Thursday Caps Clips: Back to Winning Ways; Lightning @ Caps Game Day
by J.P. on Mar 4, 2010 6:41 AM EST
in Caps Clips
1023 comments
Your savory breakfast links:
- Recaps and other assorted musings on last night's win from the us, WaPo (blog, gamer), Vogs, Joe B., Ed Frankovic, RMNB, RtR, the CAPS lock, and Puckhead.
- Previews of tonight's game against the Bolts from Vogs, Peerless and NHL.com, and be sure to check out our SB Nation partner Raw Charge for coverage from the other side of tonight's match up.
- To refresh your memory, this is the fourth meeting between the Caps and Lightning on the season, with the Caps sandwiching 3-0 and 3-2 wins around a 7-4 loss in Tampa.
- KPD doesn't believe in the Caps' goaltending, and throws a rumor against the wall to see if it sticks. [NBC]
- Good news - a large handful of the Caps' remaining games will be broadcast on 106.7 The Fan. That's FM radio, boys and girls. [106.7 The Fan]
- Let's do some good, shall we? [FanPost]
- After the jump, a run-down of quotes, reactions, etc. from Deadline day - not to be missed.
- "I like what we did – we got better and deeper and didn’t give up our future to do it. We also didn’t take on any bad contracts to do it. I was really pleased with the way it went." - George McPhee [Corey Masisak, CI]
- "The depth additions give Boudreau the ability to rest players and manage ice time here and there as the Caps gear up for the playoffs. The coach won’t cop to it, but all the drama is gone from both the Southeast Division and Eastern Conference races. Now the drama involves watching how Boudreau integrates his new pieces and in what ways he chooses to manage and deploy his roster as the team tries to hit a performance peak at the right time." [Dump n' Chase]
- "Big moves from a team looking at a Cup within reach, and not many assets sacrificed to make them. GRADE: A-" [Puck Daddy]
- "The Caps are loaded with role players now, but you can never have too many warrior types in the playoff fire." [Edmonton Journal]
- "The Caps' belief that they can win it all is clearly evident in their trade deadline aggressiveness. They went all in. The acquisition of Joe Corvo from Carolina gives the team another blue-chip, puck-handling defenseman. The addition of Eric Belanger from Minnesota Wild for a second-round pick gives Washington a dependable center to add to the mix for the playoffs. Plus, Scott Walker's addition from Carolina Hurricanes gives the Capitals more fire in their belly for the stretch run. He plays with an edge. The Caps reacquired wide-bodied Milan Jurcina, who adds depth and bulk to the blue line. The only question left after George McPhee's moves is whether Washington's goaltending will be good enough in the playoffs. But McPhee has made it clear that he has faith that his goaltending will measure up." [USA Today]
- "Did they fill every hole on this team? No. But at the end of the season you're not trying to be perfect. You just want to have fewer weaknesses than the other guy - and get lucky, too. The next 20 games+ will tell us all if the Caps got better or messed too much with a good thing." [DCEx]
- "They didn't bring in the "shutdown" defenseman people keep looking for them to acquire, but, on the other hand, it's hard for the other team to score if it never has the puck." [FanHouse]
- "Winners: Washington. I'm usually all about going for a sure thing instead of an unknown prospect, but the Capitals gave up a lot for Joe Corvo, Eric Belanger, Milan Jurcina and Scott Walker. Washington is clearly gearing up for a Cup run, though, and (at least for this year) these deals should give them a slight boost." [Pro Hockey Talk]
- "McPhee and DC Coach Bruce Boudreau were able to cross a good deal off their "to acquire" list- experience, a passion for the game, a true Center, defensive abilities, puck handling- while not giving up much in return." [RtR]
- "I like Scotty Walker a lot, that's a good addition. The Corvo deal for (Brian) Pothier, to me, that's a push. ... I don't know, I look at those deals and I'm not sure they're better." - Jay Feaster [The Sporting News]
- "Winners: Washington Capitals. They badly needed a third-line centre and Eric Belanger, acquired from Minnesota, is a 57 per cent faceoff guy who has 35 points. Joe Corvo, acquired from Carolina, gives the Caps a double-pronged power-play guy with Mike Green, but has a reputation as a risk-taker. Scott Walker doesn't have a lot left in his tank, but he's a solid fourth-line presence, and tough. Washington also got Milan Jurcina back for blueline depth. They didn't address goaltending, however." [Edmonton Journal]
- "There is a numbers game here to manage, quite obviously. There’s suddenly a surplus of bodies. Suddenly there is too robust competition for virtually every position on this contending hockey club except on the first line. That isn’t such a bad thing. Even more importantly, as the rigors of a likely lengthy postseason run take their toll the Capitals can, when needed, replace key cogs with battle-tested ones." [OFB]
- "In this deal, the Capitals and Hurricanes essentially swapped 32-year-old puck-moving defensemen who have spent much of this season injured. Corvo gives the Caps another weapon from the blueline, while the Hurricanes get Osala, a hulking winger who is playing in the minors and was No. 10 on Washington’s prospect list. Winner: Carolina." [The Hockey News]
- "He's a better puck-mover than Pothier and will help on the power play. Pothier's been on the brink for a while, never having recovered after a massive rehab from a concussion and become superfluous after the acquisition of Tom Poti." [Puck Daddy]
- "This is the last thing the Capitals needed. This is Mike Green light. Joe Corvo has wonderful offensive abilities, but he's a turnover machine.The Capitals do not need any more offense. They needed defense, especially on the blue line. Joe Corvo offers the exact opposite of all that. This is not a good move." [Empty Netters]
- "Belanger has never scored 40 points in a season, but he is good on faceoffs and will be responsible defensively. Consider him another depth forward on this Caps team and a rental; Belanger is a UFA this summer. For a team with little in the pipeline, the Wild was wise to grab a solid draft slot in return. Winner: Minnesota." [The Hockey News]
- "Meanwhile, the Washington Capitals traded a second-round pick for Eric Belanger of the Minnesota Wild, which pretty much confirms our theory that the Caps believe they can grind down the forwards on the Penguins and Flyers with their own depth at forward, and not have to worry about adding many significant bodies on the blue line." [Puck Daddy]
- "We like this move for the Capitals. Belanger is a guy who is an ideal No. 3 center. He might be asked to fill in as a No. 2 in spurts in Washington and he's capable of that. But only in portions. Most importanly, he's a very, very good defensive player. He should immediately one of the Capitals' top penalty killers. And he's an excellent faceoff specialist at 57.6 percent. And his point production is more than respectable." [Empty Netters]
- "Ironically, Belanger is now on the same team as Chimera. Early in the season, Belanger clobbered Chimera in a Wild-Jackets game, injuring Chimera. Chimera thought it was a cheap hit and went out of his way to fight Belanger when the clubs met later." [Edmonton Journal]
- "People have always said that I played like George [McPhee], and I did like watching him play and his highlight videos. So it was exciting, a guy who just put it on the line and wanted to do whatever it takes, and I hope that's what I can do." - Walker [D.C. Sports Bog]
- "The 36-year-old is a gritty player who can kill penalties and plays physical. For a Capitals team that is long on skill in the top-six, the right winger can be slotted on the third or fourth line and provide solid depth. He is an unrestricted free agent this summer, so don’t be surprised if Walker turns out to be a classic ‘rental’ player as the Caps make a run at the Stanley Cup. Having said that, it’s hard to believe a roster player with character was only worth what will likely be one of the final picks in the 2010 draft. Winner: Washington." [The Hockey News]
- "Scott Walker's trade to the Washington Capitals (per TFP) is a solid one for the Caps. Good intangibles, plays with passion (as Aaron Ward's face can confirm). An energy player that went through the playoff grind last season with the Carolina Hurricanes." [Puck Daddy]
- "[L]et's not go forgetting that when he first broke into the NHL, his nickname was 'Wild Thing,' his fists got most of the attention, and his reputation was that of an undersized scrapper." [D.C. Sports Bog]
- "We like the move for the Capitals. They could use a little bit of toughness and Walker does bring that. He's not an enforcer by any stretch of the imagination at 5-foot-10, 196 pounds but he's hardly shy about mixing it up with anyone. Having seen Matt Bradley fill the role as an defacto enforcer, he probably could use some help. Most importantly, he'll bring a lot of energy to the Capitals. He can score a goal, start a fight or stick a big hit on an opponent." [Empty Netters]
- "It's almost like a woke up from a dream. I'm going back to Washington, where I have a lot of friends and have a chance to win the Stanley Cup." - Jurcina [BJX]
- "Interesting aspect of Jurcina deal -- he was just diagnosed with a sports hernia." [@TSNBobMcKenzie (Juice is out 4-6 weeks)]
- "It isn’t much, mind you, but it is something. That said, Jurcina’s familiarity factor with Washington clearly worked in the 6-foot-4 Slovak’s favor; he’ll add another big body to a defense corps that needs all the soldiers it can get. Winner: Washington." [The Hockey News]
- "We've been saying that the Caps needed a big, veteran presence on their blue line. We just figured it would be one that didn't already have a jersey waiting for him at Verizon Center." [Puck Daddy]
- "You really go in hoping your lineup doesn’t get hurt. Outside of losing Oskar, who has been a great American League player, I think our lineup stays pretty status quo, pretty strong." - Bears president-GM Doug Yingst [Patriot-News]
Finally, thanks to every last one of you who made yesterday a record-breaking day for us here at The Rink by just about any metric imaginable, including roughly 6,000 comments. You all rock.
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Puck Daddy lost me with comment that the Caps were set up down the middle. Anyway I give mad props to GMGM for yesterdays moves. I’m glad we still have Fehr and Flash and have an opportunity to experience the “BFF” line, sorry, I had to.
Vokoun was on my wish list, but Theodore and Varlamov it will be. Corvo I think will be the most productive new acquisition based on his PP time he’ll receive and minutes he’ll play. He can skate and pass and he’ll have some really great players up front.
This is our year, all the pieces are here. We aren’t perfect, but nobody is, especially in the East.
Agree on PD’s assessment – thought that atypically uninformed for him.
Agreed on the rest as well. The Caps are deep. So deep, in fact, they may put her ass to sleep.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 4, 2010 7:30 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I don’t think too many people outside the DC area caught the center portion of the needs, so they don’t get that acquisition. I’m a but surprised that PD didn’t cotton on, but oh well.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
Pierre McGuire and Darren Pang couldn’t quite figure it out either in one of more awkward moments on TSN’s Trade Deadline bonanza.
… and that’s saying something.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I’m not sure what. My impression is that neither of those guys is terribly respected around here, so what were you expecting? Or am I off on that assessment?
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
I don’t think they were in anyway disrespecting the Capitals in any way. They just didn’t know that B.Mo has been lousy since early Dec and Flash was pathetic on the dots and got demoted to the 3rd line C. But whatever, I really wouldn’t expect anyone who has to cover the entire league to know what Flash’s faceoff percentage is, when put on the spot after the Capitals acquired a C at the deadline.
Maybe. I was going on the “awkward moments” and “that’s saying something” comments together.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
I was just commenting that it was often awkward, due in large part to Pierre McGuire’s apparent ignorance of common standards dictating personal space.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 4, 2010 8:14 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Pierre is famous for that you know
especially between the 1:40 and 1:50 mark…
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 Mar 4, 2010 9:30 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
You’re an announcer with a big stick…..*wink**wink*
/shudder
Every time Nicky scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Mar 4, 2010 11:49 AM EST up reply actions
Which is odd in that everyone (other than Dupont) really likes what the Caps did. But if they didn’t see the need to add a center… they’re in love with bringing back Juice, a 4th line wing and @GreenLite77?
Don’t get me wrong, I like the moves (and am not complaining about positive press). But the one I like most is probably Belanger, and if people didn’t see that as addressing a need, not sure what they love.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 4, 2010 7:46 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I’m guessing they’re thinking of it as PK help and a defensive forward rather than a good third-line center.
I’m cool with just about everything McPhee did. Is it ideal? No – the pieces that I would have considered ideal weren’t available (and no, I’m not talking about Leopold). I think that McPhee got a lot for a little, and while we’re not perfect, I do think we upgraded and I think we’ll be okay.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
I’d have preferred Seidenberg to Corvo, but that’s a relatively minor quibble.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Enh. Wasn’t there something about the Caps being in on Seidenberg before he went to OTT, or am I completely misremembering?
FTR, I was not big on the idea of us acquiring Leopold – I have to think of any guy who’s bounced to three or four teams in the last two seasons as a question mark for a team who is gearing up for a Cup run and is known for its tight dressing room.
YMMV, of course.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
I agree. I think Leopold is also not that good. His talent is greater than his production. It’s funny that Corvo gets crapped on for being a “turnover machine” and being an “offense only” guy, but Leopold is a solid pick up. It’s like Leopold is getting credit for being good defensively simply because he isn’t that good offensively. People assume he must be good at one or the other when he’s only mediocre at both. I’m really not impressed with Leopold (though he is an upgrade for PIT’s D).
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 Mar 4, 2010 2:14 PM EST up reply actions
(though he is an upgrade for PIT’s D).
The question that pops to my mind is “is he enough of an upgrade?”
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
Obviously the time will tell, and the same question exists for us re: Corvo.
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 Mar 4, 2010 2:18 PM EST up reply actions
He is a considerable downgrade from Rob Scuderi, who is the guy they haven’t replaced on that roster.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Mar 4, 2010 2:27 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Nor have they replaced Hal Gil. They lost half their top 4 and we added 2 to ours.
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 Mar 4, 2010 2:29 PM EST up reply actions
Gill seemed to me more of a big guy but not much else. Scuderi was a freakin’ machine. Shot pucks had eyes and followed him.
Ovechkin = Green Backs
by red army line on Mar 4, 2010 2:32 PM EST up reply actions
Gil still got big minutes against good players.
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 Mar 4, 2010 2:33 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, that baffles me. Oh well, you’re right in that they haven’t got anyone to replace him, especially with his 6’7" frame or whatever it is.
Ovechkin = Green Backs
by red army line on Mar 4, 2010 2:34 PM EST up reply actions
Bingo.
Hopefully gonch continues to slide in his play, too.
"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
Alan Ryder’s stats strongly favor Corvo over Seidenberg — at least if you look at last season.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Mar 4, 2010 8:58 AM EST up reply actions
And this season (with Corvo on an absolutely miserable team):
Even Strength:
Corvo – 2.75 GAON/60, 3.26 GAOFF/60 (.066 Qualcomp, -0.014 Qualteam)
Seidenberg – 2.15 GAON/60, 2.59 GAOFF/60 (-0.008 Qualcomp, -0.023 Qualteam)
Shorthanded:
Corvo – 5.35 GAON/60, 7.57 GAOFF/60 (.542 Qualcomp, .497 Qualteam)
Seidenberg – 9.22 GAON/60, 4.98 GAOFF/60 (.328 Qualcomp, .572 Qualteam)
Looks like the Canes are a hell of a lot better with Corvo out there than without him — especially shorthanded. And Florida’s PK is much better with Seidenberg on the bench.
Give me Corvo.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Mar 4, 2010 9:27 AM EST up reply actions 16 recs
Same here. I’ve never understood the love for Seidenberg. He’s a servicable guy and good IMO for your 5/6 pairing, but nothing beyond that. Saw him plenty here in PHX. He’s average guy who does nothing really outstanding. He’d have been an improvement over Sloan, Erskine, Juice, Potsy, and bad ShaMo but not much more.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
I stand corrected, I think. Good stuff.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
is it possible that GMGM and staff are among the first to wholeheartedly accept hockey’s newer statistics? corvo’s defensive GVT brings a smile, as does belanger’s. has there ever been an article delving into GMGM’s philosophy when comparing players and looking at the numbers?
by Natty Bumppo on Mar 4, 2010 10:01 AM EST up reply actions
Considering all of the trades that go for good players without much press that wouldn’t surprise me at all. And I doubt there has ever been a real article about GMGM’s methods of comparing players. He MIGHT tell after he retires, but even that is up in the air. Love GMGM’s secretiveness, it seems to work in our favor.
They laughed at Columbus, they laughed at Fulton, they laughed at the Wright brothers. But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown.
GMGM gave an interview and explained his entire strategy once. But then he had to kill the journalist before it went to print.
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 Mar 4, 2010 2:17 PM EST up reply actions
it’s not like there’s an hour-long behind-the-scenes special on his draft day dealings floating around youtube or anything..
Is there? Then you find it, jerk. Plus, if you don’t think GMGM exercised some editorial control on that you are out of your mind.
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 Mar 4, 2010 4:57 PM EST up reply actions
I’ve seen it. We wanted Backstrom all along. I was joking.
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 Mar 4, 2010 5:04 PM EST up reply actions
hehe. dude, we have him trying to bluff jeff gorton out of extra picks to move back one. you think he wanted that left in just to show the world how much he owns the bruins? i don’t think it would be some huge insider secret if it came out that the scouting staff consulted rate statistics or checked in with GVT. at this point i’d bet money he’s got at least two stat geeks on staff. we already know he had the salary cap figured out before a lot of his peers.
Yeah I agree. I just don’t think he is ever going to divulge how he goes about evaluating the team, negotiating for trades, etc.
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 Mar 4, 2010 5:14 PM EST up reply actions
One more aspect to consider regarding Corvo: McPhee’s remarks regarding him were (paraphrasing): “We wanted a top 4 defense, and we got one in Corvo.”
When McPhee comes right out and says something, I take him at his word. He’ll prevaricate and decline to give an answer when it suits him, but my experience is that when he makes a flat statement, he’s telling the truth as he knows it. He might be wrong or mistaken, but it’s what he thinks.
So when he identifies Corvo as a Top 4 defenseman, and when I look at the Ryder and BTN numbers Gouldie posted, I’m inclined to have good thoughts about Corvo. I will admit that I have very vague personal thoughts about Corvo, so I’m interested to see him in action.
"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
I’m inclined to agree. I think the Caps got the best DMan at the deadline. If Hamhuis wasn’t going to be moved, Corvo was the next best thing. I’m happier with him than I would be with Kaberle, that’s for sure.
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Mar 4, 2010 10:43 AM EST up reply actions
Corvo is also a guy we may want to keep around after this season. Replace Poti with him or a ham sandwich.
Poti has another year remaining, iirc.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
The Blood Cult of Matt Bradley. Tune in Wednesday when Japers Rink offers their first burnt offering to Matt Bradley to give him an endless supply of the blood for his strident ways.
replacing poti or a ham sandwich playing hockey?
by Scofield on Mar 4, 2010 12:45 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I’m way happier than with Kaberle. At least Corvo can be trusted to PK even if he’s not a stud. It’s also worth noting that Corvo blows away Hamhuis in PC so maybe we should have been jonesin’ for Corvo all along.
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 Mar 4, 2010 2:19 PM EST up reply actions
Not only that, but he seems like he’d fit into the system better than most other options out there.
by Kerry Fraser's Hairspray on Mar 4, 2010 10:53 AM EST up reply actions
I (very quickly) played with Capgeek’s calculator, and it looks doable, along with a Belanger re-up.
"First Lady, I'm sorry I pimp slapped you into that china cabinet."
by Bald Pollack on Mar 4, 2010 10:58 AM EST up reply actions
Belanger is a guy I’d like to re-up, for sure. Give us a little insurance so we can test drive MP and Mackan during the first 2/3 of the season.
