Tuesday Caps Clips: Caps Take First Series Lead
by J.P. on Apr 20, 2010 6:44 AM EDT
in Caps Clips
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Your savory breakfast links:
- Recaps of and other assorted musings on last night's win from us, CSN Washington (Masisak, Masisak, O'Halloran, Beninati, Scalise), WaPo (blog, gamer, Bog, Bog, Bog, column, shot chart), Vogs, Puck Daddy, NHL.com (Dan Rosen), Scott Burnside, SI.com (Muir, Farber), DCEx, Ed Frankovic, Peerless, RMNB, RtR, FFODC, Homer McFanboy, MD Pro Sports, Hockey Chronicles, Hockey Mom and StC, and from the Montreal side of things, National Post, Montreal Gazette (and again) and Habs Inside/Out.
- Best thing about this post chiding Habs fans for booing our national anthem (after the Verizon Center faithful showed nothing but respect for O Canada twice)? It doesn't include the phrase "Stay classy." [RMNB]
- Even heading into last night's game tied one game apiece, a Habs upset in this series was (and obviously still is) quite the longshot. [Puck Prospectus]
- A bit more on the Canadiens. [A Capital Offense]
- Some Nicklas Backstrom contract talk. (Oh, and there's no way he makes it to July 1 without a deal.) [TSN, FtR]
- David Steckel is a "big-game guy." (Except last night, when he was a "big-scratch guy.") [Capitals]
- Mike Knuble on winning the Cup. [Capitals]
- Is Henrik Sedin in Hart Trophy trouble? Hopefully. [Hockey or Die!]
- "I feel like the hockey community is dying to chuck [Alex Ovechkin] under the next passing bus some reason, like he’s ever done anything wrong aside from some excessive celebrating (which I love).... I dunno if anyone else feels that, it’s just sort of a vibe I get." Preach it, brother. [Bourne's Blog]
- Your two biggest statistical overachievers of 2009-10? Guess, then click through. [Hockeycentric]
- As far as television ratings go, D.C. is a top-ten hockey town. [Puck the Media]
- Finally, happy 60th birthday to Mike Lampman.
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Btw, I find this pic to be hysterical:
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 20, 2010 6:48 AM EDT reply actions 8 recs
What makes it really funny is the black stick blade that almost perfectly protrudes out of Flash’s skate boot, making him look like a ginger clown on ice… oh, wait…
4th Floor, is next, swimvare, undervare, Eric Fehr...
by JSchon on Apr 20, 2010 6:52 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
.
It looks like the bizarro Joe Rosenthal pic of Mt. Suribachi
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 20, 2010 7:11 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
haha
Another uninnocent, elegant fall into the unmagnificent lives of adults...
by Smoltz's Beard on Apr 20, 2010 9:43 AM EDT up reply actions
They’re combining together to form Hobbitron
Cheers, Complaints, homerism and bashing of mediocre pop musicians in 140 Characters
"DO NOT get stuck behind Kyle Wellwood in the buffet line. This isn't really etiquette, but it will prevent you from starving to death"- Down Goes Brown on Etiquette for Jason Spezza's wedding
by Kevin Sellathamby on Apr 20, 2010 8:02 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
That pic reminded me of this classic ska LP cover
For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism.
by Rather Bengt on Apr 20, 2010 9:27 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
WHOA-OH WHOA-OH… ON THE WINGS OF TOMAS
WHOA-OH WHOA-OH… ON THE WINGS OF TOMAS
(for the musically challenged, i love you all too)
Every time Matt Bradley scores a goal, everyone inside the Beltway should get the next day off from work. It's only fair.
Or this for those who booed our anthem
The Farm report is DA Bomb... read it, rec it, love it ....
by TheFuryUnleashed on Apr 20, 2010 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions
And some other hockey fans…
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Apr 20, 2010 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions 19 recs
.
Nice….but
SUBJECT LINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 20, 2010 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Funniest scene in a fantastic show.
Another uninnocent, elegant fall into the unmagnificent lives of adults...
by Smoltz's Beard on Apr 20, 2010 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions
/OT
Cranston did that in one take.
/End OT.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 20, 2010 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Love that guy.
Another uninnocent, elegant fall into the unmagnificent lives of adults...
by Smoltz's Beard on Apr 20, 2010 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions
I can’t tell, but is that a Pontiac Aztek on the right?
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
Yes, thats what his character drives.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 20, 2010 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Haha this .gif never gets old.
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 20, 2010 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions
I still say this reminds me of Joe Finley
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 20, 2010 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Who knew it takes 4 midgets to move a single Flash?
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 20, 2010 9:36 AM EDT up reply actions
What?!?!?!? No Fehr for Conn Smythe articles this morning J.P.?
4th Floor, is next, swimvare, undervare, Eric Fehr...
That has never existed either, so I guess Fehr and Crosby have something in common playoff time.
4th Floor, is next, swimvare, undervare, Eric Fehr...
Lar's picture...
How do you say munchkin is Swedish?
4th Floor, is next, swimvare, undervare, Eric Fehr...
It can also be quite patronizing
"In the depths of winter, I learned there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus
Really? I was not aware of that. I’ve heard “lilla du” used often in an affectionate manner, like someone offering comfort to a child who just skinned a knee.
ah-VEECH-kin
Yeah, that is certainly one application of the term. It is indeed often a term of endearment. However, its literal trranslation is “Little you” and I’ve heard it applied numerous times among the more riotous Swedish youth as a patronizing term. Such as “Lilla du” followed with pats on the head etc. suggesting that the other person is childish, infantile, a mother’s boy, what have you… It is occasionally used for this purpose in Danish as well, though that it is far less common. It can be a term of endearment in Danish as well, but it’s so ancient by now that this is extremely rare.
"In the depths of winter, I learned there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus
Guess who had the lowest amount of ice time last night?
That would be Mr. Eric Fehr at 9:21. 9:21. He was on ice for 8:19 of ES time.
Tomas Fleischmann: 15:14. Includes 4:09 of PP time. 2 shots and 2 PIMs. Thats it.
Bruce…you’re KILLING me.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 20, 2010 7:18 AM EDT reply actions
Of course, I posted this before I started reading the recap. At least i’m not alone.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 20, 2010 7:19 AM EDT up reply actions
If only we had a beat reporter that would actually bring this up in a post-game presser.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 20, 2010 7:23 AM EDT up reply actions
Series tied at one apiece. Scoreless game in the second period. The League’s second-best power play taking the ice at home against one of the worst penalty kills in creation.
It might be a bit of hyperbole to say that Gordo’s goal was the pivotal point of the series (after all, there was Carly’s goal in Game 2), but not by much.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I remember just how bad he was last postseason. He looked awful. He was fantastic last night. Almost made you forget that Steckel was a healthy scratch.
4th Floor, is next, swimvare, undervare, Eric Fehr...
Almost? Gordon has been far better than Stecks for a while in my book, especially on the PK.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 20, 2010 7:37 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Any chance Gordo gets a tender from us this summer?
4th Floor, is next, swimvare, undervare, Eric Fehr...
Without a doubt; GMGM doesn’t let assets walk if he can’t help it.
They're coming.
by Bald Pollack on Apr 20, 2010 7:41 AM EDT up reply actions
*Hey, anyone want a double negative so early in the morning?
They're coming.
by Bald Pollack on Apr 20, 2010 7:43 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t see much of a difference between what he brings and what Belanger brings.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 20, 2010 7:44 AM EDT up reply actions
I think that Belanger is a slicker skating, softer handed version of Steckel. I’d like to have him or BMo around as a transition for when Johansson or MP are ready to go at 2C in ’11-12.
To answer the other question, I don’t think there was a gun-jumping on Steckel, but that term still leaves me scratching my head.
They're coming.
by Bald Pollack on Apr 20, 2010 7:50 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Thats what I meant. The lengthy contract for a seemingly one-trick pony.
4th Floor, is next, swimvare, undervare, Eric Fehr...
Belanger’s an expiring deal, correct?
I can’t see him or Corvo coming back.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 20, 2010 7:52 AM EDT up reply actions
They both are, though I think the former has got a shot at coming back because of his cost and how he assesses his playoff chances with the club.
They're coming.
by Bald Pollack on Apr 20, 2010 7:59 AM EDT up reply actions
As long as the Caps PK sucks and as long as he’s cheap, there’s room for Gordo. The only way it wasn’t going to happen, IMO, was if his back failed on him completely and he wasn’t able to return this year.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
That’s what I was going to say… if his wonky back goes out on him again, he may not be so much of an “asset…” that said, great game last night on his part. :-)
Blog: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
Pivotal point in the series?!
But….but Locker told me it was when Tom Poti fought Scott Gomez!?
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 20, 2010 7:39 AM EDT up reply actions
That was big, too. Many pivots through three games. Like Crosby on Spezza.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I don’t think we’re going to know what the true pivotal point was until the end of the series. It’s something that has to be looked at as a body of work to see it clearly.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
by gotsparkly on Apr 20, 2010 7:43 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I seriously love your wordsmithing.
There's always more to learn about Hockey.
by WordsOnIce on Apr 20, 2010 9:39 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
The quotes I’ve seen from the Canadiens indicate that goal was most certainly pivotal for them. They’d held the Caps scoreless for a whole period and were pretty good when a fourth=liner with a bad back who’d been a scratch the past game went short on them. Not to mention He and Knubs spent about an hour parked in Halak’s crease whacking at the puck.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
A short-handed goal, +2 plus-minus, 13 of 15 faceoffs won, and a team-leading +14 corsi rating.
Yeah, it’s Boyd Gordon day in my book.
"He was the patron saint of quality footwear."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Apr 20, 2010 8:03 AM EDT up reply actions
He’s got a gift card to the Palm burning a hole in his pocket.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Screw Fleischmann, I’m calling Boyd “FLASH” from now on
For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism.
by Rather Bengt on Apr 20, 2010 9:32 AM EDT up reply actions
I wonder what Plekanec said to the ref to get that unsportsmanlike call. Maybe he was trying to tell the ref about how Varly was no Brodeur
Varlamov 2W | 2.13 GAA | .913 SVPCT
Brodeur 2W | 2.31 GAA | .907 SVPCT
4th Floor, is next, swimvare, undervare, Eric Fehr...
I blame ESPN. Got the info from them, when I should have used my own sense.
4th Floor, is next, swimvare, undervare, Eric Fehr...
ESPN has bad info?
From Sunday night.
Glad I’m not an Avs fan who casually checked in to see the final score…
by bilspacecadet on Apr 20, 2010 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions
The goal for Boyle in the box score must’ve messed someone up.
by grapejoos on Apr 20, 2010 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I checked my phone and saw Ryan Clowe scored. Then D’ohboy texted me “Dan Boyle sucks.” I had no idea what he meant so I assumed Boyle had the assist. Then I watched OTF and figured out the fail.
I hate listening to people's dreams. It is like flipping through a stack of photographs. If I'm not in any of them and nobody is having sex, I just don't care.
IIRC, that wasn’t the first time he was chirping at the refs.
Honestly, as a hockey fan it was a little sad to see the Habs completely lose their marbles like that. It helped the Caps out, and as a Caps fan, the evil glee would not be denied, but it wasn’t great hockey.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
I don’t even remember Gomez getting a 10 minute misconduct.
So when it comes to mouthing off to the ref.. what’s the difference between getting a 2 minute unsportsmanlike and a 10 minute misconduct?
I don’t even remember Gomez getting a 10 minute misconduct.
Probably because the esteemed CSN team didn’t mention it.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Gomez got 10? All I remember is hearing Locker express surprise that they didn’t drop a 10 on Plekanec.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 20, 2010 8:10 AM EDT up reply actions
So when it comes to mouthing off to the ref.. what’s the difference between getting a 2 minute unsportsmanlike and a 10 minute misconduct?
See here.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Man.. much more respect to the refs for having to memorize that stuff.. especially since so much overlaps.
Or… they just make it up as they go.
Kidding.
Sorta.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Honestly, as a hockey fan it was a little sad to see the Habs completely lose their marbles like that.
Almost as sad as hearing Habs fans boo the national anthem. I just don’t get what’s going on with that. I vacation every year in Montreal and have found the residents to be generally really pleasant (aside from the occasional jerk waiter who refuses to speak english), so I’m baffled by this intentional disrespect. I kind of understood it during the Iraq war, but now its just plain stupidity. I just hope Caps fans don’t sink to the same level on Friday.
I think it has more to do with playoff fervor making them lose their minds. I suggest that come Game 5, we all sing along to the Canadian anthem.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Were they booing the anthem in Ottawa or Vancouver? I’m not giving them a pass because it’s the playoffs.
Fair point.
Seriously, guys. Friday night, sing both the Canadian and US anthems. I’ve posted the words to O Canada in the FanPost on this topic and I’ll post them again if required. The tune is easy enough and you can pick it up on YouTube if necessary.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
They post the words during the anthem at VC on the ribbon boards, too. Much easier song to sing than our anthem as well.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Does it make me a bad American to think that the Canadian anthem is far superior to our own? I always belt out “God keep our land! GLORIOUS AND FREE!” Love that bit.
You had me at no problem.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 20, 2010 9:09 AM EDT up reply actions
I really have to agree; it’s considerably easier to sing, and it’s a gorgeous tune. Setting the words to the poem The Star Spangled Banner to The Anacreontic Song (occasionally used as a sobriety test at the time – if you could sing it on pitch, you were still sober enough to drink!) was not bright.
If it weren’t totally disrespectful, I’d sing the original lyrics:
To Anacreon, in Heav’n, where he sat in full glee,
A few sons of harmony sent a petition,
That he their inspirer and patron would be;
When this answer arrived from the jolly old Grecian —
Voice, fiddle and flute,
No longer be mute.
I’ll lend ye my name, and inspire ye to boot…
And, besides, I’ll instruct ye, like me, to entwine,
The myrtle of Venus with Bacchus’s vine.
Blog: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
I’m with you. The Canadian anthem is great.
"Now wait a minute. This is just purely a social call. You know, just two adults getting a stew on, man."
by The Ghost of Bebop on Apr 20, 2010 9:14 AM EDT up reply actions
Give me the Russian anthem every time
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Apr 20, 2010 10:23 AM EDT up reply actions
Give me sporting events without any anthems.
I hate listening to people's dreams. It is like flipping through a stack of photographs. If I'm not in any of them and nobody is having sex, I just don't care.
by Rob Parker on Apr 20, 2010 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I rather enjoy and appreciate the anthem tradition.
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 Apr 20, 2010 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Absolutely not. We’ve had this conversation before. It’s better musically and lyrically.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
Musically? Perhaps. Lyrically? No way.
The Canadian anthem doesn’t even mean anything.
“True north, strong and free.” Ok, how about all the other nations that are just as far north as Canada? Are they somehow the false north? Norway’s gonna be pissed. . .
“Our home and native land.” What about all the immigrants, do they get to sing this line? Really, only the First Nations should get to sing this one.
“True patriot love, in all thy sons’ command.” What the hell does this even mean?
“We stand on guard for thee…” No. You don’t. The US Military stands on guard for thee, particularly when Russian ships start patrolling the now-open Northwest Passage.
I love our national anthem’s lyrics because they remind us of a time when we were just a scrappy little underdog country giving the finger to the world’s largest empire.
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
by D'ohboy on Apr 20, 2010 10:17 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
I agree. Musically it’s a great song. But the lyrics of the Star Spangled Banner are awesome. Also, it reminds me of home every time I sing the lyrics. Since it’s about Baltimore, ’m a bit biased.
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
It’s a poem, not lyrics.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on Apr 20, 2010 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions
Agreed. I love our anthem. For one thing, it doesn’t mention God, thus religiously alienates no one. More importantly, it is about a moment in our young nation’s history, a moment of hope and survival. I also love that what was hailed on that night so long ago is still in existance and is viewed by millions at the Smithsonian. Our anthem is tangible history coupled with our ideals.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
There are hockey fans that don’t know the words?
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
Apparently. They aren’t hard.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
I only know them in English. Since they switched to the half-and-half version, I no longer can sing the Canadian national anthem correctly.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Apr 20, 2010 10:26 AM EDT up reply actions
Oh! Look in PainDrinkingPete’s FanPost, I posted the French lyric replacement in that thread.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
I didn’t mean to knock your efforts — it’s just that now I need a cheat-sheet, and I used to have our neighbors’ anthem memorized.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Apr 20, 2010 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions
If I could pronounce French, haha (or had any desire to)…
I do know the English version, I love to sing along :)
"In the past we developed individually, but now we're growing as a team and that's what is important." - Mike Green
by kellobellow on Apr 20, 2010 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions
Just sing the entire thing in English.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Like reading thoughts confined to 140 characters? I'm on Twitter too.
I feel the percentage of the anthem sung in French should be exactly equal to the percentage of Canadians who declare French as their first language. It’s only fair.
"He was the patron saint of quality footwear."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Apr 20, 2010 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions
I sing it in esperanto. It’s supposed to make me feel worldly. (It doesn’t)
For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism.
by Rather Bengt on Apr 20, 2010 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Thats the second time I’ve read a mention of esperanto today, it makes me want to rewatch Red Dwarf
Aim for the head baby Jesus
Are the anthems even necessary anymore in the NHL? And why at sporting events is it so customary? I would rather reserve it for more sacred and patriotic moments. It is absolutely the least entertaining element of a product that I pay (a lot) for (comes after the TV timeout for my money). And it’s rarely, if ever, sung well. I love my country’s anthem, but is it fair to ask/expect the non-American/Canadian players to stand at attention for them? The league is thriving because of more than a few Russians, Fins and Swedes. I can see expecting the French to stand at attention (just a joke people), but it sort of relegates the rest to a lesser place in our countries and the league, IMO. I’d like to think that we can be better hosts.
Sorry to be so OT here.
"More Gary Thorne, please."
We actually had this discussion a couple weeks ago.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Apr 20, 2010 1:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Not easy to be a Canadian (or Canadien) hockey fan this week. If the Canucks and Sens and Habs don’t pull it together, there will be no Canadian teams advancing out of Round One. The Sens painful in particular since it’s their own Golden Boy dishing the pain.
