Monday Caps Clips: Round 1, Game 6 Game Day
by J.P. on Apr 26, 2010 6:36 AM EDT
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Your savory breakfast links:
- Previews of tonight's Game 6 against the Canadiens from Vogs, Peerless and NHL.com, and be sure to check out our SB Nation partner Habs Eyes On The Prize for coverage from the other side of tonight's match up.
- Notes, quotes and assorted whatnot from yesterday's day off (short version: more work on the power play and Alexander Semin's teammates think he's on the verge of breaking out of his slump). [WaPo (CI), NHL.com (Rosen), FanHouse (Perez, Adams), CP, Gazette, Habs Inside/Out]
- Svrluga on Semin's somewhat stunning struggles. [WaPo]
- Montreal certainly got away with one on Friday. [D.C. Sports Bog]
- Don't expect the Habs to do the right thing and move the flag kid from in front of the entrance to the Caps' bench. Classy. [Sun Media]
- Then again, can you blame the Canadiens for trying to grab any home-ice advantage they can, given that they've lost six-straight home playoff games? [CBC]
- Getting off to a good start is key tonight. [Ed Frankovic]
- Don Cherry (of all people) defends Semyon
VarlamakovVarlamov with respect to his role in Friday night's late Too Many Men penalty and has a pretty good suggestion for how to avoid similar situations. [CapsBlog] - The Caps have nearly a 1-in-3 chance of winning the Cup. Given that it feels like they have a 1-in-2 chance of winning their current first round series, that seems high. [Puck Prob]
- Jason Chimera gets a buck richer. [PPP]
- Peerless eviscerates the "I hate Mike Green/Flyerz Rule!!1!1" post that surfaced Friday. [Peerless]
- Speaking of Philly, they're licking their chops for a shot at the Caps. Be careful what you wish for, friends. [Philly Daily News]
- "The more I watch the Caps, the more I think they should offer Tomas Fleischmann or Eric Fehr and a draft pick to the Calgary Flames for Robyn Regehr." Yes and no, respectively. [Edmonton Journal]
- And in only slightly-more-likely rumor news, "There is a strong belief the Washington Capitals are prepared to ante up for Volchenkov, who has played his whole NHL career in Ottawa." Yes, please. [Garrioch... I know]
- Of course it doesn't hurt Nicklas Backstrom that he centers the best player in hockey, but would the Caps "be wise to explore what the trade market for him would be like" because his numbers are Ovechkin-inflated? [mc79hockey]
- RMNB continue their
effort to suck up to everyone even remotely connected to the teamcomprehensive Caps coverage with a worthwhile interview of CSN's Michael Jenkins. [RMNB] - Per the HHoF, on this date back in 1998, "Washington's Joe Juneau scored at 26:31 of overtime to give the Capitals a 3-2 win at Boston, in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Quarter-Finals."
- Finally, happy 56th birthday to Pat Ribble.
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I think backstrom for crosby is about the only way it would be worth it to trade backstrom.
John Carlson: Slays Canadians and Canadiens.
by lynxtheone on Apr 26, 2010 6:53 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Backstrom to the Kings!!!
/Garrioch’d
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 26, 2010 6:59 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
The Caps should definitely look into trading the number 3 scoring center (who is younger than both people above him). It’s definitely easy to find another 100 pt player.
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 26, 2010 7:02 AM EDT up reply actions
Hell to the Yeah. That’s how you solve your problem of not having a 2C. Get rid of your 1C
For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism.
by Rather Bengt on Apr 26, 2010 7:57 AM EDT up reply actions
So stupid. Perhaps Backstrom is inflating Ovechkin’s numbers, and not vice versa.
You had me at no problem.
That’s the point of the post though. It’s not Backstrom inflating Ovechkin’s numbers it’s Ovechkin inflating Backstrom’s numbers.
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The table does show this. However, it also shows that Ovechkin’s Corsi score is lower without Knuble. Does this suggest that the Caps should sign Knuble to a long-term contract? Of course not.
You have all heard the Mark Twain phrase about “Lies, Damned Lies and Statistics.” In this case, the statistics don’t tell the whole story.
To truly show the value of Backstrom or any other player to Ovechkin, you would have to control for a myriad of other factors:
1. TOI of the players on the ice with each others, not just shifts or goals
2. Home versus Away games
3. The opponent
4. Nagging injuries
5. Age of the other players (at this point, it would make sense that Knuble’s experience adds more to OV than Backstrom, who is younger).
6. Referees
7. Time of the year (i.e., slow starts, fast finishes)
My point is this – you can make statistics say whatever you want and then can use them to draw whatever conclusions you want. You can interpret these stats to point out how incredible Backstrom will be when his experience catches up with his talent just as easily as you can say trade him or cut him.
Either way – it’s one of those articles written only to provoke responses as we have on this board. Ignore it and sign Nicky long term.
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
Tyler Dellow’s not a shit disturber. If he’s writing about something non-Oilers it’s something he’s been thinking about in earnest.
All of the other factors you’re mentioning would have marginal impact if any to be honest.
As for Knuble, it doesn’t mean you throw a huge contract at him but it’s something to take a look at and examine further.
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by PPP on Apr 26, 2010 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
We don’t know if they have minimal impact or not without controlling for those factors.
I don’t know Tyler Dellow, but I do know that, from his table alone, I could conclude that we need to resign Clark and Morrisson, because they have higher Corsi values. Yet logically, that doesn’t make sense – at least to me.
Instead, Dellow draws the conclusion that we should explore trade opportunities with Backstrom. That’s fine – but I don’t think there’s a definitive case for this conclusion over others.
In that sense, he’s a shit disturber.
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
Well, he’s not suggesting that it be done solely based on the corsi values and the conclusion isn’t just re-sign guys that have good corsis so you can let that straw man go.
His point is that Backstrom’s contribution right now is great because he’s on his ELC. Once he’s signed for $7/8M, the value decreases.
I’d suggest going over there and discussing it there with him since that’s all he’s trying to do: generate discussion.
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Are comments layered? Does Z work?
Then I’m not going over there to discuss it.
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.
You sir, are spoiled rotten.
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 26, 2010 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions
hahaha
Didn’t know that you were such a diva!
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
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I didn't used to be
but Z changed my life.
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.
Agreed 100%, the article poses interesting questions that the Caps should at least investigate as a thought exercise.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Apr 26, 2010 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions
I love the No Habs No! campaign. It is an awesome grass roots movement.
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 26, 2010 7:03 AM EDT reply actions
I killed myself laughing over it. It’s great stuff.
For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism.
by Rather Bengt on Apr 26, 2010 7:57 AM EDT up reply actions
Let’s hope the end of it is tonight!
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
Yes
I don’t want to do this more than one more time.
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have you sent the letters, and if you get a response, will you be posting those?
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For sure
Not expecting much of a response though. I think only noted asshole and all around bad guy Dion Phaneuf responded to Peter.
Of course, I’ll hold the non-response against them forever.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
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noted asshole and all around bad guy Dion Phaneuf
Knew I liked you. ;)
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by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m sure one of our practice attendees can perhaps relay to Nick and the rest that a response would be appreciated.
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I could totally see Jason Chimera writing back, maybe even to defend Columbus’ honor. Edmonton, not so much, as it is essentially indefensible.
Backis prolly just forwarded your letter to his agent with stuff circled in red.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
If they write back they’ll go up inestimably in my eyes. And I’ll feature their response.
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.
them writing back might raise your hopes that they’ll come play int he blue and white, though. And we wouldn’t want you to get your hopes up, that would be just mean.
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would the Caps "be wise to explore what the trade market for him would be like" because his numbers are Ovechkin-inflated?
OK, enough is freakin’ enough. This whole statistical analysis thing has jumped the shark. Look at the entire suite of data in that mc79hockey entry, and you could make the argument that if ANY of the forwards mentioned were in a contract year, you might think about trading them (comparing the severely abused Corsi measure). In fact, Backstrom takes LESS of a hit to his WOWY (dear sweet God, I wanted to hurl a shoe at the monitor when I saw that acronym) numbers than either of the other two members often mated with Ovechkin on the first line. Ovechkin is the best of the lot, not exactly a surprising finding.
Extend that logic, and you might say, well… you could stick any forward on a line with Ovechkin and you would get significantly better productivity out of that forward than if he was on another line.
Uh, you know? We’ve SEEN that movie. It starred Chris Clark and Dainius Zubrus, and the result was a pair of 70-point seasons.
I’m not sure which old saying applies here, “the grass is always greener on the other side,” or “a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.”
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Apr 26, 2010 7:05 AM EDT reply actions 2 recs
Vic Ferrari (timeonice.com) left a comment on that article:
Still, it’s easy to imagine Backstrom getting a huge contract and never being full value. It’s not a Cheechoo/Thornton scenario, but it’s heading that direction.
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by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 7:19 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m not seeing where any of this is attaching a finding to an outcome. Cut throught the crap. Backstrom has gone from 14 to 22 to 33 goals… from 69 to 88 to 101 points… the Caps have gone from 94 to 108 to 121 standings points. Is there a perfect correlation between Backstrom’s ascent and that of the Caps? I’m betting “no.” Is it a product of the chemistry that Backstrom and Ovechkin appear to enjoy (which was precisely the point in drafing Backstrom in the first place above, say, a Phil Kessel)? I’m going to go out on a limb and say, “yes.”
If Backstrom is resigned at $7.0 million or so (where I think the top-end is for him), and he’s viewed as “Jonathan Cheechoo-lite,” then how much are Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews being overpaid at $6.3M?
If you've read this far...seek help.
One thing to keep in mind is with Backstrom on his ELC it’s possible to surround him and Ovechkin with more talent. As these guys get signed to lucratice long-term deals the talent around him will probably decrease since there’s less dough available.
Kane and Toews may be in the same boat next year when their new contracts kick in. The Hawks are going to have to divest of some players this summer. That’ll weaken their team.
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From talking to Hawks fans it sounds like Sharp, Byfuglien, and another D have to go.
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by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions
I’ll take Sharp, please.
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.
Ha, I already called dibs. Versteeg probably gets dumped too, take him.
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by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m going to say we don’t need a winger, but a PKing center who can put up points? Heeeeelllooooooo 2C!