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 Mar 4, 2010 2:20 PM EST up reply actions
I would not expect to see Johansson in DC on a regular basis until the 2011-2012 season at the earliest
If you've read this far...seek help.
I could see a cup of coffee next year, but I don’t expect him to stick. What I meant was that BB can play around during the regular season and still feel confident in our C depth even if we have one of the kids up. MP got a look this year, and Mackan is significantly ahead on the development curve having spent 2 years playing with men already. He might surprise us but I think you’re right.
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 Mar 4, 2010 2:32 PM EST up reply actions
#needsmoreLeopoldcomparison
And how do these trades impact how good Ovechkin and Crosby are relative to each other?
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 Mar 4, 2010 2:16 PM EST up reply actions
I preferred Seidenberg to Corvo as well, until Gouldie dropped the knowledge. I just hope that PC stuff isn’t a) a fluke for Corvo or b) a completely inaccurate measurement of a D (and I highly doubt that it is).
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 Mar 4, 2010 2:12 PM EST up reply actions
Made me feel better seeing some corroboration from BtN. I think the basic theory in both cases is that if you spend a lot of time on the ice, in tough situations, and a relatively small number of goals are scored, then you’re good defensively. Seems a fair philosophy to me.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Mar 4, 2010 4:31 PM EST up reply actions
Exactly. I don’t particularly care how. Corvo was skating 25 minutes a night and his team scored a lot more than they allowed during that time. Looking at the BtN stuff and seeing how much better the CAR PK is with him as opposed to without him is soothing as well. I wish PC would find a way to include QualComp but I’m not really happy with how BtN does QualComp so I don’t know what the solution is. Ultimately, if you play a lot of minutes there’s very little chance that it’s all against poor players (because those guys don’t get that much ice). I really like how Ryder uses TOI to adjust his offensive and defensive PC, very sensible. I could not believe BtN didn’t include TOI in their Rating values.
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 Mar 4, 2010 4:38 PM EST up reply actions
I think that there are no excuses for not making it out of the East. The guys that were said to be the key guys yesterday did not move, Hamhuis, Vokoun, Niedermayer, Kaberle etc.
We shored up our weaknesses more so than any other team in the East theirs, including PIT.
I’m in the no more excuses camp if this group of Capitals doesn’t play for the Cup, anything less will be a major disappointment.
Are the 3 new guys going to play tonight?
Driver and head Muckety-Muck of The Pavel Kubina Bandwagon
XBox Live: Oinkvechkin
LORD PALMERSTON!!
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 4, 2010 7:59 AM EST up reply actions
My guess would be Belanger centers Flash and Fehr. Corvo pairs up with Poti. Walker plays 4th line RW and Bradley and Gordon are HS’s as Chimera gets demoted by addition, not based on performance.
Tend to agree, though might see Chimmer scratched and Brads playing if for no other reason than to keep a guy who just missed time with a groin from playing back-to-backs. A little overly cautious, perhaps.
And as much as I like him, we know who doesn’t, so I’m setting the over/under on games before Fehr is HS’d at 3.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Hey, the fact that Bruce was the one who said he’d put Belanger between 14 and 16 is something. But I agree that 16 is always on a real short leash. And my immediate thought last night was that Chimera looked good, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him sit occasionally as an insurance policy on the groin.
"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."
You know you’re special when they’re considering an insurance policy on your groin.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 4, 2010 8:15 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Precisely the name that came to my mind as well.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I like the Poni move for PIT, but I’m not sure it’ll be enough for them. What do you guys think?
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
Good move. Doesn’t change much, but makes them better. Ultimately with them, it comes down to Fleury, IMO.
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You think we can take them in a best of seven with what we have?
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
Sure.
But I thought that last year, too.
The Caps are better, more experienced now. The Pens are the Champs until someone beats them. Would likely be a hell of a series.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Last year we played them once after the deadline and lost in a shootout. I’ll feel better about it this year if we can win both remaining games in regulation. Still doesn’t guarantee anything, but at least leaves a warm and fuzzy feeling.
"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."
It just shows how scary good the talent on this team is, when they were thisclose to being up 3-0 in a series that they really were dominated in.
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LORD PALMERSTON!!
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 4, 2010 8:40 AM EST up reply actions
I hope the Pens take 2nd or 3rd in the East so we’re guaranteed not to meet them until the ECF, and hopefully not at all.
I feel awfully good about our chances against the Pens this year. They didn’t do enough to shore up their defense. Gonch is looking old and that PP is a mess. With Brodeur FINALLY looking human, the Sabres lacking offense, and the Flyers putting their trust in Leighton I really think this is the year the Caps break through and win the East barring significant injuries.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
Plus, we’ve got this lanky guy who was out last year…
MR. NASTY.
There's a fine line between arrogance and ignorance and only I manage to erase that line.
by D'ohboy on Mar 4, 2010 9:40 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
I believe based on what we saw just a bit earlier this season, the Double Nickel will be ready for just such a series. The Nickel had a little snarl in his game the last time he saw Sid and the kids.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
So Green/Schultz against Malkin and Poti/Corvo against Sid? Not sure I like that match up against Sid, but then again I’m not sure there’s any pair that can really control 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 Mar 4, 2010 2:26 PM EST up reply actions
I guess it works out when one considers the headaches they’d be having about the Caps’ top two lines.
Ovechkin = Green Backs
by red army line on Mar 4, 2010 2:28 PM EST up reply actions
If Sid is playing well, healthy and motivated (he will be), then I don’t think any team can really stop him. The other two variables, of course, are up in the air.
I think you have to play your best pair against Sid, then your second pair against Malkin.
"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
Except there is this…Crosby has already set a personal high in goals, but the Penguins are scoring less as a team than last year.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Yes, indeed. Not getting as much from Malkin, Gonch or the wings.
As you noted above, their D is not as potent.
I’m guardedly optimistic, all things being equal.
"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
Problem is that Schultz is so good against Malkin I don’t know how you take him away from that match up.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
by Fehr and Balanced on Mar 4, 2010 2:33 PM EST up reply actions
Another good point. I could get behind a strategy to contain Malkin, assume Sid gets his points, and try to beat them on the matchups against the other 3 lines.
And yes, I just flip flopped like Joe Biden dropped on hot coals, but there you have it.
"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
I totally agree that Schultz vs Malkin is good for DC
But on what exactly are we basing this on? I only recall the 4 PIT regular season games from last season, which is small sample size.
Ovechkin = Green Backs
by red army line on Mar 4, 2010 2:38 PM EST up reply actions
I think this year and last year he’s looked good against him. Schultz’ reach neutralizes Malkin’s reach.
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 Mar 4, 2010 2:40 PM EST up reply actions
I would agree that keeping Schultz matched up against Malkin is the smart move.
If you think we’ve got matchup problems, what are the Pens going to do against the Caps top 3 lines? My guess is a lot of rosary beads are going to be involved.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
My guess is they’ll rely on the fact that all three of their top lines have a better C than our corresponding line. But our 4th line is dominant…
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 Mar 4, 2010 3:02 PM EST up reply actions
And our guys are still undersized down the middle, so that’s a potential problem.
"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
My guess is they’ll rely on the fact that all three of their top lines have a better C than our corresponding line
If they do it will force their centers not to forecheck as hard which will, in turn, make life easier on our D.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
Yeah, we’re going to have to rely on our wings and our depth to really control the series.
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 Mar 4, 2010 3:10 PM EST up reply actions
Bonus: No Tyler Sloan passing pucks to Sid right in front of the net.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
It’s funny thinking of Jeff as the missing piece but he definitely was in that series. It’s nice to know how much of a stronger team the Caps should have in the playoffs this year.
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
Again, I’m not counting chickens yet. I’m optimistic but am waiting to see how the new boys pan out.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
We don’t even have to play any of the new guys and it’s a stronger team than going into the second round last year.
Esp. if someone gets injured because they don’t need to be replaced with AHLers. I don’t know how that is “counting chickens”
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
Schultz was our missing piece and now they are missing their Piece. Especially after looking at Alan Ryder’s report I think PIT is going to miss Scuderi much more than anyone anticipated.
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 Mar 4, 2010 2:26 PM EST up reply actions
Who is not only healthy, but significantly better than last year 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.
by Fehr and Balanced on Mar 4, 2010 2:25 PM EST up reply actions
Poni is an upgrade for them, but like Leopold doesn’t make me say “oh shit, PIT got him.” He’s still an inconsistent and soft 20 goal scorer. He’d at best be 5th W on our team, and with the way BB loves Flash he’d be 6th. He’ll be a little better playing with the Cs they have, but he’s not a game changer.
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 Mar 4, 2010 2:24 PM EST up reply actions
Gotta agree. This team is capable of going all the way, given a little luck.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
We’ve been a bit short on that lately, though. Maybe we’re saving it all for spring.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
we used up a little bit during the 14 game run.. but yeah i’d hope we’re recharging the luck for spring!
"the other day on sportscenter they said something along the lines of "the capitals score so much tiger woods is jealous" haha had me laughing hard while i was eating my cereal"
Glad we got it out, now, than during the season.
by DrinkingPartner on Mar 4, 2010 9:32 AM EST up reply actions
How much time do you think Corvo sees on the PP? Does he supplant someone on PP1? I don’t see it. If he’s PP2 he’s not going to have all that much PP time unless his addition makes BB use PP2 more.
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 Mar 4, 2010 2:07 PM EST up reply actions
Logically, I would think PP2 sees more time in April/early May, but something tells me that won’t really happen.
Ovechkin = Green Backs
by red army line on Mar 4, 2010 2:08 PM EST up reply actions
agreed. the other issue is how it would shake out. i don’t think the caps take AO off the point and move him into that knuble/laich role…which is the only way i think corvo works, because neither semin nor backstrom can move to the middle.
Why not Corvo/Green/AO/Backstrom/Knuble on PP1 and Semin/Flash/BMo/Laich/Poti/Belanger on PP2? Don’t really like 4 Fs on PP2, that’s the only problem. But I love giving Corvo’s shot more opportunity on PP1 with Knuble in front.
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 Mar 4, 2010 5:03 PM EST up reply actions
That’s the lineup I was getting at. And hold down the shift for PP1 to 60 seconds or less.
I hate having AO at the point when he’s totally out of gas after a 2-minute shift.
"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
Yeah I agree. I guess BMo could play point on PP2 but then they don’t really have any shooters.
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 Mar 4, 2010 5:10 PM EST up reply actions
There is that. Poti and BMo can probably do enough from the point, though, don’t you 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
Maybe. For :30-:45 I could live with it. It would have to be a meat and potatoes PP, but would still have plenty of skill with Semin/Laich/Flash/Fehr/Belanger playing up front.
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 Mar 4, 2010 5:15 PM EST up reply actions
see, i think semin’s too valuable on PP1. it seems like the one place where he can let his hands and creativity run wild. plus, semin and backstrom just seem to have a sixth sense for each other on those saucer passes.
i’m on board with fat_daddyo’s idea of cutting down the PP shifts, but i don’t think it happens realistically. will be fun to watch tonight. my guess is that corvo ends up playing a lot more PK than PP.
I agree with most of that. If we don’t go with 2 D on the PP, then I damn sure want Semin on PP1 instead of Flash. It really pisses me off that BB sent out Flash to sabotage our top PP unit last night. I’ll be really mad when he says “I want to get a balance on the two units” considering he doesn’t actually use two units. 1.5 maaaaaaaaybe and Semin is so much better on that top unit than Flash.
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 Mar 4, 2010 5:31 PM EST up reply actions
So we’re pulling the goalie for PP2?
Game-Over Green? Canada-Over Carlson!
by Scott in Shaw on Mar 4, 2010 5:46 PM EST up reply actions
Nah, the slashes were to indicate it could be any combination of those guys. My bad.
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 Mar 4, 2010 5:48 PM EST up reply actions
Whoa, boucoup content after the jump.
And it’d be nice of some of The Faaaan’s personalities put a little more thought into things they said. Don’t tout the trade deadline arrivals and ask for callers to weigh in before saying that “hockey fans need to realize where they are in the pecking order” of DC sports.
"First Lady, I'm sorry I pimp slapped you into that china cabinet."
Didn’t hear that. Nice.
And the links after the jump are a magnificent specimen of pure Alabama Blacksnake. But it ain’t too goddamned beaucoup.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 4, 2010 7:32 AM EST up reply actions 6 recs
Full Metal Recket.
Alabama Blacksnake. Awesome.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Mar 4, 2010 1:12 PM EST up reply actions
Comments like that I think they make to cover their backsides from the non-hockey loving audience that’s going to say “who cares”? Or to cover the fact that they don’t know anything about hockey. But we do have to really appreciate the amount of attention they do give to the Caps, because it’s pretty decent.
"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."
Actually, comments like that make me appreciate the fact that I have a radio dial.
I like that they want to talk more about it, but telling people that “it’s just hockey” or that you should know your role in local sports relevance tells me they need something to talk about now that football’s over.
I tune out until PM drive, where Dukes and Lavar are at least open-minded and willing to learn more about DC sports in general rather than diss and/or dismiss them.
"First Lady, I'm sorry I pimp slapped you into that china cabinet."
True about Dukes and Lavar, they’re pretty much all I listen to there regularly (Junkies aren’t my cup of tea — probably too old and the wrong sex — and Wise is who he is).
"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."
But we do have to really appreciate the amount of attention they do give to the Caps
True, but the reality is that in all likelyhood it’s not something they want to do. Having the best record in the NHL and being the only winning team in town with a growing fanbase is forcing them to pay attention. Unlike the Skins, should the Caps drop out of the playoffs, they’ll be forgotten until next February. Also, the on-air guys probably have a directive from management to talk Caps since 106.7 just picked up the game broadcasts (which is a good thing).
I disagree, the time that they give the caps is insulting, most of the time. The junkies have displayed abject, mocking ignorance of the sport and the team making the time that they give the sport a joke. Mike Wise is almost worse in that he devotes more time to it than the junkies, and Mike Wise treats it like a joke.. Holden Kushner thinks he knows about hockey making him the most dangerous of the three. Lavarr and Dukes seem to have a good grasp of what to do, bring in guests who know what they’re talking about and educate themselves. Dukes quotes this site pretty often on the show.
I think the attention the other three give the sport is actually negative, particularly when Holden does his Mike Milbury impressions.
I think the attention the other three give the sport is actually negative, particularly when Holden does his Mike Milbury impressions.
I’ve only listened to that guy a handful of time and every time he talks hockey, I want to go through the radio after him. He’s a seamhead and like most baseball guys, he views hockey as the sport of the unwashed masses. Plus, he turned on Ovi after the Canada-Russia game and threw his love to Crosby. That’s reason enough to hate him.
Apparently Dupont missed GMGM/Fishman’s “Lessons Learned: Michael Nylander and Salary Cap Flexibility” All-Hands Meeting.
"Ah, dinner. The perfect break between work and drunk." - Homer Simpson
It’s a weird article from a guy like him in one respect – you usually don’t see him going with a paragraph like:
Rumor around Boston leading up to the draft had Caps GM George McPhee trying to pry Tim Thomas away from the Bruins in a deal for winger Tomas Fleischmann. … No knowing if the rumor was true, but Thomas’ agent, Bill Zito, said that his client was never asked about the possibility of waiving his no-trade clause. Boston GM Peter Chiarelli said none of the players remaining on his roster post-trade deadline had been asked to surrender their NTC’s.
In other words “here’s a rumor, no knowing if it was true, but it sure sounds like it wasn’t.” Not typically his style.
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I would’ve been real salty with that deal, moreso with the addition of Thomas than the loss of Fleischmann.
Totally. No way GMGM was taking that contract, though. I never had any real fear (we were assured that they threw out the “stupid pills,” right?).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
This is one of the best parts of Uncle Ted as an owner. He kept McPhee around when he approached him with the rebuild plan, and let him learn from his mistakes. How many owners would do the same? Of course, props to GMGM for actually learning from them. Too many GMs don’t. I’m looking at you Holmgren!
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Mar 4, 2010 8:40 AM EST up reply actions
That is what is really strange about the article. Thomas is a former Vezina winner, who plays behind one of the better defenses in the league, and he hasn’t been good this year. Under what circumstances would he have been the “perfect fit” for the Caps?
we're not gonna allow someone like Downie to go after him.
And that’s not even taking in account his albatross of a contract.
by Gin and Tonic on Mar 4, 2010 8:57 AM EST up reply actions
Is Thomas really doing THAT bad this year, or were our expectations just too high for him this year?
He’s got a .915 sv % which is good.
His GAA ain’t too bad. He just doesn’t have too many wins because the B"s offense has sucked hairy moose balls
Dupont basically just said “Go Flyers!”
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
If you’re excusing his win total because the B’s are all-D/no-O, better also attribute some part of his SV% and GAA to that as well.
I think that Tim Thomas is a slightly-better-than-mediocre goalie on another team.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Am I wrong, I thought that he was essentially the backup up there now?
we're not gonna allow someone like Downie to go after him.
Well forget the GAA because that’s more about the team’s D than the goalie. I never really look at it anyways.
.915 still ain’t bad unless you’re thinking that every shot that comes at him is a crappy one.
If the B’s make the playoffs then I guess we’ll really see how Thomas is this year
the issue is the contract not the performance. if he had an expiring contract, we would be interested. all of the guys we traded for had expiring contracts, correct? We trust in not only our current team, but our ability to resign key pieces and incorporate top tier prospects in goal and in defense. Thomas reduces the value of the goalie pipeline by locking us into a longer term contract. Sounds like he’s kind of like Theo deluxe.
erskine has scored...now i can die in peace
Older and worse contract than Theo.
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 Mar 4, 2010 2:59 PM EST up reply actions
Here’s the bit from Dupont that had me laughing:
O.K., most nights those three goalies are competent. The playoffs, though, aren’t most nights. Theodore and Varlamov are a combined 26-33 in postsesaon play. Neuvirth doesn’t have a postseason minute on his resume.
OK, so the Caps’ problem is that they need a goaltender with playoffs success. What’s the solution?
What the Caps really needed, however, was an acquisition like the one they made in Feb. 2008, when they added Cristobal Huet from Montreal.
Man, where is that playoffs ace Cris Huet when you need him? That guy is exactly what the Caps need, because he’s won so many playoff series, right?
Hey, at least Theo has won a playoff series in his life…
[The funniest thing is that Huet is probably available these days. You think Chicago wants a do-over on that contract?]
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Mar 4, 2010 9:06 AM EST up reply actions
He’s not even doing well enough to wrest the job away from Niemi.
Driver and head Muckety-Muck of The Pavel Kubina Bandwagon
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 4, 2010 9:10 AM EST up reply actions
What’s more pressure than that?
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 4, 2010 9:10 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah, Niemi is becoming the de facto starter there. BTW, is he Calder eligible?
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He should be, unless he’s past the age limit (and I don’t think he is).
Cherry would lose his shit if he got the Calder over his boy Duchene. I’m rooting for it to happen (or for another European to win it) for that reason only.
Driver and head Muckety-Muck of The Pavel Kubina Bandwagon
XBox Live: Oinkvechkin
LORD PALMERSTON!!
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 4, 2010 9:14 AM EST up reply actions
No. . . HELL NO.
Duchene deserves it, through and through. The kid is absolutely money.
There's a fine line between arrogance and ignorance and only I manage to erase that line.
I agree-Duchene hands down, but have you seen Niemi’s play and stat line? Underrated story there.