And their U18 team lost again yesterday, which means O Canada has to play two relegation games for the first time in tournament history.
http://www.whl.ca/canada-falls-to-sweden-at-world-under-18-championships-p142185
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Aisle 5: Pain killers, flip flops, tin foil hats…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 20, 2010 4:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Not easy?
It’s amazing! I might be able to enjoy the playoffs completely after round one.
As for the U18s…meh, they’ll be the best come U20 time. That’s all we care about.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Like reading thoughts confined to 140 characters? I'm on Twitter too.
...
Unless you lose the U-20 also. And then the Olympics is all you care about.
I hate listening to people's dreams. It is like flipping through a stack of photographs. If I'm not in any of them and nobody is having sex, I just don't care.
by Rob Parker on Apr 20, 2010 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
.
I just hope Caps fans don’t sink to the same level on Friday.
It’s not at the same level, but I didn’t find this to be particularly respectful or appropriate (especially given the make up of the team these folks ostensibly support):
[Link]
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I think this is considered formalwear in Cancun. You can even get matching cummerbunds.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
I felt compelled to put up a fan post on this subject last night. This is nothing new coming out of Montreal, but truly unacceptable in my opinion.
If you need inspiration to sing along to EITHER national anthem, just watch this.
"I am ready for his provocations"
by PaintDrinkingPete on Apr 20, 2010 9:11 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m going to go counter and say it’s not a huge deal. Bad behavior is going to happen, that’s what happens when you mix booze and ignorance. And it’s something they seem to reserve for the playoffs, or when Boston comes to town.
Besides in all honesty, the Caps got away light on it compared to other spots.
They're coming.
by Bald Pollack on Apr 20, 2010 9:31 AM EDT up reply actions
But if that sort of crap happened at Verizon, the franchise would be all over it, the media would be all over it, and it wouldn’t happen again. There are plenty of drunken, ignorant Caps fans at our games, but no classless shenanigans like that.
You had me at no problem.
Enh. It happened. Instead of getting upset, respond by singing to both anthems on Friday.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Because Canada’s not my home and native land and I don’t stand on guard for them?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 20, 2010 9:49 AM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
If you pay taxes, then you help pay for the US Navy and Air Force. So, indirectly, you are standing on guard for Canada.
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
by D'ohboy on Apr 20, 2010 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
If there’s one thing I learned from watching the commercials during the Olympics, it’s that Canada is America’s largest trading partner.
Fun fact: Canada does more business with Home Depot than they do with the entire nation of france.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Cool
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Like reading thoughts confined to 140 characters? I'm on Twitter too.
How about every time they boo the anthem in Montreal, the U.S. stops doing business with the province of Quebec for a day? No McDonalds, no Home Depot and they can’t watch American TV too. That would stop it. And yes, I am joking.
Technicality.
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 20, 2010 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah
Good point.
Sometimes I sing the Star Spangled Banner and other times I don’t.
But if I see someone boo I’ll tell them to STFU.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Like reading thoughts confined to 140 characters? I'm on Twitter too.
I always sing O Canada because it’s an awesome song to sing.
Follow me on Twitter!! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes
I wish I could quit you, Tyler Sloan! - Co-founder of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
That was kinda my point. It’s one thing to turn the other cheek when fans at Centre Bell do it…it’s another to stoop to that level ourselves. I really just wanted to make sure people think about that before attempting to “retaliate”. Of course, I’m sure 99% of Caps fans are classy enough to not even consider that an option.
"I am ready for his provocations"
by PaintDrinkingPete on Apr 20, 2010 9:47 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, not the first time this has happened.
If the Habs fans are going to boo the Star Spangled Banner, that means they’re going to boo Gionta, Gill, and Gomez, right?
Right? Oh, no, cause those people are probably just drunken hypocrites. The same thing happened in the Boston series with their love of Matheiu (NYC) Schneider (props to Steve Dangle for the observation).
Every time Matt Bradley scores a goal, everyone inside the Beltway should get the next day off from work. It's only fair.
Why disrespect any anthem, even during a war/wartime? There’s never a reason to disrespect an anthem at a sporting event.
by Whiskey_Robber on Apr 20, 2010 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Tell that to everyone who yells “OH!” and “RED!” at Caps games.
Blog: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
The ridiculous thing about that is that they are yelling “O” because that’s what has traditionally been done at Baltimore Orioles games. It has nothing to do with the Caps whatsoever. I agree with the lack of respect, but at least there’s logic to yell it at Orioles’ games.
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
We really should do a Rink campaign (like the Free Alex campaign) for “O! is for Orioles!” …
Side note, I saw a FREE ALEX sign up on the CSN Washington bureau wall in a video the other night…!
Blog: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
hah, I’d rather see a Japers Rink campaign to see the end to the bemoaning of people yelling things during the Anthem because it’ll never change and just is what it is. I swear this topic comes up like once a week :-)
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 Apr 20, 2010 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions 8 recs
JT Bourne was hosting questions in his own comments, and answers a question about Ovie with a question of his own:
If Ovy’s not a villain, then why does he talk with a Russian accent? Hmm? See. Total villain.
Lulz.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
If Ovie’s not a villain, why is he booed at 29 NHL arenas every time he touched the puck?
It’s OK to be the bad guy. It’s kind of cool, really. Who wants wonderbread? Gimme vodka and a kalashnikov any day!
You had me at no problem.
Cobra was always way cooler than GI Joe
"Why don't you smegging well smeg off, you annoying little smeggy smegging smegger!"
Destro was the man.
Another uninnocent, elegant fall into the unmagnificent lives of adults...
by Smoltz's Beard on Apr 20, 2010 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions
“Evil will always triumph because Good is dumb.”
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
by D'ohboy on Apr 20, 2010 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Evil always gets the coolest toys and hottest women too
"Why don't you smegging well smeg off, you annoying little smeggy smegging smegger!"
James Bond would disagree.
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 20, 2010 1:06 PM EDT up reply actions
but most of his women were evil!
"Why don't you smegging well smeg off, you annoying little smeggy smegging smegger!"
Most of us are evil and in on some kind of conspiracy
/HEOP’d
Follow me on Twitter!! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes
I wish I could quit you, Tyler Sloan! - Co-founder of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
Hey, smells like an OTOT discussion!
They're coming.
by Bald Pollack on Apr 20, 2010 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Nothing wrong with being the guy in the black hat…. Dale Earnhardt was always the “bad guy” at the track, and everyone watched everything he did. Ovie’s the same way. He’s an anti-hero.
And a great hockey player.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 20, 2010 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Love to see the NBA institute misconduct penalties. Games would frequently be three on three.
by LangwayWasTheKing on Apr 20, 2010 8:12 AM EDT reply actions
The NBA needs to start enforcing its own rules. The NBA has the worst star power of all of the leagues (when I say star power, I mean the star’s ability to get away with not following the rules).
I have to go. But if I find one single dog hair when I get back, I'll rub... sand... in your dead little eyes. I also need you to buy sand. I don't know if they grade it, but... coarse.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Apr 20, 2010 8:14 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
.
NB-what?
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 20, 2010 8:19 AM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
Ignorance is definitely bliss.
I have to go. But if I find one single dog hair when I get back, I'll rub... sand... in your dead little eyes. I also need you to buy sand. I don't know if they grade it, but... coarse.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Apr 20, 2010 8:20 AM EDT up reply actions
The NBA needs to start enforcing its own rules
I can see it now… 10 lawyers running back and forth along the edge of the court with video cameras, each hired by their respective players
by Brainumbc on Apr 20, 2010 8:25 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
that’s one thing that always got me about college & pro basketball. growing up I always remember that once you picked up the ball you could only pivot on one foot, and it had to stay that one foot. In college & the pros they seem to get like 3 steps after they pick up the ball.
Think he might not be taking the dismantling of Halak well?
by Gin and Tonic on Apr 20, 2010 8:36 AM EDT up reply actions
So...
You’re saying that the ascension has stalled?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
He hit his head on the ceiling?
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Not surprised, coming from the same people that quoted Ovi out of context about Halak “shaking”.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 20, 2010 8:43 AM EDT up reply actions
Is he tall enough? He is a Hab, after all.
"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 ceiling fan got him…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 20, 2010 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions
If my ascension, you mean “unpowered dive from 80,000 feet into the desert floor,” then yeah… ascension is fine.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Apr 20, 2010 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions
New Nickname
Since you guys all follow me on twitter (What? You don’t? For shame.) you already know this but I crowdsourced a new nickname for Jaroslav Halak.
Jaroslaugh HAHAHAlak.
You’re welcome.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Like reading thoughts confined to 140 characters? I'm on Twitter too.
by PPP on Apr 20, 2010 10:26 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
How about Ha-lolk?
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Sorry, the time period for submissions is over.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Like reading thoughts confined to 140 characters? I'm on Twitter too.
Montreal mistakes from the crowd --
- Taunting Theo in warm ups when he isnt playing…that really got Varly off his game
- Booing the National Anthem….Dont taunt the Red..you will get burned
- Ole Ole Ole – what were you celebrating?
- Ovie sucks chants – They must not of meant top shelf scorchers
- Booing Gianta’s obvious crosscheck call right in front of the ref..(delusion set in)
- Leaving with 5 minutes left…(mass exodus)
Ready for game 4 are we?
But-but-but – only Caps fans do clueless things! Bandwagon bastards.
/goflyerz
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
by gotsparkly on Apr 20, 2010 8:31 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I haven’t been to a Caps game in person in a while, but I’ve never heard an “ole ole” chant at a Caps game.
Leave early – yes. I’ve seen people in D.C. leave with the game tied! But never an ole ole.
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
Its a European crowd. I’m surprised they don’t whistle instead of boo.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 20, 2010 8:36 AM EDT up reply actions
Mike Milbury told me that the Russians were the Eurotrash, nyet?
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
Yeah, then Milbury probably signed them to 28-year contract and gave up all of his good picks.
Every time Matt Bradley scores a goal, everyone inside the Beltway should get the next day off from work. It's only fair.
by thebigfoist on Apr 20, 2010 9:58 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
They used to do it when we had Huet in net, and I think I’ve heard it once this season…
Blog: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
There were definitely some Ole chants in section 407 during game 1. I was confused. But those bastards were also leaning like their lives depended on it, so who knows?
If wishes were horses, we'd all be eating steak.
by Hang a Laingtern on Your Problems on Apr 20, 2010 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions
If they were wearing a Man Utd or Arsenal shirt, you certainly had my permission to kick them out.
Olé Olé should be banned from hockey.
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
You know the chant I want to hear on Friday? na-na-na-na, na-na-na-na, hey, hey, hey, good bye.
by b.orr4 on Apr 20, 2010 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
This is why I really, really love John Walton’s “Good morning, good afternoon, and good night” bit.
Although, I loved the Good Morning, Good Afternoon, and Good Night Manitoba T-shirts they were selling during the Calder Cup Final series last year, I didn’t want to get one lest it be a jinx.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
I heard it in 407. Caps were winning at the time, and I think they were just giving it to a Montreal fan a bit in jest.
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 Apr 20, 2010 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions
The rats leaving the sinking ship was great. Au revoir, mes amis!
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Yeah, the Greene Turtle cheered when they showed that on CSN.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Texas Chili Mac and Cornbread!!!!
(sorry)
Every time Matt Bradley scores a goal, everyone inside the Beltway should get the next day off from work. It's only fair.
Au revoir, mes amis!
That’s exactly what I yelled!
Blog: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
And they boo every… single… non-call when their boys get touched. It’s really as bad if not worse than VC (though they don’t start in with “Ref vous suckez” quite as quickly).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Like I said last night, if Habs fans got every single call they were asking for, the game would never be played at even strength.
"He was the patron saint of quality footwear."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Apr 20, 2010 8:42 AM EDT up reply actions
…and we’d still be at about the four minute mark of the second period of Game 1
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Apr 20, 2010 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions
they even booed calls that were made…they were booing knubles goalie interference even after the ref’s hand went up. thanks for the replay CSN.
dont want to hear any crap that VC fans boo everything. one thing is clear, hockey fans are hockey fans no matter where they live. we all feel like we are being screwed by the refs every game. any word from eyes on the prize about the reffing last night?
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Apr 20, 2010 8:48 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I absolutely love the fact that Habs fans were complaining so much about the non-call for goalie interference on Knuble in game two, but then they get the call on Knuble for game three and it lasts exactly three seconds before A. Kostitsyn takes a penalty and negates it.
"He was the patron saint of quality footwear."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Apr 20, 2010 8:54 AM EDT up reply actions
As of two minutes ago, eyes on the prize hasn’t said ANYthing about last night.
There's always more to learn about Hockey.
by WordsOnIce on Apr 20, 2010 9:38 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
They have their recap post up onw.
"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
Booing Gianta’s obvious crosscheck call right in front of the ref
I’m not sure which crosscheck was called. Was it the first, the third or the fifth crosscheck to Chimera’s back. Talk about being brain dead. What exactly was Gionta thinking there?
Something along the lines of, 2 periods ago we had this damned series in the bag, and we’ve pissed it all away and now I am PISSED.
"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
Trying to get any of the Caps to respond, pick a fight, instill some energy into his team. He should have realized around 2-3 crosschecks that he wasn’t going to get a rise out of Chimmer.
You had me at no problem.
We all know nothing gets Ovi going better than taunting him. Ovi Angry! Ovi Score Goals!
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 20, 2010 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Any Word Yet on ShaMo?
Is there speculation anywhere whether he is hurt or was just benched?
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
Or Corvo for that matter.
Joe B said something about a possible equipment issue, but he didn’t return.
by Gin and Tonic on Apr 20, 2010 8:37 AM EDT up reply actions
No seriously. He didn’t go back with the trainer, he went back with the equipment guy. It was probably a skate issue.
An unfixable skate issue with only four other healthy D remaining? I obviously hope you’re right, but am skeptical.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
How long was he actually out? Wasn’t it just the last ten minutes? Maybe it just took longer than ten minutes to fix?
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
The last ten minutes of game time.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Perhaps since the game was well in hand they didn’t want to put him back out there?
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 20, 2010 9:02 AM EDT up reply actions
This is the only one that makes sense to me. None of the normal equipment issues take ten minutes of clock time to fix. Either he was hurt and they were covering for it or they just didn’t want to play him if they didn’t have to (but if he’s healthy, why do you need to give him that rest?).
I hate listening to people's dreams. It is like flipping through a stack of photographs. If I'm not in any of them and nobody is having sex, I just don't care.
He missed today’s practice. Obviously he’s not 100%. Sure, no one is this time of year, but he’s further away than others, I’d speculate.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Okay. maybe it just took longer than ten minutes to fix.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
I’ll buy that. If he cracked or damaged his skate blade, it’d have to be replaced, etc. – that takes a while.
Blog: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
a professional hockey player only has one pair of skates at the game?
by Natty Bumppo on Apr 20, 2010 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions
This is only part of it. They all have two (at least) pairs of skates. Some guys don’t really like mixing the pairs of skates, but I think most can. If he stripped an edge it takes at most ten minutes to fix, including time to get it off and on. If he lost a rivet, ditto. If he lost several rivets it could take a while, but I find it highly unlikely that an NHL player would lose several rivets in one game. If his skate blade broke it could be a tough fix, depending on what kind of skate he wears (does anyone know if he is CCM, Bauer, or other?). I assume they keep the blades on hand so it’s just replacement and sharpening time. A CCM can be replaced very quickly. I don’t know how easy it is to replace the current Bauer models but I’m sure there is some trick that lets you replace the blade without replacing the tuuk. Then you sharpen it up good and put it back on. I could see that taking 20 minutes. But if he broke a blade it would be easy to notice when you watch him skate after the damage occurred. Whether CSN caught it or not is a different issue.
I hate listening to people's dreams. It is like flipping through a stack of photographs. If I'm not in any of them and nobody is having sex, I just don't care.
by Rob Parker on Apr 20, 2010 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I don’t have a photo here that I – wait… maybe I do.
No… wait. I don’t? Crap. Add Corvo, Belanger, and Erskine to the list of full-size action shots I need to find among my collection. Found one of Sloan last night. :-)
Blog: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
But didn’t take another shift? That seems odd.
by Gin and Tonic on Apr 20, 2010 8:53 AM EDT up reply actions
Per last night’s shift chart, ShaMo didn’t skate a shift in the last 25 minutes and Corvo didn’t skate one in the last ten-plus.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Couple folks in the recap report they heard/saw Shaone scream and clutch his shoulder.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
“John Erskine, please pick up the white courtesy phone….John Erskine….please pick up the white courtesy phone.”
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 20, 2010 8:49 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I’d rather them bring up Alzner; Hershey doesn’t need him!
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 20, 2010 9:25 AM EDT up reply actions
Actually, Hershey does. Their playoffs not going nearly as smoothly as we thought they would. Holtby’s had a couple rough outings in goal, and the Bears’ O has been a little spotty.
I think they are definitely missing Big Johnny Carlson.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Alzner’s better off playing big minutes in Hershey than small minutes here.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 20, 2010 9:35 AM EDT up reply actions
That’s fair, but I don’t care about another Calder Cup.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 20, 2010 9:36 AM EDT up reply actions
Not for Hershey’s benefit, but for his own. He can get big minutes there, not here.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 20, 2010 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions
If he can handle it here, it’s better to be here. I just don’t think the coaches think he’s ready so it’s not going to happen. NHL playoff experience, even limited minutes, trumps anything he could get from HER.
I hate listening to people's dreams. It is like flipping through a stack of photographs. If I'm not in any of them and nobody is having sex, I just don't care.
At this point, I think i’d rather have him leaning towards quantity rather than quality. I’d rather be safe and conservative with him than push him before he’s ready.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 20, 2010 2:24 PM EDT up reply actions
CAPS power play also missing John Carlson
With as bad as its been how can he (and Fehr) not be out there at this point?
by Direction 87 on Apr 20, 2010 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think you want to pull Green off the PP, and the Caps play with 4 forwards. As much as Green has under-impressed this series, I think taking him out of that situation would be a big, big mistake.
Last night they were playing mainly 3 forwards on the PP, it was new for them. Green and Corvo were out at the same time for most of the #1 PP unit time. It looked like the #1PP unit was Green, Corvo, Ovie, Backstrom, and Semin. Green and Ovie would play the whole 2 minutes, and the rest of the #2 PP unit looked like it changed a few times.
