Capital Ups and Downs: Week 19
by J.P. on Feb 8, 2010 11:00 AM EST
in Capital Ups and Downs
326 comments
Our weekly look at individual Washington Capitals' ups and downs:
| Goalies | Trend | Notes |
| Michal Neuvirth |  |
Was spectacular on Friday night, allowing just one-and-a-half goals on 45 shots against. Wait, what? Have Alex Semin kick it into your own net after you've made the save counts as a full goal against? That hardly seems fair. Anyway, Neuvi is 4-0-0/1.38/.961 since getting yanked in back-to-back games in the Sunshine State. |
| Jose Theodore | |
The 3.29 GAA for the week isn't impressive, but the 3-0-0 record and .913 save percentage are more indicative of the week Jose had - just three of the ten goals he allowed came at five-on-five, and two came three-on-five. |
| Semyon Varlamov |  |
Stopped 26 of 30 starts yesterday in Hershey's win over the Baby Pens. Could he see a start in D.C. before the break? |
| Defensemen | ||
| Karl Alzner |  |
Played sparingly on Friday night after being recalled, scratched and scratched (and prior to being sent back down to Hershey); maybe we should rename this feature "Capital Karl Alzners," given how frequently he's up and down between Chocolatetown and D.C. |
| John Erskine | |
Plus-four for a week that included a fight (which he won)... and some notably questionable on-ice decisions and/or poor execution. |
| Mike Green | |
Returned from suspension with an empty net goal and a plus-two rating in two games in which he led the team in ice time. |
| Shaone Morrisonn | |
Pretty solid week for Mo, whose most impressive recent stat might be that Sunday was his first minus-rating for a game in 14 games (hmm... there's that number again) and only his second since December 18. |
| Brian Pothier | |
Speaking of plus-minus streaks, Pothier hasn't been a minus in a game since November 14, and that's his only game in the red (so to speak) since October 17. Sidenote: the Pothier hip check is one of my favorite semi-regular Caps plays. |
| Tom Poti | |
One goal and three assists and a plus-four rating for the week, but had his worst game in a while on Sunday and was on the ice for seven of the 12 goals the Caps allowed in the four games (five of which came with the Caps down a man or two). |
| Jeff Schultz | |
With a plus-three Sunday, Schultz has now been a plus in his last eight consecutive games, bumping up his plus-minus by 14 during that stretch. Throw in his brilliant outlet pass to Ovechkin on the Caps' first goal on Sunday (and the accompanying Pierre McGuire love) and a little jawing with the Golden Boy and, yeah, nice week for Mr. Nasty. |
| Tyler Sloan | |
Sloan's failed clear that was intercepted by Sidney Crosby and deposited behind Jose Theodore to give the Pens a 1-0 lead on Sunday is precisely the type of play he can't be making in his limited ice time if he wants to see any increase in it. |
| Forwards | ||
| Nicklas Backstrom | |
A couple of goals, eight assists and a plus-six week highlighted by a one-goal, four-assist game at MSG has vaulted Nick into the top four in the League in points, assists and plus-minus (and he's 11th in goals). Reminder: he's not yet 23-years-old. |
| Matt Bradley | |
Had a couple of assists on the week and sits a goal and two helpers shy of his career bests. |
| Jason Chimera | |
Scored on a laser of a shot against Atlanta and nearly finished a two-on-one with Eric Fehr in the Pens game (blame a rolling puck for his inability to do so). |
| Eric Fehr | |
Had one of his worst games in a while on Friday night and only four shots on goal in the week's first four games, but rebounded with a strong effort on Sunday. |
| Tomas Fleischmann |  |
Two power-play assists in Manhattan and a plus-one in each of the other games, but just one shot on goal for a week that ended with him getting pushed around a bit by Pittsburgh. Flash has now gone nine games without a goal (though he does have eight assists in that span). |
| Boyd Gordon | |
Two-thirds of his goal production and a swing from minus-2 to plus-two on the season came this week, and he was only on the ice for one goal that wasn't scored 5-on-3... and it was a 5-on-4 tally. Good stuff, Gordo. |
| Mike Knuble | |
A game-winner against Pittsburgh would've been up arrow-worthy on its own, but his other two goals, three assists, plus-seven and fight in defense of his captain make this Knuble's best week as a Cap. |
| Brooks Laich | |
Scored the game-winner in Boston and added an assist on Friday night (one of two beautiful set-ups he authored), but the second line's chemistry seemed a bit off this week. |
| Quintin Laing | |
Still sittin'. |
| Brendan Morrison | |
One assist, minus-three (including minus-two against Pittsburgh) and 42.2% on draws. Better believe George McPhee will spend part of the Olympic break thinking about whether his team needs another scoring-line center. |
| Alex Ovechkin | |
Seven goals (including the Caps' first hat trick of the season), three assists, plus-six and, most important of all, four more wins for the best player in the world. |
| Alexander Semin | |
Yes, two goals in four games is a 41-goal pace. And the game-winner against the Thrashers was a beauty. But there were some danger signs this week, including six minor penalties. You've still got a week left before you're supposed to be checking out for Vancouver, Sasha. |
| David Steckel | |
Plus-two on the week, and was on the ice for four goals against - two 4-on-5's and two 3-on-5's. |
3 recs |
326 comments
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Im gonna give a big down arrow for the Penguins ability to hold a lead.
by SA-Town on Feb 8, 2010 11:02 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
I, for one, am totally on board with the renaming.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
Watching the 3-89 pairing, I was reminded at how well the 3-55 pairing did against the Pens last year, and mumbled to myself about the continuing glut of guys in back which keeps Alzner on the farm and not up to make a continuing contribution.
So I guess this is a roundabout way of saying “this.”
Damn! Looks like my women is on time.
by Bald Pollack on Feb 8, 2010 11:49 AM EST up reply actions
Except that 55 was out for that series. Schultz got injured in the first game against the Rangers in Game 1 and was not ever seen again in last year’s playoffs.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Right. But Sarge pwnd Malkin in the four regular season meetings. I’m pretty sure BP knows what he’s talking about here.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
That’s probably why we lost the playoffs. No Schultz. Even though so many people were ready to throw him under the bus and/or send him back to Hershey after the first game of last year’s playoffs.
Yes, when Schultz makes mistakes, he makes doozies. But we needed him against the Pens.
Rocking the Red since 1975
True but I think this seasons Schultz much > last year’s. IMO 55 is the most improved Caps player since last season.
by Garyland1177 on Feb 8, 2010 11:58 AM EST up reply actions
I agree that Schultz has improved this year. The Schultz haters can now just stuff it. We definitely need to keep Green and Schultz.
Rocking the Red since 1975
IMO there is no reason why Schultz shouldn’t be in the Norris discussion. Isn’t that why Green didn’t win the Norris last year? Because people think a prototypical Dman should look more like 55.
by Garyland1177 on Feb 8, 2010 12:43 PM EST up reply actions
If you’re Don Cherry, you think it’s about hits and fights (literally, he made the argument on Saturday night that Phaneuf should’ve beaten out Lidstrom for the Norris a couple of years ago, in part because of his huge advantage in hits and fights).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I view Don Cherry as the hockey equivalent of Rush Limbaugh
by Garyland1177 on Feb 8, 2010 12:55 PM EST up reply actions
the lovely folks at PPP informed me that Don Cherry absolutely hates Lidstrom, for no apparent reason.
