Capital Ups and Downs: Week 20
by J.P. on Feb 15, 2010 10:59 AM EST
in Capitals Ups and Downs
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Our weekly look at individual Washington Capitals' ups and downs:
| Goalies | Trend | Notes |
| Michal Neuvirth |  |
Started the streak-breaking game in Montreal, but had to leave with a minor injury (and a 4.68 GAA and .857 save percentage for the game) that shouldn't prevent him from getting a good bit of work for Hershey over the Olympic break. |
| Jose Theodore |  |
Tagged with the loss that broke the 14-game winning streak and a hard-luck loss in St. Louis, Theo was much better on the week than his 0-1-1/4.11/.885 line would seem to indicate. |
| Semyon Varlamov | |
Some rust is to be expected for a goalie making his first NHL start in more than two months, but Varly's performance in Ottawa (just 22 saves on 28 shots against) showed a lack of preparation that goes beyond the norm... at least in his coach's opinion. |
| Defensemen | ||
| Karl Alzner | |
Minus-one in Ottawa and an uncharacteristic two minor penalties in St. Louis, Alzner really needs some stability - an extended stay in D.C. with a consistent, solid partner - to get his game on track. |
| John Carlson | |
Looked a bit over-matched on Saturday in St. Loo, but re-adjusting to the NHL game after a few weeks away from it isn't easy for any 20-year-old with just a half-dozen games in the bigs under his belt. |
| John Erskine | |
Followed up a minus-two night in Montreal with a brutal evening in Ottawa (paired with Tyler Sloan) and a healthy scratch against the Blues. |
| Mike Green |  |
One goal, five assists and a plus-three rating over the three losses is pretty impressive production from the Caps' top blueliner, who also led the team in hits on Saturday night. |
| Shaone Morrisonn | |
Sat out the Sens game feeling a bit under the weather (which he should use as an excuse for a couple of the decisions he made in the St. Louis game). |
| Brian Pothier | |
Minus-one in each of the Montreal and St. Louis games (his first minus games since November 14) and no points or shots on goal for the week scream, "I need a break." Luckily, Potsy gets one. |
| Tom Poti |  |
On injured reserve after a stinker in Montreal in which he was minus-two in just 14:09 of work, Poti's obviously another player who will benefit from the time off. |
| Jeff Schultz | |
Sarge was on the ice for seven of the 15 goals the Caps allowed on the week, including a couple that came directly as the result of him losing his man (in overtime in Montreal and early in the Blues game). The goal in Ottawa was nice, though. |
| Tyler Sloan | |
Do. Not. Want. |
| Forwards | ||
| Nicklas Backstrom | |
One goal, a pair of power-play helpers and a minus-two rating aren't the kind of production we're used to seeing from Nick (though winning 55% of a whopping 80 draws is nice). |
| Chris Bourque | |
It's relatively difficult to be minus-two in just 12 shifts, but C-Bo managed it in Ottawa. |
| Matt Bradley | |
No goals for or against while on the ice... and no chance to avoid Cam Janssen's thuggery. Thankfully, Brads will be okay. |
| Jason Chimera | |
A groin injury lands Chimera on the IR. |
| Eric Fehr | |
No points, minus-two and only four shots on goal in three games in which his ice time went from 13:43 to 11:38 to 9:44. Could the frequent resident of Chez Bow Wow be on the way out of town before the deadline? |
| Tomas Fleischmann | |
Flash was minus-2, minus-3 and minus-1 in the week's three games (and was on the ice for nine of the 15 goals the team allowed in that span), is no longer a center (after going five-for-25 in the dot in the first two games of the week), and has the worst plus-minus of all the team's forwards who have played at least 29 games and the worst five-on-five GAON/60 of any forward on the team who has played ten games. I guess that all explains how he earned more power play time than Alex Semin and Brooks Laich Saturday night. Wait, what? |
| Boyd Gordon | |
The Caps gave up four power play goals in 13 times shorthanded on the week (for a woeful 69% efficiency). The common thread in the four? Boyd Gordon was on the ice. And in his first game back at center on Saturday night, he was on for an even-strength goal against. |
| Mike Knuble | |
A couple of power-play goals in St. Louis, and nine shots on goal and a plus-two rating for the week, Knuble now has 16 goals in his last 20 games. Rest up, old man, and pick up where you left off in March. |
| Brooks Laich | |
Followed up his first career hat trick with three helpers in two games, but being on the ice for six of the 11 even strength goals the team allowed for the week is a bit worrisome. |
| Quintin Laing |  |
There's no greater disparity between heart and skill in the NHL. |
| Brendan Morrison | |
Looked almost reborn over the last two games, dishing out a couple of helpers (and could've had more), winning 57% of his draws and posting a plus-five rating. Might it be enough for GMGM to go in search of a third-line center instead of a second-line pivot? Doubtful. |
| Alex Ovechkin | |
No goals? Three assists? Plus-two? Who is this mortal, and what has he done with Alex Ovechkin? |
| Alexander Semin | |
A hat trick of absolute snipes in Ottawa, another tally in St. Louis, an assist in each game and just one minor penalty along the way, reports of Sasha's mental departure for Vancouver were apparently premature. |
| David Steckel | |
Raise your hand if you're comfortable with David Steckel as the third-line center heading into the playoffs. Yeah, me neither. |
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Comments
I quite frankly would be
okay with Steckel as 3C going into the postseason. He’s big and if nothing else earned himself the opportunity with last season’s surprising success at 3C in the playoffs. Having him and Gordon go 3-4 also improves FO%, as I feel like having both of them on the same line is a bit redundant.
Ovechkin = Green Backs
The problem is Steckel’s offensive contribution compared to other 3Cs is damn near nonexistent, and let’s be fair, he got the opportunity to be a 3C starting at the beginning of this year and did F all with that.
"Where are we going Morty?"
"Back to the boatyard. Somebody's about to get a fucking slap."
by Bald Pollack on Feb 15, 2010 11:16 AM EST up reply actions
I think he deserves one more shot. At least for a game. Ya’ might as well tinker one last bit with the lines while you’re sitting on top,way ahead of everyone else.
The time for tinkering was the month of February, and we spent most of that on a streak we didn’t want to lose, so we didn’t tinker. We have no time to give Steckel a game at 3C to see how he’ll do and then decide “Hey, we ought to trade for a 3C since we don’t really have one who performs well enough in the role.” If GMGM/BB think Stecks is good enough for a 3C role, we’ll see him there a lot during the rest of the year. If not, you’ll see a new center before we play again.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Feb 15, 2010 11:22 AM EST up reply actions
samelineteam is a bit redundant
My opinion.
He’s had his shot and blew it at third Center. He doesn’t shoot, pass, or make room for his linemates effectively. Backstrom/Morrison/Steckel.. please, no.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
B-Mo has looked pretty good these past few games. I think he’ll come out fresh and rejuvenated after the break, so searching for a 3rd line center would be more reasonable.
Everyone wants to kill the king. But the prince, he just sails along telling all the ladies, "One day I'm gonna be king."
by Steck It Out on Feb 15, 2010 11:25 AM EST up reply actions
BMo’s up-tick corresponds to him being moved to 2nd line. He was playing well at the start of the season too, when Bruce had him bumping between Lines 1 and 2. Whether it’s tied to having better talent around him or him rising to the occasion, he should stay there.
Besides, obtaining a 3C will cost GMGM less in the way of prospects/picks/bag of pucks.
"We'll just reload our weapons and be ready for the second half of the season." - AO
Methinks the fortunes of whoever plays at 2C is dependent on the whims of the 2RW. Good Sasha makes centermen look very, very good.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
I’d rather get a 2nd line center and have the new guy and Mo battle it out. You can’t just say “Oh, he’s turned a corner, he’ll be good from now through the playoffs at second center” after he’s had such a long lull in productivity.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I guess it’s because I have a soft spot for the 2003-04 Canucks. NHL 04 was a fun game.
Everyone wants to kill the king. But the prince, he just sails along telling all the ladies, "One day I'm gonna be king."
by Steck It Out on Feb 15, 2010 11:28 AM EST up reply actions
To be fair, he had some good shifts out there. On the other hand, it was one game and the entire 3rd line is basically 3 guys who are looking to crash the net.
I think he’ll be back to the 4th line come playoffs, but will be getting 3rd line minutes in particular games. He and his line looked fairly good out there against some of the better teams they played against during the streak. Either through production, or shutting down the other teams lines.
I’m a big fan of the Steckel/Bradley/Gordo line getting more ice time when the other lines are slumping. That line always seems to have an uncanny knack for producing where the other lines don’t. If we keep that in mind, we’ll see there’s not a huge reason for them to shake up the lines with BMo is back to normal. Hopefully Flash either develops his defensive game or we can get a new guy in to play 3C.
Relating to that, I hate having Laich playing center on even strength situations because he’s so much better out on the wing. Push comes to shove he can always go back to playing center though so it’s not exactly dashing any Cup hopes.
I suppose Steckel may have actually been 4C, but he did do a hell of a job on Crosby. Only one GA while he was on the ice against 87 I think at ES (unfortunately an OT GWG). And I want a 60% guy out there getting plenty of draws—not 1C level, but he should probably get a bunch.
Ovechkin = Green Backs
by red army line on Feb 15, 2010 1:09 PM EST up reply actions
Flash may not be the most responsible forward in his own zone, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that he’s great with the puck and makes consistently good decisions, something that is especially valuable on a PP with so many studs.
by Bushwood Bushwhacker on Feb 15, 2010 11:15 AM EST reply actions
I’d bet Plekanec will be higher than Flash on the depth chart.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Feb 15, 2010 11:22 AM EST up reply actions
He should be – he’s a better player.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Feb 15, 2010 11:23 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I secretly hope
He gets a lot of time centering Martin Erat so I can see what that would be like…
They should be in the same spot, roughly, depth wise.
On the Forecheck-where Patric Hornqvist is never underappreciated.
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 11:26 AM EST up reply actions
Except it actually does take away from the good decision making that you often reference. It leads to goals against too often.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Not in the context of getting PP time, which was what I was trying to say.
by Bushwood Bushwhacker on Feb 15, 2010 11:39 AM EST up reply actions
IIRC Ersky’s scratch in St. Louis was listed as injury, with a bad shoulder.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
the worst plus-minus of all the team’s forwards who have played at least 29 games and the worst five-on-five GAON/60 of any forward on the team who has played ten games. I guess that all explains how he earned more power play time than Alex Semin and Brooks Laich Saturday night. Wait, what?