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I think Tyler Myers gets it. East Coast bias alive and well (though I personally think he deserves it)
I think Varlamov still has a shot, especially if he coasts the rest of this season. Though the injury, and the fact that he probably won’t get the majority of the remaining games to bump his numbers will likely do him in.
by DrinkingPartner on Mar 4, 2010 9:35 AM EST up reply actions
Sorry. No shot whatsoever.
There's a fine line between arrogance and ignorance and only I manage to erase that line.
Say he goes on a role and wins 10 more games – he’ll get consideration, which is all I meant by “a shot.”
by DrinkingPartner on Mar 4, 2010 9:40 AM EST up reply actions
Nope. Likely doesn’t even have a shot to be a finalist.
There's a fine line between arrogance and ignorance and only I manage to erase that line.
If Varlamov deserves a shot, then Cody Franson does, which is to say he won’t get one.
Howard/Duchene/Myers are your finalists.
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Yeah. Both Howard and Rask are in line ahead of Varly, and them’s just the goalies.
There's a fine line between arrogance and ignorance and only I manage to erase that line.
Niemi’s ahead of Varlamov, too.
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Meh. I’m not convinced of that. Niemi plays behind an awesome D. He’s not doing it on his own. His numbers look pretty good, but so do Huet’s. I’m selling on Niemi.
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 Mar 4, 2010 3:03 PM EST up reply actions
(But I also watched the NYI/CHI game the other night.)
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 Mar 4, 2010 3:03 PM EST up reply actions
That would be the case against Niemi, then ;)
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I think Myers is great, but it’s not even close. Duchene really is that good. His stat line is even more impressive when you consider how RIDICULOUSLY snakebitten he was for the first month and a half of the season.
There's a fine line between arrogance and ignorance and only I manage to erase that line.
I think it should go to a goalie, but not Niemi. There is one major reason why Detroit is still in the playoff hunt with all their injuries. Jimmy Howard, FTW.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Mar 4, 2010 1:17 PM EST up reply actions
How many Wings games have you watched? Howard’s been nice, but I don’t think he’s as good as Rask or even Niemi. I wouldn’t bitch if he was a finalist, but I certainly don’t think he’s the major reason they’ve stayed afloat.
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I do, however, think Howard’s done a much better than expected, given what we’ve seen from him on his breif previous call-ups, and behind a team that can’t find their offense. On most nights, Howard keeps them in it. I’d hang the majority of the losses on the inability of the Red Wings skaters to get it done this season, not their goalie.
(last night, not so much)
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I’ve watched a bunch of games and I think he is definitely better than Niemi, who hasn’t impressed me much (haven’t seen a ton of Rask). He also plays behind a worse defense than Rask or Niemi – his SV% is .001 behind Rask and is better than Niemi’s but he has a slightly worse (but still not bad) GAA. And he is a workhorse for the wings, not splitting duty like Rask and Niemi. Rask and Niemi are younger and may have better careers, but they are certainly not having better rookie seasons than Howard.
DET offense has been terrible (NSH has more goals scored!) and they have been killed with major injuries on offense and defense this year. I don’t know how you can say that goaltending isn’t the reason they are staying afloat. What would you attribute it to?
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Mar 4, 2010 3:02 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
How do you get the feeling that he rises under pressure? He’s never won a playoff series (meanwhile I’m pretty sure Theo has never lost in the first round), he’s never been a full time starter, and he wasn’t even very good for the Caps in the playoffs.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Mar 4, 2010 1:16 PM EST up reply actions
Did you watch him in the playoffs with us? Why would you say he rises under pressure? I’d say it’s the opposite. He played well as a back up when he wasn’t counted on. He came to a team that was a long shot to make the playoffs and he was playing for a new contract. No real pressure, just go play and try to win some money. Then we made the playoffs… the games got tense… and he was average at best.
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 Mar 4, 2010 3:01 PM EST up reply actions
Number of Playoff series Huet has won as the starting goaltender: 0
His team has advanced (like last year) when he was the back up, but when Khabibulin was hurt last year in the playoffs and Huet stepped in, down went the Hawks.
Don’t get me wrong, Huet is good, but he’s not going to get the Hawks to the promised land. I don’t think he can out-duel Roberto Luongo and the Canucks, for example.
Let's go Caps!
This whole meme in hockey writer land about the need for an experienced goalie has been old forever. What you need is a good and/or hot goalie.
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by CP2Devil on Mar 4, 2010 9:39 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Absolutely, well played sir. I’ve been thinking about this stupid “experienced goalie” crap for the last 24 hours. Cam Ward on line 1…
Considering that the entire NHL, all 30 teams, decided to stand pat with their goalie corps, I’m not terribly impressed.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Maybe I’m just slow this morning, but “not terribly impressed” by what?
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
With all the pundits banging on about Caps’ G. The entire League decided they liked what they had in goal, and nobody made a move. No moves = unhappy pundits.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
I’m not sure the entire league decided they liked what they had; I think in the case of CHI and PHI they realized they had no cap room and too many bad contracts to do anything they could stomach about it. But it is interesting that no goalies of import were moved.
Who was available? Just Turco and Vokoun, right? Turco ain’t all that good, and Vokoun would have cost a fortune and has a big cap number.
Not so surprising given those factors, for me.
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Biron and Roloson, to name two. Dan Ellis might’ve been.
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by Chris Burton on Mar 4, 2010 12:31 PM EST up reply actions
Manny Fernandez? I’m shocked nobody has at least given him an NHL minimum contract at this point.
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by Sombrero Guy on Mar 4, 2010 12:55 PM EST up reply actions
Might as well bring back Robert Esche, while you’re at it.
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by Chris Burton on Mar 4, 2010 12:56 PM EST up reply actions
The weak goalie press is starting to get annoying.
Three goalies….
.908
.914
.916
Gee.. yea those stats are just absolutely terrible :)
Gee.. yea those stats are just absolutely terrible :)I guess if the caps win the cup then it shouldn’t bother us because everyone who talked smack about goal tending will have to eat their words. And if we don’t win then they might be right.
Meh. Let the heads talk. They’ll talk about Chicago and Philly too. And funny, I haven’t seen Marty stand on his head a lot lately.
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Philly’s G situation deserves every bit of criticism it gets – they absolutely punted their season by not addressing it yesterday.
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They also got rolled by the Panthers last night. It honestly would not surprise me if the Flyers fell off the face of the earth standings-wise.
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They are too good a team to have that happen. They’ll give some top seeded EC team trouble in round one.
we're not gonna allow someone like Downie to go after him.
And leave them black and blue in the process. I hear the that the Flyers were trying to acquire Floyd Mayweather at the deadline as well.
erskine has scored...now i can die in peace
by souldrummer on Mar 4, 2010 10:06 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
David Booth punching Mike Richards made my night.
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I got the impression that Booth is going to be a while getting that one out of his system.
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I haven’t seen a Booth that fired up since John Wilkes got cornered in the Garrett Barn.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 4, 2010 10:15 AM EST up reply actions 7 recs
Well played. You are hereby entitled to one (1) rec.
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by The Ghost of Bebop on Mar 4, 2010 10:24 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
USA coulda used him. Stupid Mike Richards.
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by Sombrero Guy on Mar 4, 2010 10:30 AM EST up reply actions
I was thinking about that. Who do you take off the roster? After the fact it’s not so easy. I would have said Drury or Callahan, but those guys were real good for us. Maybe Pavelski? In hindsight I’d say the guy that needed to be replaced was Kessel, but there’s no way Team USA would have done that.
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 Mar 4, 2010 3:09 PM EST up reply actions
Word. He got a Gordie last night.
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by Scott in Shaw on Mar 4, 2010 2:28 PM EST up reply actions
It was barely a fight – they didn’t even take their damn visors off. That won’t be the last between those two, either.
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Did the guy who started it get an extra unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for his visor?
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Its not a requirement to take off your visor.
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by Chris Burton on Mar 4, 2010 12:27 PM EST up reply actions
It is if you are called as an instigator...
47.6 Face Protection – If a player penalized as an instigator of an altercation is wearing a face shield (including a goalkeeper), he shall be assessed an additional unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
Should the player (including a goalkeeper) who instigates the fight be wearing a face shield, but removes it before instigating the altercation, the additional unsportsmanlike conduct penalty shall not apply.
If no instigator penalty was called, then no face shield issues.
I need a snappy signature...
Didn’t realize Booth got an instigator?
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by Chris Burton on Mar 4, 2010 12:40 PM EST up reply actions
Additionally, though, I think you’re pretty wussy if you leave on your visor while your opponent is fighting no visor. Show some sportsmanship.
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by Chris Burton on Mar 4, 2010 12:41 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, but earlier in the year Ryan Kesler challenged Shea Weber to a fight, but didn’t take his windshield off. Weber hurt his knuckles on the plexiglass. Whooped his ass regardless, but still was uncool. There should be a rule there.
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by Chris Burton on Mar 4, 2010 12:44 PM EST up reply actions
Yes there should.
If you’re going to fight, the gloves, the helmet, etc. all need to come off, period. But that’s not how the rule is worded. Usually, if you get the instiagtor, you get the extra for the face shield; you can also be booted from the game if you instigate in the last five minutes or any time in regulation… that, however, does not apply here.
I am going to ask the NHLOA why the face shield rule only applies if the instigator is called.
I need a snappy signature...
Three things, Richards also had a shield, so I don’t know if that changes it.
They don’t want guys with visors starting an unfair fight with a guy that has no face protection.
If the NHL is worried about head injuries then what the fuck are they doing here? You want to encourage people to take their helmet off and put their head at risk so that guys don’t put their hands at risk when they willingly throw punches at a guy’s head? Hitting a helmet is worse than hitting a visor, for sure.
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 Mar 4, 2010 3:12 PM EST up reply actions
No instigator penalties were called. Just four fighting majors. So the face shield rule wouldn’t apply in this case.
I need a snappy signature...
OK, then I guess my statement stands.
They still should shed the headgear if they’re wearing windshields.
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by Chris Burton on Mar 4, 2010 12:43 PM EST up reply actions
Why would they want Floyd Mayweather? That pansy won’t throw a punch. On the other hand, he is a Grade AAA Douche Bag of a human. So you may be right.
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 Mar 4, 2010 3:08 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t get it.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
by Fehr and Balanced on Mar 4, 2010 6:45 PM EST up reply actions
Hopefully not us. Get the #9 seed Flyers. Thanks
They laughed at Columbus, they laughed at Fulton, they laughed at the Wright brothers. But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown.
Well, looks like if the playoffs were today we’d get the Bruins.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
epic mismatch
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by Chris Burton on Mar 4, 2010 11:14 AM EST up reply actions
Maybe this is asking for too much
1. Caps
2. Pens
3. Sens
4. Devils
5. Sabres
6. Rangers
7. Flyers
8. Tampa Bay
I guess theoretically Caps draw an easy match, the Pennsylvania teams go at it, Devils-Sabres will be tough too.
Ovechkin = Green Backs
by red army line on Mar 4, 2010 12:09 PM EST up reply actions
No Thrashers?
;)
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by Chris Burton on Mar 4, 2010 12:10 PM EST up reply actions
Tampa Bay is my dream first round matchup too. They’re going to try and outgun the Capitals and it will fail miserably. If that series went five I’d be surprised. Much better than facing Montreal.
I dunno, Tampa has played us tough this year. It could easily turn into a drawn-out series like against the Rags last year.
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by The Ghost of Bebop on Mar 4, 2010 12:18 PM EST up reply actions
Either Tampa Bay, Boston, or Atlanta. I really hope the Rangers don’t make the playoffs at all. They are far and away my least favorite team in the league.
GUTEN TAAAAAAAAAAAAG!
I'm hoping
Ottawa gets what the Caps did last season, have to play a defensive Rangers team then fail against an up-tempo skilled Pens squad.
Ovechkin = Green Backs
by red army line on Mar 4, 2010 12:30 PM EST up reply actions
If those are the seeds, I hope the Sens get upset. Then the Pens and Devils can play in round 2 and the Caps would get the upstart. That’s the best-case scenario in my book.
It might be best for us to through two traditional rivals this go round. I know we want a Cup at all costs. But we want to earn the maximum amount of respect around the league and silence the style/Ovie haters as well.
erskine has scored...now i can die in peace
I think if we can expect anything, it’s another Washington-Pittsburgh series (or at least Washington-Pennsylvania). Let the respect come another day.
Ovechkin = Green Backs
by red army line on Mar 4, 2010 1:14 PM EST up reply actions
I’d love nothing more, in theory, to run through PHI, PIT, and BUF/NJ/NYR in the playoffs, but more favorable matchups would increase the chances of going all the way and me not suffering cardiac arrest/committing violent crime.
I think I’d prefer to have a Cup now and go back for Pitt’s self-respect later. We’ll be here again.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
by gotsparkly on Mar 4, 2010 2:00 PM EST up reply actions 4 recs
I think part of it for me is I want to have no fear of the opposition. I don’t want to be thinking that we need less heralded opposition to make our way to the cup easier. I say bring on the best, expect the best but secretly dance in jubilation when the best are offed on their way to the dance.
erskine has scored...now i can die in peace
Just know that one way or another a winning team HAS to face the best competition unless a really “upsetty” scenario occurs (2006 comes to mind). I don’t think many people see the Caps and Pens missing each other this postseason, and the Eastern champ will probably get a tough draw in Chicago, San Jose, Detroit, etc (one of those teams).
Ovechkin = Green Backs
by red army line on Mar 4, 2010 2:07 PM EST up reply actions
Further, given Philly’s likely seed in the lower half of the bracket, assuming you consider them dangerous (and I do) I can’t see any way that the Caps can get out of the East without playing one of NJD, PIT, OTT, BUF or PHI.
But I would not be displeased at all of the 2, 3 and 4 seeds lost in the first round.
"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
No matter how you slice it, the Caps are going to have to play a dangerous opponent in the East, absent some sort of upset-a-thon in the first two rounds.
Given the respective talents of BUF, NJD, and PIT, they all have ways to beat you if things go wrong. So I don’t foresee any way that I personally will be free of all trepidation…
"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
Haha, we typed like the same thing within seconds.
Ovechkin = Green Backs
by red army line on Mar 4, 2010 2:09 PM EST up reply actions
Great minds, right?
"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
I want to have no fear of the opposition, and beating them on the way to the Cup is the only way to take it away, I agree. But I could care less what anyone says about ease of opponents if the Caps go to the promised land.
Because then
You can basically say “Suck it!” and point to an image of Ovechkin with a 30lb silver thingy over his head. They don’t ask how, they ask how many.
Ovechkin = Green Backs
by red army line on Mar 4, 2010 2:13 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t care either, mainly because no one in the East scares me anymore. I’d prefer to avoid Buffalo or Jersye due to style of play, but the Caps would still win series against those teams I believe. It’s the Sharks or Kings in the West that I fear from a matchup standpoint.
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Would re rather get Rags revisited? 7 days of Tortorella press conferences would be priceless.
erskine has scored...now i can die in peace
The only reason I enjoy it when our boys play the NYR. Other than that, I’m not a fan
Every time Nicky scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Mar 4, 2010 12:44 PM EST up reply actions
If that happens, I vote everyone brings a water bottle on a fishing pole to Game 1.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
Oh man, that would be awesome. Yeah, it’s hard to root against another Caps vs. Rags series in round one. How much danger are the Rags in if Gaborik misses significant time, though?
erskine has scored...now i can die in peace
Absent Gaborik, the Rangers are not so scary. They do, however, have that goalie…my ideal first round matchup would be Atlanta.
"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
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 4, 2010 8:42 AM EST up reply actions
ugghhh
Don’t remind me. That game put me to sleep till late in the 3rd.
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Marty’s allowed three or more in 12 of his last 17 appearances, seven of his last nine (and that doesn’t count the Olympics). I’m not seeing this as a blip. His finish last year wasn’t exactly “Brodeuresque” either.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Lots of miles on those tires…
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This season is probably the one were NJ fans will look back and say that’s when Marty’s downhill slide began. He’s still capable of throwing a shutout, but he’s also just as likely to let in three softies. NJ is not a team I would fear in the playoffs.
I think NJ would have a better shot if they’d find a decent backup and give Marty a break more often than they do. He’s no sprring chicken anymore and they need to save him for when it truly matters.
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I had thought this before (and I still think it is somewhat valid), but now I think his late season struggles have to do with more than just being overworked. He was more rested than he’ll ever be last year and still looked sub-par (for him) in the playoffs. Maybe he just isn’t the playoff stud he’s made out to be without the Scotts in front of him.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Mar 4, 2010 1:29 PM EST up reply actions
And his reflexes have slowed ever so slightly. Which is too much for a goalie. Especially one that stands up and challenges to the bitter end instead of playing percentages like a sissy in giant pads. I’ll give Brodeur credit for that, but he’s just not what he was.
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 Mar 4, 2010 3:16 PM EST up reply actions
What he’s been this year is inconsistent. When did you think you’d ever see that word associated with Marty? When he’s on, he’s still the best, but when he’s off, he’s as ordinary as they come.
"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."
His meltdown in the last minutes of game seven against Carolina last year was epic. But because he’s Marty, it was a team-wide collapse. If it was Theo, they’d have been ripping him from Washington to Winnipeg.
Yeah, if his last name had been Green instead of Brodeur, he wouldn’t have been on Team Canada, would he?
"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."
The more apt comparison would be Niedermeyer. Used to be amazing, now not bad but gets too much respect due to history. Sadly not the same as he used to be.
They laughed at Columbus, they laughed at Fulton, they laughed at the Wright brothers. But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown.
Nieds also played great in the playoffs last season, and he played pretty well in the Olympics. Green might’ve been able to play better, but Niedermayer wasn’t exactly horrible. I guess that goes to show that in stretches the players still have it.
Ovechkin = Green Backs
by red army line on Mar 4, 2010 12:10 PM EST up reply actions
But I’m also convinced that Special Nieds can’t hack it for 4 seven game series.
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 Mar 4, 2010 3:17 PM EST up reply actions
I’m selling on Nieds playing well in the Olympics. I was all about bringing him here before then, even with his bad game against us here. He just wasn’t good against teams with heavy forechecks (Swiss, USA), even though he can still make the passes and skate in a straight line. He damn near cost CAN the game in OT turning the puck over deep in his own end and got abused a couple of times by the higher skill players As F&B said, if it’d been Kane or Parise who got it instead of Pavelski, we might be talking about why Canada got the Silver on home ice.
It doesn’t help that he stacked a shitload of icetime onto those aging legs in the last few years anchoring the ANA blueline. I really think he’s done as a top-pair guy on a contending team.
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by Knee high to a duck on Mar 4, 2010 3:32 PM EST up reply actions
What he’s been this year is inconsistent.
Yup. Watch slo-mos of the goals that go in too. He still makes great saves and has a wonderful glove but if he would just butterfly normally instead of thinking every shooter is trying to play a chess match with him (seriously, most shooters really aren’t that smart) he could put another few seasons of solid play under his belt.
Anyway, that’s not going to happen so it’ll be interesting to see where stuff goes from here.
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
Yeah, I think his refusal to use the butterfly is starting to hurt him. His anticipation is still great, but when he was younger and quicker he could cover those low shots consistently without playing the percentages and using the butterfly. He is starting to get beat with soft goals way more often now that would be easy saves if he used the butterfly more.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Mar 4, 2010 1:32 PM EST up reply actions
I guess he should be happy though. In all likelyhood he avoided an extra major injury or two by not using the butterfly. At least, that’s what I’ve read.