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!"
First European Captain to win the Cup. Challenging Bobby Orr’s Norris record. Wears a visor. Take your pick.
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.
by Fehr and Balanced on Feb 8, 2010 3:16 PM EST up reply actions
I love Sarge, but Norris? C’mon. He’s not even the most valuable Dman on his team, much less in the league (and it’s not even close). Sounds like you might benefit from watching some other teams to get a bit of perspective. Just to name one (riduculously talent-laden defensively) team: Sarge wouldn’t crack the top pairing in Chicagoland.
I reject the notion that the Norris should belong to the highest-scoring defenseman. Having a great blueline scorer and the D-man with the highest +/- are possibly of equal value, and help make a well-rounded team.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Feb 8, 2010 1:47 PM EST up reply actions
Nice strawman.
Not my intent. So much of the chatter about Norris candidates seems to focus on goals scored, or at least it certainly was last year.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Feb 8, 2010 3:02 PM EST up reply actions
Further to this point, while GvT ain’t perfect, it’s certainly more informative than +/-. Sarge is in a big tie for 31st in the league among Dmen in GvT. No shame in that, but that’s a far cry from Norris territory.
The GvT list lines up pretty well with the scouting wisdom too:
Keith dominates
Green, Doughty and Pronger are the clear next group
Lidstrom and Campbell next… and then the results look more continous:
Kaberle
Boyle
Ehrhoff
Chara
Enstrom
Weber
Myers
Seabrook
and on and on
I’m not saying he should win. But it’s hard to leave the top +/- guy out of the discussion. Even without the top stat he has been consistently good all year.
He’s not even a lock to be in the top pairing on his own team. I’ll defend Sarge to the death, but not for the league’s D-man award this season. You realize the Schultz for Norris thing was just to make a point right?
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
I think Carlos is going a bit far though. Schultz is a great D-man, one of the top in the league IMO.
Carlos is evaluating stats in a vacuum, not taking into account the type of team the D-man play on.
He should not win the Norris, there are some other D-men in the league who just have so much impact on the game when they are on the ice (Keith, Doughty, Green, Erhrhrhoff) And yeah, i think people raised Norris to show a point about Schultz.
Still waiting for someone to draft Paul Newman. . .
55 on 71 is a match up I’ll take any 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?"
by UnleashFurry on Feb 8, 2010 12:25 PM EST up reply actions
He did well against Crosby yesterday, save for the team brainfart on the PP goal.
Damn! Looks like my women is on time.
by Bald Pollack on Feb 8, 2010 12:28 PM EST up reply actions
19 did quite well on 87 towards the waning stages of the third period. Crosby’s got some serious lower body strength and low center of gravity. I knew Nick did as well, but it was somewhat a revelation that he wouldn’t easily be nudge aside while putting playing the body when Crosby was driving to to the net or making a power move behind it
"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?"
Yeah, I liked that too. I love that people continue to label him as the AO playmaker (or whatever they’re calling him this week), because the other facets of his game like that have subtly improved. There’s an economy of movement with him that’s great to watch.
Damn! Looks like my women is on time.
Crosby’s got some serious lower body strength and low center of gravity
This is why Crosby can do what he does and is one of the games best players. With that said I honestly don’t think Nicky will be that far off when it is all said and done.
Nick’s been doing it this season too. No easy thing to push him off the puck and there’s no doubt his lower body strength and low center of gravity is close to Crosby’s if not right on par. My observation the physically territorial battles between Backstrom and Crosby during yesterday’s game was a thing of beauty. Crosby’s power moves were negated by Nicks ability to stand his ground — aka unstoppable force meeting immovable object.
"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?"
Let's raise a glass to the captain and his awesome week
For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism.
Nice work on setting up the Flash and BMo arrows for the larger issue the team may have to address. Which makes me wonder why they’re (allegedly) in the mix for the left wing-ing Ponikarovsky.
Damn! Looks like my women is on time.
Can’t slip anything past you, can I?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Well, the 90 Minutes have worn off.
Damn! Looks like my women is on time.
by Bald Pollack on Feb 8, 2010 11:40 AM EST up reply actions
That’s the thing-I wouldn’t. Why bring in a left winger who while tall, isn’t really much of a center? Unless he’s a faceoff machine that few others know about, he’s useless in the dot and can’t match up with anyone until immediately after the draw.
Damn! Looks like my women is on time.
by Bald Pollack on Feb 8, 2010 11:56 AM EST up reply actions
I really don’t think we need to bring in another center at this point just because they are both currently slumping. They have also both been brilliant at the 2nd line pivot. Bmo at the beginning of the year and Flash just a couple of weeks ago.
by Garyland1177 on Feb 8, 2010 12:00 PM EST up reply actions
They both have been OK, but tossing Steckel aside for a second, the team is abyssmal from the faceoff dot. BMo is the only guy over 50%, and he’s barely there (50.7). They’ll be going against centers that they’ll give a couple inches and 15 pounds to. Over a 7 game series is that going to work?
Damn! Looks like my women is on time.
by Bald Pollack on Feb 8, 2010 12:06 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
While important I believe you are putting to much weight into faceoffs. Is it worth trading for a guy, and mixing up line combos/ chemistry that has won 14 straight games, just for a bit more size and FO%? And is that not the reason we resigned Steckel because we need a FO guy? Surely we didn’t resign him for his play-making or scoring ability.
I feel if it was that big of a problem BB would have moved Steckel to third line C and Gordon to 4th C. At this point I see no reason to move around any of our forwards. I realize playoff games are different, but it seems that games that “felt” like playoff games this year (Pitt 1, Pitt 2, Det) the Caps have come out on top with their current undersized 2nd and 3rd line centers.
by Garyland1177 on Feb 8, 2010 12:28 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, but I’m not just talking about faceoffs, I’m talking about size to go with it. BMo and Flash are listed at 5’11" and 6’1" respectively. There’s only so much you get by with against Malkin (6’3"), Staal (6’4") before the fact that their size and skill diminishes what you can do offensively.
Damn! Looks like my women is on time.
by Bald Pollack on Feb 8, 2010 12:34 PM EST up reply actions
Ed had some good stuff on the need for a center a couple of weeks ago:
Morrison has been slowing in recent weeks and Flash does not have much experience at center, so this position is a real concern for April and beyond. So I think center definitely needs to be considered for the list and may be the highest priority. Preferably you would think the Caps would desire someone who has some size to compete with the Penguins, who are loaded up the middle with Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Jordan Staal.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I was about to link that same article. Some good discussion from here down in that day’s Clips.
"Dozens of people spontaneously combust each year. It's just not really widely reported."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Feb 8, 2010 12:42 PM EST up reply actions
Was going from memory; Ed’s article is a definite read.
Damn! Looks like my women is on time.
by Bald Pollack on Feb 8, 2010 12:47 PM EST up reply actions
His articles are always must-reads for me.
"Dozens of people spontaneously combust each year. It's just not really widely reported."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Feb 8, 2010 12:50 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I see your point, but if the Caps are losing the size match ups own the middle they are winning them on the wings. After all they do have one of the biggest teams in the NHL.
by Garyland1177 on Feb 8, 2010 12:47 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Great point. People get caught up in “they’re great/small/huge/stupid/sexy down the middle” or other cliches. If a team is roughing up flash, Brooks is there to help. BMo plays between two beasts. Size is not an issue up front people. Head to head’s on the roster are less important than advertised.
by Bushwood Bushwhacker on Feb 8, 2010 12:50 PM EST up reply actions
its not just about sticking up for a teammate in scrums after the whistle. If Flash/BMo are covering another teams center that is 3 inches taller and 20 lbs heavier/stronger than them, they’re going to lose a lot of battles for both positioning and puck possession.