Power Play time has nothing to do with 5-on-5 time, JP, and you know it. You can be awful at both of those stats (+/- and five-on-five GAON/60) and be just fine on the PP. I’m confused as to your correlation of the two.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
Power-play time is often used as a reward for strong play overall. That’s the correlation.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I buy that, but no one cared about Jagr’s defensive skills when their power play was out there. I don’t think that defensive play really needs to be addressed there. I could argue Semin should see more PP time, but not really as much for Laich, if you have Knuble or Fehr out there.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Feb 15, 2010 11:20 AM EST up reply actions
My point is that a player of Tomas Fleischmann’s calibre who neglects his defensive responsibilities at five-on-five shouldn’t be rewarded with power play time.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
And yet you fail to bring up the same point for young Fehr who, without looking at numbers, appeared to have a record amount of time on the PP this past week.
Actually, Fehr had 0:48 in Ottawa and 1:48 in St. Louis (his lowest totals in weeks). And I pretty clearly documented his loss in overall ice time AND he is not and has not been nearly as defensively irresponsible as Fleischmann.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Feb 15, 2010 11:27 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I don’t want a PP situation where we don’t have Fehr, Knuble, or Laich out on the ice. One of those guys at all times, please (As long as Fehr keeps net crashing).
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Feb 15, 2010 11:29 AM EST up reply actions
So, if I read you correctly, much as anyone may love Fehr, Bruce doesn’t, and a change of scenery might actually do him a favor?
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
I think that in the reality of needing to give up something to get something and my own perception of how he’s valued by the organization, Fehr is a potentially movable asset in the right deal, so I wonder.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I’d hate to lose him, with the improvements he’s really starting to make, but I fear at some point his development would be more stagnated to the point of stalled in our organization.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Feb 15, 2010 11:47 AM EST up reply actions
The frustrating part is that if that’s the case and he were to get moved, unless a better piece comes back in return, that’s size and scoring touch we’d be trading away, only to look for in the FA market down the road.
"Where are we going Morty?"
"Back to the boatyard. Somebody's about to get a fucking slap."
by Bald Pollack on Feb 15, 2010 11:53 AM EST up reply actions
Unless they think OO will be ready in two years (when Knuble’s contract expires).
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
From your mouth to their ears, I hope.
"Where are we going Morty?"
"Back to the boatyard. Somebody's about to get a fucking slap."
by Bald Pollack on Feb 15, 2010 1:27 PM EST up reply actions
Not ready for Knuble’s contract to expire. Don’t even want to think about it.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Same here, but if I can get a younger and cheaper version of him (and his arse) there, it’d be tough to decide.
"Where are we going Morty?"
"Back to the boatyard. Somebody's about to get a fucking slap."
by Bald Pollack on Feb 15, 2010 1:32 PM EST up reply actions
The question is how much value does he really have with the way he’s been used. He still has that power forward potential but any diligent GM is going to notice that he’s been in and out of the dog house for as long as he’s been healthy and wonder what’s up.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Fehr is almost a goal per 60 better, and has been for the last 3 years. Oh, and draws more penalties/60 than Flash.
"Where are we going Morty?"
"Back to the boatyard. Somebody's about to get a fucking slap."
by Bald Pollack on Feb 15, 2010 11:28 AM EST up reply actions
Is that only in PP time, or is it including five-on-five?
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Feb 15, 2010 11:31 AM EST up reply actions
Just on ES.
"Where are we going Morty?"
"Back to the boatyard. Somebody's about to get a fucking slap."
by Bald Pollack on Feb 15, 2010 11:35 AM EST up reply actions
I just have to disagree. I personally don’t want to think of PP Time as a “reward”. I want the PP unit to be the 5 players who give us the best chance to score in a situation, namely, 5 on 4. I don’t really care about how well the player does at 5 on 5 as a result. If a guy is struggling defensively five on five, I’d rather see the guy’s PK and 5 on 5 minutes suffer, not his PP time.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Feb 15, 2010 11:27 AM EST up reply actions
But the reality is that coaches absolutely use it as a reward, and take it away as a punishment.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I’m not buying that all do, and as long as Flash is getting that much PP time, I don’t see how you can make that argument.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Feb 15, 2010 11:29 AM EST up reply actions
How do you explain Semin getting taken off the PP in the third period of games earlier in the season during the height of his frustrating “Bad Sasha” play? Surely a Caps PP with Semin is more dangerous than one without him.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I guess you’re suggesting BB plays favorites. That’s a crazy concept.
There’s a time when you have to weigh risk/reward, and if Semin was really struggling at that point, all of his play could be struggling. And yeah, Mike Green and Ovechkin themselves are far more dangerous with the point passes than Flash is where he plays on the PP, but they’re also higher reward. Flash is a significantly lower risk on the PP than Ovechkin and Green, and that’s probably more the nature of his position.
As far as Semin is concerned, Semin, when struggling and frustrated, starts to do stupid shit like hold the puck way too long, try to stickhandle, and he takes himself out of the play. It’s annoying, and certainly makes sense to bench him from a PP when that’s the case.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Feb 15, 2010 11:37 AM EST up reply actions
Nowhere did I say anything about favorites, or intend to imply it.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
It was snark, and meant more towards why Flash struggling wouldn’t be taken off the PP while Semin struggling would be.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Feb 15, 2010 11:40 AM EST up reply actions
I think BB sees Flash’s potential. . .
When Fleischmann starts to play his best hockey, I think he plays on the level of other teams 1st liners. Although he doesn’t get to that pinnacle very often, a few times in this season he has elevated his play to this level.
Good Flash,
1) Crashes the net every-so-often
2) Shows his surprising puck carrying speed
3) Wins face-offs
4) Starts to lay down some good hits
5) Unleashes his wicked shots
6) Plays with good positioning and poke checking skills on the Defense
I REALLY want Flash to get out of his slump, if he plays on the top of his game during the playoffs, he could be a major contributor to a cup
Still waiting for someone to draft Paul Newman. . .
I’d love to see an example of that. Coaches always TALK about it. But in practice one doesn’t really see it happen at the NHL level.
Keith Aucoin’s power play time last season. Rewarded for hard work. It was a big story.
And I just mentioned the Semin thing.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
And other coaches use PP time as reward/punishment much more than Bruce does… which is part of the point here.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
So your argument is that you’d rather reward hard workers with PP time over having the best chance to score on a PP out there? Or is your argument that hard workers are more likely to score on a PP? I don’t understand why the better solution to TF14’s 5 on 5 woes wouldn’t be to remove his PK time and put him at third line center.
I’m curious at this point.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Feb 15, 2010 11:40 AM EST up reply actions
The theory would be that a player would work to improve his 5-on-5 play with the carrot of PP time – which everyone wants – providing the incentive. Along the same lines, why bother busting your ass to be a better even strength player if you don’t lose any of that gravy PP time?
Now, I’m not saying “Give Quintin Laing PP time – he works hard and should be rewarded.” But for second-tier skill guys, I think there’s some value in making them earn their extra man minutes. For a PP that has Ovechkin, Backstrom, Green and Knuble/Semin on it, the marginal loss of monkeying with Flash’s ice time isn’t necessarily likely to offset the benefit of making Flash actually have to earn something (though, in fairness to Flash, he has been very productive 5-on-4, so it’s reasonable to say he’s earned 5-on-4 time by being so good 5-on-4).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I’m fine with that, but I’d rather the second unit be an open unit for the hard workers and the first unit be the big deal, as it seems to be. I’d also like the first unit to try and limit itself to 1:00-1:10 of a PP, instead of the 1:30 it seems to always get.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Feb 15, 2010 11:55 AM EST up reply actions
So which of Ovechkin, Backstrom, Green, Semin and Knuble should Flash be playing over?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Semin, if he’s struggling. None of them, if the other guys are on. You need a center on the second unit, though, and B-Mo is not that center.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Feb 15, 2010 11:59 AM EST up reply actions
So then you’re agreeing that Flash shouldn’t have had so much PP time this week, then. Semin was absolutely not struggling this week and yet he was still taking a back seat to Flash. I’m fully back on board the “GMGM has to trade Flash to save BB from himself” Lobby.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
I'm sort of beating a dead horse here
But in a new question.
Would Fleischmann suffer from not playing with all-world talents offensively like Semin, Backstrom, AO, and Green, or is he the type of player that could produce outside of that environment?
On the Forecheck-where Patric Hornqvist is never underappreciated.
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 12:45 PM EST up reply actions
what I mean here is
Could he be like a Dustin Penner in Edmonton?
Of course, Nashville isn’t nearly as bad offensively as EDM, but you get the point…
On the Forecheck-where Patric Hornqvist is never underappreciated.
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 12:56 PM EST up reply actions
I guess that’s the big question. I’ve seen him create enough on his own to think it’s possible but you never really know until you try it. Undoubtedly that other firepower takes pressure off him and gives him more space and opportunity but if he’s as good as BB thinks he is then it won’t be a problem.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
But no one else was hurt. That’s still world class players in Backs, Semin, and Green.
by DrinkingPartner on Feb 15, 2010 1:56 PM EST up reply actions
But Coach said AO’s production was about a point per game so that’s what the Caps would have to generate without him, and Flash responded with six goals in seven games.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
But his linemates didn’t change (any more than usual). He was still playing with the same people. AO being out made everyone work harder.
by DrinkingPartner on Feb 15, 2010 2:59 PM EST up reply actions
Exactly. Because BB is more of “maximize my team’s goal scoring EV” as opposed to “archaic rules and old school style of coaching” that so many coaches get mired in.
by Bushwood Bushwhacker on Feb 15, 2010 11:43 AM EST up reply actions
When it comes to Flash, at least. But what about when it comes to Alex Semin? He seems to be more of a message-sender with Sasha.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Or Eric Fehr. When was the last time he gave that guy a straight compliment? They’re always backhanded and he gushes about Flash no matter what he does.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Maybe Bruce really really likes Getzlaf.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
by jordanDC on Feb 15, 2010 12:48 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
I’d imagine most coaches do
Ovechkin = Green Backs
by red army line on Feb 15, 2010 1:09 PM EST up reply actions
Both Fehr and Semin seem like they have to do more to get praise from Boudreau.
I never could understand why Fehr has never been used in a PK situation since he’s usually a Plus player for the year — both last year and this year.
Using him on PP makes sense, certainly.
Rocking the Red since 1975
His skating and defensive instincts are not PK worthy, IMO.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Too slow, certainly for BB’s system.
by DrinkingPartner on Feb 15, 2010 1:57 PM EST up reply actions
And on a team with as many PP-capable players as the Caps have that’s the right way to look at it. Semin has seen his PK time go up and down as his play has, why shouldn’t the same thing happen on the PP? There may be a few guys on the Caps that should play PP regardless of how they’re playing in that game, but Flash ain’t one of them.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Rough week. Methinks the break is going to be a good thing for the team. Now I can only wonder who we may never see in a caps uniform again.