Aim for the head baby Jesus
Let’s not drop him into top D-man duty all at once. He’s only just gotten onto the PK unit. PP will come with time.
You had me at no problem.
With 7 power plays last night, and a few with the game in hand, it would have been a great time to see him on the PP. Just a hunch that he will excel…Id rather him get the time than Corvo.
by Direction 87 on Apr 20, 2010 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions
I think the call goes something more like “Yo, yo Alzner!”
For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism.
by Rather Bengt on Apr 20, 2010 9:41 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
TYLER SLOAN WOOO!
Follow me on Twitter!! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes
I wish I could quit you, Tyler Sloan! - Co-founder of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
WOOOOOOOOOO!
He’s been doing good lately!
Follow me on Twitter!! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes
I wish I could quit you, Tyler Sloan! - Co-founder of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
You’re right, he has.
Sitting in the press box, he hasn’t turned the puck over once.
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
I meant when he played he was quite satisfactory.
Follow me on Twitter!! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes
I wish I could quit you, Tyler Sloan! - Co-founder of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
That’s because he’s been wearing a suit during the games lately.
"Now wait a minute. This is just purely a social call. You know, just two adults getting a stew on, man."
by The Ghost of Bebop on Apr 20, 2010 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions
Looking damn fine while doing it too.
Follow me on Twitter!! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes
I wish I could quit you, Tyler Sloan! - Co-founder of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
Yea, but lets completely discount the games he played well because that doesn’t fit the narrative.
Follow me on Twitter!! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes
I wish I could quit you, Tyler Sloan! - Co-founder of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
Fine by pretty much everyone here.
Follow me on Twitter!! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes
I wish I could quit you, Tyler Sloan! - Co-founder of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
You and your narrative!
Do you have all these posts scripted out in advance? Are we all just playing your game?
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
Dance monkey! Dance!
Follow me on Twitter!! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes
I wish I could quit you, Tyler Sloan! - Co-founder of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
I’ll be damned, he FINALLY updated that site. And I’ll bet all it took was changing two digits in his code for the new year. Kinda renders the spreadsheet .jpegs unnecessary…
That site is not exactly user friendly. I don’t know any other site that tracks Corsi on a per game basis though, so I guess I can’t complain.
"He was the patron saint of quality footwear."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Apr 20, 2010 9:23 AM EDT up reply actions
He updated it a while ago – I’ve been using it since at least January.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
bummer I missed that. I love how it clearly marks the PK/PP times, I just wish you didn’t have to scroll so much to see the whole game, but it’s a great website nontheless.
I like how you can pull one line up to the top or next to another player and so on.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Agree completely. That functionality is nearly recreated in the spreadsheets, but one shift chart makes the .xls file ~5mb, so I had no way to post anything other than the .jpegs of the shift chart. What I still like about the macro is it will automatically sort the players by TOI together, making it really easy to pick out the lines and see when BB starts getting crafty.
Chim chim-in-ey, chim chim-in-ey, chim chim Chimera
they look like big, good, strong hands. its ok, your forecheck and wheels still freakin rock.
If you want to survive out here, you've got to know where your towel is.
Wow. Mary Poppins and Neverending Story references in the same sentence.
by Gin and Tonic on Apr 20, 2010 8:54 AM EDT up reply actions
Well done on picking up the Neverending Story reference.
If you want to survive out here, you've got to know where your towel is.
by ns on Apr 20, 2010 9:06 AM EDT up reply actions
I'm really sorry JP
for being slightly OT but I couldn’t resist…
by Brainumbc on Apr 20, 2010 9:16 AM EDT up reply actions 15 recs
Rec’d for sheer awesomeness!
Blog: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
someone’s got their playoff beard on…
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Apr 20, 2010 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions
I still want one of Ovi’s goal celebration. That was a really cool moment.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
the one where Nick cradled his head lovingly?
If you want to survive out here, you've got to know where your towel is.
by ns on Apr 20, 2010 8:48 AM EDT up reply actions
Well, before that – from his knees, both arms in the air, screaming like he’d just won the world.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
I’ll take a picture like that in 4 to 6 weeks.
They're coming.
by Bald Pollack on Apr 20, 2010 8:56 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
ahahaha who’s stick is that??
If you want to survive out here, you've got to know where your towel is.
by ns on Apr 20, 2010 9:06 AM EDT up reply actions
That whole sequence had me rolling. Cammalleri trying to go at Nicky and Nick just laughing in his face. I think I said “I love Nicky” about ten times watching it live and during the replay. Awesome.
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
“Silly little child, don’t you know I’m the Swedish Swashbuckler? Here, have a cookie on your way to timeout”
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 20, 2010 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Someone muzzle Mike Green:
“…they don’t have much out there. Really, they don’t," he said of the Habs to a Washington reporter.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
In fairness to 52, he did preface that with:
When everyone plays like that
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 20, 2010 8:51 AM EDT up reply actions
But that “everyone” is referring to his team, no?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Yeah….and its been pretty well established this year that when the team is firing on all cylinders, there really isn’t a team out there that can play with them. I think that’s all he’s trying to say.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 20, 2010 8:54 AM EDT up reply actions
Oh Lord. Trash talk tempts the hockey gods, how many times must I say this? This series so far has been a lot of braggadocio on both sides coming back to bite players and teams in the butt.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Don’t worry. Trash talking isn’t going to make the Habs grow six inches and add on 30 pounds. Last night was realy men against boys.
Still. That first period was scary. Don’t ever tempt the hockey gods.
Having said that, even Bobby Mac made a mention that should the Caps keep up the firing on all the cylinders and maintaining a killer instinct, Montreal doesn’t have a real chance.
So did Denis Potvin this morning on XM. Obviously, anything can happen, but with all four lines now scoring for the Caps and only one for Montreal, I can easily see this over in five.
Pending the health of Corvo and ShaMo, or other serious injury issues, yeah, I’m with you.
The PP will eventually score a goal or three, and Semin will get going.
The Habs have lost their heads, 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
I still think this series is going to end up being decided 5v5.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
It’s where the Caps held the biggest advantage entering this series, so I tend to agree.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Aren’t 12 of our 13 goals at even strength, with just the one shortie? I’d say that advantage is playing out pretty clearly so far.
Doesn’t help that the power play’s been poopy, which certainly isn’t helped by Flash getting 5 mins of PP time a night.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 20, 2010 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions
This PP is like a job search. If you’ll indulge a strained analogy, anyway. You know there’s a payoff waiting at the end of it, and you have to wade through a certain (but indeterminate) number of bad results to get there.
The good news is that if you keep wading, each bad result gets you that much closer to the payoff.
"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 feels like Andy Dufresne crawling through the pipe at the end of Shawshank.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 20, 2010 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Hell, even the worst power plays connect 12 – 15% of the time. The Caps will get their goals on the PP eventually. The fact that they’ve sucked the life out of the Canadiens based on ES scoring is now a good thing, as we can count on some PP goals in the next few games.
"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
Nice.
Another uninnocent, elegant fall into the unmagnificent lives of adults...
by Smoltz's Beard on Apr 20, 2010 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Saw that, and had the exact same reaction.
That’s just not smart.
"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, Green is still immature. Enjoy the win for a few minutes, shut your mouth, and get ready for the next game. Don’t talk about how the other team isn’t so great, or how your team is so great.
You had me at no problem.
I’d like to hear the entire interview because that just doesn’t sound like Mike. He’s a pretty humble and respectful guy. I have the feeling he was kind of led into it by the reporter, just like Plekanec on the Theo quote.
Humble? His pre-game quote was “Watch me tonight. That’s all I have to say.”
Mike Green is a lot of things – including inarticulate and imprecise – but I don’t think I’d include “humble” among them (though I buy respectful and do think this quote is without any malicious intent).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Green got passed over for the all-star game, the Norris and the Olympics all in one year and he never bitched or complained to anybody. He just took his medicine and tried to get better. That shows humility to me.
And as for his “Watch me” quote, as Muhammad Ali use to say, it ain’t bragging if you back it up.
Yeah, well then what Green did was bragging.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Apr 20, 2010 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Not really fair. He just said he’d be better – and he was. +2, an assist, and seven shots on goal, three of which found the goalie, is a definite improvement over Game 2.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Sure, he never outright said he was going to be amazing, but you don’t say “watch me tonight, that’s all I have to say” if you mean “hey, I’ll be average tonight, instead of playing like crap like the game before”.
+2 is nice, but with the ice time he gets and with the Caps outscoring the Habs 5-0 in +/- relevant goals it would have been damn near impossible to not be +2. He still looks too hesitant on O and his hands looked like garbage.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Apr 20, 2010 3:41 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Seriously. Of all the people on the Caps who can talk trash about Montreal’s performance, Green is not one of them. Good lord.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Apr 20, 2010 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Sarge Was Solid!
Regarding Sarge and the statistical overperformer claim, people seem to love to forget how good a defensive defenseman he was this season. Amongst ALL defensemen playing >40 games and >10min TOI/60, he was SIXTH overall in GAON/60. His +/- certainly benefits from his teamates, but his defensive prowess was a huge factor in their ability to be so offensively minded.
Maybe we should say Mike Green was the overachiever playing with Schultz?
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 20, 2010 9:25 AM EDT up reply actions
Backstrom contract. . .
maybe its just me but to get Backstrom for 6 years at 6 million or 6 + million per year seems like a steal and they should lock that up right now. Hasn’t he earned 7 to 7.5 million? The guy hasn’t missed a game in three years, he makes the best player in the world even better and he is coming off his most dominant year to date and looks to be continuing that dominance in the playoffs. Don’t get me wrong, I would love for him to stay for 6 years at 6 million but that can’t be what the final number will be.Whatever GMGM does, he better get it done before July 1st when those offers start rolling in at 7.5-8 million a year.
Forget about finding your perfect match, I want a website where you can find your perfect arch-nemesis
Nothing is happening before the playoffs are over. Backstrom and McPhee agreed to table negotiations until then.
At this point he’s not getting any less than 7. If the Cap hit were 6.5 or 7 I would be doing synchronized cartwheels with F&B.
"Now wait a minute. This is just purely a social call. You know, just two adults getting a stew on, man."
by The Ghost of Bebop on Apr 20, 2010 9:36 AM EDT up reply actions
It’s all speculation at this point… He has earned a shit-ton of cash, he could be a franchise player for another franchise, but DC can’t pay Ovie $9+MM and Backstrom $8+MM. Backstrom needs to sign for no more than $7MM, and hopefully less.
But who knows what Nicky will choose… The world is his oyster right now.
You had me at no problem.
As good as we all know Nicky is, no way does he make more than Crosby – and Sid’s at $8.7 million a year, as is Malkin. I say $7-7.5, maybe toward the lower end of that spectrum if he takes a longer deal.
What about the Detroit contracts? Would Zetterberg or Franzen’s deal be a litmus test?
Both of those guys are substantially older though…
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 20, 2010 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions
I love Backis, but if we’re smart, we don’t pay him as though this season is going to be the norm. I’m not buying him as a perennial 30-goal/100-point player just yet. I think he’s much more likely to settle down in the 25/90 range.
If we pay $7m+, we’re probably overpaying based on one really amazing year, which isn’t good cap management.
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
One amazing year?
The guy has gotten better every single year he’s been in the league (69 to 88 to 101 points). And he’s 22. And he’s never missed a game. And he’s the catalyst for one of the best offenses in the entire history of the NHL. If that’s not enough of a case to lock the guy up for 10+ years, what is?
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 20, 2010 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I give you 2007-8 Ovechkin. Do you think we’ll see him score 65 consistently for the rest of his career? Me neither. At the time, he was the same age as Nick, with the same number of years in the league.
I don’t think Nick will shoot 15% next year, and I don’t think he’ll score 30+ goals as a result. Let’s say he shot a 12.5%, which is closer to what he shot last year. He’d score 28 goals (rounding up), for 98 points.
If he’s scoring 25/90, then he’s closer to the Toews/Kane/Savard salary level, and not the Crosby/Malkin level.
I want them to re-sign Bax, but I don’t think they need to go above $7m to do it.
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
I don’t think they will (or should) go over 7m either. But if it takes 8 to get the guy to sign long-term though, that’s a price i’d be willing to go for.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 20, 2010 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions
I wouldn’t. It’s too much. The only way he’s worth that much is if he repeats his performance this year every year for the rest of his career, and he won’t do that.
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
Are you saying that Backstrom has peaked as an NHLer?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
The guy’s only 22. No way he’s even close to peaking.
Same thing with Ovi. He went down from his goal scoring high, but he’s also doing a lot more than he used to.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 20, 2010 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m not saying he’s peaked, I’m saying that he’ll regress to the mean. There’s a big difference.
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
But does he really have a “mean” yet? The guy’s production has increased every year.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 20, 2010 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think 15% shooting percentage is sustainable.
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
Since the lockout, 7 centers have played 100+ games and had a S% over 15%. I’m not sure I see too many guys on that list who I’d say “Nick isn’t in that guy’s class as a shooter” other than Stamkos and maybe Toews.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Right, but how many of those could repeat it year after year? Not many.
Also, we might hate Briere and Ribeiro, but the guys have undeniably accurate shots.
Guys like Sillinger and Perrault scored from in-close.
The guy Bax reminds me of most is Forsberg. He had seasons where he put up 30+ goals – and they coincided with high shooting %‘s. He also had seasons where he put up closer to 20 – and they coincided with low shooting %’s.
My only point is that paying him $8m is a tacit assumption that he’s going to put up 30+/100+ every year. I love the kid, but I don’t think that’s in the cards.
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
A few of those numbers are over a 4+ season period, so I’d say its definitely doable
Aim for the head baby Jesus
But if you look inside the years, you’ll see guys who put up 18+ one year, then fall down to 13, then back up – the point is that it’s not consistent for most players.
Also, given that the number of guys is only seven, and that includes a kid with one ridiculously hot season (Stamkos), I’m just not buying that it’s all that easy.
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
Oh its definitely not easy, but considering his rate of improvement and his age, I think it’s entirely possible that Backstrom will put up a few 18% seasons to balance out the ones he has at 11 or 12%
Aim for the head baby Jesus
It would be awesome if that happened, but if you’re Ted, and it’s your money, would you bet $2m/year for 10 years on that? ($2m being the difference between a Toews-ish contract and a Crosby-esque contract.)
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
Actually it boggles my mind at times that Forsberg never scored more that 30 goals in a season
For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism.
by Rather Bengt on Apr 20, 2010 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions
No. I just don’t think he’ll perform at this level every year. Therefore, paying him as though he will is a mistake.
I think he’s going to put up 25+ goals and 90+ points pretty much every year. He’ll probably sprinkle the odd 30+ goal/100+ point season in there, but they’ll be the exception, rather than the norm. Additionally, he’ll probably get better at faceoffs and defense as he gets older.
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
I think he’s an eventual hart trophy winner, and worth whatever he gets paid.
You had me at no problem.
In a capped league, no one is worth an unlimited amount.
"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 meant, he’s worth whatever GMGM decides to pay him, as I trust our cap management.
You had me at no problem.
This is a team that signed Erskine to a 3-year 1.25M/year contract extension. And which signed Michael Nylander to a 4-year 4.875m/year contract.
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
Seen Philadelphia’s cap lately?
Or NYR’s?
Or Boston’s?
Or Chicago’s?
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 20, 2010 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Just because we’re not run by absolute morons doesn’t mean we walk on water. Right now, we’re the beneficiaries of having a lot of guys on entry-level contracts. We’ll see how good our cap looks in a couple years…
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
My point was simply that it could be a lot worse.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 20, 2010 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions
And it would be if we hadn’t unloaded Clark and Nylander.
Let’s face it – our cap would be totally jacked if we hadn’t managed to weasel out from under Nylander’s ridiculous contract.
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
Both of which would indicate a pretty skilled GM, no? One that was able to recognize his mistakes?
And Nylander was signed under the Hanlon regime….no one imagined at the time the team would take this kind of direction. That’s kind of a “not his fault” thing.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 20, 2010 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions
I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again – I hated the Nylander contract from the get-go. Never give an aging player an expensive multi-year deal with an NMC. Ever.
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
Lack of depth at C (which still hasn’t changed), combined with a guy who had just had some real good years with Jagr. I can see why they did it.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 20, 2010 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions
They had to. He was going to sign with Edmonton. Bad luck that he ripped up his shoulder and missed that whole year
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 20, 2010 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Nick is the only guy still on an ELC. We are already paying AO, Green, and Semin their raises. I don’t think it’s accurate to say we are just benefiting from lots of ELCs anymore.
I hate listening to people's dreams. It is like flipping through a stack of photographs. If I'm not in any of them and nobody is having sex, I just don't care.
Varly. Neuvirth. Carlson. Alzner.
Schultz and Fehr are both on QO Ks.
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
None of those ELCs can be said to have carried the team. None of them would qualify for the Cup if they didn’t play in a finals game. They are good, and will be contributors going forward, but right now our team is carried by guys on high contracts.
Schultz is your best argument but he is the kind of player that stays cheaper longer.
I hate listening to people's dreams. It is like flipping through a stack of photographs. If I'm not in any of them and nobody is having sex, I just don't care.
Nick definitely helps carry the team, as does Varly.
The larger point is that having these guys making peanuts allows us to pay other people more. If all of these guys were getting paid what they’d command on the open market, we’d be up against the cap.
That’s without even mentioning guys like Flash (QO), and Juice and ShaMo – Arbitration.
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
Yeah. Thank God for Flash.
And Juice. Who we traded away and hasn’t played since we got hot.
And ’Mo, of the frequently mocked overpaid-arbitration award.
I hate listening to people's dreams. It is like flipping through a stack of photographs. If I'm not in any of them and nobody is having sex, I just don't care.
Whatever. We’re benefiting from cheap young talent and you know it. If we had to assemble this team out of 29-year old UFAs, we’d break the bank.
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
Obviously, but that’s why you grow through the draft. The fact is our production over cost isn’t as high as it was two years ago. Then we were feasting on ELCs. Green and AO aren’t cheap. Neither is Semin. And we have enough bridge contracts that aren’t exactly pulling their weight to off-set some of the ELC gains. Poti comes to mind.
I hate listening to people's dreams. It is like flipping through a stack of photographs. If I'm not in any of them and nobody is having sex, I just don't care.