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by Knee high to a duck on Apr 26, 2010 10:12 AM EDT up reply actions
I didn’t think he was a C but he’s centered Hossa and Brouwer this series pretty well.
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by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions
Sharp plays all 3 F spots on occasion.
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, I found that out.
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by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions
So you are saying yes to Sharp and no to Versteeg?
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’d take Versteeg, but we have some pretty serious wing depth for next season, especially in the top six. If Versteeg can play 2C, then he’s a lot more interesting.
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by Knee high to a duck on Apr 26, 2010 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t like him that much. Reminds me of Flash. Always tries to be too fancy.
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by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions
Well he’s a much better PKer. I’d take him over Flash in a second.
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.
Well yeah. He just reminds me of him. He has undressed a defenseman several times this series only to flub the shot.
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by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 10:36 AM EDT up reply actions
An he’s not from Europe so he’s a much complete player by birth.
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by Sct112 on Apr 26, 2010 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Sharp is the better 2C option than Versteeg. And for whatever reason Versteeg has spent some time in the dog house this season.
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.
See above. I can certainly see why he’s in the doghouse.
Steeger can’t play C.
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by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions
No doubt. Sharp with Semin = facedrool
Some people die just a little.
by bigonetimer on Apr 26, 2010 10:36 AM EDT up reply actions
Looking at CapGeek, Versteeg is signed for a hair over 3 mil for the next two seasons. He’s going to be better than Laich soon if he isn’t already, but coming back to the point about salary cap resources, does he outproduce that contract? If he does, it’s something we should consider if we can get CHI to take another wing in return and what the total package of compensation is. We really, really don’t need another scoring winger as badly as we do another top-4 defender or a 2C going forward unless one of the prospects makes an unforeseen leap forward.
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by Knee high to a duck on Apr 26, 2010 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions
Versteeg was one of the guys who the Hawks failed to offer a standard 4th-year contract and instead had to sign him to a much bigger deal. (They did the same thing with Cam Barker.) So he’s probably making more than he should at this point in his career.
Yeah, I remember that whole kerfluffle, but I can’t say he’s been a crushing disappointment so far. He’s clearly in the ‘Hawks second tier, but 44 points with the minutes he was getting earlier in the year isn’t bad production at all.
I don’t think he’d be a net drag on the team, but for a group with Cup aspirations, I don’t think it’s something we should be looking at unless we can trade a clearly inferior player for him and even then, we have to consider the salary cap implications versus production if that money is spent elsewhere.
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by Knee high to a duck on Apr 26, 2010 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions
Don’t think he’s as good as Laich in the bakery; but certainly faster, better on the puck and the shot as you mentioned.
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by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 10:12 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think it’s a good comparable. They don’t really play the same games. Sharp is versatile like Laich but he goes about it differently.
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.
How so? He’s not a spring chicken.
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by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions
He’s signed through the next 2 seasons. I’ll worry about extending him after that.
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.
If you really want to look at “with or without you,” look at Backstrom without Ovechkin – 3 goals, 11 assists in ten games this season and a very strong Olympics. Throw in the post-ejection portion of the ’Hawks game, too, when Nick took it over and won the game for the Caps.
Sure, that’s all a small sample, but it’s what we’ve got and it – along with, y’know, what I’ve actually watched over the past three seasons – tell me that Backy is hardly riding AO’s coattails to gaudy numbers.
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I know Corsi provides some insight into how much a team controlled play when a player or line was on the ice, but I’ve never been a huge fan of the stat.
Also, it’s not like Backstrom is the only one in that relationship experiencing improved corsi ratings (assuming I’m reading that chart right. It’s pretty awful).
Saying Backstrom isn’t as good because he’s riding Ovechkin’s ability to points and should be traded is ridiculous. It’s like saying Malkin really isn’t that good and is only putting up points because he’s not facing the top D pairs, so he should be traded.
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 26, 2010 7:44 AM EDT up reply actions
In principle, I’m not opposed to looking at arbitrage opportunities with Backstrom (which is all I read the article as suggesting), but I don’t know how you can guarantee that doesn’t hit the media or Nick’s agent and poison extension talks. There really aren’t that many players who are as good as Nick is, even if you account for the Ovechkin Effect and getting more production out of the same or less money as Backs is going to command is a tall order.
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by Knee high to a duck on Apr 26, 2010 7:48 AM EDT up reply actions
He’s not saying Backstrom isn’t good – in fact, he says he’s been excellent. He’s saying that if he gets a market-value contract based upon the numbers he’s put up, it might be conceivable that that money could be better spent by the team elsewhere. Without knowing what his next contract is going to look like and what other options would be available, it’s hard to know whether that’s an insane proposition or merely one which I’d rather not entertain.
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But that’s not something that applies solely to Backstrom (though it is more of an issue considering how much money will be involved). There’s always the question of how a person will perform in the future. And if you take that money and look for a separate first line center there’s the issue of re-establishing chemistry. I really just don’t think there’s any reason the Caps should explore other options from Backstrom (unless Crosby becomes an option, which will never happen).
I think it’s ridiculous to search for alternates when you have one of the top 10 centers in the league, who is only 22 years old, and has shown improvement each year, and not just in points.
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 26, 2010 7:55 AM EDT up reply actions
While I don’t think it’s something that will happen, the name of the game in a league with a hard salary cap is getting production that exceeds what you pay for it. The resources the team has to play with are finite, so if you have the most efficient salary-to-goal-differential ratio, you have the best shot at winning, so long as you spend up to the cap (which this team does). Given that, I can’t conclude that looking at possible return packages is completely outrageous.
Do I think it’s unlikely that we get better value in that sense from a trade scenario? Yes. But it’s not completely out of line, especially if an outrageous offer sheet comes down the pipe.
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by Knee high to a duck on Apr 26, 2010 8:04 AM EDT up reply actions
The list of teams capable of making an offer that would get him to consider it is pretty slim.
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by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 8:07 AM EDT up reply actions
If an outrageous offer sheet comes along, that changes the scenario. Right now I’m assuming the Caps can lock up Backstrom at numbers not too unlike the ones posted by Peerless. In that case it’s not an overpayment, and I think it’s the Caps would be unable to find a better salary-to-goal ratio.
Considering the nature of offer sheets, it’s going to be an overpayment if he’s signed to one, which completely changes the current scenario and whether or not the Caps should pursue something else.
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 26, 2010 8:12 AM EDT up reply actions
Backstrom could get a $9.0 million offer sheet from a team such as, oh, Edmonton ($40.0 cap committed to 12 players next year) or even the Rangers $45.6 million committed to 13 players, although his net effect would be less than $4.0 million taking the Jokinen slot). Hypotehtically, if he did, more power to him, and good luck. But any player in that situation I would think is going to perform his own internal calculus to evaluate whether taking that extra $2.0 million a year is going to be worth spending most of the prime years of your competitive career trying to become competitive, not a bona fide Stanley Cup contender.
Some will take the money, others won’t.
All that is hypothetical, though. I’m guessing Backstrom gets resigned for something like $54M/8 yrs.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Are we assuming that we won’t be able to lock him up before July 1st?
4th Floor, is next, swimvare, undervare, Eric Fehr...
That would be the only way he could have an offer sheet to sign, yeah.
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by Knee high to a duck on Apr 26, 2010 8:04 AM EDT up reply actions
Players are greedy. It’s safer to assume that they’ll chase the dough than not.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
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Then you’d better attach a few more dollars to that No Habs No letter you sent Nick.
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 26, 2010 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
All I am sending them is a taste. MLSE has to do the rest.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
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You should have sent them a Snickers bar, instead. If you accidentally got Poti, it’d solve quite a few problems.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 26, 2010 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions
For you guys
We alreay have an offensive defenceman that can’t play defence and he scores more points.
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nope, Poti. He’s allergic to everything.
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Poti’s probably allergic to himself. He has unreal allergies….
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 26, 2010 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions
I wonder if he’s allergic to shinny silver chalices
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Don’t blame this on statistics as a whole. Just because somebody is using a genuinely flawed statistic to make their argument doesn’t make statistics irrelevant in the scope of the NHL as a whole. I’ve seen a lot of “modern” hockey statistics come up just short of something that would be really, really relevant. The quality of teammates/competition numbers, for example, are only first-order because going any further would be “computationally intensive” when going further than first-order is necessary to make them relevant for serious discussions. I hope we aren’t too far from a day when there’s more to pick from, but that may or may not be true.
Bottom line, it’s frustrating to see statistics misused like this, but it is not the fault of statistics themselves.
For the love of God finish it tonight. I want to burn my Home Game 4 tickets right now…
by SA-Town on Apr 26, 2010 7:09 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Volchenkov is looking for 4.5-5 million?
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In a world where Pronger will make 7.6 next year, he sure deserves it.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 26, 2010 7:20 AM EDT up reply actions
Not sure about that; but its better than overpaying Redden or someone, I guess.
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by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 7:21 AM EDT up reply actions
He was a monster in that Pens/Ottawa series, and he’s only 27. I’m not sure, on the other hand, how much he can hold up injury wise playing the way he does.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 26, 2010 7:29 AM EDT up reply actions
Scary thing, is that if you compare Volchenkov’s value to Redden, he’s probably worth about $11M. Green is probably worth about 14M compared to Redden, and Ovechkin would destroy any team’s salary cap compared to Redden…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 26, 2010 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions
Disagree. Volchenkov doesn’t bring enough offense to justify 5, IMO. 4.5 is probably ok but gives me pause.
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.
4.5 is still steep considering who else you could get for less.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 9:46 AM EDT up reply actions
Seidenberg, Hamhuis, Michalek (though I think he stays in PHX), Corvo, Derek Morris, Grebeshkov off the top of my head. Morris probably is too old to take a chance on.
Granted, these guys aren’t as good defensively as Volchenkov but each one is cheaper and has a better all around skill set (well, Michalek probably not).
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 9:53 AM EDT up reply actions
No thanks on Corvo or Morris. Volchenkov is somewhat better than the rest of those guys, too, in his own zone.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Right, I referenced that. But they’re all cheaper, bring more on offense, and are ‘close’ enough to AV defensively that 4.5-5 million makes one unsure.
