraphrase him here.
Dallas desperately needs the gate revenue from a playoff series (or two). So even if fall out of the playoffs but remain close to the 8th spot, they have a ton of incentive to keep Richards. And if they stay in the playoffs, their chances to advance (and get that extra shot of cash flow) are much better with Richards on the ice.
They’re going to really have to fall off drastically for a Richards deal to look attractive to them.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Yeah, that’s the other issue. I think if they’re in a good playoff spot they keep him unless he brings back some serious return.
That being said, I don’t think Dallas is a contender this year regardless of where they are in the standings right now – I think LA, Phoenix and San Jose are all underperforming which is opening the door for Dallas to hold that spot. Granted, that underachieving nature could stick with all of those clubs all year but the Pacific this season has been…weird.
And I have to think the Stars know they won’t be able to keep him after this year. How much of a factor that becomes, I don’t know, but the fact that he and Nieuwendyk have already had private discussions about his situation tells me they’re considering all options, playoff revenue or no playoff revenue.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
Dallas is 25th in JLikens’ adjusted Corsi. That doesn’t mean that they’ll fall out, but looking to last season’s Avs as a comparable, Dallas will need great goaltending to stay up there. A major injury to Lehtonen in the near future and they’re done.
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.
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"Numbers don't lie, they just don't agree with you"--George E. Ays
by red army line on Dec 6, 2010 3:18 PM EST up reply actions
Supposedly he’s “finally found the value of conditioning” or whatever. We’ll see.
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 6, 2010 3:25 PM EST up reply actions
That’s what I heard. There was that note from Friedman a few weeks ago, something about former teammates shocked at how thin he’d become (in a good way). Heard it on the radio a while back, too.
However, that doesn’t mean he won’t get injured…just means he’s not a chubbykins anymore.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
Dallas is one team I’d hold up as a counter-argument to strict Corsi analysis if you look at what they were doing against the Caps. There were a lot of centering passes and passes through the slot that weren’t shots at net, but were dangerous chances if anyone got a stick on it.
I don’t think they’re very deep, but 25th is definitely underrating that team if they’re healthy.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Dec 6, 2010 3:26 PM EST up reply actions
So you’re saying there are coaching effects that have to be combined with Corsi to have a meaningful number?
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I’m saying it’s a good jumping off point, but it’s far from the whole picture.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Dec 6, 2010 3:29 PM EST up reply actions
I know, I’m just busting balls. Highlighting coaching effects is important, though, and something the stat people generally don’t do (or gloss over).
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Meh
The ‘intangibles’ crowd does as much if not more glossing over.
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by PPP on Dec 6, 2010 3:35 PM EST up reply actions
It’s funny that on PPP the other day the jokes began when someone complimented Crawford as a good coach.
If the Stars start doing something with those missed chances then yeah, things could change, plus the sample isn’t huge yet. But they are getting great goaltending and outshot by 3 shots a game or so. Their PP is middling and PK poor. All their important players have high PDOs, a la Washington last season. Doesn’t sound good to me. They’re good enough in the playoffs in the East and above average, but in the West there must be at least eight stronger teams.
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 6, 2010 3:41 PM EST up reply actions
I’m not disagreeing that they may be playing over their head. I’m just saying that not all Corsi is created equal. If a team plays for high quality chances and doesn’t pump pucks on net then they will look bad in Corsi, though they may still control the puck and get high quality chances. That’s a coaching effect that isn’t really discussed.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
YES!
Crawford sucks. Only a moron leaves Gretzky on the bench during a shootout.
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by PPP on Dec 6, 2010 4:58 PM EST up reply actions
In other news, that Tim Thomas save of the night is unreal. I’m really starting to think that man sold is soul for this season.
Don't worry about getting to your point, I'm going to live forever.
by SeattleCapsFan on Dec 6, 2010 2:15 PM EST up reply actions
Am I the only one who thinks that save is getting more praise than it deserves? Amazingly awesome save? Absolutely. Runaway save of the year winner? Dunno about that.
You had me at no problem.
If only Staal had roofed it.
. . .
. . . Wait, what were we talking about?
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 6, 2010 2:32 PM EST up reply actions 5 recs
No
You’re not the only one. But you are all wrong. It was overtime and he flew like Superman. It’ll definitely be featured in Rock ’Em Sock ’Em and end of year highlight clips.
Could it be unseated? Sure but it’ll take a lot.