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 8, 2010 12:52 PM EST up reply actions
Case in point was Jordan Staal yesterday. I cant stand the guy but thought he pretty much dominated both Flash and BMo yesterday.
Driving under the influence of hockey since godknow's when.
He definitely did. Yesterday was a wake-up call of sorts about the team’s pivots.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Yea, against the Pens
…most teams are going to be wanting more out of their centers.
by Bushwood Bushwhacker on Feb 8, 2010 1:08 PM EST up reply actions
And until proven otherwise in the Spring, the Pens are the team to beat in the East.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
The sentiment is noted, and “getting bigger down the middle” sounds great… as does the idea that building our team to beat the Pens should be an actual priority for GMGM when making deals at the deadline… but I am going to strongly disagree on both counts.
Some reasons for disagreeing: We are a big team, we just happen to distribute much of it on the wings. We win an above average amount of faceoffs. Our offense is historic. We have roster questions at goalie and defense. Building a team to compete against another specific team seems convoluted at best and stupid at worst.
When I look at all of the information, all signs point to picking up a 3/4/5/6 gritty D.
by Bushwood Bushwhacker on Feb 8, 2010 1:55 PM EST up reply actions
I’m mostly with you. I think the size stuff is overblown. Crosby isn’t even 6 feet and Backstrom isn’t huge either, but you never hear people talk about that. Why? Because they are phenomenal hockey players. At some point skating and playing with the puck and thinking the game trumps size. Sure, all things equal I’d take more size, but nobody pushes Nick around, Steckel has the size to match up with Malkin in certain defensive circumstances, and while BMo is small and hasn’t been finding the back of the net, I think he’s still skating very well and been solid in his own zone. He reads the play well and zips in with his wheels to break up the play when he needs to. Plus, NHL teams drop both wings below the tops of the circles in the D zone now so if you have large wings you can definitely compensate for smaller Cs.
You’d have to ask BB, but it looks to me like the Caps D system involves the first F back taking responsibility down low, and the second two guys back taking the high slot/face off circle areas. If that’s the case then very often it won’t even be our C that we are talking about winning those battles down low. And finally, the reason we got dominated in our own zone last season wasn’t because we didn’t have size, because we did. It was because we couldn’t make quick, crisp passes to get out of the zone.
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.
by Fehr and Balanced on Feb 8, 2010 3:59 PM EST up reply actions
And we we are 2-0 that team this year with the current undersized centers at 2nd and 3rd lines (yes I agree come spring it will be different). The Penguins are too good of a team to win every match up, especially at center.
Last year when we lost the series we had Fedorov. I don’t think many trades are availible that would be much of an upgrade over him, at least his play in the playoffs, which was great IMO.
I am just not buying into the notion that trading for a bigger 2C is the answer. Furthermore I don’t buy into the notion that making any trade at this point is the answer.
Alas I yield to GMGM. He has made moves in the past where I was left scratching my head but has proved me wrong time and time again.
Agreed. Despite the win, this was yet another game that made me worry we don’t match up well against the Pens (not sure who does?). Crosby & Malkin are just damn strong on the puck, and Staal, well, he’s still ridiculously young and you can see the upside.
We didn’t even show up for almost half the game, spotted a 3 goal lead, killed some bullshit PIMs, were denied our own legit PIMs, and still won. How does that make you worried that we don’t match up well with them? They are obviously a good team and can beat us, and anyone else, but who matches up with them better than us? PHI? Oooooooooooooh they have Cs… like 5 of them. They have a CREASE CLEARING DDDDDD!!!!!!!11 And yet they get dominated every time they play PIT. I’ll take our squad, thanks.
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.
by Fehr and Balanced on Feb 8, 2010 4:03 PM EST up reply actions
Let’s not forget, Flash has been playing the position for around a month now (I think), and BMo’s coming off injuries last year.
Damn! Looks like my women is on time.
by Bald Pollack on Feb 8, 2010 12:59 PM EST up reply actions
Flash has looked much better at C than I expected. Much better. But let’s not overlook that he’s looked much better when we had Good Sasha and much more ordinary/mediocre when we got Bad Sasha. It may be that Flash is a legitimate NHL 2C, or it may be that Sasha can be so good and so bad as too make any C he plays with look great or mediocre. Or both. Time will tell.
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.
by Fehr and Balanced on Feb 8, 2010 4:04 PM EST up reply actions
Hah, well said. Why do you suppose Flash gets the experimental 2C play and not Semin? Is it FO skills BB sees in practice (talk about an area of surprise: Flash on the FO!)?
Semin has taken a bunch of regrettable penalties lately, but he’s also made a dozen ridiculously good passes right onto the stick of a guy right on the doorstep only to see that guy flail — mostly brooksie and flash. If either of those guys had a bit more knuble in them or just a bit of better luck over the last 10ish games, you’d still be talking about Good Sasha.
Oh, those darn confounding factors!
Well I never would have picked Flash to be a C, so I don’t know. Semin seems to have a skill set that is as well suited to be C as Flash. But Flash played C in Jrs so he had that going for him.
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.
by Fehr and Balanced on Feb 8, 2010 5:50 PM EST up reply actions
Size and strength are important in the faceoff circle though. In that moment, it’s man vs. man and you don’t want to be out-muscled. That’s a significant part of the size at center argument for me.
"Dozens of people spontaneously combust each year. It's just not really widely reported."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Feb 8, 2010 12:53 PM EST up reply actions
Knuble actually said this a few weeks back, but faceoff wins are more than just the center. The wingers need to tie up their assignments and win those battles as well.
However I do see the need for size down the middle when in the defensive zone, where centers cover the slot and wingers cover the point.
by Garyland1177 on Feb 8, 2010 12:59 PM EST up reply actions
See also: AO’s third goal.
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.
by Fehr and Balanced on Feb 8, 2010 4:06 PM EST up reply actions
Backstrom may lose alot of faceoffs, but it just seems to me like he always wins the big ones. How many goals have come on one timers this year after Backstrom wins an offensive zone faceoff to Ovechkin?
Aim for the head baby Jesus
I think the faceoff then become big because of the result – he loses some big ones, too, and it’s really the only flaw I see in his game. Just imagine what that top line could do if he won more.
That’s not to say he hasn’t improved and won’t continue to improve, btw. I remember reading something about Crosby and his faceoff work (which used to be subpar as well) – he improved during our series, believe it or not, by watching film of Steckel and learning how to beat him.
Right. Yanic Perreault, noted mountain of a man, dominates the face off dot precisely because of this.
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.
by Fehr and Balanced on Feb 8, 2010 4:06 PM EST up reply actions
And in case it isn’t clear, that was sarcasm. Crosby is the Pens’ top face off guy, not giant douche J. Staal. Size can help or hurt, depending on the guy. Obviously I’m not anywhere near as good as these guys, but in my experience being shorter has been an advantage in face offs against some guys because I can get my shoulder low and into their center of gravity and either push them off the puck or completely tie them up. It all just depends.