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"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 9:57 AM EDT up reply actions
We can split hairs on the dollars but the indisputable fact is that for this Caps team, a defensive defenseman has relatively more value than a guy who’s worse in his own zone but brings a bit more offense.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 26, 2010 9:58 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
This is true, and with Carlson being good this quick it offsets the need a bit for a 2nd defenseman with offensive skills. You can easily get by with Green and Carlson carrying the offensive load on the back end.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions
Corvo might resign here for a hometown discount?
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 26, 2010 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions
Have a feeling Corvo does not want to be with this team.
If you want to survive out here, you've got to know where your towel is.
Depends on how the postseason goes. If at the end, the Caps win the Cup, then why not stay?
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 26, 2010 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Hamhuis is damaged goods, wouldn’t touch him with a ten foot pole.
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
Nice.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 9:57 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t like the idea of paying any player that’s sort of one-dimensional more than 4 million.
My understanding of Volchenkov is that he’s just a particularly good defensive D-man. Is that right? To be worth 4 mil or more, to me, he would have to bring at least 40 points with him.
What's ya major, dude?
No thanks on Volchenkov. He looked abysmally slow out there for much of the Pens series, his playing style makes him injury-prone and he’s got zippo for offensive upside.
This is his big chance to cash in, and I don’t think the Caps will be able to squeeze him under the cap.
Plus, we’ve got some kid named Alzner who kinda deserves a shot.
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
Yeah, but just because one guy is overpaid, doesn’t mean you need to overpay someone else. (But you know that.)
Watching the Pens series, Volchenkov’s been excellent, a better shot blocker than I had recalled. He’ll end up with a Scuderi-like deal — and if I were Edmonton, I’d be running after him as fast as I could.
If that picture isn’t a candidate for a “Caption This!” contest, I don’t know what is.
And rec’d for the awesome alliteration by the author.
They're coming.
“…and then coach tell Flash ‘this side of rink is defense zone’ and Brooksie laugh at him.”
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
by jordanDC on Apr 26, 2010 9:03 AM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
“Blondes are here, here, and here. Redheads are scattered. They will all bounce if you score. Believe me, I know.”
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 26, 2010 9:06 AM EDT up reply actions
Just ask Craig Anderson. He knows where the women are during the game.
For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism.
by Rather Bengt on Apr 26, 2010 9:13 AM EDT up reply actions
“Bruce says to tell you, stand here and score goal NOW. He no like turning same color as red jersey when you miss all the time.”
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS, PLAYOFF EDITION!
“When you are standing here trying to shoot, the Force of Hockey guy say you’re not thinking about physics. What are you thinking about?”
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 26, 2010 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions
I love hearing the names Volchenkov and Regehr as possible Caps next season. In order to get these guys however will take a lot maneuvering.
In 2010/2011, I have Volchenkov getting $5M per year, Regehr is making $4.02M per so obviously use you imagination. I’ve unloaded Poti and let Flash walk for draft picks. I also gave Backstrom a $7.1M contract. I penciled in a $2M contract for our unknown 2C. Gave Fehr $1.75M and Gordon $850K and Schultz $2.2M. Regehr gives us an extra $1M.
Ovechkin/Backstrom/Knuble
Laich/TBD/Semin
Chimera/Perreault/Fehr
Gordon/Steckel/Bradley
Green/Volchenkov
Schultz/Carlson
Erskine/Alzner
Varlamov/Neuvirth
Beagle/Sloan/Laing
Total Salary = $56,690,130.00
Remainder = $109,870
We have some wiggle room in some contracts obviously. Fehr and Backstrom could both get less. We could also save money by getting rid of Erskine and replacing him with Sloan. That would give us some cap relief and a little more cheddar to bring in a 2C. The real issue maybe finding a trading partner for Poti.
2011/2012 and 2012/2013 have their issues too.
4th Floor, is next, swimvare, undervare, Eric Fehr...
Chimera/Perreault/Fehr ….one of these things is not like the other. Two great grinder/forechecking wings on a third line with a midget finesse player? Could probably save a little money and create a little more chemistry moving Matty up to line 2 and TBD to line 3. (Would love to see Belanger signed for that position after the season)
by HateOffSeason on Apr 26, 2010 7:42 AM EDT up reply actions
Laich, Morrison, Flash and Perrault have all centered the 3rd line. For some reason it doesnt matter who is, Fehr and Chimera have found ways to score, especially in the Morrison games.
4th Floor, is next, swimvare, undervare, Eric Fehr...
I agree that MP has played on the 3rd line, and has looked ok. However, if we are talking about moves for an entire season (ignoring BB’s typical play every line combination possible during the course of the year anyway), I just think that even though Perreault’s compete level and aggression is high enough for 3rd line duty, I just don’t think his body is made for it for a full season, rather than the spot duty he’s done to date.
by HateOffSeason on Apr 26, 2010 7:59 AM EDT up reply actions
Maybe. Maybe not. No way to determine that yet. He seems shifty enough to avoid the big hit. Do really small guys get hurt more than bigger dudes? Martin St. Louis plays 20+ minutes against, you’d think tougher opponents, I dont recall him ever missing any significant time.
4th Floor, is next, swimvare, undervare, Eric Fehr...
Exactly, but MSL isn’t playing on a 3rd line in a grinder role. Could MP evade the big hit and just regularly being overpowered if he played on Ovechkin’s line? Probably. Not so much on a line that is required/has the skill set to forecheck/cycle/grind.
by HateOffSeason on Apr 26, 2010 8:14 AM EDT up reply actions
Have you watched many AHL games? Guys get abused so much more at that level (where gooning is rampant and the one referee system still exists), and Perreault has been doing very well in that league for a long time now. He’s smart enough to avoid “the big hit” and is one of the best players in the organization at controlling the puck behind the net and in the corners.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I’m not actually buying Volchenkov as a guy I want on the roster making 5 mil. Yes, he’s a good defender (he’s a very good defender), but I don’t see him bringing that much else to the table. If I’m going to plunk down that kind of scratch for a D-man, I’m going to expect at least some presence in the offensive zone besides simply being there.
Volchenkov is impressively tough and a good shutdown guy (paired with another good shutdown guy who handles more of the offensive duties in Chris Phillips), but over multiple years with the guys coming up who are going to need new contracts? This makes me antsy.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Apr 26, 2010 7:45 AM EDT reply actions
2011/2012, the issues are Semin going to the KHL perhaps, re-signing Laich, which I did at $3.0M per year (I’m guessing his value without doing any research). I also resigned Knuble for 1yr @ $2.0M, he’s already slow and still is very productive so I don’t see any reason not to bring him back for 1 more year. I’ve made some call-ups Bouchard and A.Gordon. I still don’t have a name for our mystery 2C @ $2.0M. I gave Varlamov a raise to $3.5M.
Ovechkin/Backstrom/Knuble
Laich/TBD/Fehr
Chimera/Perreault/Bouchard
Gordon/Steckel/A.Gordon
Green/Volchenkov
Schultz/Carlson
Alzner/Sloan
Valramov/Neuvirth
3 TBD @ $700K
Total Salary = $56,118,462.00
Remainder = $681,538
Here comes the youth movement. It was bound to happen sooner or later, looks like 2011.
4th Floor, is next, swimvare, undervare, Eric Fehr...
Damn, Savard might come back tonight.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
Why is that bad?
"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."
Its not. The ‘Damn’ was more for disbelief.
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"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 8:34 AM EDT up reply actions
.
I’m surprised they were able to get him back on skates. He can’t have much left.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 26, 2010 8:37 AM EDT up reply actions
.
Sure it wasn’t this one?
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 26, 2010 8:44 AM EDT up reply actions
Is that from one of your shoe boxes? I’m more impressed by your collection every time you put up a card.
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
So the shoebox on your desk.
Ahhh google, what can’t you deliver me even if I fat finger the guys name?
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
Ah, I considered asking if that was what you meant.
"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."
Yeah I’m a little shocked it was this quick.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 8:40 AM EDT up reply actions
I am so very hopeful for a Pens/B’s series in which Savard comes back and absolutely rails the Penguins.
That and a lot of the numbers point to Patrice Bergeron being a legit Selke candidate, so I’m interested to see what he can do with the Crosby assignment.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Apr 26, 2010 8:35 AM EDT up reply actions
I think Bergeron’s actually a great player. The problem is he’s being cast as something he isn’t.
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"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 8:35 AM EDT up reply actions
Bergeron already stole his Olympic gear… he’s in Sid’s head!
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 26, 2010 8:36 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I’ve always known that Crosby was an amazing player, but he absolutely ate the Sens for lunch in that series. Him against Spezza was a complete mismatch.
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
Pardon my ignorance, SOFF?
Nice work on the rebuttle by the way. I scrolled through his article, laughed when he include Pronger as his second guy for the Norris and closed the browser when I saw he didn’t include Bryz or Miller for the Hart.
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
Pensblog thing about Therrien’s accent. Instead of “soft” he said “soff”
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 26, 2010 8:56 AM EDT up reply actions
Him against Spezza was a complete mismatch.
You said it. That was freaking painful to watch.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Apr 26, 2010 8:53 AM EDT up reply actions
Spezza does so little with so much more than anyone I can think of.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 8:54 AM EDT up reply actions
One of the writeups of the last Pens-Sens game noted that the Sens were only able to hold Crosby pointless when they stopped trying to contain him and started trying to score on him.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Explains, in part, how Crosby was a minus-1 in four games against the Caps when he had seven points in those games. He had five even-strength points and was on the ice for six goals against (of 21 scored against the Pens). Throw it back in their faces.
If you've read this far...seek help.
but, but, but, Crosby is AWESOME on defense!
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS, PLAYOFF EDITION!
by RedBirdie on Apr 26, 2010 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Spezza is a rich man’s Flash.
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 thought Semin was a rich man’s Flash.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Semin can play D. Neither Spezza nor Flash have that part of the game. High skill, plays in one zone, brings nothing to the table aside from their skill, easy to push around.
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 don’t disagree, just referencing this from Bruce via Cox:
After the Washington Capitals blew a chance to eliminate the ready-for-golf Montreal Canadiens Friday night, Boudreau was asked how he felt about Semin’s game.