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by PPP on Dec 6, 2010 3:03 PM EST up reply actions
Thomas only had to make a great save because he played the rush so horridly to begin with. If he doesn’t go down so early that’s a much more routine save. The recovery was incredible and certainly deserves recognition as one of the best saves of the year, but the goalie in me finds it less impressive when a goalie has to make a sparkling save just because they fucked up the play to begin with.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 6, 2010 5:38 PM EST up reply actions
I saw where one wag called it the best save he ever saw. I’d put Varlamov’s save on Crosby in the playoffs above it, and I can remember a Kolzig save on, I believe, Jan Hrdina in the dying moments of a Pens game when Hrdina had an open net to shoot at to tie the game that would rank as high.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Agreed. I can’t think of any saves this year though that top it though.
Don't worry about getting to your point, I'm going to live forever.
by SeattleCapsFan on Dec 6, 2010 2:34 PM EST up reply actions
lots of good stuff in 30 Thoughts this week. Although I admit when I read this:
Quote of the Week I: Bryan Murray on Taylor Hall: “In three years, he’ll be Eric Staal.”
my first thought was "Horseface is gonna turn into a meth-addled Badger? ewwww.
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except for the one faceoff in the game that really counts.
Jesus, I still can’t believe Steckel lost it that cleanly to BadgerFace.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Apologies For Briefly Hijacking Today's Caps Clips
Yes, I’m a beggar, yet again. Would you guys help keep the Japers’ Rink Pick-Up Game FanPost up on the main page by Rec’ing it? We’re getting close to finalizing something. Just want to make sure everyone involved sees it. Thanks.
Previously incarnated as UF and UnleashFurry...
Lost member of the now defunct 'Black Avatar Alliance'
More HBO teaser video goodness. This one is The Art of The Hit. For a guy that was rather cranky about HBO, Brook Laich sure seems to be on camera, smiling, a lot. There are a couple of good lines in there, worth watching. “I played against him at worlds, I took a couple runs at him, just to see what it was like.”
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Good lord King is getting a lot of air time. It’s not even like he’s that eloquent…he sort of talks like a Neanderthal.
Don't worry about getting to your point, I'm going to live forever.
by SeattleCapsFan on Dec 6, 2010 3:21 PM EST up reply actions
i cringe a little whenever king comes on screen. either HBO has a deal in place with GMGM/BB that king won’t be scratched january 1st, or HBO is just making a poor decision highlighting him.
Actually HBO’s Hard Knocks specializes in the borderline players. They make training camp cut guys very interesting. Perhaps they just find DJ interesting or representative of a certain group of hockey players
my guess is they definitely chose him because he represented the borderline, fighter-class NHL player. that said, this isn’t hard knocks where the drama lies in who does and doesn’t make the team. when it comes to the final episode and they’re profiling the actual game, are they going to discontinue his story line? show him in the press box at heinz field eating hot dogs?
by Natty Bumppo on Dec 6, 2010 10:36 PM EST up reply actions
HBO likes to schedule evening interviews. So, you know, King’s normally available.
by Cluster on Dec 6, 2010 4:27 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Preview by SkinnyFish of tonight’s game. Please read and comment and note that LeafsNation is new.
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While the deal of Fleischmann for Hannan has improved their backend, it has also hindered the Capitals’ potent offense. In the 3 games since the trade, the Caps have only 6 goals and enter with a 2 game losing streak.
Haha. Yes… fear Tomas Fleischmann.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
He’s being facetious. Flash stinks. Is Hannan going to be shadowing Kessel? Or Schultz?
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by PPP on Dec 6, 2010 3:09 PM EST up reply actions
Well, not following him around the ice but who will he be facing.
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by PPP on Dec 6, 2010 3:13 PM EST up reply actions
Nobody is going to shadow Kessel. You think we need to shadow Kessel? Maybe we should just tell him it’s an important game and let that take care of it.
BB doesn’t match lines strictly so it’s unlikely that he’ll see one pair. If he does, it will depend on who plays and it could be almost anyone. Green/Schultz has been used against top lines and so has the rookie pair. Hannan/Poti seems like it’s something they want to go with so if Poti plays they may use them.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
by Rob Parker on Dec 6, 2010 3:12 PM EST up reply actions 4 recs
I forgot that BB doesn’t match lines. Most teams have sent their top line against Kessel because it makes sense to shut down our offensive threat (sad to be singular).