"Welcome to Canada -– everything fun is always behind a fence."
Reading this, my first thought was “Hopefully Sloan”
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
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by Whiter Mage on Feb 15, 2010 11:43 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
What's Sloan's deal?
Why is he hated? What could you get for him?
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 12:01 PM EST up reply actions
He was a career AHLer until last season, and he’s stuck with the big club all this year.
"Welcome to Canada -– everything fun is always behind a fence."
Also he isn’t entirely good. He’s a badass though!
"Welcome to Canada -– everything fun is always behind a fence."
Career AHLer is generous. He was picked up from the ECHL at age 25. He was back and forth until then.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
in
the ECHL at 25? Ouch.
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 12:46 PM EST up reply actions
yeah. Hershey plucked him off a golf course in Las Vegas because they needed an extra D-man for the playoffs one year. He clicked with Bruce’s AHL system, they signed him, he’s played good solider for the organization for a few years now. He had a couple of nice moments as a call-up last season, played well as an injury call-up in the Penguins series. Had a couple decent games as a forward this season, but mostly we’ve been going “wait, why is he here?” He’s a useful swingman for a low to mid-level team, imo. But not the Caps.
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On Draper having to wear a USA jersey at practice: "well at least the Wings can settle bets without involving gold plated desert eagles!"
Try watching him play ; ;
But more to the point, Sloan is a decent skater, but he’s a tweener and his only redeeming attribute is his ability to ‘tween at two positions. At 29, you don’t expect the guy to improve, as he’s no longer a prospect as a result. The only reason he’s not in the AHL is because for some reason, we seem afraid to waive him (Probably because he’d be an ok 7th d-man somewhere who would like one). Really, most of us dislike him because he’s standing in the way of Alzner or Carlson, or both, and personally, I see both of those guys as upgrades over Sloan.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Feb 15, 2010 12:04 PM EST up reply actions
What are you guys talking about. If the Preds shipped Hamhuis for Sloan straight up, they totally wint he trade! Sloan is signed for next season. Do it David Poile! Do it!
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by Sombrero Guy on Feb 15, 2010 12:05 PM EST up reply actions
Exactly this.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Feb 15, 2010 12:07 PM EST up reply actions
lmao
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 12:10 PM EST up reply actions
Hard-working, veteran, cost-controlled, AND versatile?! Why are we trading this guy?! Poile would be fleecing us.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I mean, he plays D and wing. He’s two players in one! The Preds would be crazy NOT to trade for Sloan.
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by Sombrero Guy on Feb 15, 2010 12:10 PM EST up reply actions
I mean, he could trade us Arnott AND Hamhuis and he’s still got us in the end!
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Why go for so little?
I mean come on, he just oozes truculence, Kessel for Sloan, straight up.
"Welcome to Canada -– everything fun is always behind a fence."
Not a fair deal. Sloan is worth Kessel, Poni, and Schenn.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Feb 15, 2010 12:14 PM EST up reply actions
would GMGM
take Suter for Sloan straight up?
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 12:14 PM EST up reply actions
Might be a tough sell, but only because of the salary cap implications.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Feb 15, 2010 12:16 PM EST up reply actions
Arnott
would be just about a perfect fit for your 2C needs for the stretch drive.
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 12:13 PM EST up reply actions
And next year as well, if my NHL 10 Be-A-GM mode is correct.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Feb 15, 2010 12:14 PM EST up reply actions
yeah, he's under contract till then
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 12:15 PM EST up reply actions
He would be a good fit… if he didn’t have another year on his contract at $4.5m
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he is overpaid
I’ll give you that. But when he plays with his hair on fire he’s unstoppable.
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 12:15 PM EST up reply actions
It’s that next year that’s the problem. The Caps can’t have a 36-year-old second-line center (whose production and durability have greatly diminished) making $4.5m next year.
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what
Is the Semin contract situation going to play out like? How the hell is Washington going to be able to pay all of Green, Ovechkin, Backstrom, and Semin and maintain a competitive roster elsewhere?
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 12:21 PM EST up reply actions
A fair amount of young guys like Alzner, Varly, Carlson, etc. playing on entry level and RFA deals.
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by Carl Putnam on Feb 15, 2010 12:25 PM EST up reply actions
but once they get older they’ll want big deals too…what will we do? the cap won’t go up enough to fit in more mega-deals and a decent rest of the roster
thats what I'm saying
You look 2, 3 years down the road and are going to have to get Green, Semin, Backstrom, Carlson, Alzner, etc. under the cap with the necessary role players.
One of those guys may have to go (Semin?).
Don’t know if any of you saw this, but a couple of weeks ago LeBrun/Burnside mentioned the Caps’ D need and said Semin could be traded this year. Thought it was bull, myself, but interesting nonetheless.
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 1:14 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t think they’ll trade Semin this year; they’ll make a run with him. Long term of course there will be issues, but I think that’s why GMGM is hesitant to trade away young assets. If you can keep drawing cheap labor from the farm you can avoid some of the problems with the salary cap.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Chris, I too was wondering if they would trade Semin – until the Streak when Sasha decided to play some hella hockey. Now I think there’s no way he goes this year.
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You will always have that problem. Eventually you have to trade some guys and other prospects will come up to fill the void. Welcome to the cap era. You keep your core intact and use young players/free agents to fill voids.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
I understand that
What I’m saying is that Washington’s core is a little harder to discern. One of the core guys will have to go, no?
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 1:17 PM EST up reply actions
I think your problem is you believe Semin is a core guy. He’s not.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
ah, now I see
I definitely thought he was, whereas Fleischmann, Fehr, etc. were fringe guys.
Why isn’t he, then? Is he too redundant to Ovechkin to spend money on?
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 1:19 PM EST up reply actions
Can’t build a team around Semin. The center wouldn’t hold. As gifted as he is, his priorities are elsewhere.
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You can’t put that much money into 2 wingers, especially when you’ve got all-star level number one center and d-man. You’d be totally top heavy. That is not even taking into account Sasha’s inconsistent play.
One other comment – Alzner & Carlson are years away from being UFA’s. Until then they’ll be relatively cheap, especially considering what I expect out of them production wise.
Also, going into next season we should have a very cheap goalie situation.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
Alzner will stay cheaper than Carlson. When he’s settled in the NHL Carlson will start putting up points, especially with these forwards, and will thus be more expensive. Alzner is a defense first guy so he’ll be cheaper in the short term.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Carlson will still be relatively cheap compared to his production until he’s a UFA.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
Probably, but that doesn’t mean the same thing as cheap. Green is “relatively cheap for his production” but is still a serious chunk of cap space.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
All the talk about the cap
Have we actually seen it break apart teams? TBL, for one, they signed their guys pre-cap, and most teams coming out of the lockout and just after I think didn’t have a good sense of the cap and took on bad contracts. But now as GMs look to be extra prudent with their cap space I don’t see why it can’t be done, keeping a “core” of about 10ish guys together and piecing together the rest of the lineup with FAs and ELC young players.
Ovechkin = Green Backs
by red army line on Feb 15, 2010 2:51 PM EST up reply actions
TBL knew the cap was coming. The won the last pre-cap Cup and re-signed Richards after that. Lecavalier was extended after that. Boyle was extended after that. They get no benefit of the doubt.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
I’d take his 4.5 hit over Theo’s or Nyls’. I know, not saying much, but his hit isn’t terrible, we have more than double that hit coming off the books (obviously with Nick’s extension it’s much less) and we’ve spent plenty of time bemoaning the lack of size down the middle or an adequate 2C. He solves both and is gone after one year.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
He is scoring goals at his lowest rate since 1997-98 and has the fourth-worst points/game of his career. He missed 17 games last season, has missed 12 this year and had a bad concussion at the end of last year.
I like his game when he’s on, but there are two many warning signs, IMO, that he’s very near the end of the line.
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Well he’s definitely in decline, but he’s still better than what we have lined up as of now, and what other kind of player are you going to get on a one year deal? We’re pretty much looking at aging vets to fill our holes at this point because younger guys want more security than is wise for us to offer.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Right, but I’d take my chances that they can find someone closer to the BMo level of salary and production for next year. $4.5m is a lot of cake for a guy who’s nearly done.
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The Caps can’t have a 36-year-old second-line center (whose production and durability have greatly diminished) making $4.5m next year.
That job is taken.
Signed,
M. Nylander
"Where are we going Morty?"
"Back to the boatyard. Somebody's about to get a fucking slap."
by Bald Pollack on Feb 15, 2010 1:36 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Just say no, GMGM. Don’t trade away the future of the franchise for short term gain.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
I’m not for shipping out Flash or Fehr unless we’re getting a Hamhuis.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Feb 15, 2010 12:01 PM EST up reply actions
I’m going to keep you guys posted this week. David Poile is going to be meeting with Hamhuis/agent about what their plan is, or thats what he told LeBrun.
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 12:02 PM EST up reply actions
What’s the read on that down there, is he open to re-upping or more to testing the market?
"Where are we going Morty?"
"Back to the boatyard. Somebody's about to get a fucking slap."
by Bald Pollack on Feb 15, 2010 12:03 PM EST up reply actions
well
I think he might re-up if presented with the right deal, but the overwhelming sentiment is Poile won’t present him with that deal. Hamhuis is 26. There’s no way in Hades that Poile will pay him 3M+ a year, when we have guys who will start cracking the roster next year that are all going to be better than Hamhuis maybe then, and definitely later. Jon Blum, Ryan Ellis, Teemu Laakso, Roman Josi, Robert Dietrich and Cody Franson are all studs and much more talented. Its much easier to pay those young guys <1M and get good production than use it on one guy for a team like Nashville. It also gives DP the flexibility to see which of those defensive prospects are big time keepers like we’ve found with Franson this year (which is why we dumped Greg Zanon).
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 12:09 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Eight teams interested in Islanders’ Andy Sutton. And Philly thinking about Dwayne Roloson, ’cos Emery tore his hip labrum and might need to call it a career.
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Emery....
lol….
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 12:11 PM EST up reply actions
A career? Damn, that sucks. I just read something over at BSH along the lines of PHI trying to extend Emery. Oops.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
wow, Emery done done? That sucks. He’s still pretty young, isn’t he?
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On Draper having to wear a USA jersey at practice: "well at least the Wings can settle bets without involving gold plated desert eagles!"
27 years old pretty young for a goalie
"Hey anyway I can get my name out there 30 years from now is great," Steckel said. "They will be like, ‘Who was that guy?’ Then they’ll look at the stats and say, ‘Well, at least that guy was really good on face-offs.’"