"Did he have a goal or an assist?" asked Boudreau. Told that Semin didn’t, Boudreau said in withering tones, "Well?"
The subtext is that if Semin isn’t scoring, he isn’t doing much else to help you.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I know you feel the same way.
Wonder what he would have said if it was Flash that had been the object of that question. At least Semin is getting some chances, and he made one hell of a play on that back-check to break up the breakaway.
Flash on the other hand might as well not even be getting a sweater for the impact he’s making.
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
You obviously know I don’t completely disagree with you on a lot of the Semin critiques, especially this series. I’m just so down on Flash that even putting Semin in that sentence is too much of an insult to Semin. I’ll stick with Semin : Kovalev :: Flash : Spezza.
And honestly, I’m not even sure I buy one word of BB’s pressers until he actually sits Flash. Talk all you want about effort and passengers and blah blah blah. Everyone watching knows who the most guilty passenger is, and we all know BB isn’t going to sit him. I’m sorry, but any of BB’s observations ring a little hollow as long as the Ginger Child is gifted a jersey every night.
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.
BB’s unwillingness to bench Flash at this point has become utterly irresponsible. Get walker in there and shift around some people if need be. The team will be better for it.
If you want to survive out here, you've got to know where your towel is.
The one thing the Caps are sure to get out of Walker is effort. He may not score, but he’ll be involved.
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
I read that Cox article and it’s nothing but rehash of what’s already out there. Nothing primary or original.
It’s a stretch that the “subtext is that if Semin isn’t scoring, he isn’t doing much else. . .” That’s his assumption. The real issue in BB’s comment is that Semin needs to score (he does need to) and the frustration is that in 2-1 game he didn’t. If he had on one of those 9 shots, the outcome very likely would have been different. It’s now been 5 games; his scoring is needed now.
Semin does make defensive plays and he did on Friday. Some people refuse to see it. Some people call him invisible if he’s not scoring, even when the stats show he’s had numerous shots, hits, takeways (with perhaps an attendant give), etc. It seems Cox has never watched him on the PK. Speaking of which, why isn’t he on it more lately? He’s good there.
I read that Cox article and it’s nothing but rehash of what’s already out there. Nothing primary or original.
Actually, it’s the first time I’ve seen a column on the matter… and it came from hundreds of miles away. So thanks, Damien, for giving Washington the hockey columnist it deserves, even if only temporarily.
But your criticism of the substance of the article is valid.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I understand he’s a columnist, but it’s a hack job. He’s commenting on reporting from others. He’s not informed of a fuller picture, for example Semin’s D play; it’s superficial. He makes certain statements as if they are facts. He has not even investigated enough to know that Semin does speak English, but prefers not to to the media. His representation of what’s out there borders on hyperbole (“…excuses himself from pretty much everything else”).
On a related note, I wonder if Ed Frankovic’s view would ever be more balanced on Semin if he applied what he said about Green: "As for Green, I think #52 might be putting too much pressure on himself, because having spoken with him on several occassions I know how badly he wants to do well and produce. " (My emphasis added.) This is where I think if Semin did speak to the media, especially in English, there would be less projection by the media as to what does or does not motivate him, etc. So much of the reporting on Semin seems to be predicated on the notion that he does not want it bad enough, is not motivated, etc. How do they know that? Ed knows Green wants to win because he’s talked to him? Do you think if he talked to Semin he would then know that Semin wants to win badly, too? Yeah, I’m assuming Semin wants to win. Why wouldn’t most people assume a highly-skilled, competitive athlete with much on the line, wants to win?
I don’t think I’ve ever heard when an MLB pitcher is having a bad game that he isn’t trying, doesn’t want to win, or isn’t motivated. No, he just doesn’t have his stuff that game. Then he has to wait 4-6 days to even give it another try. Similarly with batters. Are slumping batters called lazy, unmotivated, etc.? But, with hockey players, particularly one such as Semin, who do slump, then all sorts of negative labels are thrown at them. Pitchers sometimes don’t have their stuff, batters and hockey scorers slump.
All of that said, Sasha please score tonight (and play D). If I keep scratching my head in the same place, I’ll look like BB.
He has not even investigated enough to know that Semin does speak English, but prefers not to to the media.
He actually admits that Semin might speak English but prefers not to with the media. Either way the result is the same.
Why wouldn’t most people assume a highly-skilled, competitive athlete with much on the line, wants to win?
Because we’ve all seen highly-skilled people that weren’t burning to win.
Are slumping batters called lazy, unmotivated, etc.?
Sometimes. Just ask J.D. Drew.
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.
Not another baseball/hockey comparison…
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions
Analogies are valid you idiot. What is wrong with you that you don’t see that?
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’m a simpleton, remember?
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions
baseball-hatin’ simpleton, at that.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS, PLAYOFF EDITION!
Did you read that conversation?
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions
I am so glad we don’t have a caps version of MarioD on this website.
Proud member of the Popsicle Division of the Cupcake Conference.
He would have gotten shouted away or banned by now.
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.
Preferably the latter.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Thing is, he was on the scene early there. Can’t just boot one of your main regulars off the bat. Now he’s established so doing it now doesn’t make as much sense. He’s such a joke that it doesn’t matter.
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 endeavoring to not engage him anymore. Was a waste of our time.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Well of course, but it’s fun when you have time you want to kill. The other day I had just finished my last law school class and was drinking some beers before going out for the Caps game. Perfect timing for that kind of tomfoolery.
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.
True. The problem was at a certain point no amount of evidence or wit will gain you any ground. Aaaaaaanyway.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions
The problem was at a certain point no amount of evidence or wit will gain you any ground.
That point is “the start of the discussion”.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Apr 26, 2010 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
TEAM TOUGHNESS
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 26, 2010 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions
…. well, one that isn’t on the masthead…
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 the Numbers
From the whowins website, a little statistical good cheer. In the opening round, when the team with home ice advantage leads a series 3-2, they end up winning the series 82% of the time. The slightly less good news is that the team with home ice advantage and a 3-2 lead only wins Game Six 58% of the time. Maybe the best stat is that under Bruce Boudreau, the Caps are 3-0 in Game Six.
Maybe the best stat is that under Bruce Boudreau, the Caps are 3-0 in Game Six.
Piggybacking on that, the road team is 4-4 in Game 6’s so far (3 of those being series-clinchers).
They're coming.
by Bald Pollack on Apr 26, 2010 9:14 AM EDT up reply actions
PIT, VAN, SJS. All were the higher seeded team. Also, PHX is the higher seeded team and won game six.
We win.
Please.
"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."
OK, well, here’s another one. The Caps have never won a series in which they lost Game 6.
Ever.
If you've read this far...seek help.
If ever there was a team that could render historical data meaningless, it’s this team. That said, let’s not find out.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 26, 2010 9:26 AM EDT up reply actions
Let teams hang around, and other factors come into play — bounces and referee calls. Last year, when the Penguins won the Cup, only six of their 16 wins were of the one-goal variety. And you have to win the one-goal games. The Caps are 1-2 in this series in one-goal games (the Penguins were 6-3 last year).
If you've read this far...seek help.
The most important stat is that the Pens won game six in Canada. Everyone knows that this playoff season, the Caps are the ying to their yang, the doppel to their ganger, the “I can do better” to their “anything you can do”. Plus, Bettman has already told the networks that they can count on a Pens-Caps Conference Final.
theoretical question
At what point is it OK to take the captaincy from an old veteran and give it to someone more effective and captain-y?
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
Off-season. Unless you’re Carolina, in which case the answer is mid-season.
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 26, 2010 9:06 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
The situation in Nashville is actually quite similar to Carolina’s.
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"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 9:09 AM EDT up reply actions
You mean your old captain is broken down and can’t do shit and your captain-to-be is overpaid and overrated but literally the only building block on your team that even passes the laugh test as a captain so you have to force-feed him the C right away to get the fans on board the “youth movement” that you GM decided had to be underway when you lost 14 straight games and sucked worse than anyone expected and then you realized you have a mediocre farm at best so really you guys are fucked on the youth development front and so all you have to do is pin the C on your one “true” star and hope the fan base reacts? That sounds like a shitty situation. Didn’t realize NSH had it so tough.
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 26, 2010 9:56 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
LOL. When you put it like that, not really, but our old captain is becoming broken down, is already overpaid, isn’t a good example for younger players, etc.
By the way, thats a helluva run on sentence.
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by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions
If I picked, yeah, but there’s a Suter movement as well.
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"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 10:02 AM EDT up reply actions
Maybe if it’s Suter you guys would like to move Weber? Maybe for Flash? Eh? Come on, he can play center or wing!
What's ya major, dude?
You couldn’t afford to re-sign him.
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"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions
The fact that you have two options that didn’t both blow goats in the Olympics is why you’re not the Canes.
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.
Right; thats the biggest difference. We have competent replacements.
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"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think so. He is way down the totem pole when it comes to getting the third ‘A’ when Arnott’s out. They give it to Hamhuis, Suter, or Erat first.
I think down the road we see Weber with the C, and Suter/Wilson with A’s.
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by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions
This I agree with. I don’t like the whole “symbolic” thing while the guy is still there. Seemed like a crappy thing for CAR to do while they’re pushing Brind’Amour out the door.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 26, 2010 9:09 AM EDT up reply actions
It was crappy during the year, for sure.
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by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 9:09 AM EDT up reply actions
I think the Caps did a good thing by holding off a little while before naming Ovi captain. That was a nice show of respect to Clarkie.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 26, 2010 9:11 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, but that situation was not the same as Carolina’s, obviously.
Anyway, the Nashville captaincy is really getting to me (and is something we’ll take a look at deeply if we’re sent home tonight). Arnott has been completely useless (no points, -2), looks like he doesn’t give a crap, etc. Its driving me nuts.
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by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 9:14 AM EDT up reply actions
Would you rather him break his stick over the boards or something?
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
You’d have to watch him all the time to understand. Trust me.
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by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 9:20 AM EDT up reply actions
It just makes me itch when people want to take captaincy away from a guy just because he’s slumping.
Or when the issue is raised for valid reasons, but is only raised when the guy is slumping.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Its not a slump.