Ovechkin = Green Backs
by red army line on Mar 4, 2010 1:59 PM EST up reply actions
I guess I should have known the goalies would have already covered this angle.
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 Mar 4, 2010 3:18 PM EST up reply actions
Marty’s getting close to the point where it would really benefit him to ‘Pedro Martinez’ or ‘Brett Favre’ his career. You know, miss most of training camp, in the case of someone like Martinez most of the first half of the season. Come in around the halfway point, ease into it a bit, so that he’s playing his best hockey come playoff time. If the Devil’s had a halfway decent number 2 they could pull that off.
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Mar 4, 2010 9:58 AM EST up reply actions
Didn’t help last year.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
by Fehr and Balanced on Mar 4, 2010 3:19 PM EST up reply actions
I think Marty’s downslide began way earlier than this year. He hasn’t had a great playoff performance since 2003.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Mar 4, 2010 1:33 PM EST up reply actions
This is why the Devils don’t entirely scare me. I was amazed when everyone was freaking out about them.
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They are still the NJD so until they fully collapse they’ll have the mystique.
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 Mar 4, 2010 3:19 PM EST up reply actions
And historically, this incarnation of the Caps doesn’t deal well with Lemaire defensive systems.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Mar 4, 2010 3:33 PM EST up reply actions
BTW, do you know who else has a .908 save percentage along with Theo? If you guessed MAF of the Penguins, you’d be right. Where is the talk of their weakness in goal? I know that winning a Cup covers all manners of sin, but the numbers don’t lie.
Also, why not talk about the Flyers and their goalie situation. No one seems to be raising a flag on their Leighton-Boucher tandem going into the playoffs.
by Gin and Tonic on Mar 4, 2010 8:37 AM EST up reply actions
Actually I hear a lot about the Flyers’ goalies from the MSM, just not from them…
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I think, in general, people aren’t talking about the Flyers G problems because no one expects a long run from them this spring
That’s what they say now. Earlier this season they were the Cup favorites.
by Gin and Tonic on Mar 4, 2010 8:47 AM EST up reply actions
In fairness, they have lost their #1 G. Say what you want about Emery, but he’s worlds better than what they’ve got left there.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 4, 2010 8:52 AM EST up reply actions
shouldve held on to Biron…stupid. can’t remember how that played out
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by ns on Mar 4, 2010 8:53 AM EST up reply actions
Should’ve held on to Niitty. WTH did they let him go again?
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Because they signed Emery and Boucher.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 4, 2010 8:55 AM EST up reply actions
wacky
Niitty/Biron > Emery/Boucher.
Holmgren is underratingly bad, if that makes sense. The ire goes to Tambellini, Sutter, and Sather, but all those NTCs and that Pronger deal look awful.
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I like him for the Coburn/Zhitnik deal, but I think that’s more on Waddell being a dummy than Holmgren doing anything “smart”.
The Briere contract is indefensible. Even at the time he signed it was completely stupid.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 4, 2010 8:59 AM EST up reply actions
The only thing saving him from dropping into the Sather category is his track record in the draft. His contract management has been horrid.
Yeah, trading Carlson for Eminger was a steal…
I don’t even think he’s that good in the draft. What’s saving him is that Coburn deal and the fact that he had a ridiculously underachieving team that year. So he got a great pick, got to sell a few players, and then had that talented team play like they should the next year. So everyone says “OMFG look at PHI worst to first GMPH must be teh Awesome!!!!!1” when really he just had a good team play like shit the year before and ripped off the worst GM in the game.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
by Fehr and Balanced on Mar 4, 2010 3:22 PM EST up reply actions
Pronger is looking old and slow and this is the last year of the ANA deal. We aren’t even into the PHI contract years. Bwahahaha.
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 Mar 4, 2010 5:17 PM EST up reply actions
Holy fuck. Just looked again. Pronger is on that cap for 6.25 until 2016-17! I really really really hope the new CBA doesn’t let these idiot GMs off the hook for all these bad contracts. I’ll be so pissed if they do.
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 Mar 4, 2010 5:18 PM EST up reply actions
Yup. PHI is outsmarting the whole league. We’re gonna feel like suckers soon!
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 Mar 4, 2010 5:33 PM EST up reply actions
(BTW, did you check out his PHI draft evaluation? He claims that PHI has done a solid job in the first round. Kinda ignores John Carlson and says that Downie is basically the same player as Oshie.)
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 Mar 4, 2010 5:34 PM EST up reply actions
L.M.A.O
Downie = Oshie??
I want what he smokes, cause, y’know, Mike Santorelli is Nick Backstrom.
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F&B, the only way you’re going to get me to read that piece of [Franceschetti] is if you engage him directly. i see only 12 comments, which means you clearly don’t care about your fans.
Hahaha. That’s some top notch goading. I called him out on his stupid GAA and ESS% argument but he ignored it. I’ll give it another shot at some point but I fear he may have moved on. (Just kidding, that guy doesn’t know how to back down. I’ll pick my spot and get him riled up. And I’m definitely throwing the Soapbox FanPost in his face at some point.)
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 Mar 4, 2010 5:46 PM EST up reply actions
yes, the “mario tell us how you’d do it” fanpost went sadly unanswered by huck. i must have checked in with that thing every other day for a week and a half before giving up.
Yeah man. I saw it and I must have glowed. Extremely disappointed how it turned out.
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 Mar 4, 2010 5:51 PM EST up reply actions
Biron priced himself out...
…of Philly. He was looking for a long-term, high-price deal, figuring he and Bulin were about the only two actual starters on the market. Problem was, Colorado went with Anderson, Philly went to Russia for Emery, and Biron got left out in the cold.
The guy the Flyers probably should have and could have resigned was Nitty, but I get the feeling he needed to start fresh somewhere else.
The Avs really struck gold with Anderson.
Niitty hasn’t been the full starter in Tampa, though. Mike Smith has gotten a lot of work.
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Niitty can’t really handle more than 55 starts a year. He falls apart if he does that.
Wasn’t he one of the big reasons that Philly was so bad in 06-07?
GUTEN TAAAAAAAAAAAAG!
He did win MVP in Turin, so he’d at the least be a good backup to have.
Ovechkin = Green Backs
by red army line on Mar 4, 2010 12:12 PM EST up reply actions
Holmgren is underratingly bad, if that makes sense.
The word you’re looking for is probably “over-rated.”
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 Mar 4, 2010 3:20 PM EST up reply actions
No, I think I meant what I said. He’s not really overrated. He’s just your run of the mill GM, when he should be in the same category as Glen Wade Redden Sather.
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Probably semantics, but if people think he’s average or good, and he’s really bad, then he’s over-rated. I think he gets waaaaaaaaaaay too much credit for the PHI “rebuild” from a few years back. Especially considering 2 of the 3 contracts he signed during that “rebuild” are killing him right now (Hartnell and Briere).
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 Mar 4, 2010 5:27 PM EST up reply actions
Either way I think we’re both saying the same thing.
I like Scott Hartnell’s play, but not enough to give him that deal, ever. And Briere….not to mention Pronger. I just don’t know how when you’re rebuilding you lock up players like DB and SH. Beats me.
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Exactly. I don’t mind the money for Hartnell, but he’s simply not the kind of guy you give a NMC. He’s not a core player, and they are the only ones you give a NMC (unless the deal is a real discount and like a two year term). The Briere deal is just bad.
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 Mar 4, 2010 5:32 PM EST up reply actions
The only two guys w/o NMCs are the guys that should have them (Richards/Carter) which is lame-ass managing.
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Eeeeeeeeexactly. I think Richards has one kick in later in the deal though (which is the only time they would conceivably want to move 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 Mar 4, 2010 5:47 PM EST up reply actions
Nitty was given every chance to be good there and be a starter. He just couldn’t get it done. He makes life hard for whatever tweener starter he is playing with and then disappears for the rest of the season.
Biron went down hill fast…Emery wasn’t really a horrible choice. If I were them I would have looked at asking Many Fernadez to come take a look at the team a weak ago though.
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
UFA. Didn’t re-sign him or Nitty.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 4, 2010 8:54 AM EST up reply actions
MAF has a Cup. He’s been to the Finals twice in the last two years. Frankly, to compare what can be fairly expected of him and Theo in the post-season is insulting to Fleury, regardless of what their respective regular season numbers so far this season say.
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That save he made in Game 7 last year is enough to deflect my criticism.
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I acknowledged that he had the Cup. What I’m saying is that you don’t necessarily need a “lights-out” goalie to win one.
by Gin and Tonic on Mar 4, 2010 8:48 AM EST up reply actions
Definitely true. But Jose’s post-lockout playoff stats? 8-12-0/3.14/.899. Not good (and not necessarily wholly applicable to this playoff season, but worth noting).
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Neither is his Vezina and Hart. It’s all in the past. Just like MAF’s Cup. That’s all I’m saying.
by Gin and Tonic on Mar 4, 2010 8:56 AM EST up reply actions
Right, but MAF has shown in each of the past two seasons that he can get his team out of the Conference in the playoffs. That’s a heck of a lot more relevant than a couple of pre-lockout awards.
Question: if you could have Theo or Fleury (but not Theo Fleury) right now for this one playoff run for the Caps, who would you pick?
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Theo Fleury.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 4, 2010 9:00 AM EST up reply actions
Jesus
Can you imagine Fleury on the same team as Green and Ovie?
They’d have to get chaperones for all of them…
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And Ott and Carcillo
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 4, 2010 9:21 AM EST up reply actions
MAF, of course. But I’m basing that on his age, reflexes, and athleticism.
But there have been a number of Cup-winning goalies in recent years that aren’t what one would call stellar.
My point is that any perceived weakness we have in net is overblown.
by Gin and Tonic on Mar 4, 2010 9:07 AM EST up reply actions
Didn’t know that was the point, but it’s one with which I agree.
I also think that we’re talking about Bruce’s #2 goalie, but that’s neither here nor there.
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Sorry if I wasn’t clear on the point I was trying to make – which is that having an outstanding goalie is not a guarantee of winning the Cup. And no matter what, the past is part.
As far as the Theo-Varly situation, from your lips to God’s ears.
by Gin and Tonic on Mar 4, 2010 9:19 AM EST up reply actions
Could it be that some of these goalies play better in tighter games and concentrate more in tighter games and struggle more in fire wagon higher penalty games in the playoffs? There’s room for some stats on differences in save percentage of some famous playoff clutch goalies and how there regular season performance differs from their playoff percentages.
erskine has scored...now i can die in peace
On a side note.. everyone with a keyboard and an Internet connection seems to keep perpetuating the idea that Bruce has to make this “big decision” about who to ride in the playoffs.
Having them go at each other, competing for #1 during the regular season seems to be working to push them… I don’t see why we can’t keep swapping goalies in and out during the playoffs. It will keep the opposing team on their heels and will keep all our goalies fresh.
but if one gets hot, you have to follow him to the promise land. That is what the next 19 games are for, who gets hot at the right time. My money is on Varly.
Forget about finding your perfect match, I want a website where you can find your perfect arch-nemesis
by Lunatic Fringe on Mar 4, 2010 8:41 AM EST up reply actions
Theo’s done nothing to cost himself the job. I go with him until he shows he’s not getting the job done.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 4, 2010 8:43 AM EST up reply actions
What if Theo keeps getting the job done, but Varlamov just keeps getting it done better. Let’s say BB gives them alternating starts, and every start Theo looks sharp, but every start Varlamov looks a bit sharper, and lets in one fewer goal than Theo let in. At some point don’t you have to hand it to Varlamov?
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 Mar 4, 2010 3:27 PM EST up reply actions
Because swapping out goalies means the one swapped out didn’t get the job done, and a couple of those swaps means you’re cooked.
Bruce will ride the hot hand, but I have an extraordinarily hard time believing that if Varly is healthy and not letting in four per game it won’t be him. Not saying Jose (or even Neuvi) might not deserve a fair shot, but I don’t think either will truly get one.
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I remember after game 1 vs the rangers.. all the talk on the red line back north was everyone saying how “There’s no way Bruce would put in Varly.. We’ll live or die by Theo”.
I think Bruce is gonna’ be a little more unpredictable during the playoffs
I think the Game 2 starter told you everything you need to know about Bruce’s faith in Theo. It’s really just my gut feeling, but if Varly is playable, I think Bruce plays him, almost regardless of how Theo is playing (and if Theo is the #1, I don’t expect a long leash at all).
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Well regardless of who starts… I have a feeling that if we go 16+ games I got a feeling that Jose will probably see his share of games
If there's no clear cut starter by Round 1
Maybe we could see a rotation in the first round (unless the draw is one of BUF, NJD, PHI, OTT, or PIT). That’s my hunch. Then ride the hot hand from there.
But this time Bruce, please give Varly a break. Especially if the league schedules another back-to-back with travel.
Ovechkin = Green Backs
by red army line on Mar 4, 2010 12:16 PM EST up reply actions
But I think its a much different situation than last year, in pretty much all respects. The team is a lot better, and Theo hasn’t had too many “meltdown” games like he had last year.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 4, 2010 8:53 AM EST up reply actions
Yep. Agreed. I’m just not sure Bruce is “there” yet and not sure he won’t have flashbacks the next time a softy goes in. Just my gut feeling, like I said.
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Me too. If Varly comes on in these last 20 games and plays like he did in his first 15, my money says he goes with Semyon no matter how Theo plays.
They would be like the size of Pekka Rinne.
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Jagr knocked on his ass by 8 was much better.
"First Lady, I'm sorry I pimp slapped you into that china cabinet."
by Bald Pollack on Mar 4, 2010 9:24 AM EST up reply actions 5 recs
well played
rec’d
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If Jagr had 8 asses.. they fall wouldn’t have hurt as much. In fact he might have bounced back up off the ice into the rush.
And Michael Farber would be in fits of ecstasy.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
by gotsparkly on Mar 4, 2010 9:30 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Thelarmov? Varladore?
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 4, 2010 9:19 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Varladore
money
If you want to survive out here, you've got to know where your towel is.
by ns on Mar 4, 2010 9:20 AM EST up reply actions
That sounds a lot like the Name Which Will Not Be Mentioned.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 4, 2010 9:22 AM EST up reply actions
Hahaha, my thoughts exactly.
Every time Nicky scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Mar 4, 2010 12:00 PM EST up reply actions
a little lost =/
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by ns on Mar 4, 2010 12:07 PM EST up reply actions
Doesn’t the vast majority of people?
If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys.
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um, no
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by Chris Burton on Mar 4, 2010 12:54 PM EST up reply actions
I’m going to go out on a limb here and say you watched Twilight?
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by Chris Burton on Mar 4, 2010 12:54 PM EST up reply actions
Some snark there. But I actually haven’t seen any Harry Potter movies and bailed on the series after the 4th book.
erskine has scored...now i can die in peace
The rest are good; 5 is a bit of a slog, but 6 is very good, and 7 is one of the best things I’ve read in a long time…
I need a snappy signature...
Loved, loved 7th HP. Didn’t watch movies, and refuse to go anymore off topic here at the risk of incurring JP wrath.
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by Chris Burton on Mar 4, 2010 12:58 PM EST up reply actions
Was a YMCA day camp (basically day care but with sports and games) counselor one summer during college. One of the kids begged me to read her copy of Harry Potter on a field trip. I begrudgingly read the first 100 pages or so, asked if I could borrow it, got hooked, finished it late that night and bought all 4 books that were out to date in hard back. They’re not works of literary brilliance, but fun and kinda of made me feel like a kid again.
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 Mar 4, 2010 12:58 PM EST up reply actions
oooooooooh. rainbooooows (southpark reference).
If you want to survive out here, you've got to know where your towel is.
by ns on Mar 4, 2010 1:58 PM EST up reply actions
I’d settle for Neuvi’s glove on Varly’s arm.
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by J.P. on Mar 4, 2010 9:19 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
To that, I’d add Neuvi’s rebound control on Varly’s chest/legs.
There's a fine line between arrogance and ignorance and only I manage to erase that line.
And Bjork’s childlike sense of wonder.
There's a fine line between arrogance and ignorance and only I manage to erase that line.
Oh, he’d be an international playa, alright.
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GMGM is probably too busy trying to combine Fehr and Flash into Fehrmann.
"Ah, dinner. The perfect break between work and drunk." - Homer Simpson
Fehrmann sounds like he should be commanding Panzers on the Eastern Front
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 4, 2010 9:29 AM EST up reply actions
I don’t want Theo mixed into Varly in annnyyyyy way.
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
Seriously. He’s been with Paris Hilton.
Game-Over Green? Canada-Over Carlson!
by Scott in Shaw on Mar 4, 2010 2:39 PM EST up reply actions
Yup. Last year it was all about Varly, and one of the big reasons the Pens Game 7 was such a disaster was IMO because he was completely zonked at that point. Hopefully 1) we don’t go 7 games in Round 1 (duh), but more importantly 2) BB will be able to confidently trade Varly and Theo in and out to keep them both fresh.
Every time Nicky scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Mar 4, 2010 11:59 AM EST up reply actions
Agree completely. Remember at some point there were back-to-back games (something to do with Yani) and Varly played both. His performance became weaker with each game. Not good goalie management by Bruce (in retrospect).
Not even retrospect, plenty of people were worried at the time and thought Theo should have gotten one of the starts.
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 Mar 4, 2010 3:30 PM EST up reply actions
I would be a lot more confortable starting Varly in the playoffs and if need be bring in Theo vs. the other way around.
Forget about finding your perfect match, I want a website where you can find your perfect arch-nemesis
by Lunatic Fringe on Mar 4, 2010 8:48 AM EST up reply actions
Varly’s first home start tonight in nearly 3 months. Gulp.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
and the stupid Ryan Malone ( go usa ) who put him out for 3 those three months. Triple gulp.
"the other day on sportscenter they said something along the lines of "the capitals score so much tiger woods is jealous" haha had me laughing hard while i was eating my cereal"
i am still blown away by Stamkos’s success.
If you want to survive out here, you've got to know where your towel is.
by ns on Mar 4, 2010 9:12 AM EST up reply actions
Me too. Even though they’re in our own division I hope TB starts getting back to kicking ass overall
Plus the caps will get more respect if we finally have another descent team in the division again. If it’s going to be anyone I’d rather it be TB
agree with this. Caps need competition and real rivalry inside the division. Imagine the horror that would have accompanied some of the deals had it been Rangers/Islanders trades going down instead of Caps/Hurricanes deals at the deadline. If we’re going to see these squads so many times a year it would be nice if the stakes were high. Of course, things have gotten a bit chippy with TB in some of the games this year.
erskine has scored...now i can die in peace
It doesn’t happen because they don’t play playoff serieseseses against those teams. Back in the day when you had the Divisional playoffs…THAT was where the real rivalries came from
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 4, 2010 10:23 AM EST up reply actions
It is kind of double edged sword. It’s good that we’ve gotten a chance to earn some playoff cred and experience against the Flyers and the Rangers but we miss some of the necessary loathing for a southeast division brethren. Are you happy with being in the Southeast or would you like to see us in a more traditional division and Nashville in the Southeast?
erskine has scored...now i can die in peace
Traditional. No doubt. Just from an entertainment perspective.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 4, 2010 10:41 AM EST up reply actions
Saying your ahead of the Flyers, Rangers, Devils, and Pens in your division just has more zing.
erskine has scored...now i can die in peace
Not to mention just getting more jazzed up when they come to town. And the teams are usually better.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 4, 2010 11:02 AM EST up reply actions
They traded their Jew. They’re nothing. Bring ’em on.