Agree with your assessment on Laing. Seems like he ends up in Hershey by the playoffs. I felt so bad for him when he tipped that PP goal.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
One quibble:
There’s no greater disparity between heart and skill in the NHL
Enormously skilled and utterly heartless, Mean Mr. Backstrom would like a word…
by redlineblue on Feb 15, 2010 12:28 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
Oh, mean Lars has a heart. A cold one.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Feb 15, 2010 12:31 PM EST up reply actions
Ha. Good call. I should’ve said “There’s no greater heart-to-skill ratio in the NHL,” since Nick’s ratio there is approaching zero.
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Noted and rec’d. Haha.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
Mean Lars in Tre Kronor
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by EmilyB on Feb 15, 2010 1:02 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
what’s the origin of the Mean Lars/Cole Hearted Backstrom running joke? Did I miss something over the weekend?
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by Sombrero Guy on Feb 15, 2010 1:09 PM EST up reply actions
Maybe over the past few months, maybe. Lars is Nicky’s real first name. As we all know that Nice Nicky Backstrom is really a BAMF at his core, every time he channels his inner Viking we call him Mean Lars.
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Some of the goals he’s scored lately have been straight up Lars, and you have to watch him carefully but he’s doled out some very Lars-ian hits as well.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
I still think it's the passing.
Sure, no-one with a shred of mercy would have treated Ryan Callahan that way while carrying the puck. But he routinely makes liquid impossible passes, through (multiple) defenders who are exactly where they’re supposed to be. It’s cruel and, frankly, unnecessary.
Never mind the nothin-to-see-here Swedish workmanship. Backstrom’s just Mean.
hah yeah I knew the Lars part, just wasn’t sure where the sudden proliferation of “cold hearted” references sprung up. Thanks for indulging me!
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by Sombrero Guy on Feb 15, 2010 1:40 PM EST up reply actions
Cross posting from the upcoming fantasy update, but Alex Ovechkin getting 27:30 of ice per game is not okay. Not acceptable. It’s already going to be a long season with the Olympics and the playoffs, he doesn’t need to be playing more than any Dman in the league. Time for Bruce to rise above the trees and have a look at the forest being the playoffs and potentially raising the Stanley Cup.
Time to rein in the shift length and it’s time to rein in the minutes.
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by Knee high to a duck on Feb 15, 2010 12:31 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Good luck with that. He’ll ride his horses until their legs fall off. I hope Russia doesn’t do the same. They better sit his ass every game that gets out of hand.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
if they don't average seven goals a game group stage
I’ll be shocked. That collection of offensive talent shouldn’t be allowed by the IOC.
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 12:55 PM EST up reply actions
Or the IOC should allow Slovakia and Czech to form a single team again.
by FFSEnough on Feb 15, 2010 12:56 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
true
Then we could have SCR play Russia with the final score being 28-25 or something. Just don’t even dress defensemen.
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 12:58 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Rec
for correctly using “rein” instead of “reign”
Question: How fit is Ovechkin? Could he handle 25 mins a night over 82 games + Olympics + ~22 games in the playoffs and still be going strong at the end (ignoring possible injury)? Malkin was gassed it seemed in 2008.
Ovechkin = Green Backs
by red army line on Feb 15, 2010 1:14 PM EST up reply actions
With Russia’s roster, if Ovechkin is getting close to 20 minutes a game I’ll be angry.
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Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
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Team USA
Just saw some of their lines. Top line is
Parise – Stastny – Kane
Umm…all four of Canada’s lines are better than this. Russia’s top two will be, as will Sweden’s and the Czechs.
It’ll be huge if US medals.
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 1:21 PM EST up reply actions
I disagree. That line can compete with at least one of the Canadian lines, probably two. That line is better than Russia’s bottom two. Sweden is interesting because it depends how they put their lines together. The Czechs just don’t scare me in the least. On paper the USA is one of the top 4 teams. That means they should at least be playing for a medal. I don’t see why people are so down on them. It worries me that Ryan Miller has stunk lately, but I still think we have a better shot than anyone is giving us credit for.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Have to remember that Parise is still scoring a point per game and he’s playing under Jacques Lemaire. I’ve been high on Pat Kane all year and Paul Stastny is going to benefit playing with two guys with that kind of hockey sense — he’s an ultra-smart player and he’ll be able to take advantage of the explosiveness of both wings.
I agree with your assessment, I like that line a lot, especially with how good Parise is defensively. All three guys can create extremely well and both Parise and Kane are excellent goal scorers with a huge amount of speed and quickness.
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by Knee high to a duck on Feb 15, 2010 1:29 PM EST up reply actions
And they’re being coached by … Ron Wilson.
:/
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Stastny is having a down year but I still think he’s a very good player and a great fit for those two guys. The worry is that we’ll be top heavy with Parise and Kane on the same line, but I assume we’ll see a second line with Kessel and Ryan on it so there will be some scoring punch right there. I think a HUGE part of this tournament is going to be the PP. And, as we’ve seen, it doesn’t matter if you have 15 guys that can play on the PP, only 5 can do it at a time and you need those guys to work. If USA can put together two deadly PP units, which they undoubtedly have the talent to do, then I think they’ll be successful.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
don't get me wrong
I want to see them with some hardware in the worst way. At least it might shut Don Cherry the hell up for a minute.
But still…Canada is probably going to look like this:
Heatley – Thornton – Marleau
Iginla – Crosby – Nash
Perry – Getzlaf – Staal
Richards – Bergeron – Toews
Morrow
Which one of those lines is US’ top line better than? As for the Czechs, maybe not in execution, but on paper they’re much better to me.
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 1:31 PM EST up reply actions
For offense I’d take our line over the bottom Canadian line. Maybe the middle one if Getzlaf isn’t his normal self. Obviously Canada is the favorite and is stacked, but I’m not counting us out. I’m also real excited to see who Backstrom plays with, I hope it’s Loui Eriksson.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Backstrom centering Eriksson and Hornqvist would be sweet.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
true that
I think Hornqvist is too low on the depth chart to play with Nick though.
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 2:12 PM EST up reply actions
I’d be surprised if Hornqvist gets top 6 minutes. The Sedins, Backstom, Eriksson, Zetterberg are all top 6. Franzen is probably going to be the 3C but he could move to wing. Hornqvist just seems a little too young to be given that much responsibility but I haven’t looked at the rest of their roster.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
nope, you're spot on here
Horny will be used for energy and checking, as good as he is with Nashville, it just won’t translate to the Games this year.
Franzen on a line with Hornqvist is too redundant, so Horn Dog may be 4th line.
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 2:15 PM EST up reply actions
Shame, Backstrom and Hornqvist were great with Warg in the World Championships a couple years back.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Maybe Franzen-Backstrom-Zetterberg? Z and Franz have shown nice chemistry and shutdown ability in the past two seasons.
Ovechkin = Green Backs
by red army line on Feb 15, 2010 2:55 PM EST up reply actions
Bengt-Åke have said that he Bäckström, Sedin, Zetterberg,Påhlsson will play center. The latest speculations with lines are something like this.
Niklas Kronwall Nicklas Lidström
Daniel Alfredsson Nicklas Bäckström Loui Eriksson
Tobias Enström Mattias Öhlund
Mattias Weinhandl Henrik Sedin Daniel Sedin
Johnny Oduya Douglas Murray
Patric Hörnqvist Henrik Zetterberg Peter Forsberg
Henrik Tallinder Magnus Johansson
Johan Franzen Samuel Påhlsson Fredrik Modin
I bet Forsberg and Franzen switch spots by the end of the tournament, or Weinhandl plummets to the 4th line if Forsberg is healthy and productive.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Don’t hate on Weinhandl. He’s awesome.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Awesome enough to not play in the NHL.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Clearly the league was ruined for him by being a member of the Islanders.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
and then the Wild under Lemaire.
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 Feb 15, 2010 3:06 PM EST up reply actions
Weinhandl played with the Sedins in the SEL and they had/have fantastic chemistry and production together. He’s doing really well in the khl even though I know you don’t think that says much.
Weinhandl needs to play on one of the top lines to contribute he is not a good checking/defensive fw.
Got ya. I’m not saying he’s per se bad, but you’re right that I’m extremely skeptical of offensive production in the KHL translating against NHL Dmen. That said, you don’t even need to be awesome to play with the Sedins; if you can get open and finish you’ll be quite fine. Probably smarter to hide your weaker players on lines like that as long as they aren’t a liability or bringing the Sedins down.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
I think most teams will put together lines that know each other and have played together before if they can. There is almost no practice time at all before the tournament begins. Tre Kronor will have just one practice with the whole team before the first game. They had one practice yesterday but there were so few players there that Bengt-Åke had to take a spot on one of the lines.
I think you’re right. We’ve already seen chemistry be a big concern for several countries. It makes me a little surprised with how Team USA chose their players because there are a few groups of Americans already on the same team that they didn’t take advantage of. STL and NYR both have a lot of Americans, but Burke only picked a few guys from them.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
I thought Getzlaf was going to be the first line center.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
huh?
Joking, right? He’s frigging awesome but he’s not Crosby or Thornton.
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 1:34 PM EST up reply actions
Why did you think that? And does it matter what they call the lines?
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
not really
It’ll be more of a TOI thing where you’ll see the line designation.
No way in hell Getzlaf gets more time than Crosby and Thornton.
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 1:35 PM EST up reply actions
I think the nation would have a conniption if getzlaf got more TOI than the golden child
"Hey anyway I can get my name out there 30 years from now is great," Steckel said. "They will be like, ‘Who was that guy?’ Then they’ll look at the stats and say, ‘Well, at least that guy was really good on face-offs.’"
And it should. The golden child is their best center.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
Disagree. Joe Thornton is better on faceoffs and has better vision than the golden child. Crosby may be better in his own end, but thats about it. Joe Thornton may be the 2nd most underrated center in the NHL (to Nicky B of course)
Crosby > Thornton every day. He’s more assertive, a better skater, tougher, more physical, and a better goal scorer. Even if Joe has better vision, which is highly debatable, it’s not by enough to outweigh those other parts of their games.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Joe Thornton is better on faceoffs and has better vision
Joe Thornton: 990 FO’s taken, 53.5% win rate. Pretty good, not exceptional.
Sidney Crosby: 1343 FO’s taken, 56.7% win rate. Exceptional. 3% is a big deal in FO win-rate and Crosby is clearly better.
The vision part, as F&B said, is highly debatable. Crosby has 9 more assists than Jumbo Joe last season, playing with less talent on his wings. He also averaged very nearly an assist per game in the 06-07 year, in which he won both the Ross and the Hart.
Joe Thornton is a great center and was worthy of his #1 spot when he was drafted, but Sidney Crosby is just flat better.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Feb 15, 2010 2:02 PM EST up reply actions
there shouldn't be any argument
Crosby is Canada’s best center, done. Their best winger, though, is a tough one.