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by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 9:24 AM EDT up reply actions
What?
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by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 9:28 AM EDT up reply actions
Sorry, trying to bring some happiness to the gloom.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 26, 2010 9:28 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m not all that gloomy. Just mad at Arnott and Erat.
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by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 9:30 AM EDT up reply actions
Not happening.
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by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 9:09 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t know, but I’m shocked you’re still sane after Saturday’s game. And I thought the Caps held the patent on heartbreaking playoff losses.
I had a few days and a lot of tequila.
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by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 9:10 AM EDT up reply actions
I wanted to compliment you guys on your reasoned and sane analysis of the whole Hossa thing. I read a bunch of stuff on your site and on secondcity and thought you guys in particular did a great job of being impartial. For what it’s worth, i’m completely on board with you. I’ll take or leave the suspension, the ejection was completely missed.
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
Thanks. OtF exploded that night.
Yep, I’ve come to terms with the no suspension. Him not getting tossed is going to haunt me a looooooooooong time.
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by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 9:17 AM EDT up reply actions
Anyone got a Brian Campbell quote on the Hossa hit?
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 26, 2010 9:18 AM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
Haven’t seen one. The quotes were what’d you’d expect. Trotz and Poile said eject/suspend, ‘ironic’ Hossa scored; Hamhuis said he was shaken up and forwards typically respect you more than that, Hossa said it was an accident, and Chief Douche Quenneville said it was a 2 minute penalty.
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by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 9:20 AM EDT up reply actions
Quenneville is a fucking asswipe, King Crybaby of NHL coaches. Whine Whine Whine. If you so much as look at one of his players funny, he’s crying for a suspension. I’ve got no respect for that clown.
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I read “ass clown” even though you didn’t write it.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
ass clown works, too.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS, PLAYOFF EDITION!
But he does have a really, really awesome ’stache.
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
Show me Tippet’s stache from his playing days and I’ll show you a manly man’s stache.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
long live the Whale!
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS, PLAYOFF EDITION!
And people mock white hockey pants?
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Apr 26, 2010 11:06 AM EDT up reply actions
It was worse...
In one season the Whalers wore Cooperalls:
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 26, 2010 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Might as well have been a roller hockey team that year.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Not as bad as the year the Flyers wore them. Bill Burr referred to them (hysterically) as “dress slacks”
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 26, 2010 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Its overrated.
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by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions
No argument from me.
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by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions
Oh Bob Mckenzie!!!
Don’t have to watch it again. Hossa gave what he thought was little shove to get advantage to puck. No intent. Dumb, not malicious
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 26, 2010 9:20 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think it was ‘malicious’, either. Hossa isn’t Matt Cooke. I do think it was incredibly stupid, though, and he had all the time in the world to decide what to do.
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by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 9:21 AM EDT up reply actions
Which makes it different from the Ovi/Cambell thing…..how? Because Campbell happened to get hurt?
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 26, 2010 9:22 AM EDT up reply actions
Basically. Campbell was hurt worse (Hamhuis missed the remainder of the game), and Ovechkin pushed harder. Other than that I see a lot of similarities. Its probably a good thing Hossa isn’t as physical as AO; had he pushed really hard Hamhuis could be eating through a straw right now.
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by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 9:23 AM EDT up reply actions
.
My reaction to reading that tweet:
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 26, 2010 9:27 AM EDT up reply actions
Think he should’ve been ejected/suspended, then?
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by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 9:28 AM EDT up reply actions
If they had both been ejected, that would have been fine. I place more focus on the lack of “intent to injure”, and in both cases, the play was reckless enough to where they should have been thrown out, but there was no intent to injure there.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 26, 2010 9:31 AM EDT up reply actions
Random sidenote: Could you possibly make the title of picture posts longer than a period. Maybe a line of periods …………. It’s just annoying to have to find and click on that one tiny dot.
Proud member of the Popsicle Division of the Cupcake Conference.
Random sidenote: Could you possibly make the title of picture posts longer than a period
You mean 5 to 7 days of length?
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 26, 2010 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
This is not rational thinking. You either exercised bad judgment or you didn’t. The might and strength of the player doing the hitting should be irrelevant. It should be solely on intent. I don’t think Ovie ever intends to injure anyone, and could have argued he was just trying to influence Campbell’s play on the puck.
Are we saying it only takes a severe injury to suspend someone?
If its up to Bob McKenzie, then yes.
But apparently, that doesn’t apply to Marc Savard. Or David Booth.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 26, 2010 9:34 AM EDT up reply actions
I agree completely, I was relaying the NHL’s rationing.
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by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 9:34 AM EDT up reply actions
I realize that, and wasnt inferring you had lost rational thought, but if MY team had lost their best defenseman, went on a 4 minute pp, gave up a shortie with 15 secs to go in the game, couldnt score on the PP, then gave up the GWG to the guy who knocked out your best dman and didnt get thrown out of the game to boot, welllllllllll……
holy shit, that is some biblical scale torture.
by S h a g g y on Apr 26, 2010 10:15 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah I was mad.
Also, Hamhuis isn’t our best defenseman. Obviously.
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by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions
No. Thats Suter, then Weber.
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"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions
Are we saying it only takes a severe injury to suspend someone?
No, not really.
Signed,
Mike Green
Lobbies: Green, Carlson, Orlov
While this is true, remember that a couple of guys got suspended for hits on Bradley (wow, both were on him, weren’t they?), and he got dinged, but not injured.
"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."
Brads had a concussion. We just didn’t notice ’cos it was the ’Lympic break.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
only the second time. All Carcillo did was make him bleed.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS, PLAYOFF EDITION!
I have a big problem with any mention of relative size when it comes to this stuff. If that was a consideration they should have different leagues and have a featherweight NHL to protect guys like MP and Campbell from the likes of big bad Ovie and Chara who are just bigger and stronger.
The forechecker’s job is to pound on the defense every time they play the puck, its intimidation and is an important part of the game.
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
intimidation and is an important part of the game.
That’s why I wear shoulder pads in men’s league even though I’m 6’4"!
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 come stand in front of the crease when I’m there… didn’t think so.
Pretty goal last week by the way.
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
Can’t really set up shop on the crease when I’m playing D. But rest assured I ain’t skeered of ya. Thanks. I like playing you guys better without the ringer.
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.
Which ringer are you referring too? Your defenseman with the half shield? Take to OTOT if you want to continue.
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
Honestly, Ovie’s hit was more violent. The fact remains, if the NHL is trying to eliminate that from the game the outcome shouldn’t matter. It is a bad hit because of the potential for injury, not because it always causes an injury.
Same reason that reckless driving is a crime, not because it always causes a problem, but because it increases the potential to cause one.
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
Exactly. Hossa should be punished because that could’ve been catastrophic.
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by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 9:28 AM EDT up reply actions
What should haunt you is that the Preds had a 1 goal lead with under 2 minutes left and a 5 min PP and they gave up the tying goal then failed to score with over 3 minutes of PP time in OT. The Preds should have made the game misconduct debate moot.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Apr 26, 2010 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Oh, I know. Do I ever know. This is why I’d rather talk about the hit.
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by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions
C’mon man. Don’t kick a man when he’s down. Especially when our favored team has troubles of their own.
A real American hero...taking down Habs one game at a time
by souldrummer on Apr 26, 2010 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Just pointing out that the lack of an ejection was not the reason that Nashville lost.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Apr 26, 2010 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions
No, it wasn’t, and I’ve beaten this to death. However, no one knows what happens if another guy serves that major instead of bolts outta the box and scores.
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by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 1:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Preds aren’t done yet and can still come back. Hossa should have been ejected and wasn’t. Boo friggin’ hoo. The Preds will focus on what it can control and continue to stretch Chitown to the limit.
A real American hero...taking down Habs one game at a time
We’ll certainly find out soon.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 1:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Capitals Farm Report is currently writing OHL and WHL championship tournament previews, and has a question:
What exactly is an “overage player” in junior league hockey? CFR would be very grateful for any assistance.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
I thought it was a kid who turns 20 at some particular point, maybe early in the season?
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
It’s this. I forget the cut off but you are under normal eligibility until you are 20 and in your “21 year” you are an overage player.
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.
And overage players tend to not be NHL (or even AHL) caliber. They’re guys who are hanging on to their junior career, deciding whether to go to college or try for the ECHL/Europe.
Right, most of the time if an NHL team sees something in you they’ll want to get you into the system by 20 years old. It’s not usually a good sign to be sent back to the CHL for an overage year.
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 if there’s someone that’s looked at it.
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.
In terms of how overage players have done in the NHL? I haven’t seen it but if you have a link I’d check it out.
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 have no link :( Intuitively it makes sense to think that a guy playing an overage year isn’t thought well of by his team.
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.
What do you mean?
It’s always interesting to look at CHL stats on hockeydb.com and see that one player with huge number and go undrafted, and then you see that he’s 20 or 21 playing with kids 3-4 years younger. I can spend hours on that site. Anyway, you see a guy like Maxime Boisclair scoring 70 goals in a season and thinking “Why isn’t he in the NHL?” and then you notice his age.
Not to gush over Crosby, but that was one of the things that most surprised me about his ability to do well his rookie year — he had just turned 18 when the season started, and he still ended up with 100+ points. He could’ve still played 2 more CHL seasons.
There is also the matter of Washington’s goaltending woes. Jose “Five or More” Theodore was yanked in Game 2 and has yet to see another second of action. The Caps are relying on Semyon Varlamov, who turns 22 tomorrow.
Seriously? Five or more? Keep flapping your gums PHI. How the fuck can you talk shit with Boucher as your goalie? [Insert oh-so-not-clever Water boy joke here.] Of all people the PHI fans and media should realize how important match ups are at this time of the season, and the way the Caps played PHI all year is a pretty good match up for the Caps.
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.
Let ’em talk, we still have a clan of Canadiens to destroy.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 26, 2010 9:30 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
If that word choice was intentional, that’s brilliant.
They're coming.
by Bald Pollack on Apr 26, 2010 9:36 AM EDT up reply actions
I feel like talking like Begbie out of Trainspotting now
For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism.
by Rather Bengt on Apr 26, 2010 9:39 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Jose was 3-0-1/2.58/.930 against Philly this year.