I wonder what our points/salary is?
I have to imagine that NSH leads the league in that, but we can’t be all that far behind.
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
Seeing as our points are so high and basically all contenders spend more than us you are probably right. I bet PHX did great in that metric this year as well. NYI maybe, especially before they fell off the cliff.
I hate listening to people's dreams. It is like flipping through a stack of photographs. If I'm not in any of them and nobody is having sex, I just don't care.
The bottom 3 salaried teams (IIRC) are NYI, PHX, NSH. We finished at 11th in G/G, so I would venture to guess without looking that you are correct in that assumption.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 20, 2010 4:18 PM EDT up reply actions
With PHX, though, is that counting all of their mid-season acquisitions?
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
No, I don’t think so. Either way same result right?
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 20, 2010 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions
No. They took on a decent amount of salary between Wolski, Morris and Stempniak.
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
I’m saying same result in that Nashville would still have the best points per salary ratio.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 20, 2010 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 20, 2010 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Which would increase his value along with the 25/90 range you talk about.
There aren’t a lot of guys who bring 25/90 with great defensive skills and faceoff ability in the league.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 20, 2010 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Right, but you’re talking about giving him Crosby/Malkin money, when his long-term potential probably looks more like Marc Savard from 2-3 years ago with more defensive responsibility.
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
But we don’t know his long-term potential yet. He could end up BETTER than those two.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 20, 2010 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Put simply, I don’t think his shooting % will stay this high. He should lose about 5 goals over the course of a season.
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
Maybe his shooting % doesn’t stay this high, but he’s also shown an increased willingness to shoot the puck.
"Now wait a minute. This is just purely a social call. You know, just two adults getting a stew on, man."
by The Ghost of Bebop on Apr 20, 2010 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions
You are entirely overlooking the most important factor in his goal scoring surge. I’m with you on the shooting percentage normally, but Nick has changed his game to shoot more. You can’t say what his normal goal scoring production should be. He could shoot more and have a lower shooting percentage and still hit 30. He’s still figuring out how to play in the NHL and he’s already one of the best.
I hate listening to people's dreams. It is like flipping through a stack of photographs. If I'm not in any of them and nobody is having sex, I just don't care.
Do you think he’ll get 250 shots playing alongside Ovie? I don’t.
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
No but there are too many variables at play for you to write this off as a fluke shooting % year. If you want to give him a two year deal and see then fine, but he’s only 22 and he’s gotten better and more well-rounded every year. I’m not willing to say we’ve seen his ceiling.
I hate listening to people's dreams. It is like flipping through a stack of photographs. If I'm not in any of them and nobody is having sex, I just don't care.
He is and will be much better than Savard. Stop hatin’.
I hate listening to people's dreams. It is like flipping through a stack of photographs. If I'm not in any of them and nobody is having sex, I just don't care.
No kidding. Not even in the same breath.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 20, 2010 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Savard has been a point/game player 5 out of the last 6 seasons. He’s better than you think.
Again, I’m not saying he’s better than Nick, I’m saying that, given the underlying skill sets, he’s a better comp for Nick at this point in his career than Crosby/Malkin.
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
Savard
I’m not saying Savard is better, I’m just saying that he and Toews are better “comps” for Bax than Crosby/Malkin.
Year Team GP G A P %
2005-2006 Thrashers 82 28 69 97 13.2
2006-2007 Bruins 82 22 74 96 10.0
2007-2008 Bruins 74 15 63 78 7.7
2008-2009 Bruins 82 25 63 88 11.7
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
I disagree but whatever. We’ll let time sort this one out. I see Savard in the same class as Spezza, and Nick is much better than either of those guys right now and will get better.
I hate listening to people's dreams. It is like flipping through a stack of photographs. If I'm not in any of them and nobody is having sex, I just don't care.
So you’re saying that you see Nick in the same class as Crosby and Malkin, in which case, I’m saying we can’t afford him.
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
I’m saying that Marc Savard kinda sucks and that 7 mill for Nick is a fucking steal. I’m not even talking about 8.7. That’s not even really close. But I think Nick is closer to 7.5 than he is to 6. That’s for sure.
I hate listening to people's dreams. It is like flipping through a stack of photographs. If I'm not in any of them and nobody is having sex, I just don't care.
Ok, then, replace Savard with Toews… Bax is better offensively, but Toews is better defensively. I think he gets more than Toews, but a full $1m/year more?
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
Or replace Baxter with Vanek. If Vanek is worth 7+ so is Nick. You can do this all day. Pick underpaid or overpaid players and compare Nick. You want to focus on the underpaid guys because it fits your argument. How about we stick with CHI and compare Kane. If Kane is 6.3 I think Nick is 7.
I hate listening to people's dreams. It is like flipping through a stack of photographs. If I'm not in any of them and nobody is having sex, I just don't care.
Yeah, but you and I both know that the Vanek contract was moronic. It was KLowe being a desperate tool.
Moreover, when KLowe offered him that contract, our economy hadn’t just gone through the biggest recession since the Great Depression. Times change.
I’d take Bax at $7. I’ve said that all along. What I was arguing against were the people who said he’s worth Crosby money. I don’t think he is (yet), and you could sign Fehr for the extra $1.7m.
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
8.7 is too rich, but not because Nick wouldn’t earn it. I think Nick could earn that if he were a team’s highest paid player, but with AO it would fuck us even if Nick earned it. We’ve gotta keep the pair at 17 or below.
I hate listening to people's dreams. It is like flipping through a stack of photographs. If I'm not in any of them and nobody is having sex, I just don't care.
I would pay Nick that much more than Toews, yes. Especially with what I’ve seen this postseason between the two.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 20, 2010 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions
You don’t even need to postseason to come to that conclusion. They do things a little bit differently, but Backs has been way, way more effective offensively than Toews has been.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 20, 2010 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah I’d pay Nick closer to Sid money than Toews money.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 20, 2010 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions
I think Backstrom has the potential to have a better career than Crosby.
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
I just don’t think he’ll perform at this level every year.
Obviously true, but that obviously also depends on the time frame we’re talking about. On a six-year deal, I’d expect his overall value to be comparable to what it was this year throughout the term. On a 13-year deal, not so much.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I’m not sure. The odds are that he A) regresses back to the mean shooting-wise, and B) gets injured at some point.
Right now, he looks like a stud because he’s on fire and can stay healthy. History shows that you just shouldn’t bank on that.
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
How would you suggest we replace him?
"Now wait a minute. This is just purely a social call. You know, just two adults getting a stew on, man."
by The Ghost of Bebop on Apr 20, 2010 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Dunno. But if some team offers him $8.5m, I say we walk away, take the cash and sign Plekanec or trade Semin for a C. Two first-round picks every year over 4 years could net us a crapload of talent.
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
::laughs nervously::
Surely no one out there has the combination of cap room, picks and stupidity to offer Lars $8.5M, right?
That would simultaneously cripple your cap situation and jettison a ton of picks…
"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, but if you’re Atlanta or Florida, you’ve shown a complete inability to draft effectively anyhow.
Let’s say it’s $8m. You’ve grabbed yourself a premier center who’s only 23. Yeah, you’ll give up draft picks, but what are the chances of getting anybody as good as Backstrom?
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
I dunno, if Backstrom takes up that much of their cap they could still be awful and those would be good picks
Aim for the head baby Jesus
Jeez, that’s a good point.
Let’s hope that George and Ted get it done before the FA season, 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
I’d bet money on the fact that Backs would take the Caps at 6-7 mil over FL or ATL for 8 mil any day of the week and twice on Sunday.
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 20, 2010 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Joe Sakic → Rangers. Sergei Fedorov → Hurricanes.
Both almost happened through offer sheets.
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
And both also almost happened in an un-capped NHL. That’s a key point.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I think in a capped world, the Avs and Wings might have been forced to let them go. Do you disagree? The Rags wouldn’t have been able to fit Sakic in, but then, I didn’t think they could fit Gabby in, either.
The ’Canes certainly could have fit Feds in, though.
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
I think the difference is that in a capped world, you’re much more hesitant to go all-in on a guy, lest you get burned. In a no-cap world, you get burned but can always just spend more. So you’d better be DAMN sure you’ve got your guy nowadays before giving him the huge contract.
Is Backstrom Sakic or Fedorov? Maybe. Is a team willing to bet on that (and by that I mean pay more than the Caps are willing to match)? Doubt it.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Some random poster here actually emailed Ted and offered to contribute his paycheck to the “Sign Backstrom” fund – he posted about it here.
Ted’s somewhat testy reply: “Relax. He’s not going anywhere. Find something else to worry about.”
That’s pretty definitive and pretty comforting as far as him not getting away. Now, the final number might be crippling for its cap implications, but we’ll just have to wait on that one.
"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
Right, but if you’re in a position akin to Col or Det, in that you’ve got a buttload of other star players to pay (and I think that’s the position we’re in), and someone blows Sakic, Feds or Bax away with an offer sheet – don’t you consider letting him go?
Do you think Buffalo wishes they had let Vanek go? Imagine having Edmonton’s 1st-round picks four years in a row…
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
Buffalo was screwed – they’d just let Briere and Drury walk and needed to hitch their wagon to someone.
And Lowe is hated for it.
Can’t underestimate how big an old boys network the NHL is.
I don’t think anyone is willing to far outbid the Caps for Nick’s services. They’d be crazy to.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I hope you’re right, but I think there are a few franchises that would consider that deal:
NYI – Backstrom + Tavares + Okposo
CAR – Staal + Backstrom = strong down the middle
FLA – Trying to redefine their franchise, can’t draft worth a crap, Booth is probably toast
CBJ – Backtrom to Nash = $$$$$
MIN – Nicklas Backstrom + Niklas Backstrom = Endless hijinx
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
St. Louis?
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 20, 2010 2:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Heh. Every team could use Nick. But… the reality is the Caps would match up to the point of absolute absurdity… and who’s going to make him an absolutely absurd offer?
I think a guy like Vanek or Penner or Kesler could get a sheet because they were so far from the “max” contract that someone could make a silly offer for their services. But the delta between that max and Nick’s value really isn’t all that much, so it’d just be dirty pool to sign him to a sheet just to bust the Caps’ cap.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Plus, teams that have tried to do the “offer so high it can’t be matched” haven’t really worked out. There aren’t a lot of samples, but both Penner and Vanek look like terrible offers. I don’t think STL far over paid on Kesler, it was a smart move on their part and a smart move on VAN’s part.
I hate listening to people's dreams. It is like flipping through a stack of photographs. If I'm not in any of them and nobody is having sex, I just don't care.
Is a player obligated to accept an offer sheet if it comes in higher than his ‘home’ team’s offer and the ‘home’ team does not match? Or does he have the option of taking less money to stay where he wants? The way everyone always talks about offer sheets makes it seem like the player has no choice, but that just doesn’t seem right.
↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → b a (select) start
No, a player absolutely has to sign an offer sheet.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I think there’s a communication breakdown – if EDM offers Nick 9m, he doesn’t have to sign that offer, he can take 7.5 from the Caps. If he signs the offer, though, he’s obligated to accept it if the Caps don’t match.
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
Right, I think thats what I was getting at. So a team can offer an offer sheet and Nick has a chance to reject it. But just because one is offered doesn’t mean that the Caps are hosed.
So this just says that Penner and Vanek were seeing green. Of course they didn’t play for this years Caps, either.
↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → b a (select) start
FLA actually has some pretty good draft picks, they’ve had more problem keeping them (read: paying them). You’re just forcing them to make your point. You’re doing the same thing with Booth. You say he’s “probably” toast with really nothing to base it on. He could be Eric Lindros or he could not. You really have no idea.
NYI has committed to drafting lately as well. I don’t think they’d do it but they at least make a little sense.
I hate listening to people's dreams. It is like flipping through a stack of photographs. If I'm not in any of them and nobody is having sex, I just don't care.
FLA actually has some pretty good draft picks
Like who? Booth was pretty good and outside of that. . . Nada. Horton and Weiss turned out OK, but compared to what they could have had, both of those guys are disappointments.
Other than Bouwmeester (who they could have afforded), what massive talent exodus has there been from FLA?
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
Kulikov comes immediately to mind. And given he was actually drafted by the guy in charge I might look there first.
I hate listening to people's dreams. It is like flipping through a stack of photographs. If I'm not in any of them and nobody is having sex, I just don't care.
So, Kulikov and Booth.
For every one of those, I can give you a Stewart (Anthony), or a Taticek, or a McArdle, or Shvidki.
The Panthers have sucked at drafting, but every now and then a blind squirrel finds a nut.
Maybe this will be different under the new regime, but I’ll say it again, what are the chances of getting a player like Bax if you’re drafting 11th or 12th every year?
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
Oh, and talent exodus… I seem to remember some goalie they had a while back that they ruined the contract talks with. No, they didn’t draft him, but they had the talent. Same with ATL. Talent has gone through those organizations, it just hasn’t stayed.
I hate listening to people's dreams. It is like flipping through a stack of photographs. If I'm not in any of them and nobody is having sex, I just don't care.
No I was saying that I doubt Backs couldn’t be enticed to leave WSH for an extra 1 mil.
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 20, 2010 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions
I just have this feeling this team will become one for which people will take discounts to stay – a la Detroit. If they manage to win the Cup this year that becomes even more possible, but this team is set up to be really good for a really long time. Nicky knows what he has with Ovechkin and with this team, as many of the guys do, and he knows how long #8 will be here.
Call me naive if you want…I think we get this deal done for a reasonable amount ($6-7 million per year).
Even if you ballpart it ag $6.5M, between Baxter, AO and Green you’ve got about $21.5M of cap room (38% of availablespace) tied up in 3 players.
That’s pretty top-heavy.
"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
Yea, but that’s ok, all 3 are in the top 3-5 players in the league at their positions.
Aim for the head baby Jesus
But it means Semin has to go, and probably at least one of Laich, Carlson, Schultz, Fehr and Alzner can’t be around long term.
Don’t get me wrong, I think they have to sign Backstrom at $6.5M if they can, but every dollar counts and there are ripple effects for the rest of the roster.
"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 will pay 7.5 – 8 mil a year….If we lose him at that pay rate, the team that takes him owes us a ton as well.
I’d rather have Backstrom.
I might get that tattooed across my back.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I think a certain someone already did.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 20, 2010 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions
Who might that be?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 20, 2010 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Oh man, AO is ready to suck the hell out of Backstrom’s face, there.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 20, 2010 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions
Nicky the Dementor?
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
by terpgrrl on Apr 20, 2010 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
i was thinking similiar, Ovi looks terrified.
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
It’s a good thing none of the pictures or video of this are very clear, or people might talk.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Ah, sweet mystery of life, at last I’ve found theeeeeeeeeeeeee…
Ah! At last I know the secret of it al-l-l-l-l-l-l-l-l-l-l-l-l…
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Apr 20, 2010 10:12 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Oh GAWD, Peerless! Thank goodness my office door was closed before I started giggling like a fool because of you.
There's always more to learn about Hockey.
by WordsOnIce on Apr 20, 2010 10:56 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Nelson Eddy is still a winner after all these years.
Alex Ovechkin does not seem the “Jeanette MacDonald” type, though.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Apr 20, 2010 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions
BEST. PICTURE. EVER.
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 20, 2010 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions
I’d like to tattoo that on McPhee’s forehead.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Apr 20, 2010 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions
explain
I am not up on the RFA details enough to fully understand that.
Forget about finding your perfect match, I want a website where you can find your perfect arch-nemesis
by Lunatic Fringe on Apr 20, 2010 9:36 AM EDT up reply actions
IIRC, if someone steals Backstrom from us via an offer sheet, they would have to give us FOUR first round draft picks.
You had me at no problem.
If a really good team — one that is consistently in the playoffs, one whose draft picks are 20+ — signs him, that’s doable.
I wonder if a team would offer him a longer deal just under the top tier cutoff, just to not have to give it all up.
I doubt Nicky would sign with anyone for under $6.5MM, regardless of term.
You had me at no problem.
We’ve been trying to sign him to a 10+ year deal, but he doesn’t want to sign for that long, apparently. No way would we have problems matching that kind of term.
You had me at no problem.
We’ve been trying to sign him to a 10+ year deal
Where have you heard this?
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
http://www.japersrink.com/2010/2/1/1286881/backstrom-contract-extension-close
You had me at no problem.
Meh. It’s Aftonbladet. I don’t really trust anything they have to say about Swedish players after listening to years of random Forsberg rumors from them.
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
Still, if somebody offered Nick a ten year deal at just under 6.5 per, wouldn’t you match it in a heartbeat if your the Caps?
Aim for the head baby Jesus
That would be a bargain.
"Now wait a minute. This is just purely a social call. You know, just two adults getting a stew on, man."
by The Ghost of Bebop on Apr 20, 2010 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions
It’s pretty obvious they have to re-sign him, though. I mean, when Semin and Fleischmann become free agents, do you see either staying in Washington?
I’m guessing and hoping Flash doesn’t get resigned next year, and part of me still thinks that Sasha will resign sometime during next season… but it really depends on how everything else shakes out and how much cap we end up with. In the end, I don’t think it’s going to happen. We’re going to have pay Varly, Fehr, Backstrom, and add a blueliner when Corvo leaves. It’ll be interesting.
Mean Lars Backstrom? Open up the Scrooge McDuck vault and let him dive in.
I don’t have this year’s numbers handy, but here’s the 2008-09 compensation chart for signing away another team’s RFA:
$863,156 or less
None
$863,156 – $1,307,812
3rd round pick
$1,307,812 – $2,615,625
2nd round pick
$2,615,623 – $3,923,437
1st and 3rd round pick
$3,923,437 – $5,231,249
1st, 2nd, and 3rd round pick
$5,231,249 – $6,539,062
Two 1st’s, one 2nd, one 3rd round pick
$6,539,062 or more
Four 1st round picks
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
note that those teams would have to have those picks in hand when they make the offer sheet. not sure how far out those first round picks can go though. can you say yeah i’ll give you four first rounders in 2015-18 or do they have to start this year and for three years after that? for example, toronto couldnt make an offer for backs cause they have no first rounder this year,correct?…ironically traded for the guy drafted right after backs.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Apr 20, 2010 9:48 AM EDT up reply actions
those teams would have to have those picks in hand when they make the offer sheet
Right, and not just any picks in those rounds, but their own picks, and yes, in the next draft(s).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Please no more draft picks that take 4 years to develop into 3rd liners. John Carlson’s don’t grow on trees.