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.
by Fehr and Balanced on Feb 8, 2010 4:12 PM EST up reply actions
Exactly. That’s why I said size and strength are a 100% necessity and that no center has ever won a faceoff otherwise.
"Dozens of people spontaneously combust each year. It's just not really widely reported."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Feb 8, 2010 4:13 PM EST up reply actions
That’s how I read it. Strength in the core is way more important than bulk when you are in those battles.
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.
by Fehr and Balanced on Feb 8, 2010 4:17 PM EST up reply actions
All I said was that it’s important and what I think of when people advocate for size down the middle. And I don’t mean size to mean simply vertical. I would say leg strength is more important than plain height.
"Dozens of people spontaneously combust each year. It's just not really widely reported."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Feb 8, 2010 4:23 PM EST up reply actions
I got you. I just bristle at the size queen arguments.
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.
by Fehr and Balanced on Feb 8, 2010 4:42 PM EST up reply actions
I miss Yanic something fierce. F/O skills are not valued by some as highly as they should be. Watching that guy work in the dot was amazing.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
Right. But it wasn’t because of his size (or skating ability).
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.
by Fehr and Balanced on Feb 8, 2010 4:21 PM EST up reply actions
Yes, I knew what your point was. I just got all schoolgirl when Yanic’s name came up. Sorry for the slight threadjack..
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
I like dinosaurs…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Feb 8, 2010 4:37 PM EST up reply actions
Faceoffs are big, but BB can pinch hit with Steckel or Gordo for important stuff. If the team needs a faceoff win, 39 or 15 are gonna skate on out there. You can see it in the stats too — we’re better than a coinflip at the end of the game because of someone coming out there to win a particular faceoff. I’d ignore the individual statistics unless you’re critiquing the individual player. There are times that the centers get maddogged from lack of size, but what are you going to do? The Caps have built themselves up to play a particular style of hockey that demands a particular style of player. If that leads to BMo or Flash having <50% faceoffs but the team is still on pace for triple digit points, I can live with that.
I think you only go for a center that happens to be a poor/very poor man’s Tkachuk. You can’t spend money on someone right now, not with contracts looming. Maybe in the offseason they’ll be able to wheel and deal but I don’t see something of this importance having money spent on it. Not with the blue line issues.
I think you only go for a center that happens to be a poor/very poor man’s Tkachuk.
Tkachuk is a poor man’s Tkachuk. He’s only signed for this year, and for $2.15 mill.
I haven’t watched the Blues this season, but Tkachuk has 315 Faceoff wins on the year.
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
C or not, as a guy who had him on a fantasy team I can say he’s been worthless since October. He came out real hot in the first two weeks then fell off. Just keep that in mind when you look at any of his stats.
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.
by Fehr and Balanced on Feb 8, 2010 4:13 PM EST up reply actions
wasn’t arguing for picking him up, just making the point that it seems like he gets some time in the faceoff dot, which would seemingly indicate time at center.
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
Right, I was just interjecting my opinion of him at probably the wrong place. My point was more that C or W I don’t want him.
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.
by Fehr and Balanced on Feb 8, 2010 7:27 PM EST up reply actions
By the way, I’m not advocating trading for him. I don’t know if he’s fast enough to play 2C on this team, and he didn’t exactly light it up the last time he was traded as a rental.
Yeah, definitely not him because he’s pushing 40 now or something and he isn’t exactly a center. I just mean a sort of bruiser center that can play 2 way hockey. That sort of player is certainly in short supply and you’ll have to pay to bring in that sort of talent. I don’t see it as an option till the offseason/whenever they get their talent locked up with contracts.
Because the Blues are desperate and he’s decent at faceoffs. They still even list him as a left wing and that is what he is. He not even getting 15 minutes of ice time most nights. I can’t sell this idea fast enough. If nothing else, no way do I want him in the Caps dressing room.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
In the room or on the ice. We already have Knuble, thanks.
What’s your problem with him in the room?
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.
by Fehr and Balanced on Feb 8, 2010 4:14 PM EST up reply actions
I think he means he doesn’t want him on the roster, not that he’s a bad guy in the room.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
What have you heard about him in the room? I think he’s basically washed up but I never got the sense that he was bad in the room.
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.
by Fehr and Balanced on Feb 8, 2010 4:22 PM EST up reply actions
Tons of issues when he was here in Phoenix as captain. The room was a mess at times. His immaturity is legendary both here and back home in Beantown. I used to like him on the ice, but not anymore. His skills are too diminished.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
B-mo has been bad, and anytime that sloan is out with the 3rd line I am terrified. It may just be my perception but when both sloan and 16-9-25 are out there either we get pinned in our zone, we take a penalty or give up a goal.
"Have you ever played?" "Yes, I was a goalie"
Yes. 3rd line is horrible defensively. I’m more disappointed with Morrison for this than for his lack of offense lately.
And to think that Morrison and Fehr have had great Plus/Minus figures for this year. (At least Fehr had a good day yesterday.)
Rocking the Red since 1975
Yeah, +/- tends to work out pretty well for everyone when the team has that +73 differential in the standings.
Last year, the people with the best Plus/Minus on the team were Semin, Green, Backstrom, Ovi, Fehr, and Schultz. They are among our leaders this year, but not in the same order.
I keep telling myself when any of those guys make a big gaffe defensively that there’s a reason they have a high Plus/Minus and that they help us more than they hurt us.
On the Plus/Minus front, what’s up with Laich and Flash in that department?
Rocking the Red since 1975
Morrison hasn’t been playing well lately, but then again when the first line is scoring as much as they do it’s hard for the other lines to keep up. it’s a tall order to have all three lines performing at the top level. You will see that when Ovi, Backstrom, and Knuble struggle, Morrison, Fehr, and Fleischmann shine…HOWEVER, if the caps receive an offer for him involving a defenseman, I would love to see us aquire a blue liner and bring up perrault!!!
~~~ R0cK D@ R3D ~~~
by Chaz-Capapalooza on Feb 8, 2010 11:55 AM EST up reply actions
Bruce isn’t afraid to call anybody out, I wouldn’t be surprised if he sends fehr down and calls up perreault. I would actually love to see that. When Ovi was hurt Perreault played a big role in keeping up our winning ways without the great 8
~~~ R0cK D@ R3D ~~~
by Chaz-Capapalooza on Feb 8, 2010 11:59 AM EST up reply actions
I love MP, but you don’t send down a winger, who is scoring goals at the rate Fehr is, for an unproven rookie center.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
I dunno, I say you let him try and prove himself, especially when your getting absolutely no production out of the third line.
~~~ R0cK D@ R3D ~~~
by Chaz-Capapalooza on Feb 8, 2010 12:04 PM EST up reply actions
absolutely no production
I’d say Chimmy and Fehr’s goals last week were quite productive.
And again, one guy is a winger and the other is a center. MP’s size doesn’t hurt him as much at center because he can use his quickness in open space in the middle of the ice. You put him on the wing and chances are he’s going to get pasted to the boards a lot.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
right, I don’t think we should change anything while we’re winning, but if the defense starts catching up to us and fehr plays like he did yesterday, I wouldn’t mind shaking things up a bit. We would have to move flash back to winger to bring up perreault because he can’t play wing, your right. But I’m not buying into the notion that Fehr is “proven”
~~~ R0cK D@ R3D ~~~
by Chaz-Capapalooza on Feb 8, 2010 1:00 PM EST up reply actions
15 goals, playing limited minutes, on the third line. On many teams in this league I believe Fehr would consistently get top 6 forward minutes, and the PP time to match (though I have noticed his PP time with us has gone up some lately).