Can’t even answer it.
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 2:04 PM EST up reply actions
Rick Nash.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
exactly why
I didn’t want to answer that. I figured he is, and I hate that guy more than words can say.
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 2:07 PM EST up reply actions
Ha. Where does the hate come from? Just being a division foe?
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
not a hard worker
Gets tons and tons of goals by cherry picking and not forechecking or backchecking. If you watched him closely like I do you’d probably notice.
He plays the PK all the time, but he’s almost always up near the blueline or in the neutral zone waiting on a shorthanded breakaway.
Thanks in large part to him, their PK is bad, but they have a lot of shorthanded goals.
And yeah, him being el capitan of the team I hate the 2nd most doesn’t help.
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 2:10 PM EST up reply actions
Got it. I haven’t watched him much because CBJ is such a dreadfully boring team, but that kind of stuff would wear on me if he was a division rival. He also kills the Caps so I seem to always see him when he’s on his game.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
I’m with Chris, in terms of Nash’e defense. He underwhelms me in his own zone. Iggy is a more complete player. Nash has more skill. It’s a toss up between those two.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
Considering age I’ll take Nash. Iginla seems to be leaving his prime. He isn’t as explosive as he was and he can’t carry a line like he used to.
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no love
For Patty Marleau?
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 2:22 PM EST up reply actions
I do love him but he’ll always be a C converted to W in my eyes. He’s also older and so he has less upside than Nash, though he’s definitely having an amazing season to date.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Gets tons and tons of goals by cherry picking and not forechecking or backchecking.
I’m giggling, ‘cos that’s what the haters say about Ovechkin.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
I've watched both
Ovechkin is infinitely better defensively.
Seems like the Canadians took a TON of centers and are hoping they’ll play wing. Staal, Richards, Toews…
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 2:20 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah they had to because they are so much deeper at C. Guys like Staal and Toews I think will be able to move to wing pretty easily so I don’t see it being a problem.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
forgot about Bergeron
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 2:22 PM EST up reply actions
Especially not when Thornton’s line has already been guaranteed PP time. You figure Crosby’s line is going to get some as well so unless Getzlaf is going to eat up PK time (he won’t) then he’s not getting as much ice as those guys.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
I think they want to keep the SJS line together and put them on the top. I think Heatley is gonna goalies up btw.
I don’t think Iginila will play well with Crosby or Nash. ..but what are they gonna do?
Still waiting for someone to draft Paul Newman. . .
Why would he not play well?
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
didn't he
Already play on that line at another competition?
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 4:21 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t think Iginila will play well with Crosby or Nash. ..but what are they gonna do?
you mean the guy that got a hat trick on that line? so much for the bergeron-crosby combo.
by Natty Bumppo on Feb 17, 2010 4:37 PM EST up reply actions
It was a TSN report I read. It also may be smoke and mirrors.
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I’ve read that Babcock likes Getzlaf a whole damn lot. We’ll see where he lands.
I have a C on my heart.
Also to be noted in KNtaD’s Fanshot.
3) It’s been pointed out that Wayne Gretzky waited on Steve Yzerman in 2002. Getzlaf may be as critical to this team as Yzerman was to that one (although he won’t have the same level of experience). At the beginning of the season, I went to Detroit to do an interview with Mike Babcock. A couple Detroit players asked me who I thought would be the number one centre on Team Canada. I assumed it would be Sidney Crosby. Their response? Don’t be surprised if it’s Getzlaf. "Babcock loves him," one said.
It doesn’t really matter, as F&B said, the labels are irrelevant.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
Babcock was coaching Anaheim when Getzlaf was drafted. They must have clicked in training camps.
I’m curious to see how Babcock does with this team, because I haven’t been the least bit impressed with his Wings this season.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
On Draper having to wear a USA jersey at practice: "well at least the Wings can settle bets without involving gold plated desert eagles!"
I’d put the top US line against all of those except the top 2, and I still don’t trust Heatly or Marleau when the going gets tough. I’d defeinitely take Sid’s line over that top US one though.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
I trust Heatley and Marleau over Thornton when the going gets tough. Odd to see that’s where you come down on it.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
for kicks
Though off topic (is there an Olympic hockey thread here somewhere?)
What will USA’s other lines shake out as?
Langenbrunner – Kesler – Brown
Ryan – Pavelski – Kessel
Malone – Backes – Callahan?
Their defense is going to be the end of them, though…Jack Johnson made the team.
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 1:37 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah the D is hurting, and I’d bet that Drury is in the lineup. They didn’t bring him to sit. It all depends on their philosophy with setting lines. Do you put Kesler/Brown/Malone together on a monster checking line? Or do you sprinkle a little of that grit on the other lines and split up Ryan and Kessel to try to make 2 more scoring lines? I think Pavelski/Kesler are the 2/3C for sure, and Backes is probably the 4C or in the press box, depending on whether Drury is played as a W or a C.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Canada's salvation
When the going gets tough is actually going to be their defense and its ability to shut down Ovechkin, then turn around and score goals.
Best defensive corps ever assembled.
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 1:39 PM EST up reply actions
Best defensive corps ever assembled.
Dan Boyle is a member of said corps, so I’m not sure I agree. Plus, Nieds is there for leadeship not for his play of late. 5 good d-men, but not bulletproof.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
Name me a better set of seven defenseman ever on the same team. Don’t think you can.
Boyle is invaluable on the PP, but if I’m Babcock I start Doughty over Boyle.
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 2:01 PM EST up reply actions
I’m not saying that the top 5 aren’t great d-men, but its not that they are impossible to counter. They are probably the best group ever since NHL players have only been playing in the Olympics for less than 20 years. 2002 Canadian squad is only one that is probably close. That group was Pronger, Nieds, Foote, MacInnis, Blake, Jovo, and Brewer (weak link).
If Boyle is that invaluable on the PP, I wonder what that would make a certain #52.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
well
Green is definitely better on the PP (can you imagine Weber/Green on the points of that unit?!?!), but in their eyes Boyle is a safer bet in his own zone, I’d guess.
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 2:16 PM EST up reply actions
resident Green apologist?
Or just still pissed about the snub?
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 2:20 PM EST up reply actions
No, having Weber and Green together on the same team.
Swoon city.
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oh, yeah
Immediately the best pairing in the league.
That power play would have an obscene conversion rate. Anyone see Weber’s goal yesterday?
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 2:23 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah the guy has a cannon. You cannot let him step into the puck from there. It’s just not fair to the goalie.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
you wouldn't believe
how many Preds he’s hurt with that thing. Broke Martin Erat’s leg last year, Tootoo’s foot this year, he’s hit Suter and Hornqvist…
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 2:27 PM EST up reply actions
Can’t say I’d be too upset if he continues the trend in Vancouver…
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
As long as none of our guys are in front of it.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
We don’t have anyone on Team Canada… but our rivals have a couple I can think of…
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
I'd like it if he hit Nash
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 4:01 PM EST up reply actions
Somebody’s got to since Oshie didn’t make team USA, rite?
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I know that, but I didn’t think of that statement in the context of only against Team Canada.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
I was in Nashville visiting a friend at Vanderbilt, went to 2 Preds games. . .
Some of Weber’s shots are amazing; having him and Green on the points for a PP, having Ovie rotate around the high slot, Knuble at the goal mouth, Backstrom/Semin hovering=domination
Still waiting for someone to draft Paul Newman. . .
which games
Did you go to?
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 4:16 PM EST up reply actions
we’re all resident Green apologists here, 99% of us are pissed about the snub (and how Team Canada handled it), and we’re all pretty firmly in the camp that Boyle is in no way better than Green. And neither is Neids, Doughty is debatable, and I just hate Pronger with every fiber of my being.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
On Draper having to wear a USA jersey at practice: "well at least the Wings can settle bets without involving gold plated desert eagles!"
Did you hate Pronger before he became a Flyer or did that just cement it?
Rocking the Red since 1975
Neither really. I didn’t want Green on the team because I want him healthy and with a chip on his shoulder, but Boyle is not better than Green offensively or defensively. Boyle is on the team because he has more experience and Babcock already said they were going to run the SJS PP for Team Canada so having Boyle makes that an easier transition. He’s the guy on that blueline that I think least deserves to be there.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
I have no trouble with the debates about Boyle, or even Nieds, but I will continue to disagree on Doughty. The kid belongs on the team. A great 2 way d-man even at his young age. He’s easily one of their top 5 in my mind.
The Boyle choice is a joke in my mind. Jay Bow and Green were both better choices. I would have taken Jay Bow myself. I hope they give up a shorty with Boyle on the ice this coming Sunday.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
Yeah, I’m with you. I don’t get too worked up about Doughty because he’s phenomenal. A SHG against Boyle would be amazing. Hopefully in a knock out game.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Give me Doughty on the PP over Boyle.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
Give me Doughtyon the PPover Boyle.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Marleau never comes through when needed. I love the guy and his game, but he’s a major reason the Sharks have the label playoff chokers. Heatley is not trustworthy in my mind. His play in the Cup against the Ducks sealed it for me. I tend to think Joe in the past has felt too much pressure. That won’t happen on this squad. Nieds, Sid, and Stevie Y are going to take the brunt of the pressure.
You and I agree a fair amount, but when it comes to Olympics we definitely seem to have a lot of disagreement. I see a very young US squad that is going to be overly reliant on their goaltending. I see 3 other squads that won’t be so reliant on their goaltending. I think US has a much better shot at a medal come 2014.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
It occurs to me that (depending how the groupings play out), the Sashas and/or Nicky will get some experience playing against very skilled Western Conference defensemen. That might be valuable experience later this year.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Marleau never comes through when needed. I love the guy and his game, but he’s a major reason the Sharks have the label playoff chokers.
False. Marleau’s playoff numbers are virtually identical to Iginla’s. Iginla had one real good year when they went to the Cup Finals and other than that hasn’t been special. But nobody rags on Iginla for being a playoff choker.
Heatley has been great for Canada in international play. The whole Sens team folded against the Ducks so pinning it on one guy isn’t really fair.
The issue with Joe isn’t about pressure, it’s about his game. He’s a perimeter player through and through, and when the going gets tough that just won’t work. Until he learns to take his big body to the net and assert himself he’ll be erased in playoff games (which the Olympics will be).
And obviously the US has a better chance in 2014.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Iginla has never had the surrounding talent Marleau has had. Iggy and Kipper can’t win playoff games as a 2 person team.
I’ll give that Heatley has played well in a Hockey Canada sweater. I’ll concede the point, but I still hate that guy. His Cup performance still irks me. But, you are right, minus Mike Fisher, that whole team and coaching staff went turtle in that series.
