Ten Games Left to Top Personal Bests
by J.P. on Mar 23, 2010 1:30 PM EDT
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PrintAs the clock winds down on what will undoubtedly be considered the greatest regular season in franchise history, several Capitals are in the midst of their own individual best seasons. With ten games to go, here's a look at where the skaters who have been here all season stand relative to their career highs in goals, assists and points (note: a plus indicates that the player has already topped his personal best while a minus indicates how far from tying his career mark he is, with the number representing by how much; click on any player's name for his full stat line):
Can Alex Semin score six goals in ten games? Will Alex Ovechkin keep up his 1.56 points-per-game pace and tie or best his career-high point total? Will Matt Bradley score the goal or two that will cement this as a career year, statistically, for him? And so on.
To a man, the players on this team will tell you that individual stats and achievements don't mean much. And with expectations set where they are, they're right. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't search for something to watch for over the next couple of weeks take a moment to look at what these guys have done at an individual level - during a special season, it's important to stop and smell the roses along the way.
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I’m rooting for everyone we have signed.
You had me at no problem.
by Ninjak on Mar 23, 2010 1:32 PM EDT reply actions 3 recs
In looking at this, it’s interesting how well the guys have done this year.
First of all, if the NHL had a “Most Improved Player” award (like the NBA has), Fehr would almost certainly be one of the nominees. C’mon NHL… how about an award honoring a great player from the latter half of the 20th Century? The Guy Lafleur Award given to the player who has improved the most from the previous season, as voted on by the players…
Let's go Caps!
Fehr, easily Patric Hornqvist, but who would the third be? (nominees for MIP)
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by Chris Burton on Mar 23, 2010 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Chris Stewart out in COL had a nice year for a guy that wasn’t expected to.
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.
Why Lafleur? I’d pick a guy like Luc Robitaille who wasn’t expected to become anything and turned himself into a HoFer. Wasn’t Lafleur known gold from day 1?
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.
Robitaille related, what are the odds that #8 breaks his record for most pts for a LW considering the style #8 plays vs longevity of #20? Robitaille was always one of my favorite players to watch. A quick google search has Luc picked No. 171 overall in the ninth round. An apt name for the award I’d say.
I think Bigfoot is blurry, that's the problem. It's not the photographer's fault. Bigfoot is blurry, and that's extra scary to me. There's a large, out-of-focus monster roaming the countryside.
-Mitch Hedberg
by Given To Fly on Mar 23, 2010 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions
The only way it would be guaranteed to add up like that is if his personal best in goals, assists, and points all happened in the same season, I’m pretty sure.
"No Brooks Laich, no win. Know Brooks Laich, know win."
if a player set a career high in goals and assists in one season, and a career high in points in another season… well that would be magical.
Backstrom could probably do it. I could see him toe dragging the puck into another dimension.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Mar 23, 2010 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
You’re reading it wrong – Flash is two goals over his career high, set last year, seven assists over his career high, set in 2007-08, and 11 points over his career high, set last year.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Is it just me
or am I not really seeing a team over acheiving here?
Sure Fehr is posting huge numbers over his prior years, but all in all it looks like peeps are living up to their potential.
That and relatively few injuries (Varly and Knuble being the only ones to jump out at me) are what is making this such a fine season. The Caps are just that good.
A danger to myself and others on the ice
I’d put my money on 22 making a run at his personal goal best, provided he isn’t given too much rest in the last ten games. He’s been knocking on the door for 8 games now and seems bound to break out.
DC Landing Strip - Waxed and Ready to Go
Hell, he scored two (disallowed) goals recently.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
That would bode well for 19 topping his assist number, and 8 making a run at his points number.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Mar 23, 2010 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions
While I’m rooting for Brads to pop that last goal… I really wanna see OV best his goal total. What? 2 goals per game aint hard… right?
that’s how he started the season!
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [wrong] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
Dropping by real quick again
Wings fan who roots for the Caps in the East…CRUSH the pens tomorrow!!…let’s see if Crysby attacks Ovie or Backstrom after the whistle like he did when he cheap shot’d Zetterberg last night…what a douche i lose more respect for Sidney every passing day.
TULO = 2010 MVP!
Troy Tulowitzki: "When people think of the Rockies, I want them to think of a winning organization."
LETS GO WINGS!
agree with your words, except for the use of “Crysby”, we try to keep it nice and mature here.
Ovechking...
resident master jinxer
yea occasionally
i can’t control it and throw in a “cindy” or “crysby”…guy is an amazing player with a lot of skill but he is very very very tough to like…he needs to grow up.
TULO = 2010 MVP!
Troy Tulowitzki: "When people think of the Rockies, I want them to think of a winning organization."
LETS GO WINGS!
by TuLoRocks2008 on Mar 23, 2010 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Fortunately the league has a complete angel like Zetterberg who couldn’t possibly have done anything to deserve Sid’s wrath.
by PensAreYourDaddy on Mar 23, 2010 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions
yes sir
TULO = 2010 MVP!