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Feb 8, 2010 7:17 PM EST up reply actions
What else can a farm boy from Canada do?
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
HIT SOMEBODY!
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Feb 8, 2010 10:41 PM EST up reply actions
Negative Rec
Fehr to Bears for Perrault?
I’d bet against it.
by Bushwood Bushwhacker on Feb 8, 2010 12:07 PM EST up reply actions
There’s a 0% chance they send down Fehr.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
It makes no sense to send a guy down to the minors who has 15 goals for the year in just under 3/4 of a season.
Rocking the Red since 1975
I’m just going off of what Bruce said, he seemed very disappointed with Fehr after the past few games so I was thinking of this possibility. I’m not saying it’s what we should do, but I’m saying I wouldn’t mind seeing Perreault play a few more games, he could be our future second line center and I want him to get more experience. But i’m just speculating, I don’t think we should do anything to the roster just yet
~~~ R0cK D@ R3D ~~~
by Chaz-Capapalooza on Feb 8, 2010 1:08 PM EST up reply actions
for whatever reason, Bruce has never seen shy about calling Fehr (and a couple other guys) out in the press.
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!"
BB also seems hesitant to rely on rookies so no matter how much he dislikes Fehr he won’t call up MP for that. He’ll just bench Fehr and play Q.
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.
by Fehr and Balanced on Feb 8, 2010 4:19 PM EST up reply actions
I think it’s just a question of Boudreau’s perception of who reacts well or poorly to different approaches. BB thinks that’s what it takes to get Fehr going. Can’t say I either agree or disagree.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Feb 8, 2010 4:41 PM EST up reply actions
right. I’m just never sure if Bruce calling someone out means he’s genuinely pissed with them, or he knows that it will give them a kick in the butt and they’ll start playing better. Whatever, right? Because most of those guys seem to love Bruce and would follow him to the ends of the earth. He’s doing something right.
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 wouldn’t be surprised if he sends fehr down
That’s not going to happen. Fehr wouldn’t clear waivers. Not even close. every NHL player has a lull every now and then.
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 8, 2010 1:10 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I do think that bringing up an offensive player from Hershey is a viable option. . .
Fehr is in a bit of a slump right now, but is playing pretty well, just not at the efficiency of the top line.
I don’t know what the deal with BMo is. He is definitely a good player, but seems to be somewhat asleep on the ice.
Flash is also in a slump. He is a great player and has quite a bit of capacity to make this team even better.
Something is just up with the 3rd line recently. They just don’t have the chemistry the other lines do. I see BMo maybe being switched out with a care bear, p I would love to see MP with that 3rd line, perhaps a Kyle Wilson experiment?. I think his skill set works rly well with Flash and Fehr There is no need to make a trade right now.
Still waiting for someone to draft Paul Newman. . .
Fehr was showing signs of coming out his slump. Chimera’ s also had some good moments, so the third line isn’t doing all bad. Although I must admit, in the last 2 games, the third line is the one who’s been on the ice for the first opposition goal.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Thanks – somehow the words “not yet” didn’t make it into the published post initially.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
You always choose such great photos for these. It’s almost my favorite part of the weekly ups-and-downs.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
Thanks. I try to find a pic that captures the guy(s) who were up for the week… it’s actually my favorite part of doing these, too, I think.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
AP photos are a really nice asset for the SBN blogs. Must be nice having plenty of quality photos to pick from.
"Dozens of people spontaneously combust each year. It's just not really widely reported."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Feb 8, 2010 11:43 AM EST up reply actions
Will Varly be called up or will he stay down in Hershey until the Olympics?
Rocking the Red since 1975
A generous dash for Sloan this week. He has really looked over matched for stretches recently and yet, he seems to bail himself out (or perhaps more accurately, his teammates bail him out) of the small bungles that don’t show up on the scoresheet other than a GV. Blessings of a good run, I guess.
Driving under the influence of hockey since godknow's when.
Yes. Sloan was very nearly a down arrow.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Actually, I have felt his play in the first half of the year has been OK for a third pair guy. The guy can skate but his decision making under pressure has stunk in recent games.
Driving under the influence of hockey since godknow's when.
After watching him since becoming full-time D this season, I’m not sure his skating ability is up to snuff either.
Other than for saving a few bucks, I just don’t get why Alzner isn’t geting those minutes, and in particular, why we’re not exposing him to games like yesterday is absurd.
Driving under the influence of hockey since godknow's when.
I agree. I wouldn’t mind bringing up Karl simply to avoid the 89-3 pairing.
by Garyland1177 on Feb 8, 2010 12:06 PM EST up reply actions
Exactly. Which is why it’s so frustrating. He skates better than Mo or Erskine or Schultz but he doesn’t read the play nearly as well and when he gets to the puck he can’t stay calm with it and just craps it up the boards. His puck poise is the opposite of Nick Backstrom.
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.
by Fehr and Balanced on Feb 8, 2010 4:24 PM EST up reply actions
which is a complete shame, because in the playoffs last season, he managed to not flip out 99% of the time and played really well. Bruce needs to smack him a few time and bring back that version of Sloan.
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!"
Or GMGM needs to get a D man that is good enough to compose the D corps in such a way that Sloan never gets a sweater for the Caps.
Now drink with me deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Feb 9, 2010 1:43 AM EST up reply actions
I was furious with him on the 1st Pens goal. Really hoping GMGM is just trying to make him more attractive in a trade.
Well he does play defense AND forward…
Damn! Looks like my women is on time.
by Bald Pollack on Feb 8, 2010 11:58 AM EST up reply actions
That and a huge stain removing budget.
Damn! Looks like my women is on time.
by Bald Pollack on Feb 8, 2010 12:01 PM EST up reply actions
Jack of two trades, Master of none.
"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 UnleashFurry on Feb 8, 2010 12:45 PM EST up reply actions
JP – as usual you’re rating of Sasha seems a lttle harsh to me… otherwise I’m down with everybody else’s ratings…
by markbona-capsfan99 on Feb 8, 2010 11:56 AM EST reply actions
I thought it quite generous given the terrible penalties and turnovers Sasha had this past week.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
I thought it was generous too. Considering the horrible turnover that led to a breakaway and resulted in a Semin own goal, there’s not way he deserves and up arrow.
"Dozens of people spontaneously combust each year. It's just not really widely reported."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Feb 8, 2010 12:00 PM EST up reply actions
Right. Multiple offensive zone penalties in the same game do not bode well for up arrows.
"Dozens of people spontaneously combust each year. It's just not really widely reported."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Feb 8, 2010 12:36 PM EST up reply actions
I feel like I look at Semin with a harsher eye as well, considering that, of Ovi, Sasha, Backstrom, and Green, Sasha may be the most tradeable/jettison-able of the four. The other three are worth the money we’re going to need to pay them, but Semin is a little too penalty-prone and, well, “finesse” to command the kind of money it’s going to take to keep him around. Think Kessel with a much better attitude.
Yes, Semin may be penalty prone but so is Mike Richards of the Flyers. Are Flyers fans saying the same stuff about him? Or would we say the same stuff about him if he were ours?