I think Joe will break out in these games. Teams won’t be able to key on him like they do in the NHL. We have to revist these points once the games are over.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
Luckily we don’t have to wait too long.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Lucky indeed. I’m ready to be in LA watching tomorrow’s USA game already.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
LA huh. How long you there?
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
About 60 hours. Tuesday morning through Thursday evening.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
Enjoy it.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Will do. I always love going to LA.
I’m planning on going to see the Clips Wednesday night. Might be the worst 2 1/2 hours of my trip based on when I saw them last play live on X-mas day.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
woop woop. LA is the place to be.
Since USC was kicked out of basketball I got my fill by going to a few clips games. . .tots not worth it, but you can give it a try
Still waiting for someone to draft Paul Newman. . .
I’m a Clips fan going on 25 years. It will in one way or another be worth it for me.
Not sure what you mean by the SC comment. I assume you mean their probation. As for SC itself or UCLA for that matter, all you need to do is look at my name and you can figure out my feelings on them.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
Well then definitely go, I am not a huge basketball fan, so it wasnt big for me.
Yeah, everyone has been miffed by the probation. Support for the basketball game has fallen a tonn. Hah, i haven’t been watching how the sun devils are doin, but i’ll root for them against UCLA
Still waiting for someone to draft Paul Newman. . .
Haven’t been to Kings game since a Caps vs Kings game in mid 90’s. I would go if they were playing, but instead I’ll be off to sports bar for lunch to watch OLY hockey.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
If only that second line had Crosby at LW and Iginla changed his last name to Stills…
Everyone wants to kill the king. But the prince, he just sails along telling all the ladies, "One day I'm gonna be king."
by Steck It Out on Feb 15, 2010 3:06 PM EST up reply actions
And then they need to recruit a guy named Young while they’re at it.
And sweet Judy, with blue eyes will watch them in the stands.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Heh.
Everyone wants to kill the king. But the prince, he just sails along telling all the ladies, "One day I'm gonna be king."
by Steck It Out on Feb 15, 2010 3:09 PM EST up reply actions
Those wingers could compete. Hell I’d put Parise up against almost anyone. I like Stasny, but not thrilled he’s the number one center. US weakness is down the middle offensively.
I’ve had US finishing 5th or 6th in my mind depending on goaltending. If Miller stands on his head the US has a shot at the bronze game. Certainly, Canada, Russia, and Sweden are the top three. After that its the toss up between Czechs, Fins, and US.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
On Parise and Stastny, neither of them were children of Americans (unless their dads naturalized). Parise’s dad is French Canadian. While Stastny’s dad is Slovakian. (The Stastnys were the Slovakian equivalent of the Sutters, back in the day, and the Staals, There seemed to be a jillion of them in the NHL.)
Rocking the Red since 1975
Well aware. I grew up watching the Stasny’s play for the Nords. Not sure what this has to do with their skill level or US team’s chances.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
I didn’t know the Statsny story until the Caps played the Avalanche earlier this year.
Very moving.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Not sure what this has to do with..
It’s kinda her thing, I think.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I just don’t getting putting trivia out there in middle of discussions. Maybe its just me.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on Feb 15, 2010 2:34 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Funny because the trivia is about as useful to me as the network who came of with that slogan is.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
Some of us don’t mind trivia so much… it’s interesting, and we wouldn’t otherwise know it unless someone pointed it out.
Some day, I might win a hockey-related game of Trivial Pursuit with this information… :-)
Seriously – I have no objections to trivia. It’s cool stuff!
I need a snappy signature...
It needs to be rationed out though, as in maybe once or twice a day. Not dozens of random thoughts derailing discussions.
But hey, did you know that the Slovakian language has some syllables that are similarly pronounced as many dialects of the Malagasy language? And Zach Parise’s dad doesn’t speak either one! I couldn’t believe that!
by Cluster on Feb 15, 2010 6:41 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I won't be
I can understand if they want to go ~20-20-20 with their top three lines because their fourth line sucks in comparison to say, USA’s, Canada’s, etc. But not much more than 20 mins, if that.
Ovechkin = Green Backs
by red army line on Feb 15, 2010 2:53 PM EST up reply actions
He’s in great shape, but plenty of guys before him have been in great shape and can’t sustain those kind of minutes. Even acknowledging that he’s a freak of a specimen you just can’t skate that many minutes at the high intensity that forwards need to have.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Especially given the way he plays, it’s not like he’s doing a lot of coasting even compared with the effort that forwards have to put out. Those are rough minutes.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Feb 15, 2010 1:26 PM EST up reply actions
So i guess everyone was right in saying the olympians were gonna check out early the only one who got a up arrow was semin definately didn’t expect that one coming into the week
"Hey anyway I can get my name out there 30 years from now is great," Steckel said. "They will be like, ‘Who was that guy?’ Then they’ll look at the stats and say, ‘Well, at least that guy was really good on face-offs.’"
Semin likes going against the trend.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
Pieces?
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
We all know it’s Pisces, not pieces. Or should we just start going with the English translation of Pisces, which is Fish.
Rocking the Red since 1975
I still don’t understand where the Horoscope love came from.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Feb 15, 2010 1:44 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
You can throw labels, but I’ve asked four or five times and never got an answer on it.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
Face it — the folks around you aren’t as together as you are. Take pity on them.
"Welcome to Canada -– everything fun is always behind a fence."
I don’t get it.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
me too i figured semin and maybe flash would check out early but not Lars and Ovi as for varly 2 months off killed him
"Hey anyway I can get my name out there 30 years from now is great," Steckel said. "They will be like, ‘Who was that guy?’ Then they’ll look at the stats and say, ‘Well, at least that guy was really good on face-offs.’"
Quick, someone get me some raw stats that prove my hypothesis:
Semin plays his heart out when Ovie’s away/hurt/mentally checked out.
Semin plays well when he’s in a good mood, which according to the blog post in the WaPo about him stealing a golf cart and going for a bit of a joyride in the Olympic Village, everyone else in the Olympics is on notice.
Dear Sasha,
When people say “Why can’t you be more liek Ovue?” its not referring to his amazing ability to steal carts and go joyriding!
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
On Draper having to wear a USA jersey at practice: "well at least the Wings can settle bets without involving gold plated desert eagles!"
by RedBirdie on Feb 15, 2010 2:26 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
Dunno about stats, but the first two months of last year come to mind for me on that statement.
"Where are we going Morty?"
"Back to the boatyard. Somebody's about to get a fucking slap."
by Bald Pollack on Feb 15, 2010 1:55 PM EST up reply actions
No such luck. Sasha brings it in his own time and on his own counsel. Sasha Snezhinka, our Siberian enigma.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
yeah you never know if you get good sasha or bad sasha on any given day until the puck drops
"Hey anyway I can get my name out there 30 years from now is great," Steckel said. "They will be like, ‘Who was that guy?’ Then they’ll look at the stats and say, ‘Well, at least that guy was really good on face-offs.’"
What this proves is what has been apparent for about 2 weeks. What that is is an almost total breakdown of team defense. Team defense needs to be practiced regularly with this team. What bothers me about this is that come the playoffs, if they go to 7 games in back to back series, there is not going to be much practice time and we might see a return of bad defensive play at a time when they need good defensive play the most.
What amazing date in history are we giong back to today, Mr. Peabody?
which is why everyone here wants rounds taken care of in no more than 5 games
"Hey anyway I can get my name out there 30 years from now is great," Steckel said. "They will be like, ‘Who was that guy?’ Then they’ll look at the stats and say, ‘Well, at least that guy was really good on face-offs.’"
Exactly. Most can agree that an upgrade is needed on the blueline( of which I am one ), but practice time for this team is crucial IMO.
What amazing date in history are we giong back to today, Mr. Peabody?
no doubt that practice (especially focusing on defense) is needed regularly we have seen it throughout the season when they only have 1 or 2 practices in 2 weeks the system isn’t being followed and the defense turns rancid so they try to depend on offensive outputs which sooner or later cannot compensate
"Hey anyway I can get my name out there 30 years from now is great," Steckel said. "They will be like, ‘Who was that guy?’ Then they’ll look at the stats and say, ‘Well, at least that guy was really good on face-offs.’"
Anyone know if the mirrored visor is legal in the Olympics? If I were Ovie i’d wear it just for Brodeur.
f) Players shall not be permitted to wear a coloured or tinted visor or tinted
full face mask.
per the 2006-2010 iihf rule book
"Hey anyway I can get my name out there 30 years from now is great," Steckel said. "They will be like, ‘Who was that guy?’ Then they’ll look at the stats and say, ‘Well, at least that guy was really good on face-offs.’"
check this out
Exactly what I’ve been needing:
http://www.nhl.com/ice/scheduleolympics.htm?season=20092010
On the Forecheck-where Patric Hornqvist is never underappreciated.
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 2:18 PM EST reply actions 15 recs
Much more helpful than the NBC schedule.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
indeed
Rec for ease of access?
On the Forecheck-where Patric Hornqvist is never underappreciated.
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 2:26 PM EST up reply actions
You’re almost green…
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
I think I put it over the green mark.
Would be nice if the Ovi photo on that schedule border had a C on it.
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 Feb 15, 2010 2:33 PM EST up reply actions
Baby steps. They have the “new” jerseys on him at least.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
I’ll also be posting the TV schedule for hockey every few days. The Tues-Fri schedule should go up today
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
On Draper having to wear a USA jersey at practice: "well at least the Wings can settle bets without involving gold plated desert eagles!"
Awesome. I keep having to go back to your original FanPost (luckily KHtaD has been regularly linking to it).
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
I have?
I’d love to take credit for that, but I’m pretty sure it’s not me.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Feb 15, 2010 2:33 PM EST up reply actions
For those that have GCL, they are showing on their game preview line that they are going to have the OLY games on there. I’m not sure if it’s true. I guess we’ll see at 3:00 tomorrow.
What amazing date in history are we giong back to today, Mr. Peabody?
It may be time to shell for a month membership to GCL…
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Feb 15, 2010 2:36 PM EST up reply actions
Can you do it just for a month? It’s very tempting…
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
I don’t know, but I’m about to find out.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Feb 15, 2010 2:39 PM EST up reply actions
Doesn’t look like it. Damn it all.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Feb 15, 2010 2:41 PM EST up reply actions
I’m not sure. I bought it at the start of the season. It is great. Some ganes they don’t show(NHLN, Versus, TSN, etc.). The best part is the archives. Any game back to the start of the ‘07-’08 season. The waiting period for local games is 48hrs.
What amazing date in history are we giong back to today, Mr. Peabody?
since there’s no clips, I’m just going to have to post this here and hope the BlogMasters don’t revoke my membership!