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by J.P. on Mar 4, 2010 9:11 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
They should have gotten Matheiu Schneider to replace him.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 4, 2010 9:11 AM EST up reply actions
I find it hard to believe he’s only played for 9 different teams…seems like a lot more.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 4, 2010 9:13 AM EST up reply actions
Related: the Kings have now had Halpy, Schneider and Cammalleri, the NHL’s three most prominent Tribesmen. Further proof, of course, that Jews own Hollywood.
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by J.P. on Mar 4, 2010 9:20 AM EST up reply actions 5 recs
who’s the best to have played in the NHL from your tribe?
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by ns on Mar 4, 2010 9:21 AM EST up reply actions
Jussi Markkanen.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 4, 2010 9:23 AM EST up reply actions
Wayne Gretzkyberg.
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by J.P. on Mar 4, 2010 9:23 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
And why Inglourious Basterds will win Best Picture.
"First Lady, I'm sorry I pimp slapped you into that china cabinet."
Gringo?
Who was insulting Sephardic Jews?
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 4, 2010 9:27 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah that doesn’t make a lot of sense.
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
Sephardic Jews speak Spanish.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 4, 2010 10:37 AM EST up reply actions
I meant Brains statement not yours.
All North American jews are gringos. =]
Sephardic jews also speak french, Hebrew, english, Portuguese, and Arabic.
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
Depends on where they are in the world.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 4, 2010 10:49 AM EST up reply actions
Is Ryan Kessler Jewish?
Big debate in our house use during the Olympics
by Direction 87 on Mar 4, 2010 10:38 AM EST up reply actions
I agree with J.P. on this. The organization is more committed to Varly at this point. You want to hit a home run in goal. Theo can be good. Varly might be great if he puts it all together. Theo has to win the gig. Varly can tie and make it in my opinion because he’s gaining experience for future Cup runs as well as helping us in the present.
erskine has scored...now i can die in peace
How do you do that double post trick?
How do you do that double post trick?
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 Mar 4, 2010 3:07 PM EST up reply actions
YES!
Just found out i’m going to tonight’s game!!
Driver and head Muckety-Muck of The Pavel Kubina Bandwagon
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LORD PALMERSTON!!
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 4, 2010 9:23 AM EST reply actions
Oh, I think the fans will throw them a warm welcome, although I’d like to ask the former Canes how it feels to have that crowd on their side for a change.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
Email Steinberg, I’m sure that’s a question he would ask.
"Inglewood Jack! Inglewood Jack!" - Coach Jules
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Mar 4, 2010 10:44 AM EST up reply actions
A video intro would be really nice. I think the fans will love the new guys — unless Chimmer has to be a healthy scratch in which case I will not.
GMGM was on Elliot this AM and said he expects Corvo to play because he knows Bruce’s system, but thinks they’ll give the other guys a couple days of practice to learn before throwing them out there.
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 Mar 4, 2010 10:17 AM EST up reply actions
Wait… how the hell are these guys going to learn Bruce’s system in a couple of days? I thought it was so difficult to learn that you had to re-sign guys like Tyler Sloan because they already know it.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 4, 2010 10:20 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
Tyler Sloan is the teaching tool during all of the practices. Don’t do what he does or you’ll end up in the press box getting nachos for Ovie.
erskine has scored...now i can die in peace
or Nick will unleash a smakedown on you.
If you want to survive out here, you've got to know where your towel is.
by ns on Mar 4, 2010 10:30 AM EST up reply actions
Don’t Do What Donny Don’t Does.
Driver and head Muckety-Muck of The Pavel Kubina Bandwagon
XBox Live: Oinkvechkin
LORD PALMERSTON!!
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 4, 2010 10:30 AM EST up reply actions
guess part of the reason Belanger is delayed is because of the success of the 4th line last night as well. All Gordo, Steckel and Brads all deserved to return for an encore tonight.
erskine has scored...now i can die in peace
What’s that have to do with him centering the 3rd line?
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
Maybe you’d consider scratching Steckel and slowly working in Belanger from the bottom but the chemistry of the 4th line was solid and you don’t want to punish guys after what he felt was their “best in 10 games”. Who would we have scratched if we put Belanger in tonight?
erskine has scored...now i can die in peace
I think Steckel is this teams 4th line center. I think they scratch Fehr or Gordon to start off with.
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
Never mind, I guess I’m wrong. Corry just tweeted they are sitting Stecks. I don’t like that, esp, against tampa.
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
Where would they play Belanger if they are sitting Fehr or Gordon?
erskine has scored...now i can die in peace
Haha, He’s the 3rd line center. Is this like a who’s on first thing?
8 – 19 – 22
28 – 9 – 21
16- 18 – 14
245 – 39 – 10
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
Why is Steckel sitting? The only reason might be that he got nicked last night. He played pretty well.
Then again, being able to rest some folks in a back-to-back situation, where they’re playing every other day for 9 straight game isn’t a bad thing.
Let's go Caps!
Guess that they want to play gordo at 4th line center after that blistering EN goal.
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
He played well, so did Stecks. The two of them get thrown back and fourth on the 4th line center position a lot so it’s not that big of a deal. I just think Steckel is a much better center. (And it’s tampa! Stecks owns this team =-)
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
This is a great problem to have. Our 4th line is playing so well we don’t know who to sit!
"Now wait a minute. This is just purely a social call. You know, just two adults getting a stew on, man."
If you're tired and want to take a nap, check out my graduate research blog! https://digitalcommons.georgetown.edu/blogs/jmc333/
by The Ghost of Bebop on Mar 4, 2010 11:29 AM EST up reply actions
Only saw the third last night, and Stecks looked fine. But he’s struggled to put points on the board this year, and has none against TBL this season. Sitting him is probably a bit of a message, and I think it makes sense from a performance standpoint.
"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
I don’t think Chimera is going to lose his line up spot with the players brought in. The only player who competes directly with him is Walker. I suspect Walker moved into the 4th line, bumping Gordo once he gets the system down.
Let's go Caps!
To me Chimera really deserves to keep his spot. I like his game a lot. Speed and forecheck, speed and forecheck. Those are attributes that stay consistent over the playoffs. Liked how he earned his goal last night as well. Seeing the Caps find a way to beat Miller in that environment last night was very encouraging after the performances immediately before the break.
erskine has scored...now i can die in peace
It’s gonna take me a bit to get used to three new numbers on the ice. 18, 24 and 77, right?
I have a C on my heart.
Corvo wasn’t 77 in Carolina, was he? Old number taken?
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he was 77 there as well
If you want to survive out here, you've got to know where your towel is.
by ns on Mar 4, 2010 9:35 AM EST up reply actions
ok
Must’ve been his Ottawa number I’m confused with. I like those Canes 3rds…
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Wallin had 7 when he was there, correct?
Driver and head Muckety-Muck of The Pavel Kubina Bandwagon
XBox Live: Oinkvechkin
LORD PALMERSTON!!
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 4, 2010 9:55 AM EST up reply actions
believe so
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Speaking of which, I’m pretty sure the Sharks overpaid for him.
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Maybe slightly. It evened out to a 3/4 rounder the way I look at it. I liked the move for the Sharks after realizing how think the Sharks blueline is. I think teams were more willing to part with picks this year due to a combo of teams finally understanding cap implications and that the 2010 draft appears to be fairly weak as drafts go.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
And the weak draft is why all the 2s moved. Everyone knows they really only have one shot at an impact player, and that’s the first round. They won’t give that up this year.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
by Fehr and Balanced on Mar 4, 2010 3:41 PM EST up reply actions
BP, surprised no one has commented on this yet but I smirked when I saw your sig juxtaposed with that picture.
I didn’t plan it, but I’ll take it.
"First Lady, I'm sorry I pimp slapped you into that china cabinet."
by Bald Pollack on Mar 4, 2010 11:37 AM EST up reply actions
Numeric Irony...
Did you know that Corvo, when he skates out with 77 on his back will be the first Cap to do so since Adam Oates. The irony is that Adam Oates will be on hand to witness this, as he is an assistant coach with the Lightning…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Caps on Mar 4, 2010 12:08 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
could be the best center we ever had, but AOates was a total douchenozzle when we brought in Trevor Linden.
Driving under the influence of hockey since godknow's when.
Linden. Boy did that guy suck in a Caps uni.
I’ve forgotten what Oates said about Linden, actually.
"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
Linden had a lot of personal issues going on at the time he was traded here that were outside of hockey, related to family (I think it was his wife’s mother was having a medical issues at the time in Vancouver). He told GMGM that if he wasn’t traded to the Canucks that he’d have to retire…
Let's go Caps!
Scott Walker = Esa Tikkanen
Tikkanen was a classic rental in 98 and his role as a gritty pest helped propel us to the Cup. Does anyone know if Walker speaks Finnish?
"Hey, atta dinnin stick a who!"
Does anyone know if Walker can put a puck into an empty net from ten feet away?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 4, 2010 9:40 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
I can confirm that.
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Aaron Ward can confirm Walker’s shot accuracy near the net.
"First Lady, I'm sorry I pimp slapped you into that china cabinet."
by Bald Pollack on Mar 4, 2010 9:46 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
I had a Tikkanen flashback last night when Knuble missed that open net. Let’s hope he’s got that out of his system.
Maybe it was the booze, but I thought he was trying to get to AO with a pass there.
"First Lady, I'm sorry I pimp slapped you into that china cabinet."
I think he was looking to give it to Ovi when he was at the blueline. I don’t think Mike gets too many breakaways cause he sure looked confused on that one.
“Wait. This doesn’t look like my office…”
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
“Holy crap, a breakaway, how does one score when they can’t use their ass?”
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Mar 4, 2010 10:04 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
“…Doesn’t even look like the bakery…”
Ovechkin = Green Backs
by red army line on Mar 4, 2010 12:20 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Gads...
Helluva year Ward has had.
First he gets sucker punched by Walker in the playoffs, and Walker goes on to score a series clincher.
Then he is at the Winter Classic announcement representing the Bruins and he mentiones how hyped he is to be part of it.
Then he is traded to Carolina to be a teammate of Walkers before said Winter Classic.
And then he is traded again to Anaheim….
At least now he has a shot at the postseason, but still…
Let's go Caps!
REC’D!!!!
Oh, Tikk…
"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
Haha, very true, but Finnish and gibberish are virtually interchangeable, not to mention Tikkanese is like 70% Finnish (best guess).
"Hey, atta dinnin stick a who!"
It’s never the wrong time to link to this:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/capitals/longterm/1998/stanleycup/finals/tikkan09.htm
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Mar 4, 2010 10:51 AM EST up reply actions
Wait, there's a game tonight?
Anyone else think this game sets up badly for us tonight? We’re on the back end of a back-to-back, with a bunch of new bodies. Tampa Bay didn’t make major moves, and had a day off yesterday. Plus we have problems with Tampa this year for some reason.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
Not worried.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 4, 2010 9:40 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I’m worried that you didn’t know that there was a game tonight.
by Battenburg Baron on Mar 4, 2010 9:41 AM EST up reply actions
not worried. the boys will be pumped to be playing in front of the red faithful again.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
The Blood Cult of Matt Bradley. Tune in Wednesday when Japers Rink offers their first burnt offering to Matt Bradley to give him an endless supply of the blood for his strident ways.
I wonder, does that promotion continue in the playoffs?
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
Only if Detroit comes out of the West.
Driver and head Muckety-Muck of The Pavel Kubina Bandwagon
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LORD PALMERSTON!!
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 4, 2010 10:35 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I thought we wanted a stay at home defenseman and responsible 3C?
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 Mar 4, 2010 10:55 AM EST up reply actions
Anyone else wondering whether Carlson gets sent back down? Last night, at least early, he looked like a guy who was told he may have an opportunity if he showed the game he has in Hershey (with the end to end rush and otherwise looking more active than he has in the past). I’d be very happy if he is given a hard look down the stretch for potential playoff ice time.
Of course, right about now will come the press release saying he’s been returned to Hershey.
IIRC – they said they cant send anyone down…
"the other day on sportscenter they said something along the lines of "the capitals score so much tiger woods is jealous" haha had me laughing hard while i was eating my cereal"
why not?
There’s no roster limit now, btw.
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was a comment i heard bruce say on the interview regarding the trades…
"the other day on sportscenter they said something along the lines of "the capitals score so much tiger woods is jealous" haha had me laughing hard while i was eating my cereal"
No, they don’t have to send anyone down, but they can. Dunno what Bruce was talking about, but I did hear him say something similar.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Carlson will likely not be allowed to play more than 10 games, so as to avoid his contract clock starting up.
There's a fine line between arrogance and ignorance and only I manage to erase that line.
If the Caps think he’s one of their 6 best Dmen, I don’t think they worry about the clock this time around.
I don’t think playoff games count.
Carlson has now played in 8 games. I’m betting that he plays in two or fewer the rest of the regular season. There is absolutely no reason to lose him to free agency a full year earlier for a couple of games where he’ll be a #4 defenseman at best.
I really hope GMGM isn’t that freaking stupid.
There's a fine line between arrogance and ignorance and only I manage to erase that line.
by D'ohboy on Mar 4, 2010 10:01 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I think it would be equally stupid to send him down with expectations that with 8 games under his belt in the NHL, he’ll actually be helpful in the playoffs. So if they think he’ll be a top 6 guy in the playoffs, he needs to be here playing in the NHL. Maybe they don’t — personally I would rather have him than Erskine and not sure how much you can count on Juice right now.
The marginal benefit of Carlson skating 15 mins/night versus the marginal cost of him needing a new contract a full year earlier simply isn’t worth the extra 5-10 games of NHL time he’d get in.
After acquiring Corvo and Jurcina, Carlson does not project to get lots of ice time. Moreover, if the Caps are desperate, they can call up Alzner instead.
Put simply, burning a whole contract year and pushing into free agency a full year earlier just because you think he needs a little more seasoning before a playoff run where he would see minimal ice time at best is just monumentally stupid.
If GMGM did that and I were Ted, I’d fire his ass.
There's a fine line between arrogance and ignorance and only I manage to erase that line.
And if GMGM had any inclination to play the rookies so they take their lumps in time for the playoffs, he would have done it much earlier in the year. Not down the homestretch.
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 Mar 4, 2010 4:09 PM EST up reply actions
This echoes the entire Alzner arguments all year.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
by Fehr and Balanced on Mar 4, 2010 4:09 PM EST up reply actions
I thought that only counted if they were in juniors. Since he’s playing in the AHL, that doesn’t matter.
I think.
Different rule. If a player is still eligible to play in Juniors (as Carlson is), but is playing in the AHL, then his contract and FA clocks only “start” if he plays more than 10 NHL games during the regular season.
There's a fine line between arrogance and ignorance and only I manage to erase that line.
I think he said you can’t waive anyone but Carlson wouldn’t need to be waived. And teams are allowed a certain number of recalls (4?) and I think emergency recalls on top of that. Just going by what (I think) I heard yesterday.
Right – 4 non-emergency recalls until Hershey is out of the playoffs, IIRC.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Hershey’s not out of the playoffs anytime soon, methinks.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Something about chicken-counting and such, but yeah.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Do the top 8 make the dance in the AHL? I can never remember, and just started keeping close tabs on our farms this year.
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I know there is a certain amount of recalls you’re allowed now, because the Preds almost got in trouble with that last year.
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It’s 4 non-emergency recalls until the AHL affiliate’s season is done.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Limited Hershey re-calls though…4 for the rest of the year right?
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 Mar 4, 2010 10:19 AM EST up reply actions
looks up, and realizes he should have continued reading before posting
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 Mar 4, 2010 10:20 AM EST up reply actions
I thought Carlson looked very good last night, but I don’t see him sticking this season. The Caps are going to want experience going into the playoffs.
"Now wait a minute. This is just purely a social call. You know, just two adults getting a stew on, man."
If you're tired and want to take a nap, check out my graduate research blog! https://digitalcommons.georgetown.edu/blogs/jmc333/
by The Ghost of Bebop on Mar 4, 2010 9:47 AM EST up reply actions
even as part of a bottom pair? i would have agreed if Juice was healthy, but he’s out rest of the regular season.
Erskine is tougher but is so f’in slow. unless he replicates last year’s playoff performance, which i doubt, i can see Carlson getting time.
If you want to survive out here, you've got to know where your towel is.
by ns on Mar 4, 2010 9:50 AM EST up reply actions
I rarely scream at my TV, but Erskine’s play last night nearly destroyed my vocal chords.
Driver and head Muckety-Muck of The Pavel Kubina Bandwagon
XBox Live: Oinkvechkin
LORD PALMERSTON!!
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 4, 2010 10:01 AM EST up reply actions
So no Carlson
But Alzner instead maybe, to be a 5/6 guy?
Ovechkin = Green Backs
by red army line on Mar 4, 2010 12:22 PM EST up reply actions
AWKWARD!!!
Walker pummeled Brads last year.
Belanger nearly killed Chimera last year.
Corvo missed 20+ games from an "accidental" meeting with Alzner’s skate blade.
Jurcina was caste away to purgatory in Columbus for two months, only to be brought back to salvation.
"Hey, atta dinnin stick a who!"
they’re professionals who understand the opportunity they have on this team. i hope.
If you want to survive out here, you've got to know where your towel is.
by ns on Mar 4, 2010 9:50 AM EST up reply actions
These things happen all the time. Guys wind up on team with guys they’ve had run ins with on the ice. These guys are pros. Hell I’ve seen guys get into a fight and then go out to dinner after the game. Corvo thing was a freak accident. Juice couldn’t be happier.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
Yeah. Remember that the first thing Chimmer did when he got off the plane in Washington is seek out Ovechkin and straighten things out. That’s how it goes. They’re all professionals and this is the best shot some of them have ever seen at a Stanley Cup ring. They’ll work it out.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
Chimera was playing hard and going at Ovechkin. If a team wants to beat the Caps, that is what they must do. If they don’t, they might as well stay on the bus.
Let's go Caps!
And I’m sure that’s part of the reason GMGM liked what he saw in Chimera.
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 Mar 4, 2010 4:13 PM EST up reply actions
Why is accidental in quotes? Did you see the play?
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 Mar 4, 2010 4:12 PM EST up reply actions
Weak Column by Dupont
Very disappointing effort from one of my favorite hockey writers. Filled with half-baked ideas, rumors and cliches. Yuck.
There's a fine line between arrogance and ignorance and only I manage to erase that line.
But he gives the Hart to AO on page 2!
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I didn’t even get that far – it was that bad. Usually, I click through all seven pages of his stuff in the Globe (or whatever the hell he writes for now).
There's a fine line between arrogance and ignorance and only I manage to erase that line.
Agreed – I generally love KPD. This one, though, was out of character.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I don’t attach much to it. He was just wrong, that’s all. It happens.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Mr. Nasty and Captain America
Did anyone else get a warm, fuzzy feeling watching that sequence in the second period (I believe) where in a span of a minute, Schultzy poke-checked the puck away from Roy (twice) and Vanek, without so much as shuffling his feet?