Troy Tulowitzki: "When people think of the Rockies, I want them to think of a winning organization."
LETS GO WINGS!
by TuLoRocks2008 on Mar 23, 2010 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions
facts are facts
everybody saw Malkin attack Zetterberg after Game 2 like a maniac and everybody saw Crosby trying to cross check Zetterberg after the horn sounded yesterday as well…seems the Pens have a hard on with attacking Z
TULO = 2010 MVP!
Troy Tulowitzki: "When people think of the Rockies, I want them to think of a winning organization."
LETS GO WINGS!
by TuLoRocks2008 on Mar 23, 2010 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Enough already – we have plenty of places to discuss this where it might actually be on topic. Stop it here.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 23, 2010 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
true
my apologizes
TULO = 2010 MVP!
Troy Tulowitzki: "When people think of the Rockies, I want them to think of a winning organization."
LETS GO WINGS!
by TuLoRocks2008 on Mar 23, 2010 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Judging by the box score, Detroit is damn near the most scary team in the league. That was another clinic they put on, the same they did to the Capitals.
President and sole member of the Erskine lobby.
yeah we are getting there
Zetterberg is finally starting to turn it on as is Dats, Homer and Flip….hopefully they continue to play like this and get into the playoffs and be a menace to whoever they face
TULO = 2010 MVP!
Troy Tulowitzki: "When people think of the Rockies, I want them to think of a winning organization."
LETS GO WINGS!
by TuLoRocks2008 on Mar 23, 2010 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions
except the Pens don’t have the offensive firepower to overcome Detroit.
BUT, this discussion probably belongs in Clips, not here.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [wrong] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
by RedBirdie on Mar 23, 2010 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
agreed
Go Caps…Rock in Red
TULO = 2010 MVP!
Troy Tulowitzki: "When people think of the Rockies, I want them to think of a winning organization."
LETS GO WINGS!
by TuLoRocks2008 on Mar 23, 2010 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions
just trying to be helpful :)
now, back to Matt Bradley’s epic quest to match career highs!
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [wrong] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
Hey there and welcome. In the future, please stay on the topic of the post on which you’re commenting. That’s how we roll ’round here. Thanks.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Maybe we should call up Braden Holtby. Just for one game.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
It looks like almost everyone could top their career point totals except Gordo, BMo, Knuble, and Poti, and probably Laing because he may not play again this season.
Aim for the head baby Jesus
If the Caps lock it up with a couple games to go, he’ll get in there, I would think…
"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
Corey’s “Caps Extra” this week has an interview with Poti – he sez his offensive numbers are down ‘cos he’s playing more defensive-like.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Better excuse than, “I thought the opposing goal was covered in peanut butter.”
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I think it will be tough to top ‘Personal Best’. That was a damn fine movie.
by PensAreYourDaddy on Mar 23, 2010 2:56 PM EDT reply actions
Great stuff JP. Really interesting to see how players who have played for lots of other teams have done (Knuble, BMo).
Anybody think Mike Green’s goal totals have dropped because he hasnt been forced to take as many shots and felt the pressure to score tons of goals? I am really glad to see his assist total go up, but I would love to see him start to put up more goals/ shoot the puck more going into the post-season (and not go State Puff on us).
I don’t want to turn this into a Crosby vs. Ovechkin thing; however, with all the talk of how much Crosby has done and the titles he has won, Ovie has the potential to do something Crosby may never, ever do. Three hart trophies in a row. I know Ovechkin hasn’t won yet, but I think his assist numbers show you how valuable he is to the team.
The whole team scoring so many goals definitely has something to do with how well numbers 52 and 8 are dishing the puck
Bah-Ram-Ewe, Ovechkin will wreck you. Fear the Furious Fleece!
Green’s shot totals, as you note, are waaaaaaaaaaay down. Tomorrow night he’ll play his 68th game, which is the same number he played all last season. Last season he had 243 shots on goal. So far this season? 183.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Could that potentially be due to 99.999% of his shots getting blocked on the way to the net this year? Sadly, I don’t even think I’m exaggerating.
DC Landing Strip - Waxed and Ready to Go
I agree, AO appears headed for 3 in a row, which is pretty amazing. Wouldn’t mind seeing Crosby surrounded by some of the firepower that Alex is enjoying.
by PensAreYourDaddy on Mar 23, 2010 9:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Toews, Backstrom and Kessel were picked right after Staal. You guys could have had some of the firepower Alex is enjoying. But you got a stud 3C instead, so at least you got that going for you.
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.
Stud 3C that is in the top 35 of centers in scoring, improved his assists every year and is still 21 years old with ceiling to add points, let alone his excellent PK work. The faceoff numbers could be better, but that seems to run in the family.