Rocking the Red since 1975
Semin is taking 1.5 penalties per 60 minutes at 5-on-5. Richards is taking 0.9. So Semin is taking 67% more penalties per 60 at 5-on-5, rendering your comparison pretty inaccurate.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Feb 8, 2010 12:23 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Semin’s been picking up far too many penalties recently, but he’s still only slightly negative on overall penalty +/-. With his skill set he certainly could be doing much better, but he’s much better than, e.g., Knuble or Bmo, and is basically in line w/ Brooksie.
Why?
A goal and a pair of assists, good. 12 minutes in penalties, bad. Net result: neutral.
by David M. Getz on Feb 8, 2010 3:11 PM EST up reply actions
Own goal as well. So he has 2 assists, and a bunch of PIMs. Maybe that’s an even for Matt Bradley but I expect much more from Sasha.
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.
by Fehr and Balanced on Feb 8, 2010 4:27 PM EST up reply actions
I dunno, I may expect more from Sasha, but am I surprised by these “Acts of Sasha” weeks? Unfortunately, no.
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!"
Not surprised, but I still expect more. I’m not going to lower my expectations and be ok with lower production unless he and his agent decide to lower their demands. But while he’s getting paid 5-6 mill, he needs to play like it. Alex Kovalev V2.0 does not sit well with me.
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.
by Fehr and Balanced on Feb 8, 2010 4:59 PM EST up reply actions
Goalies
With Neuvirth and Jose playing so well, do we even NEED Varlamov? And honestly, who gets the nod in the playoffs? Varly and Jose have experience, Jose’s playing well now (key word: NOW), but Neuvirth is really playing his butt off and seems as good as any other option at this point. All three seem like good-not-great options right now.
With Neuvirth and Jose playing so well, do we even NEED Varlamov?
Oh no you di’int!
J/K
Good point though. Although.. His sv% is still the best of the three. And he’s got playoff experience. So some May I’d rather have him than Neuvy
I think when Varly is ready Nuevy gets sent down. Then we wait and see. If Jose continues his recent play it will take miraculous goaltending from Varly to dethrone Theo from #1
by Garyland1177 on Feb 8, 2010 12:11 PM EST up reply actions
Varly played well in last year’s playoff, in November, and has a good save percentage based on October and November. But the Theo/Neuvi tandem has backstopped a 14 game winning streak in January and February, when (at least for the past two weeks) every team has been bringing their A game, because they want to be the ones to end the streak.
I think we see what happens in March and early April. I’m not sure a glued together Varly is a better option than either a solid Theo or a solid Neuvi.
It makes it interesting what will happen. Theodore is playing borderline brilliant at times and it’d be scary what his GAA would be if he didn’t get left hung out to dry so often.
Varly will likely be the same as Neuvy now — coming in to give Theo a rest before a big game. I don’t think he’ll ever have a chance this season to get enough starts to take it away from Theo.
If Jose continues his recent play it will take miraculous goaltending from Varly to dethrone Theo from #1
Or Neuvirth from #2. The only reason Bruce would send Neuvirth down is the Playoff Nerves factor; Varlamov’s been there and proven he can handle the stage (until Game 7, but we don’t mention that), Neuvirth still has to prove it. That being said, Neuvirth has earned a spot on this team, and if he continues to play at this level, it’s going to be very, VERY difficult to keep him off of a playoff roster.
I can’t believe I’m about to write this, but I don’t think anyone’s taking #1 Goalie away from Jose this season.
Neuvy has won the big prize at every level. I, personally, have no worries about “nerves” when it comes to this kid and the playoffs.
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 don’t think anyone’s taking #1 Goalie away from Jose thisseasonweek
Changed that to reflect semi-reality. That statement as originially written is true right now with Theo playing the way he has. But we all know that Bruce can have a pretty short leash on his goalies when they’re struggling, especially when he’s got a seemingly unlimited supply of them.
"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 assist, minus-three (including minus-two against Pittsburgh) and 42.2% on draws. Better believe George McPhee will spend part of the Olympic break thinking about whether his team needs another scoring-line center.”
Besides flashy, Russian wingers, I cannot think of something we could possibly need less of. GMGM is not going after a forward, that’s for sure.
by Bushwood Bushwhacker on Feb 8, 2010 11:57 AM EST reply actions
Do tell what? He’s going after a defenseman, or a goaltender if injuries continue to nag.
by Bushwood Bushwhacker on Feb 8, 2010 12:02 PM EST up reply actions
I’m suspicious SOMETHING big might be coming. Remember hearing an interview with GMGM the other day where, when asked about the trade deadline, instead of saying a definitive “NO TRADES” he kept repeating something to the effect of “we don’t anticipate TOO MUCH”
Yes, GMGM will make a deal.
Cap room + Abundance of prospects + Serious contender + weakness in roster = Make a trade
Example A: Wallin to the Sharks.
by Bushwood Bushwhacker on Feb 8, 2010 12:05 PM EST up reply actions
I also remember GMGM saying something like, “We are playing so well right now and there is no reason mess with it.”
by Garyland1177 on Feb 8, 2010 12:13 PM EST up reply actions
He also said they wouldn’t be busy before the trade to get Feds, Huet, and Cooke. So take that for what it’s worth.
And who saw the Chimera trade coming before it happened?
by Gin and Tonic on Feb 8, 2010 2:23 PM EST up reply actions
I surely didn’t. And nobody on the team did either.
I attended the practice that day (and the day before). I had gotten Clark’s autograph even. And then I found out the news on here that a trade was a brewing in the early afternoon.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Exactly. I would wager that there are only 3-5 people in the whole organization who have any idea what is brewing trade-wise.
by Gin and Tonic on Feb 8, 2010 5:25 PM EST up reply actions
I agree that defense is the priority, but such assuredness that the GM is not going after a forward is a bit premature.
Driving under the influence of hockey since godknow's when.
You are absurd for thinking GMGM is going after an offensive player.
by Bushwood Bushwhacker on Feb 8, 2010 12:05 PM EST up reply actions
How is GMGM going to move for a defenseman when there’s 9 of them who could contribute to the roster?
Damn! Looks like my women is on time.
by Bald Pollack on Feb 8, 2010 12:07 PM EST up reply actions
Because Pothier and ShaMo are gone next year, Alzer and Carlson are not ready for the playoffs, Erskine is one-dimensional and borderline top 6 NHL quality, and Sloan gives me migraines and looks to be (or at least plays like) a perpetual swingman, healthy scratch.
by Bushwood Bushwhacker on Feb 8, 2010 12:11 PM EST up reply actions
I dunno what the trade market is on one defenseman who has been hurt more often than not over the last two years, and another who only seems to play well when he’s playing with a good partner, but it can’t be high.
Moreover, I’d lay even odds at this point Pothier may get resigned at a pay cut, as the team can use a puckhandling defenseman, unless Tom Poti regresses back to the norm. And they’re not going to give up a lot for a pending UFA, if the previous deadline deals have been any indication.
Damn! Looks like my women is on time.
by Bald Pollack on Feb 8, 2010 12:16 PM EST up reply actions
I’m not saying trade them, I’m saying there’s more than enough room for another D. In my perfect world, Erksine is our 7th man.
by Bushwood Bushwhacker on Feb 8, 2010 1:40 PM EST up reply actions
How is there room for another D when there are 7 now? Sloan wasn’t going because of waivers before, and he’s certainly not going now because of the extension. Moving Pothier and/or ShaMo is likely an undervalued deal, and Erskine’s here for another year. And any of those 4 guys would likely be considered toss-ins to a larger deal which included prospects.