Quick update from Russian practice
Longer update, thanks to Slava! Includes some nice war of words between Flash and Ovie. Also, Bryz played defense (!)
Happy 35th birthday to Viktor Kozlov. We may have hated your inability to score, but the Rabbits still love your dimples.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
On Draper having to wear a USA jersey at practice: "well at least the Wings can settle bets without involving gold plated desert eagles!"
also, TEB’s article on what various Caps are doing with their Olympic break. Seems that brooks will be lacing up the skates to play with his brother’s senior league team.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
On Draper having to wear a USA jersey at practice: "well at least the Wings can settle bets without involving gold plated desert eagles!"
If I were a man playing in that league, I would not be happy. If I were myself and knew someone playing in that league, I’d be attending some games.
It’s just about playoff time in Winter men’s leagues. Hell of a playoff ringer..
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
maybe its just worded funny and I misinterpreted it? Sounded to be like Laich was going to actually play with his brother’s team, not just put on skates and fool around in practice. But I could be wrong.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
On Draper having to wear a USA jersey at practice: "well at least the Wings can settle bets without involving gold plated desert eagles!"
“Skate with” usually means “play with.” My concern is that when former NHL guys, or current NHL guys over the summer, go play in high level men’s leagues a lot of the guys try to prove themselves by going hard after the NHL players, or try to get physical and chippy with them to goad them into retaliatory violence. There’s a long list of NHL players that have had to beg out of men’s leagues because they were afraid of their health, or that they’d end up messing a guy up and getting sued. Brooks should just go to the Caribbean and keep an eye on Mike Green.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
I don’t think he actually is allowed to do that… is he?
I mean, he could put on skates and eff around on the ice with these guys in practice… but play in a game?
It’d muck with the chemistry too much.
I need a snappy signature...
Isn’t allowed to by whose rules? I’d be very surprised if his NHL contract doesn’t forbid playing in men’s league games.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
You’d be surprised if it does, or if it doesn’t?
I’d be surprised if it does NOT forbid it outright.
I need a snappy signature...
Agreed.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Of course, that says nothing about playing around on the ice… I don’t think he’d actually be permitted to play in the games, but I don’t know if they can or would forbid him from practicing with the team.
I need a snappy signature...
Yeah practice would probably be ok if he uses proper discretion. You won’t get a men’s league hero in that setting.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
men’s league hero
My personal favorite Foreigner song.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I don’t need no instructions to know how to rock!
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Hell yeah I’m a dirty white boy!
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
But does it have THE song—Boston’s “More Than A Feeling”?
"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 Feb 15, 2010 6:33 PM EST up reply actions
ok, so we’re at least reading it the same way.
Brooks and Mike: Caribbean Vacation. Sounds like one of those in-game intermission videos, with the potential to go terribly wrong.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
On Draper having to wear a USA jersey at practice: "well at least the Wings can settle bets without involving gold plated desert eagles!"
Jeez... LOL!
That sounds horribly amusing! The sequel would be:
Brooks and Mike: Tanned and Ready
I need a snappy signature...
I think every Rink Rabbit would agree that this is a video they would like to see – or be an “extra” in! ;-)
Totally, hanging on the beach with Mike and Brooks? Yes please!
"Welcome to Canada -– everything fun is always behind a fence."
that could be bad setting loose the 2 “ladies” men free in a bikini clad caribbean setting
"Hey anyway I can get my name out there 30 years from now is great," Steckel said. "They will be like, ‘Who was that guy?’ Then they’ll look at the stats and say, ‘Well, at least that guy was really good on face-offs.’"
While Erskine heads to Orlando, Brooks Laich is going north, to his home in Regina, Saskatchewan, to visit family and watch his 24-year-old brother, Jordan, compete in the senior hockey playoffs.
“I’m going to skate with my brother’s team, the Bienfait Coalers,” Laich said. “I haven’t been on the ice with my brother since I was 15 years old.”
That tells me practice, and watching the games.
And Laich’s legend in Wawota only grows.
There will be songs about him, mark my words.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Im still convinced that the WaPo shouldve sent Tarik to Vancouver to cover our Olympian Caps, the public wants to know what theyre doing and the hijinks that are happening over there!
I think Slava will be serving as a stringer. Also, Barry Svrgula will be covering hockey, and he’s an exceptional writer. I’m very excited about that. He was part of the playoff coverage team last season and did quite well, I thought.
I think the Post wishes they could send a full contingent, but the budget just isn’t there. Steinberg was given a travel budget and was told, you can go to the Olympics, or the Caps playoff games. Decide which one is more important. He went with the Caps.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
On Draper having to wear a USA jersey at practice: "well at least the Wings can settle bets without involving gold plated desert eagles!"
The good thing is we don’t have to rely on WaPo coverage. Major hockey blogs and other MSM outlets have reporters there.
Hope TEB gets some well deserved rest and is ready to go for the stretch run…into June.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
If it’s Team Russia news you’re wanting, I’m throwing in a plug here for “my other blog” as I am also “Field Reporter Emily” at TJ Ovetjkin’s place (link in sig). He’s tearing it up with translations and such. Plus you should be following @dchesnokov on Twitter. He’s jaw-droppingly good today.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
by EmilyB on Feb 15, 2010 3:12 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
D-Ches is always a hoot on Twitter. He’s definitely got the Russian goalie helmet angle covered today.
Pavel from Sov Sport’s translation at your “other blog”, of Ovi after practice yesterday was very helpful. Filled in the gaps on some of those quotes I saw on WaPo.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
HAMHUIS UPDATE
via Preds beat writer John Glennon in an interview with Poile a few hours ago:
Poile on Hamhuis’ contract negotiations, my analysis below:
It hasn’t happened very simply because the economics of what he’d like to (make) and what we can afford.
(The possibility of trading him) is a hard one to call. Every general manager has a similar situation like this. What’s the priority right now? The priority for me is very clear. I want to make the playoffs.
“If we’re a better team with Dan Hamhuis, then we’ll deal with that situation when the season is over. If we could come up with a different way, then there’s a possibility something could happen. So it’s a little bit of a balancing act. Free-agency changes things a fair bit, but it’s something we have to make decisions about. If you’re a team that’s not in the playoff hunt like Carolina, a team that’s been trading their players off, that’s one thing. If you’re a team in the playoff hunt like we are right now, I think you really have to balance what you do or what you don’t do.’’
The first sentence leads me to believe that as I expected, the two camps are a fair piece away from each other.
Poile certainly leaves the door open to resigning him, but when he says “IF” we’re a better team with Hamhuis…which I don’t think we are if we get a good forward in return.
He’s going over the big conundrum in this interview—does trading Hamhuis compromise the defense? I have to think any trade talks for DH will involve a forward and a defenseman coming back. There won’t be any one for one swaps.
Also, coming across my Twitter feed moments ago is that David Poile will be on Nashville radio at at 3:20 CST. Late this afternoon check On The Forecheck for the audio which is likely to have something about Hamhuis.
On the Forecheck-where Patric Hornqvist is never underappreciated.
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 2:42 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
Great stuff. I hope you’re right that there aren’t a ton of good trade partners for DH. Then either the Caps get him, or none of our competitors get him. I’d prefer the former, obviously, but absolutely do not want to see him go to NJD or PIT.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
What does NJ need with Hamhuis anyhow? I thought defense was their strong suit.
As for him going to Pittsburgh — can we hear some wailing and gnashing of teeth when it happens,
Rocking the Red since 1975
New Jersey or Pittsburgh
Have a snowball’s chance in hell of getting him unless Poile has decided we’re sellers.
On the Forecheck-where Patric Hornqvist is never underappreciated.
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 2:49 PM EST up reply actions
That’s assuming that hell is a hot place. Of course, if hell were a cold place, it would be a different story.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Come to think of it, Dante described Hell to be a very cold place.
Although some fans might want to argue that Newark, NJ is another name for it.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Dante described Hell to be a very cold place...
Well, one layer of it, anyway…
I need a snappy signature...
Buffalo has been tossed around
As has San Jose. I can’t believe that we’d trade with the Sharks, but Buffalo is an interesting study.
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 2:48 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, I’m not sure why they need more help on the blueline. Seems an odd direction for them to go. SJS can want him, but do they even have the cap space for him? And who do they want to give up for him? They are facing cap hell over the summer (Pavelski and Setoguchi, RFA; Marleau and Nabokov UFA) and are going to need to keep their cheap young forwards. Maybe they don’t think they can re-sign Setoguchi and move him (which would be a steal for NSH) but I just don’t see that happening.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Clowe was the name tossed around
But I’d want Seto more, just don’t think thats a fair trade.
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 2:57 PM EST up reply actions
I have heard talk about Clowe as well. He’d be a decent pick up but not fair for DH straight up. Maybe Clowe and a pick or prospect, but I’m not sure that helps NSH get into the playoffs this year any more than holding onto DH would.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Great may be overstating it. He’s shown flashes but he’s been somewhat inconsistent and I’m not entirely sold yet; especially if you take him out of all that SJS talent.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Ok, great IS overstating it, maybe ive got a bit of a soft spot for the guy since hes on my fantasy team, but 40 pts when hes only got 2 pp goals is nothing to sneeze at really.
No, it’s not. But if you are NSH do you think picking him up really makes your offense all that much better? Is he worth Hamhuis?
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
I dont think he’s worth Hamhuis, but if he fills a need, and hes signed until ‘13, he’s not a bad option. I dont know Nashville well enough to know if they need his sandpaper-y presence in the lineup, though.
I think most teams probably could use it. And if he played with Colin Wilson long term I think they’d just push teams around.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
and he’s obviously not getting pp production due to the stacked lineup SJS rolls out every night on the pp, on Nashville that may be a strength for him.
Clowe
I’d do Clowe/Huskins for Hamhuis. Don’t know if SJ would, though.
I don’t know a whole lot about him, to be honest.
A Clowe – Wilson – Erat line would be sick.
On the Forecheck-where Patric Hornqvist is never underappreciated.
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 3:18 PM EST up reply actions
I think SJS would just because it clears cap space for next year (of course, it also clears a roster spot they have to replace…). They are either going to have to let a valuable player walk or start making some room. Doing a deadline deal that makes you better short term and starts to ease the salary cap hell like CHI did may be a good move for them.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Well Sekera sucks and Lydman isn’t getting any younger..
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Right, but they still do a decent job of keeping the puck out of the net and Tyler Meyers is a stud and getting better. They either need to bank on Vanek getting hot and Connolly staying healthy or they are toast.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Connolly staying healthy
HAHAHAHAHAHA.
On the Forecheck-where Patric Hornqvist is never underappreciated.