Wayne Gretzky had it wrong: 100% of the shots Gary Roberts doesn't take DO go in.
by Hooks Orpik on Mar 24, 2010 12:09 AM EDT up reply actions
Oh you know I can’t resist a shot at the Staal family. At least you can laugh at the faceoff numbers as well.
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.
actually, nhl.com has Staal tied for 37th.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [wrong] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
Excuse me, my stats may have been a little out-dated due to recent games. I don’t think it detracts from my point that Staal’s increased his assist totals every year and has shown he still has realistic upside to grow into a 25g/35a guy in the near future.
Is that ideal for a #2 pick? Probably not. But most teams don’t have Crosby/Malkin already and are looking to round out there team with a guy who can play 3-4 minutes a night on the PK and do it well.
Wayne Gretzky had it wrong: 100% of the shots Gary Roberts doesn't take DO go in.
by Hooks Orpik on Mar 24, 2010 12:33 AM EDT up reply actions
but since you spent a #2 pick on the guy, if Crosby and Malkin were abducted by aliens tomorrow, do you think Staal could step up and be a legit #1 center? and elite center? I ask this in seriousness. It’s hard for me to tell because of the combination of his limited ice time and poor wingers plus the fact that I don’t watch him that closely. If that #1 spot was open, could he put his name in the conversation with Backstrom and Toews?
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [wrong] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
You used the phrase “limited minutes”. Staal has played an average of 19:13 a game this season, obviously those are a lot of SH and tough minutes, but how many 3C’s do you know that play 19 minutes a night?
For comparison to Washington forwards: only Ovechkin and Backstrom play more a night than Staal. It’s not like JStaal’s a little used 3C sitting on the bench the whole night.
If Crosby and Malkin drop off the face of the earth, the Penguins are screwed. And it wouldn’t matter if they had one of Backstrom/Toews in their place. I understand the question, it’s basically why not draft the best player available, when the Pens drafted the best fit available. I have no problems with how things have turned out.
Wayne Gretzky had it wrong: 100% of the shots Gary Roberts doesn't take DO go in.
I’m not sure Pittsburgh would know what to do with an elite winger. Sid clearly doesn’t know what to o with one.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [wrong] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
If he had an elite winger for 82 games they’d put up numbers approaching AO/Backstrom. It would be frightening and great for hockey.
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.
Boston couldn’t afford Kessel, Chicago’s in cap hell now with Toews.
Pittsburgh has somehing they both don’t, and you know what it is.
Crosby would be better off with Toews or Kessel but the Pens are better off with Staal.
Wayne Gretzky had it wrong: 100% of the shots Gary Roberts doesn't take DO go in.
by Hooks Orpik on Mar 24, 2010 12:18 AM EDT up reply actions
Boston is exhibit A in piss poor cap management. the Thomas contract alone…..
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [wrong] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
Chicago isn’t in cap hell because of Toews. Chicago is in cap hell because of Campbell, Huet, Tallon messing up QOs, Hossa, Bolland, etc. Toews is on a great deal. If PIT had Toews instead of Staal they’d be a better team.
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, maybe Chicago is exhibit A in piss poor cap management and Boston is exhibit B. That’s quite the list….
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [wrong] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
We’ve gone over this before, in person, andI still don’t buy it.
Assuming Toews would sign the same contract in Pitt that he did in CHI (where he’s captain and face of the team) Toews makes $2.3 million more than Staal, the Pens probably couldn’t fit that in.
I’ll take the strength down the middle with Staal, the balance and the size.
I’ve never argued that Backstrom or Toews aren’t more skilled or better players, but Staal fits what the Pens need and gives them a unique advantage down the middle that no one can touch.
Wayne Gretzky had it wrong: 100% of the shots Gary Roberts doesn't take DO go in.
by Hooks Orpik on Mar 24, 2010 12:29 AM EDT up reply actions
Yup. And I’ll still never agree. Just because it worked out OK for PIT doesn’t make it the right call. Any team not emotionally invested in Jordan Staal would look at that least and easily conclude that he wasn’t the guy to take at 2 overall right there. Maybe Toews prices himself out by now, maybe not. Maybe the Pens have 2 Cups with Toews. Even if Toews does price himself out, PIT would get a king’s ransom and be able to replace more talent around Sid. That won’t happen with Staal (though it still might with Malkin). It’s all post-hoc rationalizations, at best you get a remand.
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.
fractals.
Two pairings from this chart caught my eye: Backstrom and Sloan, who are similar in very few ways, both are spot on their career highs for points.
Fehr and Flash, who are little alike but appear together in so many converbates, both at +11 via inverted G and A increases.
Jag antar parader är cool.
Sloan is as good as Backstrom! Thank God he’s locked up for two more years!
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Mar 23, 2010 9:21 PM EDT up reply actions
It’s great to know Sloan is safely aboard for a few years yet. Versatility’s the key—that and Hot Pockets.
Jag antar parader är cool.
by redlineblue on Mar 23, 2010 10:47 PM EDT up reply actions
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