Damn! Looks like my women is on time.
any of those 4 guys would likely be considered toss-ins to a larger deal which included prospects
If you’re saying that ShaMo or Erskine or Pothier might be moved to allow the trade partner to fill out a lineup card for the balance of the season, I am in agreement with you; that’s the only way that any other team takes one of those guys.
The team has a problem on the PK, a problem dealing with big, mobile centers and question marks in net. The PK problems contribute to Theo’s somewhat ugly numbers for the week, but the Save Pct is pedestrian and the GAA is ugly – these are warning signs imo.
I’d be completely fine with a pick/prospect (or both) type of deal that included one of our lower tier D, if it brought back a guy that could help on the PK and play Top 4 minutes. Even if it undervalued the current D that leaves.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
There is nothing absurd about it. If there is anything we’ve learned over the years, it’s that we have no idea what GMGM is thinking come trade deadline.
"Dozens of people spontaneously combust each year. It's just not really widely reported."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Feb 8, 2010 12:09 PM EST up reply actions
Let’s just say that GMGM doesn’t go to bed dreaming about picking up a 3rd line center. It’s way down the list of things on his radar.
by Bushwood Bushwhacker on Feb 8, 2010 12:14 PM EST up reply actions
You’re simply wrong here. GMGM goes to bed thinking about how to improve his team, and strengthening the team down the middle is one area which he undoubtedly does think about.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Feb 8, 2010 12:20 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Thinking about how to improve the team and actually doing it something is very different.
Simply put, changing significant pieces of this offense would be a very bold (some would say stupid) move right now. There’s just no reason to.
He has a few players, or an amount of prospect value he is willing to part with to upgrade his team at the deadline, and if he could spend it in one area, it’s not going to be on a centerman. (I would argue it would be on a DFD.)
In the offseason, getting bigger down the middle is surely on his todo list, but you can’t seriously be thinking he’s going to make an major change on the offensive front when they are producing like this, and considering GMGM is a new school front office man, who doesn’t want to make big splashes at the deadline with prospects.
by Bushwood Bushwhacker on Feb 8, 2010 12:33 PM EST up reply actions
So tell me where anyone said anything other than GMGM has to be thinking about it? I don’t think that considering a move for a center and considering a move for a defenseman are mutually exclusive, and if acting on that becomes so, he’ll prioritize.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
What I mean is that I don’t think he is targeting a center. If in the next 2 weeks he picks up the batphone and calls 10 gms about a DFD, he’ll make one call to inquire about a 2/3C. It’s just priorities.
by Bushwood Bushwhacker on Feb 8, 2010 12:47 PM EST up reply actions
I agree with you but he recently talked about intangibles and how those can lead to better team play. One of the intangibles he was referring to was chemistry and he stated it was very high in the locker room currently.
With the team playing so well I think the phrase, “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it,” it weighing heavily on GMGM mind. More so now then ever.
by Garyland1177 on Feb 8, 2010 12:35 PM EST up reply actions
Easy there. To me, it’s clear that after Backstrom, C is not what I’d call our area of greatest strength. We’ve got some flexibility with Flash now manning the pivot, but I’m not sold. At all. And it remains to be seen if BMo is going to make back half of the 82+ as effectively as he made out his first 30-35 games. I think he’s hitting a wall like someone who hasn’t played a full slate in 2 seasons
Driving under the influence of hockey since godknow's when.
by bigonetimer on Feb 8, 2010 12:10 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Don’t put words in people’s mouths and don’t tell people that they are “absurd” for making a simple statement that has plenty of support.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Feb 8, 2010 12:13 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
“I agree that defense is the priority, but such assuredness that the GM is not going after a forward is a bit premature.”
“You are absurd for thinking GMGM is going after an offensive player.”
Hahaha.. honest mistake. I read absurd in his post.
by Bushwood Bushwhacker on Feb 8, 2010 12:15 PM EST up reply actions
Apologies to bigonetimer on that.
by Bushwood Bushwhacker on Feb 8, 2010 12:16 PM EST up reply actions
no worries, mate. Again, I agree on defense: a left shooting s@h defender who can play next to Mike Green (ie, skate just a bit better than Schultz and be a lot quicker than SMo).
But I am getting the feeling that another 2C is in the works.
Driving under the influence of hockey since godknow's when.
a la Dan Hamhuis, actually. Nieds is going to cost and unless the price is digestible I am in the Pass camp, at this point.
Driving under the influence of hockey since godknow's when.
Earlier in the season when Detroit was tanking I was advocating for Kronwall. How sweet would that be? More than a rental though and at this point probably not gonna happen. But I can dream
by Garyland1177 on Feb 8, 2010 12:52 PM EST up reply actions
comment referring to Staffon Kronwall http://hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=64565
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
Again, I agree on defense: a left shooting s@h defender who can play next to Mike Green
I’d be pretty shocked if they picked up a left shooting defenseman, even if it was to pair with Green. Right now, they’ve got six left-handed shooting D-men and only Green on the right side. If McPhee goes after a defenseman and based on BB always wanting lefty-righty pairings, I’d bet anything it’s one who shoots righty.
A certain #77 on the Thrashers comes to mind. Goes by the name of Kubina.
by mechanicsville on Feb 8, 2010 2:17 PM EST up reply actions
Whoosh!
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
by fat_daddyo on Feb 8, 2010 1:46 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Who on the team besides Backstrom do you think has the combination of size, scoring ability, and faceoff ability? I wouldn’t mind seeing a scoring-line center being brought in at all.
"Dozens of people spontaneously combust each year. It's just not really widely reported."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Feb 8, 2010 12:03 PM EST up reply actions
If that happens who is the odd man out, assuming they are not part of the trade. I feel like the current forward combos are almost perfect. The lines compliment each other and each player seems to be playing their particular role quite well.
by Garyland1177 on Feb 8, 2010 12:19 PM EST up reply actions
Assuming no centers were part of the trade, Flash can be moved back to wing. Bring in a 2C, BMo as 3C, Stecks or Grodon as 4C. The lines are clicking now, but we know Bruce will change them up when the streak ends (unfortunately it will end eventually). I have faith that Bruce can make it work.
"Dozens of people spontaneously combust each year. It's just not really widely reported."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Feb 8, 2010 12:31 PM EST up reply actions
Gordon, that is.
"Dozens of people spontaneously combust each year. It's just not really widely reported."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Feb 8, 2010 12:31 PM EST up reply actions
I dunno…I really like Flash at C and think BB does too. As someone else mentioned above, it is difficult for all for lines to play well at the same time in the NHL. I am sure if the top line isn’t scoring goals the third line will pick up the slack, just as they have been doing all season long.
by Garyland1177 on Feb 8, 2010 12:40 PM EST up reply actions
I’m not against Flash as a 2C. I’ve said before, I’m taking a wait-and-see approach to that experiment. If it pans out, great. But if we brought in a legit 2C, I have no problem with Flash moving back to his native position.
"Dozens of people spontaneously combust each year. It's just not really widely reported."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Feb 8, 2010 12:44 PM EST up reply actions
Jose Theodore
Might still be Threeormore, but damn is this guy clutch when he needs to be!!!