And “Five or More” doesn’t even make sense.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I like how he ignores Varlamov having the most playoff wins except Osgood or Fleury in x amount of years (can’t recall stat).
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by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 9:34 AM EDT up reply actions
yes, because no goalie under 25 can lead a team to the cup. cam ward
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Apr 26, 2010 9:39 AM EDT up reply actions
It is a proven fact.
Signed,
Patrick Roy
by Moonage Daydream on Apr 26, 2010 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions
What if Roy played like a rookie?
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 26, 2010 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions
What if Bobby didn’t fly?
Some people die just a little.
by bigonetimer on Apr 26, 2010 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions
I cannot get worked up about a PHI matchup until the Caps take care of business in round 1.
by Moonage Daydream on Apr 26, 2010 9:59 AM EDT up reply actions
Hockey-related and highly amusing
Antti Niemi loses the puck in his drawers after a routine stop. How many referees and players will it take to find it?!
Photography: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
I happened to turn that game on right as that was happening. Love how the announcers could barely hold themselves together.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Apr 26, 2010 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions
That was some funny stuff, there.
Photography: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
Should make these classy gents happy...
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Wonder if these two have ever met George Laraque or Donald Brashear? I bet they’d dress a lot differently for the game if they had, probably in body casts…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 26, 2010 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions
even out of pads, Laraque is one big dude
also, I thought it was lovely that Brash was back on friday night to watch the game.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS, PLAYOFF EDITION!
I want the Caps to make it to the next round, Brashear to play against Philly and then to have a goal-and-knockout like he did against Islanders/Witt. That was the ultimate goal celebration to me.
President and sole member of the Erskine lobby.
I had to read that twice…I thought it said “even out of pants, Laraque is one big dude”
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 26, 2010 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions
That will remain between him and the energy drink girls
For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism.
by Rather Bengt on Apr 26, 2010 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions
well, I suppose that is true, too :)
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS, PLAYOFF EDITION!
"Maybe Mike Wise is right"
That thought should simply not ever enter my head, but it did after reading his commentary.
If the Caps can’t put Montreal away TONIGHT, I feel, even if they do take the series in 7 games, maybe this isn’t their year. I think this may be the most critical game of the entire playoffs, and I try to avoid hyperbole like the plague. Oh, we knew that getting out of the first round wasn’t going to be easy, and thanks god for Mike Knuble, who keeps reminding us and his teammates that there is no entitlement in the playoffs.
Why is tonight important? Because it will dispel the thought that the Caps can’t put an inferior team away when they need to; they are allowing Halak to rebuild confidence, they have given hope to a team that feels THEY should be up 3-2 and closing out tonight at home, and their mighty mites that we mercilessly impugn are, if not matching our best players, certainly threaten to do so.
The Caps simply cannot allow these amazing chances we are seeing early in the game; Varly’s first save in game 5 was/had to be a dandy and set the tone. There is a level of passivity that is evident- a sagging, cautious approach at times that doesn’t scream “We will not be beaten”.
C’mon, guys. What the f—- happened to the Caps I used to know? Where’s the spirit? Where’s the guts, huh? This could be the greatest night of our lives, but you’re gonna let it be the worst. “Ooh, we’re afraid to go with you Ovie, we might get in trouble.” Well just kiss my ass from now on! Not me! I’m not gonna take this. Gomez, he’s a dead man! Cammaleri, dead! Gionta…
And maybe I’m a six-legged rhinoceros
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Apr 26, 2010 11:06 AM EDT up reply actions
Don’t be ridiculous… no one is going to believe a six-legged rhinoceros.
Now a six-legged porcupine….
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 26, 2010 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Belanger gets a little love from NHL.com for his self-dental surgery. (video)
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Ridiculous idea to get Semin scoring?
Ovi-Backstrom-Knuble
Semin-Gordon-Laich
Fehr-Belanger-Chimera
Bradley-Morrison-Walker
Shake things up and ride a hot hand. Obviously with Flash and Morrison, Semin is trying to do too much himself and is forcing terrible shots. Let’s go the opposite way and give him two guys that will drive the net, battle on the boards to win pucks, and play solid D.
Gordon is not a 2C. The only guy that can get Semin scoring is Semin. When he breaks out it’ll be fun to watch, but until then it’s basically useless even talking about his C because it’s irrelevant.
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 26, 2010 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Totally agree. This gets back to that maddening discussion the other day – there may not be a player in the League whose center matters less than Semin’s. Blaming his linemates is a cop out – it’s on him 100% to start scoring again.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
It’s not as much about blame as about fit. At the very least we need to get Laich back with him. Flash plays the exact same “drifter” game that Semin plays. It’s a terrible combo.
No, I agree and wasn’t implying that you were excusing Semin’s play based on linemates. And Laich and Semin have worked well on opposite wings in the past (see: most of this season, previous playoffs), so I’d favor that. Just not sure his pivot makes much of a difference, and not sure you want to give Gordo that much ice. Frankly, I’d be fine with 28-18-21.
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So would I. 18 has been better in the playoffs than he was during the post-trade stretch run. At the very least he’ll win draws and play D and that’s all you really need for that line.
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, having someone crashing the net make Semin more dangerous. Even bad NHL goalies are good enough to stop most of the bbs that Semin puts on net from 25 feet when the goalie doesn’t have anything else to think about. If the goalie sees Laich coming at him out of the corner of his eye Semin’s wrister becomes that much more lethal.
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
That presupposes that Semin will wait for the traffic to arrive rather than tossing a 40-foot muffin at the net upon entering the zone. But yeah.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Point taken. He is certainly pressing.
Even if Brooks is only to the faceoff dot he’s something to think about for a goalie. Flash on the other hand is looking for the drop pass that will never come.
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
Morrison isn’t a 2C and Flash isn’t a 2W, but we’ve been playing them there anyway. The line as is can’t keep the puck deep in their zone, and Semin isn’t getting any support. Keeping everything the same and expecting the result to change doesn’t seem like the way to fix it?
I don’t see how putting a 4C in the 2C spot is going to fix it either. What’s Gordon going to do at 2C? Win some draws, play D, and maybe use his speed to create one or two chances. Belanger can do that as well, and 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.
I don’t have an answer. Just that whatever Gordon would do in the 2C spot is different than what Morrison or Belanger would do in the 2C spot. If you think Semin’s drought is unrelated to the center play that it doesn’t much matter anyway.
I think when Semin is on his game he can be so dominant that BMo or Belanger is more than enough to play 2C. And when Semin is off his game nothing short of Backstrom is going to make a difference. And I’m not breaking up AO and Backstrom because Semin is slumping, and I’m not just going to SOB when Semin slumps for a variety of reasons.
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.
It may be re-splitting hairs, but I like Belanger with Semin and Laich—better puck possession, better balance. BMo is just a 3C, but his slightly stronger offensive game complements Chimmer and Fehr, and retains the kind of symmetry that wins battles and can produce some havoc.
Of course, this would entail Flash as nacho boy, which means I should just put down my crack pipe.
Some people die just a little.
by bigonetimer on Apr 26, 2010 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think it’s splitting hairs at all – Belanger is faster, bigger, and wins more draws. He’s a better fit between 28 and 21.
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I truly think so. From another angle, I don’t think 18 is creative enough to bring out the best in Fehr’s and Chimmer’s (relatively) inferior (to the 2L) offensive games. And I’m fine with BMo’s defensive responsibility, another key 3C trait. Oh wait, BB doesn’t match lines…
Some people die just a little.
by bigonetimer on Apr 26, 2010 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions
He’s also much less gifted offensively. He’s not a great puckhandler and he’s not a great passer.
In terms of winning the puck and getting it into the offensive zone, Belanger>>>BMo.
In terms of actually doing something in the offensive zone, BMo>>>Belanger.
The stained horizon
Dark rein and rider
The steed. . . Ovechkin
doing something in the offensive zone
In theory, with Semin and Laich on his wings, Belanger ought not to need to do much offensively.
In theory he ought do be able to dish off the puck and then go make space and time.
In theory.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Making time and space is one of the hardest things to do in the offensive zone. That’s one of the reasons Backstrom is so good.
I think Semin is the guy that needs create on that line (for himself and for the reason that no one other than Backstrom or Ovechkin could)
Laich + whoever just need to be ready in supporting roles trying to find open lanes.
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
agree…you said it better than I did.
Still comes back to benching Flash and the sooner Bruce gets around this myopic love affair, the better. Like tonight.
Some people die just a little.
by bigonetimer on Apr 26, 2010 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions
No doubt, which is why I’d rather see Belanger with the guy who doesn’t need a center to create offense and BMo with the two guys who probably do.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
almost more importantly, what changes on the pp? personnel or strategy?
its maddening to see the points stay in one spot and take long windups only to see their shots blocked by the forward who has had several seconds to get in the shooting lane. either these guys need to move more or shoot quicker. corvo seems to like to move latterally but greenie tends to be stationary at the right point.
fehr got some real PP time in friday’s game, does he get solid PP minutes this game? seems like his size and touch should work well in close.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Apr 26, 2010 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions
my guess: Halak is going to have a nice look at 22’s and/or 21’s digits during our PP. And more movement/rotation…I want to see some better weakside pressure (hello, 52 backdoor?)
And for the love of Al Iafrate, can we possibly get some quicker releases from the points on shots? Misdirect it to avoid the block and let it pinball down low if need be, but getting stuffed at the point as often as we do just won’t cut it.
Some people die just a little.
by bigonetimer on Apr 26, 2010 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions
NHL ratings, revenue looking up
http://www.mediaweek.com/mw/content_display/news/cable-tv/e3ieae2fa145a05b6f729c2228d23d7cd6a
Five years after a labor dispute put the kibosh on the 2004-05 National Hockey League season, the sport is enjoying a resurgence, as ratings and advertising revenue are showing signs of growth. The improvement couldn’t come at a better time for the league, which is expected to start negotiations on its new television rights contract later this year.