4th Floor, is next, swimvare, undervare, Eric Fehr...
Hey, you need some homegrown guys past the first round to hit sometimes.
They're coming.
by Bald Pollack on Apr 20, 2010 9:55 AM EDT up reply actions
Yes you do, but not at the expense of Backstrom.
4th Floor, is next, swimvare, undervare, Eric Fehr...
I need some homegrown, that’s for sure.
I hate listening to people's dreams. It is like flipping through a stack of photographs. If I'm not in any of them and nobody is having sex, I just don't care.
by Rob Parker on Apr 20, 2010 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
It’s a consolation prize, but even 4 firsts and foregoing a big salary isn’t worth losing Nicky. I’m sure the Caps won’t repeat the mistake they made in letting Scott Stevens get away.
There’s a better chance of Malkin to the Kings than there is Backstrom not being signed. He’ll certainly have a hometown discount but I think we’ll have a collective groan on the contract length. Backstrom should be signed here for-ev-urrr and his agent is probably shrewd enough and confident enough that when it comes to re-signing him again, he’ll be worth a ton more. I’m hoping it’s at least 5 or 6 years, though.
President and sole member of the Erskine lobby.
I think you’re right. It’s hard to read a player’s motivations sometimes, but there’s no way Nicky wants to leave this team. I’m confident the Caps will work out a deal with him that won’t be as cheap or long as we’d like, but will still be fair. The growing consensus is that Backstrom is one of the top 3 (certainly top 5) Cs in the league, and he’s gonna get paid. Underrated no longer.
That matters a lot now — recognition. It might be easier to leave if you’re constantly in the shadow of Ovechkin but Backstrom will now be “Ovechkin and Backstrom come to town with the Capitals to play blahblahblah at the blahblahblah”
President and sole member of the Erskine lobby.
From what I’ve seen, Backstrom doesn’t love the limelight and seems quite happy in Ovi’s shadow. He is definitely no longer unknown or underrated, but I don’t think that recognition is really going to factor into his decision.
by Gin and Tonic on Apr 20, 2010 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Did anyone catch the horrendous 2 on 1 Green defended?
I have defended Green to anyone and everyone since he lost the Norris last year. I told them he’s better in his zone than most people around the league think. I said, “Yes, you’ve seen him make a eggregious blunders that just happened to have lead to goals, but really, the bulk of his defensive zone play is extremely sound and solid.” And I believe it now like I believe it then… but… last night when they sprung a 2 on 1 and Green refused to put himself on the ice and take away the the pass, all I can do is sigh. When does it stop? To me, Green is more manic than Semin. Unless the puck carrier is a pure shooter, you have to take the pass away at all costs. The only reason it wasn’t a goal is because future Conn Smythe winner Lars Backstrom was backchecking at 100 MPH and managed to just barely deflect the puck or disrupt the shot, I can’t remember which.
I love Green. He is awesome. He is worth every penny and I hope we lock him up forever. But when he loses the Norris to Keith I’m not going to be surprised. It’s going to be because of stuff like this. I can’t with a straight face tell the haters that he’s the guy I want in the most pressure defensive situations, because of stuff like last night.
Disclaimer: if Plekanec was the puck carrier in this 2 on 1 scenario, which I honestly can’t remember either Habs player, he gets 25% of the blame removed. But there’s still no excuse for standing up and trying to block that pass with your stick. The puck carrier was already low in the slot, there was no more ground to cover.
So you’re saying that Green got smoked? /420’d
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 20, 2010 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
Pens and Sens???
Forget about finding your perfect match, I want a website where you can find your perfect arch-nemesis
by Lunatic Fringe on Apr 20, 2010 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions
I think my favorite tweet of the night last night was from a Habs fan:
Hey Knuble, how does Price’s colon look you crease crashing douchebag?
Oh how I’ve longed to have a Cap about whom opposing fans felt that way.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 20, 2010 10:10 AM EDT reply actions 4 recs
He said “look,” not “taste,” so no.
And I replied with “You can get a good look at a T-bone…” but apparently Twitter wasn’t ready for a Tommy Boy reference.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 20, 2010 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
You can get a good look at a T-bone by sticking your head up a butcher’s ass, but then… no, It’s gotta be your bull.
You had me at no problem.
“you have de-railed”
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 Apr 20, 2010 4:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Worst
When Twitter misses references it makes me sad. When it was 4-1 MTL I made a “WAS IT OVER WHEN THE GERMANS BOMBED PEARL HARBOR?” and got three “Ummm I am pretty sure it was the Japanese” replies.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Like reading thoughts confined to 140 characters? I'm on Twitter too.
That one disappointed me more than the missed mockery of the Habs’ dressing room motto.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Like reading thoughts confined to 140 characters? I'm on Twitter too.
Actually, I believe that was the next line in the movie… followed by, “shut up, he’s on a roll,” or something like that, wasn’t it?
Blog: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
by IRockTheRed on Apr 20, 2010 10:36 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah
But it was in the form of a correction not keeping it going :(
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Like reading thoughts confined to 140 characters? I'm on Twitter too.
D’oh. :-p
Blog: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
by IRockTheRed on Apr 20, 2010 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions
the next line(s)
Germans?
Forget it, he’s rolling..
I thought in the movie they just said “Germans??” followed by “forget it, he’s rolling”
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 Apr 20, 2010 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions
should have read on before replying….
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 Apr 20, 2010 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions
“To you from failing hands we throw the torch, be yours to hold it high or, in the case of this current team, as high as you can manage.”
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
by D'ohboy on Apr 20, 2010 10:36 AM EDT up reply actions 6 recs
Oh, that’s good.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Like reading thoughts confined to 140 characters? I'm on Twitter too.
Shamalama diiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiing doooooooong
If my answers frighten you then you should cease asking scary questions.
Japers' Rink - It's where all the cool kids go
What more can I say?
by Steck It Out on Apr 20, 2010 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions
Given how old Animal House is, it’s a little amazing to me that the references still work.
"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."
They should for Caps fans – we use clips from that movie in several of our more prominent in-house videos during TV timeouts.
Blog: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
by IRockTheRed on Apr 20, 2010 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions
I also meant it in that they do use it in the videos. That movie is over 30 years old. Half the fanbase wasn’t even born when it came out.
"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."
Who cares? Belushi will never get old
Aim for the head baby Jesus
by Doncosmic on Apr 20, 2010 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Humor me on the generation gap, okay?
"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."
That movie is older than I am, but I still love the crap out of it. And the old Belushi SNL skits.
University kids nowadays still buy that poster of Belushi wearing the “college” sweatshirt, drinking a bottle of Jack Daniels. It bridges the generation gap adroitly.
You had me at no problem.
Sadly and ironically, that is true…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 20, 2010 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions
It’s a classic.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Like reading thoughts confined to 140 characters? I'm on Twitter too.
Casablanca, it ain’t. :-)
"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."
True
It’s enjoyable to watch.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Like reading thoughts confined to 140 characters? I'm on Twitter too.
You are right. It’s better.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on Apr 20, 2010 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions
I love when people miss that one, because you know they suck.
Follow me on Twitter!! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes
I wish I could quit you, Tyler Sloan! - Co-founder of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
How could anyone in an enlightened society not get that????
Animal House should be required viewing for anyone coming out of high school, if only to encourage them to go to college.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 20, 2010 4:38 PM EDT up reply actions
No, your face does.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Like reading thoughts confined to 140 characters? I'm on Twitter too.
It’s gotta be your bull.
Another uninnocent, elegant fall into the unmagnificent lives of adults...
by Smoltz's Beard on Apr 20, 2010 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions
I have to say, I feel bad for Theodore. After last night’s performance by Varlamov (had a great first period when it counted, only gave up one goal), I don’t see #60 between the pipes again this playoffs.
And that sucks for him, because he’s played otherworldly in the regular season and one shitty game did him in.
Nah. I don’t think it’s that bad. I think we’ll see him again – might or might not be this series, but we’ll see him.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Yea… the way Varly played last night… makes me think he’s in net for a while. Unlike last year though, if Varly does have a medium rough game, we’ll likely see Theo. But if he continues to play well, I don’t see much “sharing.”
Not to get ahead of ourselves, but if it’s 3-1 going into G5 why wouldn’t BB throw Theo out there? I’m not arguing for either side, just curious as to what you guys think.
Another uninnocent, elegant fall into the unmagnificent lives of adults...
by Smoltz's Beard on Apr 20, 2010 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions
The same reason Osgood played every game in ‘08 after replacing Hasek in the third game. You keep the guy who’s winning in.
Or just the fact that Varly gives us a better chance to win. That’s enough for me.
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
I don’t think either one of our goalies is ready to be a #1 all the way through 4 playoff series. I think we’re going to need both Theo and Varly.
Unless Varly pitches a sensational shutout tomorrow, I think BB goes back to Theo at home, to keep him on his game. If Theo stays on the bench the rest of this series, he may be ruined for the rest of the playoffs.
You had me at no problem.
Without Varly in net, we wouldn’t have left the first period tied 0-0 yesterday.
Why on earth would you put Theo back in?
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
Theo has had one bad period. That’s it. I trust him to bounce back after the regular season he gave us.
I agree 100% Theo shouldn’t have played last night. But the goalie who gave us the better chance to win last night is not necessarily the goalie who gives us the best chance to win next week.
You had me at no problem.
Theo has yet to win a playoff game as a Cap. Varly has won nine.
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
Well, then you’ll be standing as you watch Varly start until he lays a stinker.
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
Totally out of curiosity, why the strong desire to go back to Theo? If the Caps went to seven games and he was getting pummeled with shots and traffic, I could see wanting to give Varly a rest, but he can’t be all that worn out after only playing half a season at most.
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
Theo played an awesome regular season for us. He backstopped our Streak, and that Streak was the main reason why we ended up on top of so many categories.
Theo should not be yanked for good again this playoff season because of one bad period. That’s all.
I’m not strongly desiring to see Theo back in net. I just think we’ll see him back is all. I’m just as happy to watch Varly.
You had me at no problem.
Theo played an awesome regular season for us. He backstopped our Streak
The problem with this line of thinking is two-fold.
First, the regular season is over. We’re not getting any more tired, unfocused teams, or patsies.
Second, the streak was an aberration. If anything, it’s an argument against Theo, since our unsustainably lucky play during the streak contributed a great deal to his gaudy Win total.
I don’t see the sense in bringing him back unless Varly tires, gets injured, or starts playing poorly.
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
But our goalie situation all year has been all but openly stated as, ‘ride the hot hand.’
If Theo showed more consistency in his time in DC I could see giving him another chance, but he hasn’t.
And right now Varly is the hot hand.
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
Totally out of curiosity, why the strong desire to go back to Theo?
I think that he’s just carried the team so many times that he deserves a chance at some glory and to redeem himself for some past mistakes.
I’d like to have Theo in net for this reason. I mean who doesn’t want good people to work hard to reap benefits? That’s what America is based on and people love to see this idea exemplified in sports…
But in the end, the coach has to put “winning the ultimate prize” as a higher priority than any side-plots so I can completely understand if he rides Varly out for the rest of the series.
In the end.. “It’s just business, nothing personal”
But in the end, the coach has to put "winning the ultimate prize" as a higher priority than any side-plots so I can completely understand if he rides Varly out for the rest of the series.
In the end.. "It’s just business, nothing personal"
pretty much
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
but he can’t be all that worn out after only playing half a season at most.
He played 33 games last season and was worn out by the end of Round 2. It’s not the worst idea to try to keep both goalies fresh if they can.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Apr 20, 2010 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions
If it can be done without jeopardizing our chance to win, great. For example, if we get into a laugher (either way), we should probably bring Theo in.
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
If Varly wins Game 4 he gets Game 5. Maybe Theo gets it if Varly looks unimpressive in the win. But does Theo get a shot to start round 2? I can especially see it if it’s against the Flyers, who Theo has owned recently. BB has been up front about saying they need both goalies, so maybe he follows it up.
It’s a ballsy move, and not one I’m completely against. After all, the Caps have never lost a series that Theo started, and they have never won a series that Varlamov started.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Apr 20, 2010 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Possibly. I just hope this current series isn’t as draining as the one against the Rags last year. If we can finish this off in 5 or 6 without any triple-overtime games, I think he’ll be good.
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
The Caps do need to finish this series off quick, that will help Varly get through the 2nd round. But even if this is easier than the Rags series (which was tougher for the rest of the team than for Varly), there are 3 more rounds to go. So getting Varly some rest may not be a bad idea even if this series ends in 5.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Apr 20, 2010 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions
I actually completely agree with this. I said something like this yesterday too, but I think BB realizes that one (of many) of the reasons the Pens Game 7 was such a disaster was that we had essentially ridden Varly to the bone. No way he lets that happen again.
Varly played spectacularly last night…and has definitely proven himself as a stellar playoff goalie. But I don’t think he’s ready to be the go to #1 playoff goalie yet. Share the playoff love. If it comes back to Game 5 us up 3-1, put Theo out and give him a shot. But with that very very short leash BB likes to deny exists.
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 20, 2010 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
That was my initial thought process, but some other posters have done a good job of swaying my opinion…and now I have no idea where I stand.
Another uninnocent, elegant fall into the unmagnificent lives of adults...
by Smoltz's Beard on Apr 20, 2010 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions
but I think BB realizes that one (of many) of the reasons the Pens Game 7 was such a disaster was that we had essentially ridden Varly to the bone. No way he lets that happen again.
Especially so when we remember that last season we had to deal with a Yanni-induced back-to-back in the middle of that series. And three OT games. Which is why I get so worried when we can’t seem to finish teams in regulation.
fair enough, I’ve got no qualms with that
Another uninnocent, elegant fall into the unmagnificent lives of adults...
by Smoltz's Beard on Apr 20, 2010 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions
I had the same thought, but I think the risks far outweigh the benefits.
If Theo has, say, a 5-0, 40 save shut out, then you’ve created a controversy for game 1 of the next series.
If Theo lets in 4 goals on 10 shots and loses, you’ve let the Habs back in, completely damaged Theo’s psyche and now your coaching is questioned.
Plus – just the act of putting Theo in hurts the momentum of Varly and, potentially, Varly’s psyche.
I think you stick with Varly no matter what if he wins game 4 or plays very well in game 4.
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
That also makes sense, I think I’m switching over to Team Varly.
Another uninnocent, elegant fall into the unmagnificent lives of adults...
by Smoltz's Beard on Apr 20, 2010 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions
Varly was worn down to a nub by Game 7 of the Pens series last year. If we’ve a 3-1 lead coming back home, play Theo. Keep them both sharp if possible,
This is what I’m thinking, too.
Blog: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
Agree with keeping both goalies sharp. If something unfortunate happens to Varly, we want Theo sharp enough to do more than mop up duty. At this point, we don’t know how Varly’s endurance would be over four rounds, since he spent a lot of this season dealing with injuries. And just because it’s customary to have one playoff goalie, if the Caps can run a tandem, why not? Since when do we consider conventional wisdom a constraint?
But I do think avoiding having Theo in net in the Bell Centre may be a good idea, if possible. When other players are commenting on the taunting during warm ups, I have to wonder if it would affect team concentration.
I Still think the decision to play Varlamov both nights of the back-to-back in the pens series was a key factor in the loss. You have to wonder if that decision made differently would have changed the outcome and if Bruce will do differently this year.
Totally agree (and did at the time). Not only back-to-back, but three-in-four nights and four-in-six. Too much.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I think I read there are no back-to-backs in the playoffs this year.
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
Games 1 and 2 of the finals, I think. Otherwise, doesn’t that get decided once the matchups are known? Obviously, unless the arenas are screwed up (cough), shouldn’t happen, right?
"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."
There weren't SUPPOSED to be last year...
This guy says otherwise:
Blog: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
by IRockTheRed on Apr 20, 2010 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Folks,
It’s not a question of goal tending for this team. Both goalies are capable of keeping the score low. It’s what’s happening around these guys that is always the question. Uninspired scoring, backchecking, and defense have been the ruination of this team. Hell, I would’ve settled for a good back checking defenseman on Saturday night! I’m done worrying about our goalies and more focused on our team defense.
"More Gary Thorne, please."
This is the downside of having a good backup. Theo got pulled for legitimate reasons, and Varly has run with it. He looked fantastic last night. Hard to get your job back if the other guy plays lights out in his first starting opportunity. I do think BB will want to play Theo in Game 5, but Varly may make it impossible to justify.
How about this, Gabby gives Theo the start in game 4 in MTL. He proves that game 2 was an aberration and goes out and wins. Then MTL is coming back to DC knowing that they lost two at home, and lost to both Caps goaltenders.
It’d make Plekanec’s ears bleed…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 20, 2010 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Mike Wise
Mike Wise currently blowing the “Canadiens fans booing the national anthem” story way outta proportion. God sports radio is terrible, I normally don’t listen past the junkies, but hadn’t turned it off yet and came back to the room to hear this. It’s off now, I hope they get this guy off the air after his contract is up.
Mike Wise is to sports media what Rush Limbaugh is to political actvism, or what William Shatner is to NASA…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 20, 2010 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Why would you listen to him, considering his track record in this series?
They're coming.
by Bald Pollack on Apr 20, 2010 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions
I do the same thing (turning off after the Junks) but was tempted to listen to Mike Wise knowing that he’d be talking hockey. I opted to listen to Iron and Wine instead, sounds like the right choice.
I know why the station did it, but I’m still pissed they canceled Big O and Dukes and Mike O’Meara.
Another uninnocent, elegant fall into the unmagnificent lives of adults...
by Smoltz's Beard on Apr 20, 2010 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, O and Dukes was great, what annual radio event was better than Foodstock? I’m glad they still give the Junks a fair amount of liberty with the show, but it still isn’t the same. I really miss the old old days when they were on at nights, when they had music in the background the whole show.
I still remember listening to the Junks when they were on at night as I used to do my homework back in HS. Can’t believe that was 11 years ago.
When they canceled O&D I had only been listening for a little less than a year, and it broke my heart. I never got to go to Foodstock!