~~~ R0cK D@ R3D ~~~
by Chaz-Capapalooza on Feb 8, 2010 12:03 PM EST reply actions
A d3 is just a d6 where 1-2=1, 3-4=2, 5-6=3.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
Or a d20 where you ignore any result other than 1, 2 or 3 and just roll again.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Feb 8, 2010 6:22 PM EST up reply actions
You can roll a die. Get 1-2, start Theo. Get 3-4, start Varly. Get 5-6, start Neuvy.
That takes care of accounting for 3 possibilities.
Unless you prefer making 3 split cards and draw one.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Is it odd that every time I do this Varly’s card comes up?
"Have you ever played?" "Yes, I was a goalie"
A weaker man might be moved to re-examine his faith…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Feb 8, 2010 6:24 PM EST up reply actions
Mathematically, your system has a slight partiality towards Neuvirth. Very small, but it’s 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.
Er, what?
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Feb 8, 2010 12:20 PM EST up reply actions
When you roll d6, the kind with the depression dots, which most people have, you actually have an extremely small raised chance of landing on 6 or 5, than you do on 1 or 2, because of the fact they carve some of the material out, and the 1 side is the heaviest, and has more chances of being the bottom. I’m trying to find the exact figures of probability, but it’s keeping on giving me Kaplow’s or something.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
Assuming dice that are imperfectly made in the way you describe, yes. I would argue that the partiality is physical, not mathematical though. Using a perfect random generator of integers from 1-6 would result in approaching 1/6 in each result at n→infinity.
/pedant off.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Feb 8, 2010 12:40 PM EST up reply actions
Magic Numbers with 23 remaining games:
SE: 12 games (-4.5 on the week)
EC: 18.5 games (-6.5)
Seems Tampa had a better week than NJD/Buff.
The not so wonderful play of Buffalo and NJ this week let the Caps open up a lead. Buffalo is in serious danger of falling out of first in their division
Rocking the Red since 1975
Buff has 2 games in hand on a back-to-earth Sens team, and are the only team on the + side of the goal differential ledger in their division. Their division lead is not what it once was, but that division is a mess.
I just love how 5 points separate 6 from 12 in the eastern standings right now.
Pittsburgh was a circus last year. Players injured. Not having the right personnel (really, Satan as a top winger? really?). Players hating the coach. The Pittsburgh team from Oct-Feb was entirely different than the team that played March-June.
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!"
Most of the teams we played during the streak were those in spots 6 through 12 in the EC. Florida, Philly, Atlanta, NY Islanders, Rangers, Tampa Bay, Boston.
Rocking the Red since 1975
One crazy thing I’m seeing, and it may change when the playoffs actually arrive, is that there may be a few teams with a negative goal differential in the playoffs.
the 14 game win streak probably helps to open up a lead too…..
Rock the Red! Rock the White! Rock the Blue! Rock the Pens!
by RedskinFan4Life on Feb 8, 2010 3:59 PM EST up reply actions
One goal and three assists and a plus-four rating for the week, but had his worst game in a while on Sunday and was on the ice for seven of the 12 goals the Caps allowed in the four games (five of which came with the Caps down a man or two).
How does Poti get a green arrow ? I think he gets no more than a dash here.
Rock the Red! Rock the White! Rock the Blue! Rock the Pens!
by RedskinFan4Life on Feb 8, 2010 12:18 PM EST reply actions
He was very good in three of the four games, I thought, especially in New York and especially with Green out. And if he finished the season with 20 goals, 60 assists and a +82, I’m pretty sure we’d all agree that he had an “up” season, even if every fourth game was a stinker.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
point taken, but i could do without giving up all those goals. wouldn’t want them to become more frequent than every 4 games
Rock the Red! Rock the White! Rock the Blue! Rock the Pens!
by RedskinFan4Life on Feb 8, 2010 12:27 PM EST up reply actions
Well, two of them we 3-on-5. Three more were 4-on-5. So he was on the ice for two even strength goals in four games. Obviously we’d like to see him and the rest of the PK improve, but “all those goals” aren’t necessarily his fault.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Not necessarily, but watching him “defend” the cross-ice passes on the PK does make me think that if you are pointing fingers at any of the guys on the PK, he’s on the short list.
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.
by Fehr and Balanced on Feb 8, 2010 4:53 PM EST up reply actions
This photo will be just as famous as the Ovie vs. Sid photo from last season, right?
"My face is my mask."
by jakeshapiro on Feb 8, 2010 12:26 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
Sid: “Who the heck do you think you are, eh?”
55: “Nasty.”
Driving under the influence of hockey since godknow's when.
by bigonetimer on Feb 8, 2010 12:37 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
Big Nasty, that is.
"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 UnleashFurry on Feb 8, 2010 12:46 PM EST up reply actions
that’s MISTER Nasty to you….
Rock the Red! Rock the White! Rock the Blue! Rock the Pens!
by RedskinFan4Life on Feb 8, 2010 4:00 PM EST up reply actions
I do love Schultzie’s expression — “Are you done yet, kid?”
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Feb 8, 2010 2:12 PM EST up reply actions
Favor
As I’m one of the minority few who are actually working today, can someone do me a favor an post Malkin, Backstrom, and Crosby’s game stats as a comment here?
"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?"
speaking of Sid the Crib this is from Bill Simmons from espn.com
Q: A couple of weeks ago at a frat party, I began to get with a pretty cute girl. As the night wore on, and the drinks started flowing, she took me back to her apartment. When I entered her room, the first thing I saw was a giant Sidney Crosby poster. Without saying another word to her, I left. My buddies have never stopped making fun of me since, but I still insist that it was the proudest moment of my life as a die-hard Flyers fan. Can you please give me some consolidation, or should I have just swallowed my pride? In my defense, I would not qualify her as “hot.”
—Dave Z., Philly
SG: Yup, these are my readers.
I know it’s a phily fan but I found it funny as hell!
has to be the alocohol? you know how it is - the more you drink, the “better” they look
Rock the Red! Rock the White! Rock the Blue! Rock the Pens!
by RedskinFan4Life on Feb 8, 2010 4:01 PM EST up reply actions
It gets overshadowed a bit by Ovechkin’s actual hat trick, but Knuble had a Gordie Howe hat trick yesterday. And yeah, this has been his best week as a Cap.
GUTEN TAAAAAAAAAAAAG!
souray?
on yahoo rumors he possibly lists the caps as one of his 6 teams he is willing to join. I think we should go after him.
Do Not Want
lists the caps as one of his 6 teams he is willing to join
Gee, that’s nice of him. The only sure thing about Souray now is the expense. I’d pass.
The Caps are one of six teams I’d join too.
Washington
St. Louis
Montreal
Toronto
Nashville
Phoenix
Trade me.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
I’m pretty sure Washington is on damn near everyone’s list of “Please trade me to this team.” Doesn’t mean Washington wants ’em.
(not necessarily directed at WM. This just seemed like a good place to put it)
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!"
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Washington
|
82 | 54 | 15 | 13 | 121 |
|
Atlanta
|
82 | 35 | 34 | 13 | 83 |
|
Carolina
|
82 | 35 | 37 | 10 | 80 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
82 | 34 | 36 | 12 | 80 |
|
Florida
|
82 | 32 | 37 | 13 | 77 |
(updated 4.12.2010 at 9:21 AM EDT)
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