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by PPP on Dec 6, 2010 3:15 PM EST up reply actions
Carlson and Alzner have done some heavy lifting, too. Last game against TBL, they drew the the St. Louis Stamkos line and handled them. I doubt they repeat that with regularity, but it was awesome to see.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Dec 6, 2010 3:17 PM EST up reply actions
They seem like a pairing that could do it consistently. I’m a big Alzner fan.
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by PPP on Dec 6, 2010 3:20 PM EST up reply actions
Alzner’s play has come leaps and bounds since the last time I saw him in a Caps uni. He looks like he’s figured out the NHL pace and spacing a lot better and he’s a lot stronger than he was as a 19 year old. He’s also deceptively fast laterally; he can really change directions quickly.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Dec 6, 2010 3:22 PM EST up reply actions
I’d be interested in your take on Kessel as a pivot. He seems like a guy who likes to get fed, as opposed to doing the feeding. Does he really have the chops to play 200 feet, defensive responsibilites, etc.?
"I don't care about winning the division or winning the President's Trophy. I just care about getting to the playoffs." --GMGM
Yes
He has the speed to do it. He’s shown he can backcheck. He was a centre growing up. He’ll need to work on those but that’s demonstrably a skill that can be taught and learned.
Kessel’s actually an underrated passer. If he had someone that could finish on his line he’d have more assists.
The big key will be discipline. I’m not sure he has enough yet.
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by PPP on Dec 6, 2010 3:33 PM EST up reply actions
Thanks. His offence (in the sprit of the evening) has never been a doubt of mine, just the defensive responsibilities and his play away from the puck, but I like the look of his line with Armstrong and Versteeg.
"I don't care about winning the division or winning the President's Trophy. I just care about getting to the playoffs." --GMGM
I’d bet on Carlzner more often than not—Schultz has had trouble with Kessel type forwards in the past, and I think one of the “less desirable” Dmen will pair with Hannan.
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by red army line on Dec 6, 2010 3:21 PM EST up reply actions
Not used in the sense of “They got handled.”
MSL had a couple of dangerous chances (like when he wrong-footed Alzner), but Stamkos was basically out of the game whenever those two were on the ice.
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by Knee high to a duck on Dec 6, 2010 3:28 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, teams that do like to match are going to focus on him for sure. I’m just not a big fan of his.
BB says he doesn’t match at all, but he’s usually cognizant of the match ups. If Sloan plays, he probably won’t be thrown out there for a D zone draw if Kessel is on the ice, but it’s not going to be a situation where pairs immediately change just because Kessel gets on the ice.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I spent some time on Facebook trying to tell my Nashville friends that they should be ignoring the Titans’ misery when there’s a heck of a hockey team in town… Couldn’t make much headway. Maybe they’ll check out the Preds without admitting it publicly.
You had me at no problem.
Kessel kills our team’s biggest rivals (OTT and MTL) so not sure he’s really had a big game issue beyond Boston but that’s more of a Zdeno Chara issue.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
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by PPP on Dec 6, 2010 4:59 PM EST up reply actions
You didn’t see him at the Olympics did you…
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 6, 2010 6:35 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Pssh, that’s nothing compared to a TOR-OTT or TOR-MTL regular season game.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 6, 2010 9:47 PM EST up reply actions
Well PPP said Kessel kills his team’s biggest rivals. I assume he included Team USA in that.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
by Rob Parker on Dec 6, 2010 10:05 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
Ouch. The Caps are only on pace for 61.5 powerplay goals, which would be the team’s lowest aggregate total since 2003-2004 (and even then, the Caps scored 59). Of course, from the past few games, it’s been painfully obvious to a lot of people that the Caps faces and broken sticks aren’t drawing powerplays when they should be.
I’m guessing this is part of the reason why, even though the PP is humming along at a respectable 23.5%, the Caps are not putting up the gaudy goal totals that they did in the past couple of years.
Caps are still 2nd in the league in goals for, despite a series of rather low-scoring losses lately.
You had me at no problem.
I’m not too worried about the offense in general. It hasn’t been great over the past two games, but I don’t doubt it’ll get better. That, and I’m much more pleased with the defensive effort and goaltending this year, so I don’t worry about the Caps getting into an extended offensive slump.
It just bugs me that they’re not drawing powerplays when they should be (not to get tinfoil-hatty about it, but there have been some pretty questionable non-calls and calls against the Caps over the past few games).
A look at the lucrative world of NHL.com puns.
http://theroyalhalf.com/2010-articles/december/pundays-28-pundays-later.html
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