Despite a six-month carriage dispute with DirecTV that led to a blackout in some 14 million U.S. TV households––about 20 percent of its overall sub base––cable rights holder Versus saw its regular season NHL deliveries drop just 6 percent to 297,000 viewers. Since DirecTV came back on line in mid-March, ratings have been booming. During the final four weeks of the season, Versus averaged 365,000 viewers, up 28 percent from the same period a year ago. Through the first week of its Stanley Cup Playoffs coverage, Versus has averaged 534,000 viewers, up 21 percent.
NBC’s hockey ratings are up as well. The broadcaster averaged a 0.9 HH rating and 1.32 million viewers with its Game of the Week telecasts, up 13 percent from the 2009-10 campaign. Meanwhile, NBC’s first weekend of playoff coverage was up 10 percent from a year ago, notching a 1.1 rating. Both Versus and NBC say they are pacing ahead of last year’s playoff sales and are nearly sold out.
To help draw young male viewers, the league has added more live video on NHL.com, where unique visitors are up 32 percent. "By creating a digital front door to the league…we have redefined ourselves in the marketplace," said NHL COO John Collins.
League marketing partners like Verizon, Enterprise, Anheuser-Busch and Reebok have been heavy spenders, but nonpartners have also begun lining up. Among the unaffiliated sponsors that have bought time in Versus’ playoffs coverage are Discover Card, Pizza Hut, Volkswagen, Amway and Subway.
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
Having two Canadian teams and their strong dollar getting three playoff games would (should?) hopefully help also.
They're coming.
by Bald Pollack on Apr 26, 2010 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions
I dunno. The NHL is going to do well in Canada regardless. I think percentage increases in American viewership/sponsorship are more important than Canadian gains.
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, figuring out the HRR numbers are admittedly confusing as frak, though I think in the past guys like Mirtle have touted it when citing whatever the cap number was going to be.
They're coming.
by Bald Pollack on Apr 26, 2010 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions
Gomez Out or Ok?
JP retweeting this morning — Gomez not skating and a call up of PK Subban from Hamilton.
@drosennhl No Gomez and no Spacek in Habs a.m. skate. Maxwell centering Moen and Gionta. Subban working in with Gill and Gorges. Gomez probably fine.
Did anyone hear about an injury to Gomez?
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Just growing pains
For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism.
by Rather Bengt on Apr 26, 2010 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions 7 recs
Rec'd.
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’s one hell of a virus for Spacek. Can’t imagine he isn’t going tonight.
Some people die just a little.
by bigonetimer on Apr 26, 2010 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions
If he has a flu bug, it could… sometimes that can last a week or more.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 26, 2010 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions
since 4/2? I agree with GFCF…gotta be mono
Some people die just a little.
by bigonetimer on Apr 26, 2010 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions
Whatever he’s got, the team is keeping him far away from the other players.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Sounds like we may be seeing Belanger removing his tooth on PTI today.
"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."
WHY?!?! I mean, I get that everyone wants to show what a BAMF Belanger is, but at some point, showing the video stops being newsworthy and starts being a freak show.
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Freak show is the only way hockey seems to get on those programs.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
as you might guess, I’d rather not get any coverage of hockey on PTI than have it treated as the bearded lady of sports.
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So Tony can gush about how tough hockey players are, etc, etc and then slide effortlessly into his I-don’t-get-why-the-puck-is-so-small—hockey-blows meme, while Wilbon can smirk and shake his head and then bring everyone back to reality by reminding everyone that, duh, the NBA playoffs are on. Again.
Some people die just a little.
by bigonetimer on Apr 26, 2010 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions
Mutliple tweets, including TEB, saying Jose named a finalist for the Masterton.
Other finalists — Kurtis Foster and Jed Ortmeyer.
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excellent choice, if true. Announcement is a noon, right?
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
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Any Ideas or Speculation on Semin?
Corey just tweeted:
Alexander Semin is not on the ice this morning. Everyone else is (or was). Boudreau mum on lineup changes.
I don’t recall any info about an injury or illness, but illness seems the most logical.
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
Semin benched? Flash to line 2? Probably.
Just kidding.
Sort of.
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 26, 2010 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions
Jesus Christ, I would leave work and storm down to fucking KCI and start throwing shit on the ice if that were true.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 26, 2010 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions
unfortunately for you, they’re in Montreal today
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wrist flaring up again? (ugh) although in the past, when the wrist is a problem Semin doesn’t take a ton of shots, which hasn’t been the case this series.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS, PLAYOFF EDITION!
BB smokescreen. sasha will play tonight….
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Apr 26, 2010 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions
True or not – I like this answer. So, until further info, I’m sticking with this one.
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
Just tell him to yank out the damn thing himself already and get back on the ice. If Belanger did it, so can Sasha.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
per corey, steckel says his in tonight….for bmo i gotta believe. now does 24 get in and 14 out.
8-19-22
28-18-21
25-15-16
24 -39-10 ??
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Apr 26, 2010 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions
I like that. Gordo has just about enough offensive ability to elevate to 3C. I’m iffy on Steckel coming back in but maybe he’ll be hungry enough to elevate his game too.
Loving no 14, though.
Is Walker a quick skater? I got the impression he has decent lateral speed but I haven’t seen him enough to have any idea.
President and sole member of the Erskine lobby.
Gordo should be in if only for how dynamic he’s been short handed.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 26, 2010 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions
there is no reason to pull gordon at this point. he has been money.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Apr 26, 2010 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Very supportive.
Only question, given styles, do you switch 15 and 18?
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REJOICE!
Jacques Lemaire has announced his retirement from coaching.
From Devils twitters.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
by jordanDC on Apr 26, 2010 11:54 AM EDT reply actions 2 recs
Oh. Hell. Yeah.
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.
Day get better?
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions
Not really. I’m in finals mode officially now and it blows. The Caps need to win tonight so I can focus on Evidence for the next two days instead of focusing on how the Caps are going to handle their 4th straight game 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 I’m getting hit with an assload of school this time of year too.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions
HUZZZAH!!!!!!!!!!
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
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Saw that. Hopefully this means the trap will die.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
I wonder, does he have a well-groomed lieutenant ready to take over the stifling?
Is it weird that the first thing I thought was this suddenly makes Kovalchuk’s choices more interesting?
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Apr 26, 2010 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions
The trap will never die so long as there are teams that can’t keep up with other teams…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 26, 2010 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions
There is still Jacques Martin. Yet another reason the Caps need to win tonight: don’t give any more examples of the trap being successful over an offensive system.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Apr 26, 2010 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions
WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions
Doesn’t surprise me. Was listening to Home Ice the other day and they were talking about how the Devils players pretty much had zero dialogue with their coaching staff.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 26, 2010 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions
oooooh, now that’s interesting
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS, PLAYOFF EDITION!
Not surprised. Lemaire seems dull.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Uh, folks? That means the dam dirty Debbils might actually start scoring. Parise unleashed. Kovy (?) unleashed.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
I’m willing to take it if that means there’s one less team attempting to strangle the life out of hockey.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS, PLAYOFF EDITION!
by RedBirdie on Apr 26, 2010 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Fine with me. I’d love to see Parise unleashed. I don’t really have a dog in the fight though.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Actually, neither do we, I think. Just lingering Patrick Division bitterness and a commpletely logical hatred for trap hockey.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Apr 26, 2010 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Serially?
About fucking time!
HELL YEAH!
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 26, 2010 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions
More lineup intrigue
Per a tweet from Corey
David Steckel said he’s playing tonight.
Since 14 was a center last game, could he finally be on the bench?
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
Hi Dave,
Please bring kittens.
Thanks,
Sean.
For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism.
by Rather Bengt on Apr 26, 2010 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
he only saves kittens when playing the Pens.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS, PLAYOFF EDITION!
no. i think bmo sits. maybe walker in for flash…
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Apr 26, 2010 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions
That means either Gordo is out, or you have Nicky as 1C, Belanger as 2C (maybe B.Mo, but I assume he’s sitting), and then Steckel and Gordo as 3C and 4C. I know C is a difficult position for the Caps, but that doesn’t exactly give me warm fuzzies.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS, PLAYOFF EDITION!
Would Belanger have to sit from his tooth thing?
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 26, 2010 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions
because I know some members can’t access twitter, Corey says:
Bruce Boudreau did say Belanger is playing – and get very cranky for the 2nd straight day when asked about Mike Green.
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possibly, although Belanger sounded like he intended to play.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS, PLAYOFF EDITION!
I wouldn’t be terribly surprised if Steckel or Gordo just moved to a wing, rather than BMo also having to come out of the lineup. Something like
ovie – backis – knuble
laich – belanger – semin
chimera – bmo – fehr
gordon – steckel – bradley
“”http://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/Halak+only+hope+Game/2951012/story.html" target="new">Scott Gomez is ugly" is journalism?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
My goodness.
Someone seems to have sprinkled an alternative white powder on his corn flakes this morning.
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
Someone seems to have sprinkled an alternative white powder on hiscorn flakesRaisin Brahms this morning.
Heh
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 26, 2010 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions
4-1? Really? The Habs must have some serious self-hatred going on. No way this series is decided on anything more than 1 goal (discounting an empty netter)
President and sole member of the Erskine lobby.
He’s uglier than Washington’s power play.
Dumb.
Also, someone should inform him of this invention called the paragraph.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah it looks like a run on comment. That’s some real professionalism there.
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.
.
Take a look at that mug: Gomez could have modelled for one of the gargoyles on Notre Dame. He’s uglier than Washington’s power play. When he was born, the nurses had to put tinted windows on his incubator.
It was so bad, Gomez’s mama tied a porkchop around his neck so the dog would play with him. Face it, if Gomez wasn’t a hockey player, he couldn’t get a date in a women’s house of detention with a handful of pardons. How ugly is he, really? So ugly, he could be a reporter.
He forgot the “take my wife please”
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 26, 2010 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Ah, the world misses Henny Youngman. He was always funny…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 26, 2010 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions
The story’s been pulled… anyone get a screen cap?
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 26, 2010 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions
It seems to be back now….
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 26, 2010 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Looks like it’s back now. Try again.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 26, 2010 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Hornqvist practices, ‘hopes to play’ tonight. Fuck yeah.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
How much of this series has he missed? Is this still from Weber blasting him in the hand?