Another uninnocent, elegant fall into the unmagnificent lives of adults...
by Smoltz's Beard on Apr 20, 2010 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions
FWIW, Mike O’Meara has one-hour show on the internet with Buzz, Robbay and Big O. Listening to yesterday’s show right now talking (a little) about Saturday’s game.
I believe in JC.
I literally just found that link, and was very happy to see Oscar in with a good crowd after he was pretty much screwed over.
Another uninnocent, elegant fall into the unmagnificent lives of adults...
by Smoltz's Beard on Apr 20, 2010 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, I can’t help but feel a bit bitter towards Dukes for taking the job and letting Oscar go. I felt like if any show was a prime candidate for succeeding in the internet age it would’ve been theres. If they could have got a subscription based show going, i’m sure they could’ve thousands to sign up at a dollar a day. That’s less than i spend on my coffee every day, and a serious amount of money for them even if they only got 10k subscribers.
Looks like we’ve wandered into OTOT territory…
They're coming.
by Bald Pollack on Apr 20, 2010 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions
touche
Another uninnocent, elegant fall into the unmagnificent lives of adults...
by Smoltz's Beard on Apr 20, 2010 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions
Guess the etiquette is a little unclear when concerning a tangent of a post originating with a discussion about how once again local media is doing a poor job covering the actual game and instead are intent on blowing a small story out of proportion.
As an avatarless user I’ll presume you’re new, but as a rule of thumb, if it’s not related to the Caps or to the sport (or gets to that point as this discussion seems to have gotten) it’s better for said thread.
They're coming.
by Bald Pollack on Apr 20, 2010 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions
Generally have never used an avatar on any messageboard/bulletinboard/blog i’ve ever participated in, and while i generally don’t post much on this board i do read it a lot, so you’ll forgive me if the lines sometimes get blurred for me when so many discussions are apt to wandering in a live thread, I.E. the animal house/casablanca discussion above. From now on i’ll keep more strictly on topic.
No worries; it’s more a team toughness thing, so other users should feel empowered enough to let others know of similar instances, and similar discussions such as the one you reference will be addressed.
They're coming.
by Bald Pollack on Apr 20, 2010 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Agree 100%, although you could tell during that last episode what a tough choice it was on Dukes. Either way, I miss the shit out of that show.
Another uninnocent, elegant fall into the unmagnificent lives of adults...
by Smoltz's Beard on Apr 20, 2010 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions
Varly's MIND POWER
Don’t know why nobody picked up on this photo. “Float, puck! Float in the aaaaiiiiirirrrrr”
Every time Matt Bradley scores a goal, everyone inside the Beltway should get the next day off from work. It's only fair.
by thebigfoist on Apr 20, 2010 11:03 AM EDT reply actions 6 recs
Nice Stanley logo on that there puck.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Seriously, that was the first thing I noticed too. What a shot.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Apr 20, 2010 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions
It’s the “Keanu Reaves” look from “The Day the Earth Stood Still”
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Apr 20, 2010 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions
It’s the “Keanu Reaves” look from every movie he’s ever been in.
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
by D'ohboy on Apr 20, 2010 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
The Force is strong with this one .....
The Farm report is DA Bomb... read it, rec it, love it ....
by TheFuryUnleashed on Apr 20, 2010 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions
That’s levitation homes!
Follow me on Twitter!! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes
I wish I could quit you, Tyler Sloan! - Co-founder of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
I wish I lived in a levitation home…
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 20, 2010 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions
It’s kinda inconvenient isn’t it?
Follow me on Twitter!! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes
I wish I could quit you, Tyler Sloan! - Co-founder of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
Also lets continue this in OT.
Follow me on Twitter!! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes
I wish I could quit you, Tyler Sloan! - Co-founder of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
Phoenix vs Detroit update
Fiddler in, Doan out for tonight’s game.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
Phoenix Fiddler’ed while Doan waited his turn?
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Apr 20, 2010 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Regarding birthday boy Mike Lampman, was his nickname “Light the”?
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Did anyone stay up to watch the LA/VAN game last night? Doughty with 4 points (1 G/3 A) and looking terrific. Heck, even Jack Johnson showed me something.
Luongo may have hurt his catching-glove hand, as well, which would not bode well for the Canucks.
Puck Daddy Recap
Varlamov made 26 saves as Washington cruised to an easy 4-1 victory
The eagle never lost so much time as when he submitted to learn from the crow.
There were a few mistakes I noticed when I read through it earlier. But then again it had just been put up and was like 3 AM EST, so I cut a little slack there.
I have to go. But if I find one single dog hair when I get back, I'll rub... sand... in your dead little eyes. I also need you to buy sand. I don't know if they grade it, but... coarse.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Apr 20, 2010 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions
Puck Daddy always has a mistake or two. It’s not the most tightly edited of blogs. But then, I don’t read it for the grammar.
You had me at no problem.
It’s not the grammatical mistakes that I care about on it. It’s when they get simple hockey facts or scores wrong that kind of irks me. It’s usually not that big of a deal, but I’ll read it and think to myself that they should at least bother enough to get things like scores right.
I have to go. But if I find one single dog hair when I get back, I'll rub... sand... in your dead little eyes. I also need you to buy sand. I don't know if they grade it, but... coarse.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Apr 20, 2010 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions
What? My goal doesn’t count?? It’s not like I Sedin’ed it.
Signed,
Matt B.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Apr 20, 2010 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions
This article’s a couple days old but i don’t think we’ve had it here yet:
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/sports/Left+handed+approach/2921756/story.html
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Corey Tweets
Shaone Morrisonn is not on the ice this morning for the #Caps.
David Steckel wearing the same color as Laing, Walker.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
Corey's Next Tweet
Gordon with Chimera and Bradley. Belanger with Fehr, Flash. Top 6 forwards (plus Green and Poti) wearing white.
Those were the lines last night, right?
Also — No word on who replaced ShaMo with Corvo in the D pairings
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
F*ck -- Another Corey Tweet
Joe Corvo is also missing for the #Caps this morning.
Mr. Alzner. Paging Mr. Alzner. Please report to Montreal.
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
But the Caps have two perfectly capable NHL defensemen that have been sitting in the press box!
I have to go. But if I find one single dog hair when I get back, I'll rub... sand... in your dead little eyes. I also need you to buy sand. I don't know if they grade it, but... coarse.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Apr 20, 2010 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions
Man, it’s taking a long time to fix that skate, eh?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 20, 2010 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Originally, Belanger and Flash were with Semin, Fehr was with Laich and BMo. So it looks like Semin and Fehr got switched.
"In the past we developed individually, but now we're growing as a team and that's what is important." - Mike Green
by kellobellow on Apr 20, 2010 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions
Yet Another Corey Tweet
Going thru line rushes now: 8-19-22, 14-18-28, 21-9-16, 25-15-10 (same as last night).
I don’t think that’s the same as last night. I recall Flash lower, Bradley higher.
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
That is the same as last night.
"In the past we developed individually, but now we're growing as a team and that's what is important." - Mike Green
by kellobellow on Apr 20, 2010 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions
They’d be crazy to fiddle with the F lines after last night, and I don’t think they are.
Corvo and ShaMo are worrisome.
"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
Very worrisome. Our 7th and 8th d-men are not as passable as our 13th-15th forwards.
You had me at no problem.
Yeah. If both those guys can’t go, we’re looking at SloSkine in the game…ugly.
"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
4 and 89 not only in, but paired together today.
cmasisak22 55-52, 3-74, 4-89 RT @LifewithSpidey: @cmasisak22 What are the D-pairings with 77 and 26 out?
"In the past we developed individually, but now we're growing as a team and that's what is important." - Mike Green
by kellobellow on Apr 20, 2010 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions
I have Slowskine as a pairing. HATE IT. Set my boy up for failure why don’t you!
Follow me on Twitter!! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes
I wish I could quit you, Tyler Sloan! - Co-founder of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
Hopefully, at least one of 26 and 77 will be able to go tomorrow. I can live with Sloan in, but Erskine? Please no.
"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."
Sucks for Corvo, who really seemed to be getting comfortable and I thought looked really good out there. We can win this series with SloSkine but let’s not have that carry over into the next round.
This is bad. Hopefully it means Carlson is skating 25 minutes.
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
yeah I don’t think Sloan is a huge hit since he’ll only be skating for about 1/4 of the game, but Erskine will be an unmitigated disaster unless he finds out he has another gear or something. Shamone toned down the hitting so hopefully Erskine will too, that might limit him getting burned.
President and sole member of the Erskine lobby.
The problem with that is that it would mean more Poti on the PK most likely, because nobody wants to see Sloskine on the PK.
Aim for the head baby Jesus
But he’s looked better on the PK the last few games, and he’s good at even strength. I like Carlson with him because it gets Carlson more minutes
Aim for the head baby Jesus
It might be either the pairing or getting used to the system but I haven’t yelled expletive Corvo in at least a week or two.
President and sole member of the Erskine lobby.
Corvo’s worked really well with Morrisonn – I think they just needed to find him a partner he could mesh with, and it certainly wasn’t Poti.
No Worries
Per Corey’s Tweet:
Boudreau says S. Morrison will play tomorrow
and
Corvo says he’s fine. Will play tomorrow. Just resting.
He was solid last night. Exception to the rule, I know.
Another uninnocent, elegant fall into the unmagnificent lives of adults...
by Smoltz's Beard on Apr 20, 2010 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Almost surely it means that the remaining top 4 guys will get big minutes.
It would be nice if the PP and Semin reappeared to take up some of the slack, as well.
"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
Sure don’t. For one game, you could go with, say, 10-12 minutes for your bottom pair. Hopefully Corvo comes back and you can pair him with Sloan for a more reasonable TOI figure.
It would be real nice to get this series over in 5 and have one of the other series go to 7 games, to give the walking wounded time to heal up.
"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
Selke nominees
Datsyuk, Kesler, Staal.
Thoughts?
"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."
Boooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Go Kesler!
Follow me on Twitter!! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes
I wish I could quit you, Tyler Sloan! - Co-founder of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
Kesler, IMO.
"Now wait a minute. This is just purely a social call. You know, just two adults getting a stew on, man."
by The Ghost of Bebop on Apr 20, 2010 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Interesting. The guy with the best DGVT in the league among forwards (Zajac, 6.2) didn’t get nominated.
Staal was second at 5.9.
Datsyuk was tied with 5 other guys at 4.7
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 20, 2010 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Kesler.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 20, 2010 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Datsyuk, if only so we get the joy of watching his acceptance speeches. I love that many and his “very small” English!
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 20, 2010 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions
*that man
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 20, 2010 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions
The first two absolutely. Staal….uh what?
The Caps have at least three forwards who are better defensively than Jordan Staal: Backstrom, Belanger and Gordon. I won’t add Bradley and Steckel are right up there…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 20, 2010 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions
I’ll be curious to read Alan Ryder’s assessments this summer. He had Bradley as the #1 defensive forward last season, and Steckel was right up there, too.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS, PLAYOFF EDITION!
I assume Rod will be next.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on Apr 20, 2010 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Call me when they bring up Cavallini.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 20, 2010 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Paul. Gino’s too Italian.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 20, 2010 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Paul is not too far from me here in the STL. He coaches local teams and gives private D lessons.
Should I jump in the car?
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
He coaches local teams and gives private D lessons.
That’s what she said.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 20, 2010 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Enrico Ciccone curses your Mamma
For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism.
by Rather Bengt on Apr 20, 2010 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions
I’d rather have his sister Madonna
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 20, 2010 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions
The only good thing Enrico did for the Caps was being an acceptable player for the Lightning to send Joe Reekie to DC.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 20, 2010 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions
I figured you for more a Mike McEwen guy.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on Apr 20, 2010 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions
That means something really minor, but I’ll take it, as long as he plays.
"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 wonder when we’ll see the 23 car.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 20, 2010 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Corvo said he’s fine – will play tomorrow. just resting
Uh-huh. And I’m a billionaire with a foot-high piano player.
Hopefully he’s just got a tweak, rather than a serious ding, but he’s hurt some way or another.
"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
Caps played with just 4 D for almost the entire third period last night.
You would think if Corvo could have gotten back in the game last night, he would.
Next game could be of concern as the Habs can match lines. You’d have to think Erskine would only play right after their top line finishes a shift – they are way too fast for him.
It could be worse – Jordan Leopold is probably out indefinitely (just my suspicion, btw) which really hurts the Pens.
"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
Yup. Because its either Jay McKee playing big minutes or one of their Wilkes-Barre guys (plus he was giving them some good O from back there).
I bet they wish they hadn’t gotten rid of Skoula now…
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 20, 2010 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions
TEB Tweet Update
Boudreau said he hopes Shaone Morrison and Joe Corvo will play tomorrow.
I don’t think I expect BB to say anything different.
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
Yeah. I hope they 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
Corey's Tweet a Bit More Optimistic
Boudreau adjusted S. Morrison’s status to “should play tomorrow.” Same for Corvo.
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
Apply some Windex! (see if anyone gets that reference)
"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."
so….a broken foot and a separated shoulder?
by Natty Bumppo on Apr 20, 2010 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Bite. Your. Tongue!
Blog: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
Never take Boudreau at face value on any statement pertaining to injury status. That’s my motto.
"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
More Twitter updates
From TEB:
“Ovechkin just walked by Theo and asked, ‘is you hand shaking?’”
Also from TEB:
“Boudreau said he didn’t do too much PP practice this am because there was a Montreal coach in the stands.”
“…upon realizing the coach was actually Bob Gainey, PP practice continued as per usual”
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 20, 2010 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Here’s a good one from Chesnokov:
Varlamov on Theo: “Jose is great. I always feel his support. He always cheers me up before games.”
Jose is such a pro. There was a great shot of him last night smiling and patting AO on the back on the bench.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Gotta like the guy.
Follow me on Twitter!! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes
I wish I could quit you, Tyler Sloan! - Co-founder of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
Big smile. Very manly pat. I’m proud to contribute to his foundation. Which reminds me – my nickel-a-save goes for Varly as well. We’re all one team, and we play for each other.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
bruce cassidy would have invited that habs coach to participate. what an ass clown that guy was.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Apr 20, 2010 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions
I was hoping that bruce would reply with “Yeah, we’re sending Ovie to watch the Habs practice!”
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS, PLAYOFF EDITION!
So far there’s no evidence that we aren’t. But with two more wins…
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Apr 20, 2010 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Number 4 is awful logic.
You don’t win when you take 30+ shots. You take 30+ shots when you’re out-playing the other team and winning.
Ugh.
In the seven games played between the Habs and Caps this year including the regular season and playoffs, Montreal is 2-for-2 when they’ve fired more than 30 shots and 1-2-2 when they haven’t.
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
When a team that plays Montreal’s system gets shots, generally they’re on rushes off of turnovers, on the PP, or after a good forechecking sequence. In other words, pretty good shots. When you do all the things above enough to generate shots, then, yeah, you’re probably going to limit the goals the other team scores and get a fair number yourself.
But the “let ’em win Game 4” angle was good for a chuckle.
Hey, look! A straw! Make sure it doesn’t get away!
"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 you are right in that you take more shots when you are down, just as you have more passing yards in football when you are behind. Tieing 30 shots to a W-L records makes no sense. (Duh- you win with goals, not shots!)
However, there is some logic to using a simple ratio like 10:1, shots to goals. If you take 30 shots, you should get about 3 goals. That’s 10% accuracy and the league average is 9.4%. Flipside is a 90% save percentage.
If you are held to say 20 shots, you just shouldn’t expect more than 2 goals.
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
losing a playoff game is never a good strategy…
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Apr 20, 2010 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Lose Game 4: While it might sound crazy, un-winning the fourth game of this series might put the Capitals exactly where the Canadiens want them.
Huh?
I buy it it we’re talking Pittsburgh, but…. hahahahahahahaha
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
I think someone in the Montreal front office figured out that calling the Caps chokers wasn’t really the best move. Here’s what you see now when you click on the link. Notice how there are only four points now?
Five Keys to the Game : Habs-Caps
Secondary scoring: While the Canadiens’ top six forwards have combined for all of the team’s offense in the first three games, it’s been the Capitals’ supporting cast lighting the lamp at the other end of the rink. With 23 of 35 points in the series coming off the sticks of the likes of third and fourth liners, the Habs will have to pay closer attention to players not named Ovechkin, Semin and Backstrom heading into Game 4.
Be good: The Caps’ once mighty power play has limped through the opening round going 0-for-the-playoffs to date, failing to capitalize on any of the 14 opportunities they’ve had thus far. Still, as Jacques Martin pointed out in his pre-game press conference on Monday morning, the best PK is to stay out of the box altogether. Expect the Habs to be looking to cut down on the 24 penalty minutes accrued in Monday’s tilt.
Shoot!: When Wayne Gretzky said "you miss 100% of the shots you never take", the Great One could have just as easily been speaking directly to the current Canadiens squad. In the seven games played between the Habs and Caps this year including the regular season and playoffs, Montreal is 2-for-2 when they’ve fired more than 30 shots and 1-2-2 when they haven’t.
Call someone out: It worked for Tomas Plekanec and the Habs prior to Game 1 when he took a jab at Jose Theodore. Ditto for Alex Ovechkin when he dissed Jaroslav Halak ahead of Game 3. Might some mild-to-extreme mocking of a Caps player be all the Canadiens need?
I just clicked through and got five goals. They must still be updating. Here’s the fifth:
The first goal: It may be a cliché, but scoring first in any game sets the tone for what’s to come. Except in the 2010 Playoffs, that is. Of the 23 games played so far this postseason, the team that has scored first has won just 10 times. While scoring first may be important, scoring last can’t hurt, either.
But – you are correct. The notion that they might lose and let the Caps choke has been removed.
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
Too late. It’s been immortalized.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Everywhere. Canadiens’ PR department is never living this one down.
"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."
Here’s a screen grab of the original.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 20, 2010 3:51 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Brilliant work there. Looks like the Habs PR folks themselves already took care of #5.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
Wonder if Nate Ewell has received any notification of this? Does he follow any of you guys on Twitter?
"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 sure he knows, but he’s way too smart to say anything.
"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."