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 3:06 PM EST up reply actions
I know, I couldn’t type it with a straight face. A guy I play men’s league with grew up playing with Connolly so I feel bad trashing him but come on, the guy is brittle. Apparently he’s annoyed that he wasn’t picked to the Olympic team but I don’t see why he would have expected to be.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
We’ll prolly get the same dumbing down of the game considering youll have people watching who just watch the Olympics but wouldnt normally watch the NHL.
yeah a little redic but icing is called different in international comps
"Hey anyway I can get my name out there 30 years from now is great," Steckel said. "They will be like, ‘Who was that guy?’ Then they’ll look at the stats and say, ‘Well, at least that guy was really good on face-offs.’"
Go Suisse!~
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
Schelling is standing on her head (And kind of cute [And I could probably beat Yannick Weber in a fight]).
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
Poile interview up
Nothing about trades, though. Just Team USA.
On the Forecheck-where Patric Hornqvist is never underappreciated.
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it’s funny because the swedish womens coach wants to allow body checking
"Hey anyway I can get my name out there 30 years from now is great," Steckel said. "They will be like, ‘Who was that guy?’ Then they’ll look at the stats and say, ‘Well, at least that guy was really good on face-offs.’"
i don’t understand why they wear all the equipment that the men do if they aren’t suppose to body check seems pretty unneccesary
"Hey anyway I can get my name out there 30 years from now is great," Steckel said. "They will be like, ‘Who was that guy?’ Then they’ll look at the stats and say, ‘Well, at least that guy was really good on face-offs.’"
Would you want to get hit by speeding rubber with no equipment?
On the Forecheck-where Patric Hornqvist is never underappreciated.
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 6:13 PM EST up reply actions
eh i see your point i have never been hit by a puck so i wasn’t thinking along that line
"Hey anyway I can get my name out there 30 years from now is great," Steckel said. "They will be like, ‘Who was that guy?’ Then they’ll look at the stats and say, ‘Well, at least that guy was really good on face-offs.’"
Hurts.
On the Forecheck-where Patric Hornqvist is never underappreciated.
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 6:15 PM EST up reply actions
Especially if you’re a girl!
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
then i guess i should stay away from them then
"Hey anyway I can get my name out there 30 years from now is great," Steckel said. "They will be like, ‘Who was that guy?’ Then they’ll look at the stats and say, ‘Well, at least that guy was really good on face-offs.’"
I was just joking. Definitely play if you have any interest in it. Hockey is for everyone!
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
yeah that isn’t going to happen I can’t ice skate or roller skate
"Hey anyway I can get my name out there 30 years from now is great," Steckel said. "They will be like, ‘Who was that guy?’ Then they’ll look at the stats and say, ‘Well, at least that guy was really good on face-offs.’"
who cares
You can always learn. Its easy. Well, sort of.
Easy enough, anyway. Can’t skate too well myself, but its still fun.
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 6:22 PM EST up reply actions
I can skate. And I usually do go to the ice rink twice a week. But it may not be the best idea for me to start playing at my advanced age.
Rocking the Red since 1975
I don’t know your age but my dad didn’t start playing until he was mid-late 40s.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Pucks hurt.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
As do the ends of sticks, elbows, skates, etc …
"Where can you go from there? Where? ... Nowhere. Exactly. What we do is, if we need that extra push over the cliff, you know what we do?"
There was a behind-the-scenes show about the women’s team that I watched a few days ago, and one of the players showed off her various bruises: on the biceps from a cross check, and on the thigh from a puck. You still need protection.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Feb 15, 2010 7:42 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
He’s also against the Chinese programs development.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
Olympic Men's Ice Hockey
Cannot start soon enough …
"Where can you go from there? Where? ... Nowhere. Exactly. What we do is, if we need that extra push over the cliff, you know what we do?"
by Christoph J on Feb 15, 2010 6:09 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
NO
Where’s your Olympic Hockey thread, anyway?
United States-Switzerland never sounded so good.
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 6:12 PM EST up reply actions
of course not
There is a green (rec’d) comment above all this in this thread you can see for that info.
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 6:15 PM EST up reply actions
come to think
Not even sure if I get USA.
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 6:16 PM EST up reply actions
I think I do, but I don’t think I get it in HD. I’ll have to check when I get home.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
I have Comcast Arlington. It sucks so I assume I don’t.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Nice. Great news. Now they just need to get MSNBC in HD by Sunday. And NHLN HD. And not suck.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
That is looking like a better option.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
What time is the game Sunday?
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Feb 15, 2010 6:25 PM EST up reply actions
Russia/Czech is also on at 3 PM. Pretty much just going to drink and watch hockey all day.
by Kolzilla on Feb 15, 2010 6:33 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
this
rec’d.
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 6:35 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, I’ve never understood why MSNBC isn’t in HD.
by mechanicsville on Feb 15, 2010 10:45 PM EST up reply actions
Maybe ATDHE will have it since it’s on USA?
"Where can you go from there? Where? ... Nowhere. Exactly. What we do is, if we need that extra push over the cliff, you know what we do?"
http://www.myp2pforum.eu/streams/
for Olympic online stream awesomeness
by iced on Feb 15, 2010 6:18 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Olympic streams undermine NBC!
Oh, wait…its NBC. Never mind.
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 6:19 PM EST up reply actions
why the hell
Is Russia-Czech Republic on NBC on Sunday, BUT NOT CANADA-USA?
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 6:23 PM EST up reply actions
it has to do with the time slot apparently the people who watch at night are us women who want to see ice dancing instead of ice hokcey which I think is bull
"Hey anyway I can get my name out there 30 years from now is great," Steckel said. "They will be like, ‘Who was that guy?’ Then they’ll look at the stats and say, ‘Well, at least that guy was really good on face-offs.’"
It is bull, but it’s about ratings. They also said they didn’t want to have to cut away from USA/CAN if there was something else exciting going on and were concerned about devoting a 2.5 hour solid block of time during the prime time hours.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
what could be more exciting
Than that game? Really?
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 6:29 PM EST up reply actions
Any event where a medal could be awarded to an American. That’s a big deal to most people, and frankly, I’ll watch hockey unless another sport is in it’s medal round.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
Any event? Not a chance. There may be some of the events that could approach it, but NBC is already showing so much stuff on delay as it is that I don’t see why a little more would hurt.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Prime time is a shitty animal.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Feb 15, 2010 6:34 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
You think this is bad, wait for Sochi.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
I’m actually excited for Sochi. NBC contract runs out in 2012. I highly doubt anyone can botch the Games as bad as they do. ABC/ESPN would overhype it, but they’d cover it much better as well. Heck I thought CBS did a pretty decent job when they had the Winter OLY contract back in early 90’s. Keep Ebersol away from my sports.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
Plus, if the hockey is played at weird hours there’s a higher chance that we’ll get HD coverage live. I don’t care what they do with it when they play it on delay.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
meh
While the Winter Olympics blow the doors of the Summer games, hockey is the only thing I’m interested in till we get to bobsledding and more luging (though not so much this, anymore). I like the skiing and whatnot but none of it touches Olympic hockey.
I’ll be watching everything, sure, but like you say hockey supersedes all.
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 6:33 PM EST up reply actions
Or do they really think that the Russians vs Czechs are a more interesting match up than the US vs Canada?
In reality, I don’t understand the decision to show ice dancing instead of hockey between the US and Canada.
I’m female but I’m not particularly interested in watching ice dancing competition. An individual ice dancing show might be a great show but would rather see hockey, frankly. But, then again, no one would consider me a normal female.
Rocking the Red since 1975
i’m apparently not a normal female either because I will take hockey over ice dancing any day
"Hey anyway I can get my name out there 30 years from now is great," Steckel said. "They will be like, ‘Who was that guy?’ Then they’ll look at the stats and say, ‘Well, at least that guy was really good on face-offs.’"
just glad i’m not the only one my best friend thinks i’m insane. Awesome women unite!
"Hey anyway I can get my name out there 30 years from now is great," Steckel said. "They will be like, ‘Who was that guy?’ Then they’ll look at the stats and say, ‘Well, at least that guy was really good on face-offs.’"
In reality, I don’t understand the decision to show ice dancing instead of hockey between the US and Canada.
Ratings. Target Audience. Flexibility.
"Where can you go from there? Where? ... Nowhere. Exactly. What we do is, if we need that extra push over the cliff, you know what we do?"
USA! USA! USA!
Jocelyne Lamoureux channeling her inner OV the other day?
"Where can you go from there? Where? ... Nowhere. Exactly. What we do is, if we need that extra push over the cliff, you know what we do?"
My inner Ovi only likes drinking vodka.
I have a C on my heart.
by boutros23 on Feb 15, 2010 6:22 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
My inner Ovi only likes drinking vodka like water.
Just a minor correction …
"Where can you go from there? Where? ... Nowhere. Exactly. What we do is, if we need that extra push over the cliff, you know what we do?"
Or speaking in an accent similar to Pavel Chekov.
Trivia note: the word “vodka” is based on the Russian word for waterl
Rocking the Red since 1975
GMGM should sign Schelling, she’d fit in right behind Holtby and Dunn, no?
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
Kevin Allen just tweeted Russian lines
Ovechkin – Datsyuk – Semin
Kovalchuk – Malkin – Afinogenov
Nice.
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not sure
How Afinogenov made Malkin’s line over Radulov, unless it was for chemistry with Kovy…
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 6:42 PM EST up reply actions
I think the chemistry was a big part of it, scoring depth may be the other. The drop off from their top two lines is precipitous.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
its
A really, really good thing that Russia and the US aren’t in the same group—those forwards would light up the US D.
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 6:50 PM EST up reply actions
I like the ‘Sod off’ line better as a nickname, personally.
I also support the CAN-NOT-WINNING initiative.
But yeah, I can’t think of a single player I’d like to see paired with those two more than Pavel Datsyuk.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Feb 15, 2010 8:00 PM EST up reply actions
Nicklas Backstrom.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
Except that Nicklas Backstrom is not Russian so he’s not eligible for Team Russia.
Rocking the Red since 1975
I’m comfortable calling that line 1 as scary as anything CAN will roll out there.
Driving under the influence of hockey since godknow's when.
IDK
I think if you let Malkin take Datsyuk’s place they become even better on offense.
What about a Nash – Crosby – Heatley power play? Thats pretty scary.
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 6:52 PM EST up reply actions
Malkins not as good on draws and takes far too many penalties. Datsyuk has had a bit of an off year but playing with those 2 he will be lethal.
I think a Marleau-Thornton-Heatley is potent enough
Still waiting for someone to draft Paul Newman. . .
hear. hear
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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 7:03 PM EST up reply actions
Most of the time I can ignore the obvious Schultz-homerism, and most of the time, it’s warranted, but he had an absolutely pathetic week of hockey. Down arrow through and through.
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