Also, did anyone else get excited watching Carlson whip behind the net, then charge down the ice like a bull in Pamplona? . . . Thing of freaking beauty, along with his hard, fast, and accurate point shots.
There's a fine line between arrogance and ignorance and only I manage to erase that line.
Definitely. Carlson is going to be so much fun to watch as he develops.
"Now wait a minute. This is just purely a social call. You know, just two adults getting a stew on, man."
If you're tired and want to take a nap, check out my graduate research blog! https://digitalcommons.georgetown.edu/blogs/jmc333/
by The Ghost of Bebop on Mar 4, 2010 9:49 AM EST up reply actions
I was expecting Carlson to score on a no-look shot on that play. He disappointed me.
"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."
It was a no-look pass instead. If they hadn’t over-passed that play, Carlson was zooming straight at the net as either a screen or as a garbage collector.
by DrinkingPartner on Mar 4, 2010 10:55 AM EST up reply actions
would the trade for juice not be stopped by the league as hes technically injured?
I've often thought of becoming a golf club
by Caps Canadian Connection on Mar 4, 2010 9:53 AM EST reply actions
I don’t think in this case — it’s not like one team was trying make a move based on ulterior motives.
"I am ready for his provocations"
by PaintDrinkingPete on Mar 4, 2010 10:04 AM EST up reply actions
And no cap circumventing going on.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
Well, that would be the primary “ulterior motive” I was getting at…
But yeah, the Jurcina deal seems A-OK.
"I am ready for his provocations"
by PaintDrinkingPete on Mar 4, 2010 10:05 AM EST up reply actions
nice
I've often thought of becoming a golf club
by Caps Canadian Connection on Mar 4, 2010 10:19 AM EST up reply actions
If McKenzie knows that the injury is a sports hernia (as opposed to a lower-body injury) then it is also likely the Caps knew about it in advance of the trade. Considering they paid a very low price to get him back (vs. what they paid to get him the first time) they knew in advance.
Let's go Caps!
I think it was on CSN last night that said the pick back to Columbus is conditional based on the number of games played by Jurcina. I’m quite sure Washington was well aware of the injury.
Possibly no pick at all I think, unless Juice reaches a certain number of regular season games played. Basically the caps took on his salary for the regular season and will have him available for the playoffs.
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 Mar 4, 2010 11:45 AM EST up reply actions
Get your money for nothing, your Juice for free.
"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 Mar 4, 2010 11:48 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I hate my, I hate my, I hate my Tom Poti.
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 Mar 4, 2010 4:17 PM EST up reply actions
yeah, buddy, that’s his own hair?
"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
That little [guy] is a millionaire.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Mar 4, 2010 4:50 PM EST up reply actions
No, he gets his full salary I believe. He doesn’t count against the cap if he’s on Long Term IR.
"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
I had a sports hernia repaired in sept. I was able to skate and play again in 6 weeks.
"the other day on sportscenter they said something along the lines of "the capitals score so much tiger woods is jealous" haha had me laughing hard while i was eating my cereal"
Yeah but you’re 100% pure pimp.
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 Mar 4, 2010 4:17 PM EST up reply actions
The Caps definitely knew about it. If CBJ tried to fleece the Caps the Caps would have just vetoed the deal after Juice took his physical. That’s a condition on all these player trades that is usually a formality, but it prevents teams from hiding injuries. I think it’s also a conditional pick based on games played, so GMGM knew exactly what was up.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
by Fehr and Balanced on Mar 4, 2010 4:16 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t remember where it was, but I distinctly remember GMGM speaking to fans and saying he will not make a deal unless the player takes a physical. if the other team refuses, he’ll nix the whole thing.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
The Blood Cult of Matt Bradley. Tune in Wednesday when Japers Rink offers their first burnt offering to Matt Bradley to give him an endless supply of the blood for his strident ways.
I think he said something about that at his panel discussion at the Caps Convention, IIRC.
by Kerry Fraser's Hairspray on Mar 4, 2010 4:33 PM EST up reply actions
I’m pretty sure it’s standard around the league regardless. Last year the McLaren deal was nixed because his hand failed a physical.
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 Mar 4, 2010 4:36 PM EST up reply actions
Posted this yesterday, but I like this little factoid about ex NHLer Josef Vasicek
Vašíček was traded to the Nashville Predators in the Summer of 2006 for Scott Walker.
In early 2007, he was traded back to Carolina for Éric Bélanger.
For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism.
by Rather Bengt on Mar 4, 2010 10:00 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
from IMDb
In 2011, Kevin Bacon is set to start filming “Lokomotiv Yaroslaved: The Josef Vasicek Story”
For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism.
by Rather Bengt on Mar 4, 2010 10:08 AM EST up reply actions
Kevin Bacon stars in “Josef Vasicek 2: The Josef Vasiceking”
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 4, 2010 10:12 AM EST up reply actions
I guess they can’t all be “Vasicek 2: Electric Boogaloo”
For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism.
by Rather Bengt on Mar 4, 2010 10:20 AM EST up reply actions
Electric Vasieck?
Driver and head Muckety-Muck of The Pavel Kubina Bandwagon
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LORD PALMERSTON!!
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 4, 2010 10:22 AM EST up reply actions
That’s what she said?
For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism.
by Rather Bengt on Mar 4, 2010 10:26 AM EST up reply actions
Oopsie. The Pens’ new winger won’t play ‘til Saturday ’cos of visa issues.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
he has a Canadian work visa, not a US one. He can play in the US as a member of a visiting team without a visa.
Similar thing happen with Cooke and the Caps in 2008. Cooke’s a Canadian, playing on a Canadian team, so they had to scrabble to get a US work visa.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
The Blood Cult of Matt Bradley. Tune in Wednesday when Japers Rink offers their first burnt offering to Matt Bradley to give him an endless supply of the blood for his strident ways.
NHL players are just like me and you…..plus they’re really good at hockey.
Every time Nicky scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Mar 4, 2010 12:10 PM EST up reply actions
Cap position of all 30 teams for 2010-11 after trade deadline based on March 3 rosters
http://www.capgeek.com/charts_index.php
(posted yesterday but could be conversation fodder)
For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism.
wow Chicago looks pretty F’d.
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 Mar 4, 2010 10:24 AM EST up reply actions
Them and Toronto. Washington has a lot of players to resign but look to be in decent shape.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
Speaking of resigning, where’s that new contract announcement for Backstrom we heard was going to be announced after the Olympics?
tonight is the first home game…..
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 Mar 4, 2010 10:55 AM EST up reply actions
Backstrom is not going anywhere...
…I think Lars and GMGM are close on the salary figure. It’s that GMGM would like to have Nick stay until 2021 when another contract expires…
Let's go Caps!
From what I can tell (VERY conservatively):
We move Alzner and Neuvy up, and have 18.5 to work with.
Lars: 7.5
Flash: 2
Schultz: 2
Fehr: 1.5
Juice: 1.5
That leaves 4m left to fill probably two forward spots (Gordon, FA?, Bmo or Belanger stick around?)
Looks like we’re in pretty good shape to me.
I think Nick signs for less than 7.5
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 Mar 4, 2010 11:46 AM EST up reply actions
and Schultz for more. $2.5-3mil i think
If you want to survive out here, you've got to know where your towel is.
by ns on Mar 4, 2010 11:50 AM EST up reply actions
Nah, the club holds the cards on rights and such, he’s not getting that money unless he presents a helluva arbitration case.
"First Lady, I'm sorry I pimp slapped you into that china cabinet."
by Bald Pollack on Mar 4, 2010 11:55 AM EST up reply actions
if he gets just $2, he might me the best defender in the league per $. have the feeling he will be playing hardball with his contract.
If you want to survive out here, you've got to know where your towel is.
by ns on Mar 4, 2010 11:57 AM EST up reply actions
$2 million, that is =/
If you want to survive out here, you've got to know where your towel is.
by ns on Mar 4, 2010 11:57 AM EST up reply actions
Or just presents just about everything written about him here on the rink. Ever.
Not that I’d mind. Frankly I’d think that would be awesome, and Sarge deserves a raise.
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Mar 4, 2010 11:58 AM EST up reply actions
Nick lands for about $6.5M. Flash at $2M will depend on his playoff production. Sarge at $2M is about right, ditto for Fehr at $1.5. Jurcina is a bit high at $1.5M, but then his arb award of $1.3M surprised me.
If they can extend Belanger, it will likely signal the end of Gordo’s run with the Caps.
Let's go Caps!
I won’t be surprised to see Nick get something north of 6.5 at some point in the deal, but that would be a nice cap hit for him per annum. And I would love to see them extend Belanger if he meshes with Bruce’s system.
Driving under the influence of hockey since godknow's when.
That’s what we were all saying about BMo, back in the day.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
The phrase I saw earlier this year for Chicago: Salary Cap Armageddon.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
does that include semin’s contract, i wonder?
by Natty Bumppo on Mar 4, 2010 10:26 AM EST up reply actions
i’m just a second slow this morning. thanks.
by Natty Bumppo on Mar 4, 2010 10:27 AM EST up reply actions
Stecks gets a nice raise next year
For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism.
by Rather Bengt on Mar 4, 2010 10:30 AM EST up reply actions
Am I reading that correctly? They’ve got 14 players signed and they’re already over the cap by almost $800,000? Does the Chicago work for the Federal goevrment because that’s the only place where those kind of economics work.
Sure looks that way. They need to clear some contracts, stat.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
Makes it harder to get help when everyone else sees you as a threat on the ice. That and some dumb contracts.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
Yup. That’s why I wasn’t shocked they were quiet at this deadline. They’ll have to sell off 3 quality players at least IMO. I’m going to guess Versteeg, Buff, and Sharp.
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 Mar 4, 2010 4:23 PM EST up reply actions
3 guys who would be more important long term than Hossa or Campbell IMO. Of course, the reason those three are most likely to be traded is that they are attractive due to their skills and contract status. Can’t imagine anyone trading for Hossa or Campbell given their deals.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
Exactly. They’d love to move Campbell, but how? Are you going to just give him away? That might even be the best option if you can find a taker because it lets you keep the other guys. I’d love to get Sharp, but he’ll cost. I could also live with Versteeg or Buff but Sharp is the one to target IMO.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
by Fehr and Balanced on Mar 4, 2010 5:19 PM EST up reply actions
if you didn’t read Tarik’s post-game blog, I wanted to put this out there, because it deserves to be widely read:
And finally, I wanted to say thanks to Brian Pothier for being a true professional when dealing with the media. Whether he scored the game winning goal, or whether he made the turnover that cost the Caps the game, I always knew where to find him: right in front of his locker. That means a lot to reporters and fans.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
The Blood Cult of Matt Bradley. Tune in Wednesday when Japers Rink offers their first burnt offering to Matt Bradley to give him an endless supply of the blood for his strident ways.
by RedBirdie on Mar 4, 2010 10:28 AM EST reply actions 4 recs
After what he went through with that concussion and the rehab Potsy has been one of my favorite Caps. If not on the ice than definitely on it. Always seemed like a real good guy. I hope he has a good finish to the season with the Canes, and that he signs somewhere good next year. Sorry to see him go.
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Mar 4, 2010 10:30 AM EST up reply actions
Ugh, it’s too early…should read, “If not on the ice, than definitely off of it.” Coffee pot is paging the BradleyFightingVehicle right now.
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Mar 4, 2010 10:31 AM EST up reply actions
Amen to this
For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism.
by Rather Bengt on Mar 4, 2010 10:31 AM EST up reply actions
Maybe its just me, but does that sound like a thinly veiled shot at Ovi?
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 4, 2010 10:32 AM EST up reply actions
Nah, not coming from Tarik, he has no reason to take shots at Ovi. I think he’s just praising Pothier.
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Mar 4, 2010 10:32 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
IIRC on WPL when they were talking about the Wilbon column, Tarik mentioned that sometimes Ovi gives off a “I’m answering questions, but I really don’t want to be here” vibe. But I’m guessing it’s more of a “If I need a quote, there always Potsy” line.
"Ah, dinner. The perfect break between work and drunk." - Homer Simpson
It’s just you.
"Now wait a minute. This is just purely a social call. You know, just two adults getting a stew on, man."
If you're tired and want to take a nap, check out my graduate research blog! https://digitalcommons.georgetown.edu/blogs/jmc333/
by The Ghost of Bebop on Mar 4, 2010 10:33 AM EST up reply actions
All praise, no pot shots.
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 Mar 4, 2010 10:34 AM EST up reply actions
Ovi is always at his locker for interviews too. His Kettler and VC lockers, at any rate.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
It just seems to have an “odd” tone, if a blurb in a blog can be read as “odd”.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 4, 2010 10:34 AM EST up reply actions
I think if anything it’s a testament to Pothier more than anything else. He’d be more than willing to have a conversation with you, even if you just met him. Damn near didn’t want to leave his station at the signing table for the Meet the Team event for STHs this year, real nice guy.
"First Lady, I'm sorry I pimp slapped you into that china cabinet."
by Bald Pollack on Mar 4, 2010 10:40 AM EST up reply actions
I posted about this yesterday...
…But Brian and his wife are both class acts. His wife was very active with the Caps Care organization and did lots of promotional work for them even while Brian was out for a year and a half. I’ve spoken to her on several occasions and she is really nice.
No doubt that she’ll be active in some of the community activites in Carolina or whereever Brian lands next season (who knows, he might be back in DC…)
Let's go Caps!
According to Washington Caps dot com, Poti and Corvo will be paired up. It also mentions Belanger will center Fehr and Fleischman.
Wouldnt be shocked if Chimera got the night off to rest the hamstring
Free Eric Fehr!
Let the turnovers begin.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
Corvo and Poti don’t turn the puck over as much as folks might think. That, and Corvo will have better players giving him the puck so he might not be put in a position where a turnover is likely as often as he was in Carolina.
Let's go Caps!
You are right that Poti doesn’t as often as people might think, but he sure makes it seems like he does. I’d have to look at Corvo’s TO numbers. Just always seems like he makes gaffes at inopportune times in his own zone.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
yup, he’s going to be a target on the top four. I want him paired with Schultz frankly.
Driving under the influence of hockey since godknow's when.
Me too. Problem is you don’t want to put Green and Poti together.
Always go back to the fact that the Caps don’t have a number one pairing guy to go with Green. This winds up screwing up the pairings.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
Corvo-Poti kind of gives me the shivvers…guess we’ll see
Driving under the influence of hockey since godknow's when.
Porvo
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 4, 2010 1:39 PM EST up reply actions
or maybe Cosa line… short for cosa nostra…?
by TheFuryUnleashed on Mar 4, 2010 1:43 PM EST up reply actions
Heh heh…the Nostril line
Driver and head Muckety-Muck of The Pavel Kubina Bandwagon
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LORD PALMERSTON!!
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 4, 2010 1:43 PM EST up reply actions
Plus, only one of them can turn it over at a time. Which means at all times either Poti or Corvo isn’t fucking us with a turnover.
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 Mar 4, 2010 4:27 PM EST up reply actions
Looks like Schultzie got screwed on his +/- last night. I count 2 ES assists and 1 GA. They say he’s even.
Also, did anyone get a solid look at the Chimera goal? Last night I was sure it was Fehr’s goal. Can’t tell by the NHL.com replay.
I think they got it right. To me it looked like Fehr got a piece of it, but that Chimera was the one who actually deflected it up.
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Mar 4, 2010 10:39 AM EST up reply actions
Schultzie dished off one assist as he was changing with ShaMo – 55 was actually on the bench when the goal went in and ShaMo got the plus.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Bleh. +/- SUCKS.
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LORD PALMERSTON!!
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 4, 2010 10:42 AM EST up reply actions
Winner, winner, chicken dinner.
There's a fine line between arrogance and ignorance and only I manage to erase that line.
So does QualComp and QualTeam cure the +/- suck or what?
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 Mar 4, 2010 4:28 PM EST up reply actions
He didn’t get screwed. Checking the NHLs TOI report, it shows that he made the pass to Flash on the second goal, then went for a change behind the play. ShaMo replaced him, and 4 seconds after Sarge hit the bench, Green bags the goal.
How awesome is Mr. Nasty, he can get assists from the bench.
Let's go Caps!
Kind of the definition of a junk assist – Flash made that play happen and Green finished it.
BTW, wonderful pace from Flash on that goal.
"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
News flash — Tony just had Doc Emrick on the show. It happened to be a great interview,whether you like or hate Doc as an announcer. The purpose of the segment was really to talk Canada/USA, but segued into NHL talk. To his discredit, Tony tried to go into the Sid/Ovi debate via the Wilbon rant, but Doc neatly sidestepped the question by talking about Caps/Pens games. He also acknowledged the “Nothing But Crosby” rep of the network. Praised the heck out of the decision to go Caps/Blackhawks next week.
"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."
My kingdom for a local radio show in the area that would predictably schedule a hockey guy to talk for an hour or two during the week. I understand volume of hours is not appropriate given market share at this time. Consistency, predictability and quality of analysis though seem to be the most appropriate. Stations could earn more props if they said we’re going to regularly devote 30 minutes to a quality interview, host and calls twice a week rather than offering a scattered 3 to 5 hours of coverage where it seems there eating it like children eating broccoli at the dinner table. Twice my kingdom if the host of said show was a properly compensated Corey.
erskine has scored...now i can die in peace
I heard that interview as well, it was great. I must say that Doc seems like the nicest, most gracious guy in the world. Always has gotten kudos from his peers for that as well as mentoring.
His call during the Canadian flurry in the last two minutes of the first USA-Canada game is the most spectacular announcing I’ve ever heard.
From Corey’s twitter:
Looks like Steckel, Bradley and Laing are the odd guys out up front tonight, while Erskine and Sloan look like the scratches on defense.
Surprised, I would change Steckel and Bradley with Gordo and Chimera…give Chimera’s groin a break from back to backs.
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Mar 4, 2010 10:45 AM EST reply actions
Sitting Steckel vs. TB? WTF?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 4, 2010 10:48 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
One more thing to consider, Stecks is a lightning killer!
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Mar 4, 2010 10:48 AM EST up reply actions
Exactly.
And no Brads vs. Downie? Lame.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Do you think Walker would step up if Downie gets fiesty with Ovie again?
"Hey, atta dinnin stick a who!"
I’m too lazy to figure out the roster numbers — does this mean any of the new forward will be playing tonight?
Of course. So would Chimera. Or hopefully anyone on that team who’s not European. Literally.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
(And that’s not meant as a slam of European hockey players, merely a way to group Backstrom, Semin and Flash, the three guys I would excuse from not jumping in there).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
No offense taken, I’m only half European. My other half is dog; I’m my own best friend.
"Hey, atta dinnin stick a who!"
by Tikkanese on Mar 4, 2010 10:56 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
/Cherry’d
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 4, 2010 10:56 AM EST up reply actions
So that’s the plan. Bring the new guys on for TB for some fisticuffs after Downie so much as pats Varly on the noggin to earn their stripes. I can see some kind of Fight Club practice taking place today.
Matt Bradley: “This is how we BLEED, men! Our fans rock the Red. We Bleed the Red! Offer your blood and join the Blood Cult of Matt Bradley!”
erskine has scored...now i can die in peace
by souldrummer on Mar 4, 2010 11:03 AM EST up reply actions 4 recs
Matt Bradley: "This is how we BLEED, men! Our fans rock the Red. We Bleed the Red! Offer your blood and join the Blood Cult of Matt Bradley!"
burnt offering optional
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
The Blood Cult of Matt Bradley. Tune in Wednesday when Japers Rink offers their first burnt offering to Matt Bradley to give him an endless supply of the blood for his strident ways.