Not expecting him to say anything, just hoping this little nugget ends up on a bulletin board…
"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
Love #2…. Be good.
A team’s own website says the players aren’t good. Ouch!
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 20, 2010 4:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Not funny.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 20, 2010 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Mean.
Follow me on Twitter!! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes
I wish I could quit you, Tyler Sloan! - Co-founder of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
The “Three Tenors” one was the best.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 20, 2010 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions
did you guys see the History Will Be Made video about that pic?
Nucks Misconduct's Ambassador, Squid Provider, and Chief Puck Bunny. Now making the NM publishing crew 10000000% less of a sausage party. Also on Twitter.
Has the From the Rink piece on Backstrom’s contractual status been discussed yet?
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
never mind
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 20, 2010 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions
i just noticed the article was written by bob harwood (he of the “backstrom only scored 11 goals in the SEL!”) no wonder the numbers are so screwy. no way in hell do the caps think they can get away with a $4-5 offer. did this guy bother to check the toews/kane deals? also love how he admits he might have underestimated backstrom, but doesn’t give the link.
by Natty Bumppo on Apr 20, 2010 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, he whiffed big time on the salary numbers.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Spelling Fail or Is The NHL That Funny?
I just saw this on ESPN.com’s NHL Home page next to a link to an audio from Melrose. Scroll down bottom left:
Barry Melrose says there is a lot of parody in the league right now and reacts to some of the early first-round games.
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
I grabbed a screen capture before it went away...
Blog: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
Among the tidbits in Elliote Friedman’s weekly blog, up today:
21. Player the Capitals are vulnerable to losing via offer sheet: Eric Fehr.
Hope not. Most improved player on the team this past season.
No chance they lose him to an offer sheet.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Why not?
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 20, 2010 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Because George doesn’t let his assets go for nothing (or for a couple of mediocre picks) when they’re finally blooming.
Fehr will be affordable and is productive. Why would you let that go?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
If someone offers him 2.5m, what do you do? It’s expensive enough that it might constrain us cap-wise, but it’s not enough to get us any picks.
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
I’d sign him at that. No question.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Ok, but if Bax is at $7 and Flash comes back at $3m. . . you can quickly see how we’re in cap purgatory…
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
I agree, but you know BB has some personnel input – do you think he agrees?
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
This is one where George has to make the call. And Fehr fits a niche on this team no one else does (big, young netcrashing forward).
And with any luck, George recognizes that Bruce has a weakness for Flash that is unwarranted given his level of play. Sometimes you just have to take away the toy and deal with the fussiness in the interest of long-term planning.
If wishes were horses, we'd all be eating steak.
by Hang a Laingtern on Your Problems on Apr 20, 2010 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions
If the answer is obvious to GMGM and not BB I imagine that disagreement will be hashed out in the exit interviews/meetings. As long as GMGM sees what’s up that’s all I care about.
I hate listening to people's dreams. It is like flipping through a stack of photographs. If I'm not in any of them and nobody is having sex, I just don't care.
I’m beginning to wish they WOULD trade him, just so people would get off his back.
Blog: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
I wish they WOULD trade him so the team could be better.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 20, 2010 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Reasonable return for Flash?
Second rounder?
"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 wouldn’t give up a 2nd, but I can see why someone would.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 20, 2010 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes, I’d take a high second for him.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Me, too. Can’t quite decide if there’s going to be much of a market for him at the cost of a second…maybe someone will Eminger him, though.
"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
Really. Wonder if George and Poile were ever really talking about Flash/Hamhuis like Chris and others were hoping for.
I’m almost positive a Hamhuis to Washington deal was discussed. For whom I don’t know specifically, but there was a lot of information pointing me in that direction. Seemed to be Flash OR Fehr + throwaway D for DH.
The more I think about it, the more I don’t think Poile would want Flash. Doesn’t seem to have the work ethic or defensive capabilities that Trotz requires.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 20, 2010 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Flash is just so talented when he wants to be…I wonder if he just can’t flourish under BB’s system? Anyone think if he moved to another team he’d break out?
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 20, 2010 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions
No. This system is perfect for him. He is what he is.
If anything, he’d have less success in some other systems.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 20, 2010 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
What about similar system, different coach?
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
Are you questioning BB’s eternal love for and infinite patience with Flash?
Aim for the head baby Jesus
No, just its effectiveness on a player like Flash.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
A hardass? That’s a jump to another extreme. I’m just wondering if a new motivator/coach might benefit Flash. Hershey and now the Capitals, perhaps a new system is needed for Flash to continue to develop.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
Personally I wish Bruce would try to motivate Flash differently, by benching him. BB is a motivator and a player’s coach. If I’m Flash and get yelled at but never really see a threat to my ice time, I’m not sure I’m that motivated to change.
take the finesse guy out of the finesse system…and he’d improve?
by Natty Bumppo on Apr 20, 2010 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions
I mean this is where my lack of hockey experience shows….I really have no idea (hence the question). There’s just obviously something missing and it occurred to me that maybe it wasn’t all on him.
Apparently, I was wrong :)
So moral of the story is, there’s really no hope for him?
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 20, 2010 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions
I wouldn’t go that far. Flash is what he is – a guy with more offensive skill than the average NHLer, but who contributes little else, so when he’s running cold, he’s pretty useless.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
OK so it ties into exactly what BP said somewhere else. Flash isn’t necessarily the problem, it’s the amount of playing time he gets?
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 20, 2010 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions
to be fair, we don’t really know until it happens. there is no one correct analysis on something like this. but i don’t see how flash’s game would lend itself to a defense-first system. as a pure scorer (and not much else), it seems a run and gun style would suit his strengths and maximize his contribution and numbers.
by Natty Bumppo on Apr 20, 2010 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Well exactly. But like I said when it comes to “systems” and more strategic aspects of hockey, as someone who’s never played before, I’m still learning. And while it would make sense to me that Flash would fit well in BB’s high octane system, I wanted to hear others’ thoughts.
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 20, 2010 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions
right, just my way of saying, i don’t think there’s a “right” or “wrong”…just my opinion.
by Natty Bumppo on Apr 20, 2010 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions
which is what I was looking for in the first place!
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 20, 2010 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions
I can’t get on his back because I can’t find him . . . because he’s freaking invisible during the post-season.
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
by D'ohboy on Apr 20, 2010 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
oh the burden of the red-headed step son.
by Natty Bumppo on Apr 20, 2010 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions
I hope to high heaven that I’m not just projecting on this one, but…don’t the Caps either trade Flash or let him walk after this year?
There’s no way they can hamstring themselves by giving him 7 figures. 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
Dunno, ask John Erskine.
They're coming.
by Bald Pollack on Apr 20, 2010 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Ooof.
You’re a regular little ray of sunshine, know that? Haha.
"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 try.
Flash is one of those guys who I think WYSIWYG. I’d have no problem giving him 7 figures, because if nothing else 20-25 goals at (tossing it out there) $1.5 over multiple years is valuable to have when managing the cap. It’s that damned overexposure we get of him that’s the problem.
They're coming.
by Bald Pollack on Apr 20, 2010 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions
For every Ovechkin on a team, there has to be a Flash – someone who isn’t as good, isn’t as consistent, and doesn’t play quite as well. He also isn’t paid as much. This has to be, to manage cap space effectively.
To borrow an analogy from grade school math…
Ovechkin:Flash || Flash:Sloan
(Sort of like finger:hand || toe:foot – not sure I have the punctuation part right…)
Blog: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
Accepting that you have to fill out a roster with guys at lower salaries, you can’t begrudge people who would rather a $1.5m player who contributes more in non-offensive areas than Flash does. It’s not like scoring is a problem for this team.
For example, if someone prefers a Chimera to a Flash at identical salaries, are they wrong?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
At 25, Flash is the 4th-youngest forward on the Caps’ team.
Are you telling me that he doesn’t have time to improve his defensive abilities? He’s only been a center for what, half a season, if that? And he flips back and forth between center and wing. That puts him in the category of “rookie center”. Looking at it from that perspective:
1) How does his FO% compare with other rookie centers?
2) How long did it take other rookie centers to learn the defensive side of their game – even ones that have been playing at center throughout their junior and minor league careers?
As a winger, it is true that he doesn’t get into a lot of puck battles, and doesn’t win every one he does get into. “It’s not like scoring is a problem for this team,” in part because we have a lot of secondary scoring. Of the Caps (and not counting Aucoin, who only had four shots this year), he is second in scoring percentage, at 19.0% (behind Knuble at 19.2%). And please don’t throw that earlier this season argument I made about his 20%+ shooting percentage in my face. I will admit that it has dropped off a bit, but it’s still higher than I’ll bet 90% of y’all expected it to be. After Flash, the next-highest S% is Backstrom, and he’s only at 14.9%. Accuracy is a fairly big deal in my book. I don’t know how many times I shout “AIM!” any given game.
Then, you add in the passes that he can make – those outlet passes like the one that set up Fehr’s breakaway.
Chimera is fast as hell, and he fights. He’s also a -1 on the year, where Flash is +9. Don’t get me wrong: I like Chimera. A lot. I think he’s great.
I’m just saying I don’t think Flash is as expendable as people on here would like for him to be. People on here use him as their throwaway player, that nobody wants on the team. He’s kindof Tyler Sloan Lite that way, and it just plain gets old.
I’m not saying people are right or wrong. I’m not even saying I think Flash is the next Nicky Backstrom as a center. He’s certainly not the next Ovechkin as a goal scorer.
But I would keep him.
Every “full” season since he’s started, his offensive numbers have improved. Even counting two seasons as a call-up…
2005-06
14 GP | 0 G | 2 A | -7
2006-07
29 GP | 4 G | 4 A | -6
2007-08
75 GP | 10 G | 20 A | -7
2008-09
73 GP | 19 G | 18 A | -3
2009-10
69 GP | 23 G | 28 A | +9
People were doubting he could be a 20-goal scorer this season. I didn’t doubt it; he was so close last year. But look at the jump in assists. 10 more assists in four fewer games. Look at the jump in +/-. +12 improvement over last season.
I just don’t think he’s peaked yet. I didn’t think so at the beginning of the year, and I don’t think so now.
Blog: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
If we’re going to go down that road on his offensive stats (again), you’ve got to bring in the defensive ones. The other guys on the team (AO, Semin, Fehr for God’s sake) have improved their GAON/60 on 5v5 over the last three years. Care to guess who hasn’t?
And this is a guy who’s had more experience playing under Boudreau’s system than a good portion of the guys on the roster, including a couple that I’ve named. Wouldn’t it be fair to presume that if he knows it, then why isn’t he practicing it? And if he’s not practicing it, then when (if at any point) will he?
They're coming.
by Bald Pollack on Apr 20, 2010 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
How many of AO, Semin, Fehr have changed what position they are playing in the last three years?
Blog: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
So he plays center for 40 games and forgets how to play defense in a system he’s played for almost 350 games and two Leagues? That’s kinda an indictment on Flash, wouldn’t you say?
They're coming.
by Bald Pollack on Apr 20, 2010 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Nooooooo…. not quite what I meant. But I’m not getting anywhere, I have a headache, and I’m supposed to be studying. :-p
It may not be so much “forgets how to play defense” as it is “trying to concentrate on the new position,” though.
Blog: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
I could buy that if he this had been going on for two and a half years (not to mention parts of two others in the AHL).
They're coming.
by Bald Pollack on Apr 20, 2010 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions
My beef is that his production NOW doesn’t justify the ice time he gets NOW. He certainly could turn out to be a great player down the road, but he’s clearly a downgrade over players who could be getting more minutes.
And he should be allowed nowhere near the PK. At all. Ever. Please.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 20, 2010 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Of the Caps (and not counting Aucoin, who only had four shots this year), he is second in scoring percentage, at 19.0% (behind Knuble at 19.2%). And please don’t throw that earlier this season argument I made about his 20%+ shooting percentage in my face. I will admit that it has dropped off a bit, but it’s still higher than I’ll bet 90% of y’all expected it to be. After Flash, the next-highest S% is Backstrom, and he’s only at 14.9%. Accuracy is a fairly big deal in my book. I don’t know how many times I shout "AIM!" any given game.
I’m not throwing this back in your face, I’m pointing out that I think you still don’t quite get the deal with shooting . It’s unsustainable for most players. There are very few guys in the league who can maintain anything above 15, and most of those are guys like Holmstrom/Knuble who score from the doorstep. You can scream, “AIM” all you want, but the fact is, most of them can’t do it consistently well when a defenseman’s draped on them and the goalie is square-up in the butterfly.
You cite his 20-odd goals, and I’ll point out that if he shot anything like his career average suggests, he would have had 16 goals. 16. For a guy who was 6th on the team in PP Ice Time/game, that’s not all that great.
He basically put up a similar stat-line to Knuble in the same number of games, and yet Knuble gives you so much more when he’s on the ice. How many times this year has Knuble been in front of the net causing havoc before a goal? What about Flash?
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
You can scream, "AIM" all you want, but the fact is, most of them can’t do it consistently well when a defenseman’s draped on them and the goalie is square-up in the butterfly.
Exactly. Goal scoring isn’t usually about picking a spot and sniping it. It’s either about getting a shot off quickly before a goalie is set, or when they can’t see it, or just banging at a rebound. It’s rarely because your shot is so deadly accurate.
I hate listening to people's dreams. It is like flipping through a stack of photographs. If I'm not in any of them and nobody is having sex, I just don't care.
Even if Flash could replicate what he did this year, (which is doubtful), I would still be willing to part with him, because the opportunity cost of having him on the team is that Fehr only skates 12 minutes a night.
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
But do you know for a fact that Fehr’s offensive production would increase with increased ice time?
Blog: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
I know that it’s a hell of a lot more likely than Flash shooting 19% again. As I said in my response to gotsparkly, I think his scoring rate/60 would drop off somewhat, but that it would still easily eclipse Flash’s.
Moreover, Fehr is doing other things when he’s on the ice. He’s digging the puck out of corners, he’s going to the net, he’s creating space for his linemates, and he’s usually playing solid D.
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
You know what really spells out why I rag on Flash?
Because in 4 minutes more/night, he’s worse than Fehr in Hits, Blocked Shots, Giveaways and Takeaways, yet still took more penalties.
Nothing illustrates more just how little he hustles, or how little work he’s when not on offense.
(I know the counting of these stats are flawed, but they’re flawed for both guys in the same way.)
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
by D'ohboy on Apr 20, 2010 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Very well put. We rag on Flash so much that we sometimes forget what he does actually bring to the table. He definitely contributes in his way…it’s just not in the way you’d think he does based on his disproportionate playing time.
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 20, 2010 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree with this. The conundrum with Flash is that, as long as Semin and Laich are around, we have our quota of Top 6 wingers. If those guys leave, then having 20 goals from Flash becomes a lot more valuable. But while they’re here, he just doesn’t fit the roster very well.
"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
Well, that assumes you’re committing to Flash. I’d happily trade him, but not sure the team would.
I think you can probably sign Flash or Fehr to a one-year deal at a reasonable number and then negotiate long-term once Semin’s off the books.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Its a jump to assume the Caps are interested in parting with Semin after next year though, isn’t it?
I think these playoffs and next season are certainly an evaluation period. Put another way, if they weren’t interested in exploring the option of parting with him, he’d have more than a one-year deal, no?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
But wasn’t it the team looking for a long(er) deal and Semin who just wanted a one year extension? That suggests to me that it’s not the Caps who are interested in parting.
If wishes were horses, we'd all be eating steak.
by Hang a Laingtern on Your Problems on Apr 20, 2010 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions
my guess is the team wanted a longer deal at a much lower cap hit. semin took the greater number, thinking it would help him in negotations the next time around.
by Natty Bumppo on Apr 20, 2010 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Obviously both sides agreed that a one-year deal was best. Maybe the Caps were looking for a long(er) deal… at $4m. Point being, all indications are that both sides are happy to have kept their options open. How do we know? Because both sides signed the deal.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Its also a positive note that Semin signed when he did. He could have fielded KHL offers a la Hudler.
Perhaps he’s just a guy who is comfortable taking it year by year and if he becomes unhappy, he has the flexibility to leave.
The Caps ultimately have to pick a core and for other players, hope that the farm system allows a steady cycle of cheaper prospects ready to fill slots where they can’t afford veteran raises.
It is interesting discussion to speculate if Semin is part of the Caps core. Probably a lot of thoughts either way.
This wouldn’t surprise me. From what I have seen of him and his relationships with players, I think he enjoys the team and likes being here. On the other hand, I would not be surprised if he sees himself outgrowing his place on the Caps a few years down the line. Semin is a guy who could easily make himself a star on a team that’s less stacked up top than the Caps are, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he would like to take the top spot on a different team in a few years.
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 20, 2010 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t know. Didn’t it seem like it took him forever and a half to get comfortable in DC? Would it really be so easy for him to pack up and move to a new city? Does he even WANT to be the guy in the spotlight? He’d have to become a lot more outgoing to be THE star—actual interviews in English, not just a seven second video of him saying one sentence. I think it’s either the Caps or the KHL for neurotic Sasha. But that’s just a gut feeling, and I have absolutely nothing to back it up.
If wishes were horses, we'd all be eating steak.
by Hang a Laingtern on Your Problems on Apr 20, 2010 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Those are some very good points I hadn’t thought of. Interesting.
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 20, 2010 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions
I’ll try and find the clip, but I could swear that McPhee said they wanted to sign him to a longer deal but Semin and his agent were adamant about just a one-year deal that would bring him to UFA status. McPhee agreed because he didn’t want Semin entering the off-season as a RFA.
This is the article I was talking about and here’s the agent quote:
After speaking with Semin I got in touch with Mark Gandler, his agent, to get a clearer picture on the contract. This is what he had to say:
Q. George McPhee said that “this is what the player wanted.” Is it so?
GANDLER: This is true. Our strategy was to sign a one-year contract, and to reach 2011 as an unrestricted free agent to have an advantage in negotiations because of that.
Q.McPhee implied that there were other offers on the table for you, but you declined them.
It is absolutely correct.
We want to approach negotiations on a new contract, from 2011 onwards, from the position where an unrestricted free agent is viewed as a threat for the club. That doesn’t necessarily mean that he wants to become an unrestricted free agent.
Right, but who’s to say what the club’s longer-term offers were? I mean, of course GMGM would have been thrilled to sign him for five years at $10m. At the same time, I’m sure Semin would’ve accepted a two-year, $18 million deal. So to say “the player wanted one year, team wanted long-term” without context doesn’t mean much.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
That’s under the presumption he turned down the QO (or multiyear extension). A bold move by another team, but I’d doubt it would happen.
They're coming.
by Bald Pollack on Apr 20, 2010 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think they will. GMs HATE that stuff, if the Burke/Lowe Wars and the Steve Bernier Conflict are any indication
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 20, 2010 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions
It’s because no one wins – one GM ends up overpaying for a guy (see Penner, Vanek) and the other guy has done nothing but engender ill will.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Its a control thing too. No one wants to have the price of one of their guys set by someone else.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 20, 2010 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions
At this point, i’d almost be happier for 16 if he left. There’s no reason for him to be playing 9 minutes a night.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 20, 2010 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions
I’d leave.
Follow me on Twitter!! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes
I wish I could quit you, Tyler Sloan! - Co-founder of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
why? the caps stuck with you when you were underachieving (why didnt we pick getzlaf) and injured. they could have stuck you in hershey or sent you packing. but they had patience and now you are showing the scoring touch of a guy who scored 50 goals a season in juniors.
sure you arent getting the big minutes, but you arent playing behind a bunch of ham sandwiches either. not saying he would or should stay for $750K when others are offering $2M, but i dont think he would be anxious to leave just because he’s not getting top line minutes.
9 min per game w/ caps is > 18 minutes per game w/ florida, IMO
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Apr 20, 2010 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions
If there really is something there behind the scenes between him and BB, I could understand him wanting to find a more…comfortable…work environment. I don’t think he’d leave just because he wasn’t getting top playing time though, especially on a team like the Caps that has so much potential for so much success.
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 20, 2010 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions
He got the fewest minutes of ANYONE last night. ANYONE. As well as he’s played, thats just absurd, and completely indefensible.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 20, 2010 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Its one of those times I actually wish I was a journalist so I could at least get BB’s mindset on why he feels that way. This is a guy who also “forgot” Belanger was on the bench one game.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 20, 2010 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions
To be fair to BB, the game where he “forgot” about Belanger was 1-2 games after Belanger became a Cap. There was so much line and personnel juggling, I can’t put too much blame on him.
But I completely agree. I’m just saying if I were a player I wouldn’t leave simply because I’m not getting as much time as I might deserve. I’d be more inclined to leave because of iffy/bad relationships with my coach, who is essentially the boss. How many of us have left an ideal job because of a bad boss…or conversely stayed with a less than ideal job because you enjoy the boss/team you work with?
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 20, 2010 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions
I’d be curious to see what happens if he gets more ice time. Does his production / 60 drop?
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Do you even have a sample size to draw from?
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by Chris Burton on Apr 20, 2010 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Not sure what you mean by that. All I’m saying is that 1G 1A +2 in 9 minutes of ice time (or whatever) does not necessarily translated into 2G 2A +4 in 18 minutes of ice time. That’s all I’m getting at.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
You’re correct that it would likely tail off somewhat. Still, even if it did, he’d easily out-perform Flash if given the same ice time.
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
How do you get that?
Blog: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
Maybe not in goal production, but elsewhere yes.
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 20, 2010 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Possibly. I’ve got a gut feeling, though, that there’s more to this that we’re not being told, and it has nothing to do with BB hating Fehr. I could speculate, but so could anybody, and all we’d be doing is blowing a lot of smoke.
I think it’s a good question for BB, though.
As for the speculation that BB hates Fehr, please, our friends north of the border are desperately short of tinfoil hats .Won’t you spare them yours?
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
As for the speculation that BB hates Fehr, please, our friends north of the border are desperately short of tinfoil hats .Won’t you spare them yours?
As soon as Flash gets called out for something, ANYTHING in a presser, or gets less than 10 minutes a night, then maybe this jab has some foundation.
They're coming.
by Bald Pollack on Apr 20, 2010 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions
He has.
He got benched a while back, right?
And how often has Bruce called Fehr out directly when he isn’t calling everyone else out too? Show me linkage.
Blog: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
He sat while the 24 forwards were rotating around, yeah. I’d hardly call it performance-based.
As for Fehr, the example that comes to mind was that he was “out to lunch” in the SJ game and sat for the LA game.
They're coming.
by Bald Pollack on Apr 20, 2010 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Where (in this thread) did I speculate on that? (Admitting that I’ve jokingly suggested in the past that Fehr must have killed BB’s dog.)
My theory is that Fehr is not in the greatest of shape after several seasons and off-seasons of injuries. That, combined with his, shall we say, inelegant skating stride, might mean that BB can’t put him out as often as Flash. It still doesn’t really explain the PP ice time, though.
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
Then given the injury both season and off-season, maybe – just maybe – Bruce knows what he’s doing?
Blog: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
I personally have less of a problem with Fehr’s limited ice time than I do with Flash’s seemingly UNlimited ice time. That the two issues are often lumped together in discussion shouldn’t necessarily be the case in practice, IMO.
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 20, 2010 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Worse has been said in previous threads.
I think that’s a solid theory. I wonder if the PP time is a chemistry thing or a depth thing, or a little of both. I think he’d see more if Ovi wasn’t out there the full two minutes.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Okay, I read it as you were asking if there was any proof from games he played 15+ not would it if he was played more. My bad.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 20, 2010 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Hard to tell if he’s only playing 9 minutes a game.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 20, 2010 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Just once, I’d like to see what he could do with 15 minutes. And if he’s anywhere near as productive, then we should let Flash walk instead. (As long as I’m dreaming.)
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Apr 20, 2010 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Interesting line from the same blog
Hockey is a brutal business: Waddell had to fire his college roommate, Steve Weeks, as part of the housecleaning.
No, Elliote, it’s a joke of a business, because you’re allowed to hire your college roommate. Heck of a job, Brownie Waddles.
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
i totally have a deal with my college roommate to hire me if he ever becomes a fortune 500 CEO.
by Natty Bumppo on Apr 20, 2010 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions
I liked this one:
One player, after watching the first two games of the Montreal series, said, “The Canadiens were playing great, but they were getting all the bounces. Once that changed, you could see they were in trouble.”
I hadn’t thought about the “bounces” angle, but I think it’s spot on.
"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
Shane Doan out tonight :(
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
Suggest reading this thread again. You appeared to miss some things.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
Didn’t read the first 400 comments. My bad, of course; just didn’t have the time.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 20, 2010 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Versus
What moron decided to put BUF/BOS on Versus over Caps/Habs?
That sucks a root.
"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
Versus
You have your answer right there…
Blog: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
I wonder if they’ll stay with CHI-NSH in some markets or go straight to SJS-COL? The Preds game will be barely past first intermission with the Sharks and Avs drop the puck. Anyone know?
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 20, 2010 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Based on previous night they’ll stay with your Preds until the end.
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
OK, I haven’t been watching the VS feeds. Have FS-TN.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 20, 2010 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions
On Versus, they’ve been showing Hawks-Preds so far using the Hawks’ broadcast on CSN. They go all the way to the end, with cut-aways during breaks to the other game.
My guess is that they’ve got a Versus crew in Ottawa tonight, but will use local or Canadian feeds for games JIP. The other night they also used CSN for that wacky-ending Avs-Sharks game.
However, last night, when they had a gap between BUF-BOS and LA-VAN, they used their own crews in both spots.
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
Seriously, though, from a business standpoint you want the game that is more likely to be competitive and exciting to the end of the game on your station. Which one would you choose?
Maybe they aren’t allowed in Montreal? :-) Game five is back on Versus, I think.
"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."
Some pretty huge games tonight. This first round is shaping up to be a doozy.
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
Uh, yeah. Defining moment for Hawks and Preds I think, I’m glad its in Nashville.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 20, 2010 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions
having to wait until 3:30 to log onto the Rink is not cool. I’m going to ban major meetings until the playoffs are over.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS, PLAYOFF EDITION!
not in a board meeting, no (never mind that I don’t have a smartphone!)
This place is like crack, I swear I was going through withdrawal!
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS, PLAYOFF EDITION!
My boss is in Singapore and she’s been busy with things other than me. It’s allowed me to enjoy this, as I’m relatively new.
She warned me (very nicely) on a video conference this morning that those days are ending soon, and she’ll be here in STL on Monday. I may hit that withdrawal by Tuesday.
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
“The last 25 games, I didn’t play more than 25 games in a row,” he said. “He uses both guys and he felt he needed a change. So far it’s been working. But I’m going to be ready because it goes both ways. It was like that all year and we finished first.”
“Varly stepped in and is doing a great job,” he added. “And when I’m ready, I’m going to do a good job.”
Theo vi CI. I swear I went to bed last night dreaming that this is what he would say today. That’s a classy answer – and seems legitimately sincere.
we had a little Theo love-fest last night, because he’s been nothing but an absolute team-first pro for the Caps. Varly loves him, too, apparently. Via dmitri chesnokov’s twitter (and apologies if this was posted earlier!):
Varlamov on Theo: “Jose is great. I always feel his support. He always cheers me up before games.”
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS, PLAYOFF EDITION!
If you are bored and need a good chuckle, check out this latest post from Blueshirt Banter.
http://www.blueshirtbanter.com/2010/4/20/1431597/rangers-analysis-rangers-would#storyjump
Lobbies: Green, Carlson, Orlov
How does Theo have a GAA of 3.7 when he’s only allowed 3 and 2 goals in the 1.5 games he’s played? Or is that counting regular season…
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 20, 2010 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions
That stat is Goals Against per 60 Minutes of TOI. He played less than a period in Game 2, and allowed 2 goals.
Frankly, I think the 3.70 number probably is lower than his actual GAA for the playoffs?
"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
Nope, I’m wrong. It’s 3.70 overall. He played 8 minutes in Game 2, allowing 2 goals (15.00 GAA). He’s balanced out by the fact that he played 73 minutes in Game 1 and allowed only 3 goals (2.46 GAA)
"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
Ah, ok that makes sense then. Thanks.
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 20, 2010 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions
GAA for all the goalies so far:
1 Antti Niemi 1.01
2 Pekka Rinne 1.53
3 Tuukka Rask 2.01
4 Semyon Varlamov 2.12
5 Craig Anderson 2.26
6 Brian Boucher 2.31
7 Ryan Miller 2.36
8 Jonathan Quick 2.45
9 Evgeni Nabokov 2.59
10 Martin Brodeur 2.64
11 Marc-Andre Fleury 2.68
12 Roberto Luongo 3.20
13 Ilya Bryzgalov 3.35
14 Brian Elliott 3.39
15 Jose Theodore 3.70
16 Jimmy Howard 3.73
17 Jaroslav Halak 4.07
Lobbies: Green, Carlson, Orlov
any chance you can also post the save percentage?
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Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS, PLAYOFF EDITION!
1 Antti Niemi 1.01
2 Pekka Rinne 1.53
An objective assessment: Rinne’s been better, by a good bit. Our lame ass power play couldn’t bag any goals and Niemi got a cheap shutout.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 20, 2010 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions
FWIW
Carey Price 3.87
"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
Sv %
1 Antti Niemi .957
2 Pekka Rinne .949
3 Craig Anderson .946
4 Tuukka Rask .936
5 Ryan Miller .929
6 Semyon Varlamov .918
7 Jonathan Quick .918
8 Ilya Bryzgalov .908
9 Brian Boucher .907
10 Martin Brodeur .896
11 Jimmy Howard .889
12 Jaroslav Halak .887
13 Evgeni Nabokov .884
14 Marc-Andre Fleury .882
15 Roberto Luongo .880
16 Jose Theodore .875
17 Brian Elliott .868
Lobbies: Green, Carlson, Orlov
1 Antti Niemi .957
2 Pekka Rinne .949
Damn. Also, Rinne has faced more shots. A lot, I think.
The thing to note with them being at the top though is we’ve played one less game than all the other goalies.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 20, 2010 4:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Ovechkin was right on about the canadians goalie.
I also said offense would trump defense in this series. When the caps win who do they play next? I forget if they play the lowest seed remaining or are the matchups already set up a certain way?
I'm all about covering the spread and moneylines. I was building a house, I don't deserve this, deserves have nothing to do with it. Bang. "Unforgiven" I drink your milkshake. I drink it up! "There Will BE Blood". Hell is just a word, the reality is much much worse." Event Horizon". Now remember, when things look bad and it looks like you're not gonna make it, then you gotta get mean, I mean plumb, mad dog mean. cause if you lose your head and you give up then you neither live or win. That's just the way it is. "The Outlaw Josey Wales".
by wolfmanshowlforever on Apr 20, 2010 5:25 PM EDT up reply actions
lowest seed remaining, so I’m betting Flyers or Bruins, (its Flyers if both teams win their series)
Aim for the head baby Jesus
Thanks.
I'm all about covering the spread and moneylines. I was building a house, I don't deserve this, deserves have nothing to do with it. Bang. "Unforgiven" I drink your milkshake. I drink it up! "There Will BE Blood". Hell is just a word, the reality is much much worse." Event Horizon". Now remember, when things look bad and it looks like you're not gonna make it, then you gotta get mean, I mean plumb, mad dog mean. cause if you lose your head and you give up then you neither live or win. That's just the way it is. "The Outlaw Josey Wales".
by wolfmanshowlforever on Apr 20, 2010 5:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Playoff scenarios
If Philadelphia wins, and of course, assuming the Caps win, it doesn’t matter what happens in the other 2 series, Caps will be playing Philadelphia. If New Jersey and Boston win, Caps will be playing Boston. And of course, everyone knows that if New Jersey and Buffalo win, Caps play the winner between Pittsburgh and Ottawa.
Assuming the Caps win (and I am making that assumption)
I’m pretty sure I don’t want both Boston and Philly to win. Both of them winning would give Pitt a matchup with Boston, which Pitt would win in max 5 games, and could easily go 4.
This leaves me rooting for only one of Philly and Boston to win. I’m torn as to which one to root for. Boston would be the ideal matchup for the Caps, but that would leave Pitt and NJD facing off in the other series, with a strong possibility that NJD win it. And NJD are the team I fear most in the East.
OTOH, If Philly wins, then you’re looking at a Caps series with Pronger and his elbows and the rest of the very physical Philly team. It also leaves Pitt facing Buffalo, and I think that’s a pretty easy matchup for Pitt. Which potentially leads to a battered and bruised Caps team coming up against a pretty rested Pitt team.
I suppose at the end of the day I’ll root for Boston to beat Buffalo, and for Pitt and NJD to have a grueling series, with Pitt coming out on top?
"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 really fear the Devils anymore, Brodeur is only good now, not amazing
Aim for the head baby Jesus
Now as in this point in the season? Or just in general?
Another uninnocent, elegant fall into the unmagnificent lives of adults...
by Smoltz's Beard on Apr 20, 2010 6:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Both.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Apr 20, 2010 8:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Interesting…asking Doncosmic, but still surprising
Another uninnocent, elegant fall into the unmagnificent lives of adults...
by Smoltz's Beard on Apr 21, 2010 12:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, I just figured I’d throw in my 2 cents since I agree with Doncosmic. I think Brodeur’s play has dropped a bit in the regular season, but not as much as it has in the post season. Between losing his stud D and getting older he hasn’t been great in the playoffs for several years.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Apr 21, 2010 1:37 AM EDT up reply actions
This just in...
Phil Esposito says that Theo has played his last game as a Cap.
"More Gary Thorne, please."
Doubt it.
Follow me on Twitter!! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes
I wish I could quit you, Tyler Sloan! - Co-founder of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
I know. Me too. Just thought it a strange comment coming from him. I do believe that Theo won’t be back next year, however. But that’s a different story altogether.
"More Gary Thorne, please."
when did Phil Esposito become an expert on how Caps goaltenders are handled?
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS, PLAYOFF EDITION!
He saw the replays.
"If you close your eyes in the NHL, you'll take one upside the head." - Alexander Semin
by mercurialwinger on Apr 20, 2010 6:38 PM EDT up reply actions
artoo_detoo.
That is alot of scenarios.I am confident the capitals will at least reach the stanley cup finals this year.
I'm all about covering the spread and moneylines. I was building a house, I don't deserve this, deserves have nothing to do with it. Bang. "Unforgiven" I drink your milkshake. I drink it up! "There Will BE Blood". Hell is just a word, the reality is much much worse." Event Horizon". Now remember, when things look bad and it looks like you're not gonna make it, then you gotta get mean, I mean plumb, mad dog mean. cause if you lose your head and you give up then you neither live or win. That's just the way it is. "The Outlaw Josey Wales".
by wolfmanshowlforever on Apr 20, 2010 6:52 PM EDT reply actions
and win the stanley cup. I just had to write that b/c this is the 1000 post!
I'm all about covering the spread and moneylines. I was building a house, I don't deserve this, deserves have nothing to do with it. Bang. "Unforgiven" I drink your milkshake. I drink it up! "There Will BE Blood". Hell is just a word, the reality is much much worse." Event Horizon". Now remember, when things look bad and it looks like you're not gonna make it, then you gotta get mean, I mean plumb, mad dog mean. cause if you lose your head and you give up then you neither live or win. That's just the way it is. "The Outlaw Josey Wales".
by wolfmanshowlforever on Apr 20, 2010 6:53 PM EDT reply actions
Carlson on wearing 74:
“I don’t mind it, actually, because I was No. 11 and it’s retired in Washington [Mike Gartner],” Carlson said. “So they gave me that number, 74, and 7 plus 4 is 11. My coach during juniors, they did that to him, too. He got No. 32 out of training camp and he stuck with it throughout his career.”
From the article here: http://voices.washingtonpost.com/capitalsinsider/john-carlson-is-a-star-in-the.html
Hey let's go, today is going to be our night
John, it’s ok, you can name drop Dale Hunter :)
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS, PLAYOFF EDITION!
Washington Post has another gallery for our enjoyment, this time from today’s practice
- is once again a winner: Ovie and Chimera (who Steinberg said today is by far the loudest guy on the team) goofing around and cracking up
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS, PLAYOFF EDITION!
that should be 6, not 1 (silly SBN auto formatting!)
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS, PLAYOFF EDITION!
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