No Steckel v. Konopka?! Or maybe they don’t want Stecks to get himself killed.
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Mar 4, 2010 10:55 AM EST up reply actions
And I want Kanopka v. Steckel round 2!
/I think Walker deserves a shot at Downie
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 Mar 4, 2010 4:31 PM EST up reply actions
That would be quite a nice way to introduce himself to his new teammates.
by Kerry Fraser's Hairspray on Mar 4, 2010 4:34 PM EST up reply actions
Agreed. “Hi guys, who needs a punch inna face?” Everyone points to Downie.
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 Mar 4, 2010 4:35 PM EST up reply actions
GMGM on Eliot is a damn liar!
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 Mar 4, 2010 10:57 AM EST up reply actions
Trust GMGM’s public statements regarding the future at your own risk…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
He sounded so honest
tear
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 Mar 4, 2010 11:00 AM EST up reply actions
Did he upsell you on the Trucoat?
"First Lady, I'm sorry I pimp slapped you into that china cabinet."
by Bald Pollack on Mar 4, 2010 11:01 AM EST up reply actions
Is there any reason to keep Sloan and Laing in DC? They are going to be two of the scratches every game, so why not send them to DC.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Mar 4, 2010 2:30 PM EST up reply actions
Crap. Send them to Hershey I mean.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Mar 4, 2010 2:30 PM EST up reply actions
Why not keep them up? I guess you could lose them for nothing, but why not keep them?
If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys.
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
What do you mean lose them for nothing? My thought is if they aren’t going to be playing at all it’s better for them to get time in hershey so they are in game shape if, god forbid, they need to be used.
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
Exactly. They weren’t exactly in valuable commodities during the season and I highly doubt anyone is gonna claim them after the deadline when they can’t use them this year. Might as well let them play and help out Hershey instead of sit in the press box.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Mar 4, 2010 4:02 PM EST up reply actions
Well it’s after trade deadline day so no one goes through waivers anyway. They can be sent down it’s just you only get a few call ups from now until the playoffs end.
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
I believe teams can still claim players off of waivers after the deadline, they just can’t use them in the lineup so it makes it pointless to do so. Unless some team was really dying to have Sloan for the next two seasons.
I could be wrong though.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Mar 4, 2010 4:53 PM EST up reply actions
Quick hits from BUF game:
- Semin looked like he missed the Care Bears.
- BUF did a nice job on Ovi last night – he was struggling.
- Theo is looking more and more confident. I am going to go out on a limb and say that Bruce( albeit armed with the aforementioned short leash) favors Theo right now.
Ovi looked like he was trying too hard to do too much last night. Yeah, I think the Olympics hit him hard. Hope he’ll relax.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
I thought fatigue may have played a role with Ovie. Didn’t he only play 18 minutes? I’m glad he played less and the Caps still won. We wouldn’t be talking about Ovie trying to hard if Miller hadn’t stoned him or Knuble connected with him on that two on one. I just think that there’s an element of precision passing vs. stickhandling vs. straightforward hockey that will be reestablished within the next 5 games.
erskine has scored...now i can die in peace
I saw at least 2 occasions where he tried to do way too much with the puck, like trying to barrel through the crease with 3 defenders on him. He needs to chill a little bit I think, but he’ll wise up.
"If you want money go to the bank, if you want bread go to the bakery if you want goals go to the net." - #21
by snakegriffin on Mar 4, 2010 12:37 PM EST up reply actions
It’s ok. After two weeks with Bykov AO has to readjust to playing NHL hockey. You know, systems, passing, checking, not giving the puck away at the bluelines. He’ll be fine.
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 Mar 4, 2010 4:39 PM EST up reply actions
Plus a center he trusts and a garbageman who knows when to make the pickup and delivery.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Actually, I thought Semin had a strong game. That first penalty on ShaMo (where he literally had his stick caught between two people, and not actually hooking anything but thin air), I could’ve sworn was on Sashes, and was pleasantly surprised. He dangled, and got a shot or two. First game back in his chemistry and no real miscues.
by DrinkingPartner on Mar 4, 2010 11:02 AM EST up reply actions
He had a couple of great takeaways in the neutral zone that led to 2-on-1 opportunities. I thought Semin looked solid last night too.
GUTEN TAAAAAAAAAAAAG!
Until he got on the 2 on 1s. He botched those two in quick succession on the one shift.
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 Mar 4, 2010 4:40 PM EST up reply actions
Does anyone have an idea if Gaborik will be back playing with NYR on Saturday vs the Caps?
For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism.
I doubt it. Guy needs to heal himself. Rushing him back now would be idiotic. …So yes.
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 Mar 4, 2010 4:41 PM EST up reply actions
Tweet from Tarik that made me smile, even if it’s not complete:
@tarikelbashir Just got to KCI in time to see Milan Jurcina greet each other with a big embrace in the dressing room.
Welcome back, Juice.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
My guess would be Flash, aren’t they best friends?
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Mar 4, 2010 10:57 AM EST up reply actions
on a related note, Flash now out with an upper body injury
If you want to survive out here, you've got to know where your towel is.
by ns on Mar 4, 2010 11:01 AM EST up reply actions
joke
If you want to survive out here, you've got to know where your towel is.
by ns on Mar 4, 2010 11:16 AM EST up reply actions
So cute! Welcome home Juice!
If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys.
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
Yeah, I just watched that a few minutes ago and that part made me smile :)
"No Brooks Laich, no win. Know Brooks Laich, know win."
Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys.
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
by Ovechwin on Mar 4, 2010 2:03 PM EST up reply actions 4 recs
Nice job on the capture!
"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."
yes, fabulous work! (sasha’s so tiny!)
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
The Blood Cult of Matt Bradley. Tune in Wednesday when Japers Rink offers their first burnt offering to Matt Bradley to give him an endless supply of the blood for his strident ways.
nah. Juice is just a bull. i really hope Juice has a home here next year.
If you want to survive out here, you've got to know where your towel is.
by ns on Mar 4, 2010 2:09 PM EST up reply actions
That actually looks more like Varlamov to me.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Mar 4, 2010 2:34 PM EST up reply actions
It’s obvious in the second it’s Sasha.
If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys.
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
Actually the 2nd one is where it looks most like Varlamov to me. The face looks younger than Semin’s.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Mar 4, 2010 3:05 PM EST up reply actions
Tough to tell w/o the 2nd pic
But I think Varly has a flatter face.
Ovechkin = Green Backs
by red army line on Mar 4, 2010 2:39 PM EST up reply actions
flu?
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
The Blood Cult of Matt Bradley. Tune in Wednesday when Japers Rink offers their first burnt offering to Matt Bradley to give him an endless supply of the blood for his strident ways.
I think
upper body bruising…from a hug
Ovechkin = Green Backs
by red army line on Mar 4, 2010 8:36 PM EST up reply actions
Nice pics from the Caps’ recent visit to Children’s National Medical Center.
I have a C on my heart.
That kid with the crazy hair like fresh grass making the face at Brads is adorable
For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism.
by Rather Bengt on Mar 4, 2010 11:10 AM EST up reply actions
Yep.
For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism.
by Rather Bengt on Mar 4, 2010 11:12 AM EST up reply actions
BMo looks like he is playing poker, not Uno.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
I love Uno. And Uno mach2: Skipbo.
For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism.
by Rather Bengt on Mar 4, 2010 11:16 AM EST up reply actions
S. Mo. / Carlson
So I love me some John Carlson, but am I the only one a little scared by this pairing?
@TarikElBashir Matt Bradley on not playing: “I wish the team well tonight and I hope they win. That’s all I have to say.”
Brads seems pissed from the quote. I don’t recall him being healthy scratched at all over the last couple of seasons
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
I just work here. The guys are just going to have to learn to live with it because there are not enough slots to go around when everyone is healthy.
And that’s how you win a Cup. So suck it up. As BB said, they could be playing on a bubble team or a non-contender right now. Fight for your ice and let’s go win a Cup.
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 Mar 4, 2010 4:43 PM EST up reply actions
Like Theo, I like that he’s upset that he has to sit, and like the Theo situation, you’ve got to kick the tires on the new car at some point.
"First Lady, I'm sorry I pimp slapped you into that china cabinet."
by Bald Pollack on Mar 4, 2010 11:15 AM EST up reply actions
I think Brads is even more pissed because he worked his tail off last night and wasn’t rewarded like Gordo was. I still don’t get why they didn’t just sit Chimera. Would have made life better for all, at least for today.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
Brads knows there’s a chance of fisticuffs too and wants to keep up his rep, maybe?
erskine has scored...now i can die in peace
VC crew should be happy. Should be less chance of blood on the ice tonight.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
Brads wants revenge on Downie.
That being said, I’m predicting a Downie/Walker scrap around 5 minutes in to the first period.
GUTEN TAAAAAAAAAAAAG!
Such is the price for figuring out line chemistry on the bottom 6 (shrugs).
"First Lady, I'm sorry I pimp slapped you into that china cabinet."
by Bald Pollack on Mar 4, 2010 11:30 AM EST up reply actions
Right-o. I’m with you.
Brads is a great story, but his contribution is not irreplaceable. Time to figure out if the new guys can offer something more valuable. Stecks has not had a strong year, and Gordo wins faceoffs, so it makes sense to keep him in the lineup. If you’re not resting Chimera, and you want to see what Walker brings to the table, Brads is the logical one to sit.
"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
I guess Brads never got the memo. Fourth-liners are not allowed to pout. I love you Matt, but seriously this is about winning a Cup, not your ice time.
I agree with your statement as far as it goes, but I don’t think he’s pouting? He was a little curt, perhaps, but we don’t know that for sure. We all know about the problems with text versus spoken tone.
He doesn’t have to like it, but he’s got to live with it.
"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
also, why does a reporter need to even ask how he feels about getting scratched?! its pretty obvious most people arent going to be happy about it….
"the other day on sportscenter they said something along the lines of "the capitals score so much tiger woods is jealous" haha had me laughing hard while i was eating my cereal"
by highslot84 on Mar 4, 2010 12:17 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
but they’re not asking about the past .. they’re asking about being sat for the game..
"the other day on sportscenter they said something along the lines of "the capitals score so much tiger woods is jealous" haha had me laughing hard while i was eating my cereal"
And he may have to sit out for more games than just tonight. So might Fehr, or Chimera or Steckel or any of the other bottom six.
Personally, given the rigors of the compressed season, I hope they rotate the bottom six guys a little, let everyone get some rest. Could also get on board with AO getting reduced minutes and, down the stretch, a day of rest here or there.
I know that last bit isn’t goingn to be popular, by the way.
"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
You don’t rest AO on a game day. I can see giving him practice days off, but not game days.
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 Mar 4, 2010 4:46 PM EST up reply actions
Could you go for < 20 minutes a night, then?
"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
Definitely. But you have to have him in the lineup.
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 Mar 4, 2010 4:51 PM EST up reply actions
Once they’ve clinched the East, I’d not mind seeing him take in a game or two from the press box, but that’s just not going to happen, and I know it.
"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
nah, more like Pittsburgh Penguins, 2008.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
The Blood Cult of Matt Bradley. Tune in Wednesday when Japers Rink offers their first burnt offering to Matt Bradley to give him an endless supply of the blood for his strident ways.
He was at least hurt. it wasn’t just sitting him to sit him. Plus, it worked out because they got the better draw. We won’t be in that position.
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 Mar 4, 2010 5:01 PM EST up reply actions
I hope not
Because in the NFL that asshole coaching the top team in the league sat his stars so they would lose a game and then ended up not winning the SB.
But, OTOH, he did play his stars so they could achieve individual accolades, and AO still has the Hart and Richard and Art Ross on the line. So even Dipshit Jim Caldwell would dress AO down the stretch.
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 Mar 4, 2010 5:02 PM EST up reply actions
which i totally understand.. but if i were in his shoes and reporters asked me a stupid question like that.. i’d give them a short snot response like he did.. its a dumb question.
"the other day on sportscenter they said something along the lines of "the capitals score so much tiger woods is jealous" haha had me laughing hard while i was eating my cereal"
Great question. Don’t know. It seems like it’s been awhile.
erskine has scored...now i can die in peace
right he hasnt be scratched in a long time…. but still IMO dumb to ask how he feels about it…
"the other day on sportscenter they said something along the lines of "the capitals score so much tiger woods is jealous" haha had me laughing hard while i was eating my cereal"
well i don't really think TEB went up to Brads
shoved a mic in his face, and said “Hey man, healthy scratch tonight…HOW DOES IT FEEL?”
It was probably more along the lines of, “So with all these new acquisitions, there will undoubtedly be some healthy scratches and line juggling, is that a concern?” Or something to that effect.
And Bradley’s reply probably came out sounding more upset than he meant it to. It’s a tough question to answer.
in the face of adversity, never, ever blink
Do we have the footage of him saying this? It may be coming off very different than it was said.
If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys.
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
I don’t think so but Grapejoos pointed out the full quote in CI doesnt sound nearly as bad.
Also, be glad you didn’t waste your time with Twilight. Read it because my friends did and pretty sure I lost significant ground on all measures of intelligence . . .
in the face of adversity, never, ever blink
That’s what I was thinking. Tone is important on this one.
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 Mar 4, 2010 4:47 PM EST up reply actions
I think Bruce pretty much takes the position that a guy who isn’t upset that he has to sit isn’t going to be competitive enough that you’d want him on your team. With the Theo situation, IIRC, the question was asked a day or two after this past Christmas. I’m sure he’d never want to sit, but he was having a tough time anyway — with or without the question of sitting in favor of Neuvy.
BTW, there’s more quote per CI:
“All I can say is I wish the team well tonight and I hope they win,” Bradley said. “That’s all I have to say. Walker and Belanger are good players and I wish them luck in their first game and, like I said, I want a win for our team.”
While I’m sure he’s not thrilled to be sitting, doesn’t sound as harsh when you have the welcoming pro-team statement right after it.
Anyone see the Puck Daddy Crosby photo contest? So.Awesome.
On the Forecheck: a blog that's more productive than a Predator power play!
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The Proposal one is the clear leader right now IMO. That is a 2 for 1.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
I’m stoked for round 2, the Proposal was epic and the no diving was sweet. They were all good, the one with Ovechkin wasn’t very creative though.
On the Forecheck: a blog that's more productive than a Predator power play!
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by Chris Burton on Mar 4, 2010 11:41 AM EST up reply actions
At first, I figured this was another way for Wyshinsky to hate on Crosby without overtly doing it.
But with that face Crosby made, it was a great idea. And there are some great ’shops there. Kudos.
readers spontaneously started sending in the photoshops. I mean, how can you not run a contest when that happens?
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
The Blood Cult of Matt Bradley. Tune in Wednesday when Japers Rink offers their first burnt offering to Matt Bradley to give him an endless supply of the blood for his strident ways.
You’re a Pens fan, amirite?
On the Forecheck: a blog that's more productive than a Predator power play!
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by Chris Burton on Mar 4, 2010 11:44 AM EST up reply actions
yes he is, but we forgive that sin because he’s articulate and a Jim Leyland fan. (Ok, maybe that last one is just me)
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
The Blood Cult of Matt Bradley. Tune in Wednesday when Japers Rink offers their first burnt offering to Matt Bradley to give him an endless supply of the blood for his strident ways.
Yes, I am a Pens fan, but I said that it is hilarious. I think the Proposal one is hilarious, as well as the Bob Ross one.
And Jim Leyland is the shit.
Those are my two favorites as well. That picture hurts to look at, but a little less when it’s being teased.
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 Mar 4, 2010 4:50 PM EST up reply actions
Chris, can you give me/us the recap on what Poile was asking for Hamhuis and why he wasn’t dealt? Seems like he would have been a big loss but with Weber and Suter anchoring he could have been dealt for assets. Guess we’ll never know…
As far as I can tell (and more may come out later), Poile was asking for a scorer and 2nd rounder/late 1st (after the addition of Grebeshkov).
The Sharks offered only picks, so that didn’t cut it, and the Flyers wouldn’t give up a forward, so that didn’t cut it. He was certainly willing to deal DH, but he was not going to unless it unquestionably made the team better, which I’m thankful for. GMGM may well have made an offer, but it was likely not enough. I doubt that Poile would’ve accepted a straight swap for Flash or Fehr.
At the moment, though we haven’t iced our full complement of players just yet, I feel like we’re a much better team than before the Olympics.
Question answered?
On the Forecheck: a blog that's more productive than a Predator power play!
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by Chris Burton on Mar 4, 2010 12:02 PM EST up reply actions
If you happen to hear any scuttlebut about just what GMGM actually offered, I’d love to hear it. Doubt we’d get anything of that nature out of GMGM’s office, but NSH might let something slip. Or not.
"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
Oh I will…sometimes those things do come out, example, yesterday the Preds beat writer said Poile told him we made a great offer for Ponikarovsky but Burke wanted Luca Caputi more. Boo.
On the Forecheck: a blog that's more productive than a Predator power play!
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by Chris Burton on Mar 4, 2010 12:10 PM EST up reply actions
I’m not terribly high on Poni. 19 goals so far is nice and all, but he’s soft as butter, useless on the backcheck, and prone to long stretches of irrelevance. All based on my observations of him in just a few games, but I am not a big fan.
"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
This was just posted by TFP, and they were spot-on accurate yesterday:
The Philadelphia Flyers, Vancouver Canucks, Boston Bruins and Washington Capitals were among the teams interested in Hamhuis.
On the Forecheck: a blog that's more productive than a Predator power play!
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by Chris Burton on Mar 4, 2010 12:18 PM EST up reply actions
I have heard mixed things about Ponikarovsky’s D-zone play.
He is a career +56, and has only been a minus-player once, and it was his rookie season. I know +/- is overrated, but still pretty impressive.
I just pray he meshes well with Malkin.
good pickup for the Pens. not so sure on Leopold, but then again, I’m not sure about Corvo.
Driving under the influence of hockey since godknow's when.
I thought both were good pick ups for the Pens. Not sure Leopold is enough though to get that blueline over the hump.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
Agreed, they definitely got better and did what they could. Their farm is in shambles at this point and they really only have 2 guys that would make Caps fans even bat an eye. We aren’t even torn up about Osala and right now he’d probably be PIT’s second best F prospect.
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 Mar 4, 2010 4:53 PM EST up reply actions
I am by no means a Ponikarovsky expert, so take this for what it’s worth. He’s always impressed me as a guy for whom the whole is less than the sum of the parts.
By that I mean he has great size, good speed, good hands, good puck and stick skills. His numbers are pretty decent.
I always think he should do a bit more with the tools he has. I think he’s an upgrade for the Pens at 2L, though, don’t get me wrong there.
"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
it’s funny—that description could fit Oskar Osala to a tee
Driving under the influence of hockey since godknow's when.
Except for the speed thing.
If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys.
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
And the fact that Poni has established himself as a 20-goal guy in the NHL, which is nothing to sneeze at.
But he plays top line minutes and with top line teammates…sooooo…
"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
This is the big thing. It’ll be interesting to see how OO develops in a system with less competition. He still has time obviously but not improving that skating over 2 years in the AHL doesn’t bode 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.
by Fehr and Balanced on Mar 4, 2010 4:55 PM EST up reply actions
I maintain that Poni is just another Viktor Kozlov/Nik Antropov.
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 Mar 4, 2010 4:54 PM EST up reply actions
he has cute dimples?
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
The Blood Cult of Matt Bradley. Tune in Wednesday when Japers Rink offers their first burnt offering to Matt Bradley to give him an endless supply of the blood for his strident ways.
No, he ties the room together.
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 Mar 4, 2010 4:55 PM EST up reply actions
GMGM told everyone what ANA wanted for Pronger so maybe he talks about it a little.
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 Mar 4, 2010 4:52 PM EST up reply actions
I laughed the hardest at the one with the “go for it jews” reference.
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 Mar 4, 2010 11:48 AM EST up reply actions
Radio Coverage Tonight?
I can’t watch the game tonight, but I might be able to listen to it on the radio. It was mentioned that some of the games going forward will be covered on 106.7FM; does anyone know if tonight’s game will be?
"Hey, atta dinnin stick a who!"
I thought that was Flash and Juice?
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Mar 4, 2010 12:06 PM EST up reply actions
Do we have/know nicknames of the new guys?
Do we want to make new ones?
We already have Juice, obviously.
Walker comes with Wild Thing
Oh No Corvo
Belanger the Belly Dancer?
Ok, I made that last one up.
“Corvo” means “crow” in Italian…how about “The Crow” for Corvo?
As for Belanger, I’m tempted by Mark Belanger’s old nickname, “Blade”.
"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
Could we call Corvo “Lee Corvo” and make him wear Slapshot’s head before each game on CSN? That would be worth the second rounder in my opinion.
by Battenburg Baron on Mar 4, 2010 12:18 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Rec’d. Got a chuckle out of this. Still like Crow for a nickname but you made me laugh.
erskine has scored...now i can die in peace
.
CRRRRRRRRRRROOOWWWWWWWW!!!
Driver and head Muckety-Muck of The Pavel Kubina Bandwagon
XBox Live: Oinkvechkin
LORD PALMERSTON!!
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 4, 2010 12:52 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I hope if Walker scores they play Chuck Norris crap on the screen.
Best clip from Walker ever! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlmZFTlOy6A
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
Little known facts about Scott Walker.....
• The chief export of Scott Walker is pain
• Scott Walker doesn’t read books. He stares them down until he gets the information he wants.
• Scott Walker does not sleep. He waits.
• The quickest way to a man’s heart is with Scott Walker’s fist
• If you spell Scott Walker in Scrabble, you win. Forever
• Scott Walker once taught a class called “Ass Kicking 101”. There were no survivors
• When the Boogeyman goes to sleep every night he checks his closet for Scott Walker.
• Scott Walker can slam revolving doors.
• Scott Walker has counted to infinity. Twice
• Scott Walker CAN believe it’s not butter
• Scott Walker is the reason why Waldo is hiding
• If at first you don’t succeed, you’re not Scott Walker
by TheFuryUnleashed on Mar 4, 2010 1:24 PM EST up reply actions 4 recs
Anyone want to start...
scottwalker.blogspot.com?
Ovechkin = Green Backs
by red army line on Mar 4, 2010 1:28 PM EST up reply actions
Maybe at hockey. But not at sucker punching… or even real fighting.
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 Mar 4, 2010 4:59 PM EST up reply actions
Disagree.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdsTUcuD7YA&feature=related
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
by terpgrrl on Mar 4, 2010 5:24 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I think JP nailed Corvo with @GreenLite77
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Caps on Mar 4, 2010 12:25 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
For all the shit we give Greener about being thug, Corvo is anything but lite. Green might be Corvo lite. Have you all seen this picture? I’m not posting it here because, yeah, just because.
Greener’s flower tattoos have nothing on Corvo’s belly button tattoo. Ick.
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
I had a dream last night that OO played for Calgary and was 4 goals ahead of Ovi on the leaderboard. What? Too much hockey perhaps?
Every time Nicky scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
No your dream was real. What you didn’t realize is that he was playing for the Calgary Hitmen and only had 4 more goals than AO on the season in the WHL.
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 Mar 4, 2010 5:00 PM EST up reply actions
Will I be able to watch Caps-Lightning on CSN tonight with Free Center Ice?
On the Forecheck: a blog that's more productive than a Predator power play!
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I’ll get it either way, then.
On the Forecheck: a blog that's more productive than a Predator power play!
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by Chris Burton on Mar 4, 2010 12:29 PM EST up reply actions
No, it isn’t. I watch On The Fly when Preds games aren’t on locally, and it helps.
On the Forecheck: a blog that's more productive than a Predator power play!
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by Chris Burton on Mar 4, 2010 12:40 PM EST up reply actions
Call and demand NHLN!!! It’s like crack for hockey fans!
"I am ready for his provocations"
by PaintDrinkingPete on Mar 4, 2010 1:13 PM EST up reply actions
yeah, we sucked it up and paid the extra $5 a month to comcast to get NHLN and MLBN. pure crack.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
The Blood Cult of Matt Bradley. Tune in Wednesday when Japers Rink offers their first burnt offering to Matt Bradley to give him an endless supply of the blood for his strident ways.
Tried and failed already. The problem is that they don’t even carry it on our TWC network, otherwise I would already get it for free with my CI subscription.
Semper Fidelis!
Lot of goalie talk today, but I really don’t know if (other than the game that Varlamov collapses against the Pens last year) the Caps’ demise was due to goaltending. To me, it was shots.
In the Rangers series — against a much weaker team — the Caps dominated shots on goal. Against the Pens, they were outshot every game (sometimes badly). That’s why I thought they needed a to get a top defensive defenseman at the deadline, so when they play the Pens and Ottawas and (if they get there) Blackhawks and Sharks of the world, they won’t have to rely so much on the goalies.
They were outshot by the Pens because the Pens pinned them in their zone for extremely long stretches on the forecheck. By any lights, the Pens dominated the play in that series, and the Caps were probably extremely fortunate to take three of the games.
Part of the problem was that the Caps blueline was in bad shape due to injuries. From memory, Schultz was out, Green was injured, Erskine had a broken foot, and I think Morissonn had an injury too (?). But even the guys that remained healthy wilted under the pressure.
We’ll see if the depth approach works. I’m pretty confident that the Caps now are better than the Caps of last year. Barring injuries, they should perform at a higher level.
"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
I believe Poti also had a broken foot or some other such injury. Everyone was hurt. That’s a big reason why I’m so excited about what GMGM did yesterday – he learned from that experience and insured we’d have guys ready to go when, not if, injuries happen.
Poti’s foot was so badly broken he thought he might need surgery. Lucky for him, it wasn’t quite that bad.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
The Blood Cult of Matt Bradley. Tune in Wednesday when Japers Rink offers their first burnt offering to Matt Bradley to give him an endless supply of the blood for his strident ways.
I had a stress fracture in my foot about 2 years ago. On its own it took about 4-6 months to heal fully. It felt better in skates, than in shoes, but I can attest to the fact that it still doesn’t feel good. I also wasn’t close to needing surgery. So I’d imagine Poti was in quite a bit of pain last year during the playoffs.
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Mar 4, 2010 2:49 PM EST up reply actions
stress fractures suck. and they deny you a good injury story, too. 6 stress fractures, and zero “real” fractures.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
The Blood Cult of Matt Bradley. Tune in Wednesday when Japers Rink offers their first burnt offering to Matt Bradley to give him an endless supply of the blood for his strident ways.
Ouch, they really do. They just take forever to heal, and even when they are technically “healed” it still takes longer for it to feel right. And you can’t do anything while you have one. I was ready to destroy the stationary bike by the end of my recovery time. That, and some skating, was all I could really do cardio wise to work out. Absolutely maddening. And, as you said, you don’t even get a good story. “I ran too much on pavement in bad running shoes” does not have the same glory as, “I took a slapshot to the face and shattered my jaw into a thousand pieces,” a la Quintin Laing.
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Mar 4, 2010 3:02 PM EST up reply actions
The real problem wasn’t necessarily the broken foot, it was that Tom Poti is allergic to modern medicine so they couldn’t treat it.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
by Fehr and Balanced on Mar 4, 2010 5:05 PM EST up reply actions
The leeches just weren’t cutting it.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Mar 4, 2010 7:38 PM EST up reply actions
Blood For Bobbleheads
http://capitals.nhl.com/club/page.htm?bcid=20023
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
That bobble head is weird. Not very Sasha like! I do like the bling though.
If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys.
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
Looks more like Varly to me. They should just change the name on the box.
in the face of adversity, never, ever blink
I signed up for this the first chance I saw. Hopefully INOVA will take my blood this time (though I get the bling whether they get my blood or not…)
I need a snappy signature...
I signed up at the last blood drive before I even gave blood.
If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys.
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
Me too. Bobblehead and T-shirt > T-shirt and autographed photo. Not ragging on Greenie, as the players aren’t the ones who decide on the goodies. Also, not the reason to give blood. I would do it with no giveaway. Used to do it all the time, but a brief illness took me off the donor rolls and then I kept forgetting about it.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
signed up today! playing pickup w/ the Rink Rats that night! who else is in for a All day Kettler Experience?? Can it contain Highslot for 12+ hours.. doubtful..
"the other day on sportscenter they said something along the lines of "the capitals score so much tiger woods is jealous" haha had me laughing hard while i was eating my cereal"
Giving blood then playing hockey? Sounds like a recipe for success!
If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys.
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
Throw in some drinking and you have pure magic.
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 Mar 4, 2010 5:07 PM EST up reply actions
For other out of towners....
I live in Pittsburgh, as some may know. Went to look for last night’s game on Center Ice – not there. Went to NHL Network – not there. Found it on VS, listed as “Philly vs FLA OR Wash vs BUF”. Fortunately, our Caps were on, BUT they carried the Comcast feed with Joe B and Locker, instead of the usual suspects.
VS usually only broadcasts Mon and Tues NHL games – catching up for lost Olympic time?
Yup—VS is doing some special “extra” games for us this week, inc. last night’s Caps game.
"I am ready for his provocations"
by PaintDrinkingPete on Mar 4, 2010 1:28 PM EST up reply actions
You missed the press release prior to Olympics. Vs. added a bunch of late season games to their schedule. Much to my thrill as a hockey fan and dismay as a DirectTV subscriber.
I’m sure part of it was expecting a post Olympic nudge ratings wise and the other part was to keep up the pressure on DTV by pissing people like me off.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
Posted a FanShot on “trying to keep everyone happy,” if anyone’s up for discussing the depth “problem.”
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Tonight in the Zebra Suits, we have...
Referees
40 – Steve Kozari (195 games)
10 – Paul Devorski (1188 games)
Linesmen
95 – Jonny Murray (572 games)
77 – Tim Nowak (1013 games)
Should be fun…!
I need a snappy signature...
I’m just glad it wasn’t Van Massenhoven. I’ve had enough of that guy forever.
Driver and head Muckety-Muck of The Pavel Kubina Bandwagon
XBox Live: Oinkvechkin
LORD PALMERSTON!!
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 4, 2010 1:53 PM EST up reply actions
It was nice that we got the immortal Pierre Champoux last night. Made me nostalgic for Swede Knox.
Driver and head Muckety-Muck of The Pavel Kubina Bandwagon
XBox Live: Oinkvechkin
LORD PALMERSTON!!
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 4, 2010 1:53 PM EST up reply actions
Please, can we have a PP
with AO on the half wall and two defense at the point?
And shifts under a minute for AO and Green?
To answer my own question, I doubt it, but I’d really like to see it.
"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
I’d rather have better PP shift length (with Greenlite77 and BMo at the point for the 2nd unit?) than move Ovie from the point, though I think that might be good too. Hard to get the best 5 PP guys on the ice together without putting Ovie at the point of the first unit.
Is that needed though?
I always question that. Seems like the need is for a skill guy at each half-wall—current set-up is Semin and Backstrom, but shifting to a 2D set-up it looks nice with Ovechkin and Backstrom there, with Semin on the next PP unit. Detroit split up their talent last season on their PP, with the skill guy-defenseman-skill guy format and it worked kinda well.
Ovechkin = Green Backs
by red army line on Mar 4, 2010 2:11 PM EST up reply actions
If the Caps didn’t have the #1 PP in the league, I’d be a lot more inclined to try it. Right now I think that the 1st PP essentially goes through Semin when the puck goes down low, and it works pretty well (as maddening as it can be at times).
The Caps definitely have the personnel to run 2 strong PP units (Backstrom/Semin as the set-up forwards, Knuble/Laich as the traffic guys, Ovie/Flash? as the snipers, etc.) but “if it ain’t broke” and so forth.
While Ovie was gone, the PP clicked pretty well. I dunno, maybe it’s worth a shot at some point to put Ovie on a different unit. That is, if the 2PP doesn’t click.
Ovechkin = Green Backs
by red army line on Mar 4, 2010 2:20 PM EST up reply actions
That’s true, I forgot about how well they did with BMo in Ovie’s spot. They definitely get tunnel vision trying to feed him the puck sometimes. One benefit of taking him off the point would be to reduce the number of odd-man rushes on the inevitable plays where Semin tries to force it cross-crease to Ovie and it gets broken up.
Well Semin wasn’t running the PP1 last night. Flash was! Ugh/facepalm/fuckityfuckfuckfuckgetthatfuckingassoffthePP1!
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 Mar 4, 2010 5:09 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
hmmmmm, Boswell writing a piece on the Caps for tomorrow’s paper?
Looking forward to seeing the Caps new players at Verizon tonight
(I can’t believe he dragged himself away from Spring Training!)
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
The Blood Cult of Matt Bradley. Tune in Wednesday when Japers Rink offers their first burnt offering to Matt Bradley to give him an endless supply of the blood for his strident ways.
Seems to me like the local sports writers are smelling a potential championship and are trying to get in on the goods.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
It’s inevitable that as we get closer and closer to the playoffs, we’ll start getting more coverage and more casual fans. Once we’re IN the playoffs, we’re the only story in town.
You had me at no problem.
I have to admit that I still want to see barack Obama panic over that red-clad parade marching down Pennsylvania Avenue.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
That would indeed be fun. Must say, though, that I am not making talk of a Chicago/Washington final until after March 14th. That’s going to be a big key game for us.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
I am so pumped. It will be my first visit to United Center.
Game-Over Green? Canada-Over Carlson!
by Scott in Shaw on Mar 4, 2010 5:57 PM EST up reply actions
Reading Jay Feaster’s comments on the Caps’ deadline activity makes me realize why he’s not a GM anymore. Potsy and Corvo a push? “I’m not sure Corvo is any better”? Really? Walker is the guy that gets him excited? Has he looked at our roster enough to realize Walker is probably in the press box on a lot of nights? Well done, Feaster.
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 Mar 4, 2010 2:56 PM EST reply actions
Gouldie’s posts of Ryder’s numbers have me real happy about Corvo. If he’s legitimately a top 4 defender, it’s going to be awesome.
"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
He also thinks the NHL playing in the Olympics is a bad idea.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
And having your whole team’s cap hit tied into 4 players is a good idea! And not having a No. 1 NHL goalie is a good idea!
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 Mar 4, 2010 5:11 PM EST up reply actions
Wondering what happens with the intro video and such?
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2010/03/caps_game_ops_has_crazy_day.html
Yes, the “Ryan” in question was me. Yes, that makes me more excited than it reasonably should.
by Kerry Fraser's Hairspray on Mar 4, 2010 2:58 PM EST reply actions
awesome question, and I’m glad Steinz pounced on it! It was interestign to read.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
The Blood Cult of Matt Bradley. Tune in Wednesday when Japers Rink offers their first burnt offering to Matt Bradley to give him an endless supply of the blood for his strident ways.
Yeah it was something that I was curious about in years past as well, and figured now was as good a time as any to ask. He was definitely quick on the draw, too- I sent him the email right before leaving for lunch and he already had the Bog post up at 2:22.
by Kerry Fraser's Hairspray on Mar 4, 2010 3:14 PM EST up reply actions
C
Thanks for the link, that’s pretty awesome.
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
C? You aren’t using Z?
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 Mar 4, 2010 5:11 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Zephyr bends the inner workings of the Rink to his every whim.
by Kerry Fraser's Hairspray on Mar 4, 2010 5:29 PM EST up reply actions
nateewell RT @jeffphowe: Caps also have more 2010 TD Garden wins than Bruins.
That’s gotta smart.
in the face of adversity, never, ever blink
Playoff Match-ups!
EAST
Washington (92) vs. Boston (65)
New Jersey (79) vs. Montreal (66)
Ottawa (76) vs. Philadelphia (69)
Pittsburgh (78) vs. Buffalo (75)
five teams within 5 points of Boston
WEST
Chicago (89) vs. Detroit (70)
San Jose (89) vs. Nashville (73)
Vancouver (80) vs. Colorado (78)
Los Angeles (80) vs. Phoenix (79)
five teams within 4 point of Detroit
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
The Blood Cult of Matt Bradley. Tune in Wednesday when Japers Rink offers their first burnt offering to Matt Bradley to give him an endless supply of the blood for his strident ways.
Going to be interesting to see how these playoff seeds shake out. The teams that make it might be exactly as it is today.
The top 6 teams are all basically in, with potentially some seeding still to be determined. For instance, Pitt could catch NJD or BUF could catch OTT.
Would not be surprised to see Montreal fall out of it, but I think Boston makes it.
"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
I think Pitt would win, but man Pitt vs. Buffalo in the first round would be an awesome series. I see those as the two biggest threats to take us out in the post season. Would love to see them face each other.
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Mar 4, 2010 4:34 PM EST up reply actions
Would love to see them face each other, too.
"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
here’s the EC standings, just for fun:
Washington (92) (63 games played)
New Jersey (79) (62)
Ottawa (76) (64)
Pittsburgh (78) (63)
Buffalo (75) (62)
Philadelphia (69) (62)
Montreal (66) (64)
Boston (65) (61)
-——-
New York Ranger (65) (63)
Atlanta (64) (61)
Tampa Bay (63) (62)
New York Islanders (60) (63)
Florida (60) (63)
Carolina (57) (62)
Toronto (49) (62)
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
The Blood Cult of Matt Bradley. Tune in Wednesday when Japers Rink offers their first burnt offering to Matt Bradley to give him an endless supply of the blood for his strident ways.
Equally fun, the Caps have the most home games left of any of the Top 9 teams.
"First Lady, I'm sorry I pimp slapped you into that china cabinet."
And the fewest back to back sets, if I recall correctly
"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
I’d love to see those West matchups hold.
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 Mar 4, 2010 5:12 PM EST up reply actions
Semin = Day to Day??
Saw that mentioned in one of the comments…can’t find confirmation?
"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
I think it was a joke about Jurcina’s giant man-hug
by Kerry Fraser's Hairspray on Mar 4, 2010 4:40 PM EST up reply actions
Ack, good.
Brief moment of dismay.
Thanks.
"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
KPD the CAPS goaltending
Uh, not .
Just say no to Tim Thomas …. Say yes to Jose , Varly, Neuv, ! Lets Go Caps !
by Mikko Leinonen's opposite on Mar 4, 2010 5:04 PM EST reply actions
thought you guys might be interested in this
Dirk’s stat analysis on the Hamhuis/Klein pairing. Interesting stuff, and further proves my point that DH is so much better away from KK.
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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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