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 played G1 but got taken out. Otherwise whole series. I think thats a huge cause of the PP being off.
No one really knows if it was Weber’s shot or Jovanovski cross checking him in the kidneys on the same play.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, he was an absolute steal. Poile also got him re-signed for 775K- also thievery.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Depends on how you define it. Legwand has a lot more TOI, but his linemates have a lot less points. Goc centers Hornqvist and Sullivan. More of a 2A 2B situation
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah that’ll hurt. He needs to heal right quick. I’d bet its’ the hand. A kidney is more likely either catastrophic or not much at all. If catastrophic, he’s out for a while and everyone would know it. A hand is more likely the kind of thing you may or may not be able to play through.
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.
That’d be my guess as well- its been touch and go all series as to whether or not he’d be in. A healthy Horny means long nights for Antti Niemi.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Senators GM Bryan Murray isn’t optimistic he’ll be able to re-sign pending free agent Anton Volchenkov.
Free Eric Fehr!
Do the numbers work if we sign Volchenkov?
I don’t think they do but it would be nice to have the human bruise back there protecting Varlamov.
A real American hero...taking down Habs one game at a time
by souldrummer on Apr 26, 2010 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions
They sent his agent the new offer right after he shut down AO in Ottawa before the Olympics. He’s had a while to think it over, and it doesn’t look like he wants.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
He was such a warrior against the Pens. Would love to have Volchenkov.
A real American hero...taking down Habs one game at a time
by souldrummer on Apr 26, 2010 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Speaking of Pens, would Pittsburgh have room to sign Volchenkov if they let Gonchar walk?
Though Android prolly never QBs the power play.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Would have to let Leopold walk too.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 26, 2010 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions
*&%^)*$#*&%^_
Per Corey:
Steckel and S. Morrisonn joining the lineup look like the only changes. Sloan and someone (B. Morrison is best guess) are out.
Now I’m sure 14 has some naked pictures of BB with someone other than his wife.
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
by STLSpidey on Apr 26, 2010 12:22 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Seriously. There’s no excuse at this point for Flash to be taking up a roster spot.
"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 26, 2010 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah there is. He’s the Alex Ovechkin of the AHL. He has been great in playoff runs for Hershey before. We need secondary scoring! He’s got more skill than all but a handful of players on this team! Stop hating and just accept the new Red Jesus into our life.
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 does lead the team in Time Floating On Ice (TFOI).
"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 26, 2010 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
All hail the Hypno-Flash!
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 26, 2010 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Rockin the red-Flash Style
For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism.
by Rather Bengt on Apr 26, 2010 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Stop hating and just accept the new Red Jesus into our life.
Can I use that as my sig line?
I like the Washington Capitals.
Feel free. Although Flash is more Red Joseph Smith than Red Jesus. Dumb dumb dumb dumb dumb.
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.
awesome episode
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS, PLAYOFF EDITION!
If Flash didn’t come out of the lineup for this game then he probably never will. Funny that a guy who saw less than 8 minutes of ice time and 2 shifts in the third period for us in game five will never sit for a guy like Walker. EVER.
Agreed. If he isn’t out tonight, nothing short of an intentional own goal is gonna earn him press box nachos.
I like the Washington Capitals.
Won’t be enough. Only injury can get him out of the line up. This is the single biggest indictment of BB as a coach.
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.
Absolutely. I also love that the media is dancing around the tough question and not mentioning Flash AT ALL in his press conferences. I heard they actually pre-select questions for TEB to ask Bruce, like “what particular aspect of Flash’s game is your favorite?” and “What did Eric Fehr do wrong tonight?”
Wouldn’t surprise me. Our beat writers blow. I understand they want their access, but it’s pathetic. How long did it take for us to hear that Mike Green had jumped into a phone booth (and gotten partially stuck trying to emerge) only to return as Chatty McChubbyCheeks last off-season? Oh, right, until training camp. Thanks guys. Way to get the fans the news they want!
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 26, 2010 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Have you read anything bout the former beat writer for the Nationals for the Times? He started a site (nationals insider) and is following the team, funded partially by fan support. Seems like a really interesting future journalism model
Free Eric Fehr!
Zuckerman’s great peoples and I read him every day. He’s also hired by CSN now to write on Nats games. He’s very responsive to input and I hope that he can write a book or something on the Nats during the offseason with the Strasburg callup and get even more national cred.
A real American hero...taking down Habs one game at a time
by souldrummer on Apr 26, 2010 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Caps better win tonight or BB’s going to lose genius points for starting Flash. We’re a better team if good Flash, good Semin, and good Green show up but if they are now showing up you have to consider other options when they are available.
I’m not really down on Semin that much right now. He’s staying out of the box and we need him on the kill. He’s shooting and got robbed a couple of times in the last game. I think that he’ll break out or at least show more energy tonight.
Flash and Greenie, I’m not so positive on.
A real American hero...taking down Habs one game at a time
by souldrummer on Apr 26, 2010 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Semin has actually not been worthless on his defensive game either…at least in Game 5 there were a couple times my jaw hit the floor watching him backcheck and throw his body around a bit. For Semin that ain’t too shabby.
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 26, 2010 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Semin is actually decent defensively (when he can avoid the dumb penalties) and a solid PKer. This is why I don’t like the Semin=Kovalev comparisons.
"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 26, 2010 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Eh, I somewhat disagree. He’s decent defensively….when he wants to be. I feel like most of his bad penalties come from laziness and him not wanting to move his feet around and play his defensive game. But yes, when he’s on, he holds his own.
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 26, 2010 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions
He had a great backcheck in game 5 and was really putting the heat on the Habs in the 3rd period. I’d rather send out positive karma to Semin than the negative karma the Post sent his way today. At least they were decent enough to not have Mike Wise write it.
A real American hero...taking down Habs one game at a time
by souldrummer on Apr 26, 2010 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions
BB already lost the genius points for starting Flash the past few games. Only way he gets some them back is if Flash is a major reason the Caps win tonight, but consider me skeptical.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Apr 26, 2010 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Hijo de la gran puta! Unbelievable.
Lobbies: Green, Carlson, Orlov
by CapsFan2020 on Apr 26, 2010 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions
dont count on it. lots of time between now and 7 pm. i think BB does not want to tip his hand at this point. of course, we all know the canadiens have been game planning for flash so waiting until the last minute to scratch him will really f them up!
btw, can we stop calling him flash and perhaps call him flush instead?
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Apr 26, 2010 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Luongo save last night
http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?hlg=20092010,3,176&event=L.A335
Simply amazing.
President and sole member of the Erskine lobby.
Yeah it was. Fucking Ryan Smyth. Bury that!
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.
In the post game interview when asked about the save Luongo said something along the lines of him not having a real hard shot, which made the save easier (paraphrasing).
I like the Washington Capitals.
heard dat. I think he and Smyth are tight, though. They had a nice exchange at the handshake
I took it as just a small dig at a friend
Some people die just a little.
by bigonetimer on Apr 26, 2010 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Looks like I wasn’t far off on the Kings. When push came to shove Luongo stepped up with a huge Game 6 and Quick looked shaky.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Apr 26, 2010 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Fuck. Luongo.
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.
…and Burrows…
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 1:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Burrows was pathetic that series. Luongo actually played pretty well and I was hoping he’d continue his spring meltdown. I still don’t think VAN has enough depth and their PK is laughable but they did better than I expected. That Sedin line won’t let them go down easily.
But yeah, fuck Burrows.
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.
Hate him more than anyone, and its not close. What a douche.
If Vancouver had anyone useful outside of Ehrhoff on the back end I’d be more worried. As it stands I think Detroit comes out of the West.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m not even convinced DET comes out of the first round. PHX is no joke. The West is still a crap shot. I could see SJS doing it… or not. Same with every team. There is no team without a weakness this year (east or west) and it largely will come down to match ups.
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 Sedin line has looked great, but I don’t think it gets them out of the 2nd round. I don’t like Vancouver’s chances against DET, PHX or CHI.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Apr 26, 2010 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Hahaha.
Per Tarik’s Twitter:
Semin’s healthy, I’m told. He was just “mixing it up” by skipping the skate, according to the team.
Okay, I can understand that.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
maybe not practicing will help him score?
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 26, 2010 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Could be – it’s got to be in his head.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 26, 2010 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions
It has to be all mental at this point. I don’t doubt him on his effort — he has been a bit underperforming but the last few games he just hasn’t been able to make shots on chances that he would have buried all during the regular season.
President and sole member of the Erskine lobby.
I suggest that Semin mix it up by not going for the same damn shot every single time.
"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 26, 2010 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions
It works for him though. If he has anything more than a few feet of space, he’s going to score a goal. Period. The guy has just an outrageous wrister when he is on. He’s had a few looks, even been able to shoot off his back foot the way he seems to like to. He’ll turn around soon enough, hopefully before the playoffs are over.
President and sole member of the Erskine lobby.
Not true at all. He has had plenty of those opportunities in the past two playoff series and hasn’t buried any of them. He takes too long to get his wrister off, so it’s easy for defensemen to anticipate and block it. It’s gotten to the point where goalies can cheat against Semin because you know he’s going to try to put it top shelf regardless of the situation.
"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 26, 2010 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions
My word. Ryan Ellis has 26 points in 15 postseason games.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
Meh. He plays on a team with a thousand first round picks on it.
/Guy who wrote that article about Backstrom having inflated value only because he plays with Ovechkin’d
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 26, 2010 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions
lol
Well played.
I think Taylor Hall stats are inflated ’cos of Ellis. Right? RIGHT?
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions
That team is absurdly loaded. Ellis, Niemiszszszszszszsz, and Kassian are all first round picks. Fowler and Hall are both going to be Top 5. Yeesh.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 26, 2010 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah I don’t know how they got down 3-0 to Kitchener.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Are they really down 3-0 to Kitchener? I have no way to keep up with OHL Playoffs.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 26, 2010 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Were. Won four straight, facing SDR’s Colts in the finals.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions
.
That sucks. I was all ready to start posting about that legendary Kitchener Power.
Its all in the finger.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 26, 2010 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions
It does look like Tippet pre-shave, doesn’t it?
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 26, 2010 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Holy shit….Windsor won 4 STRAIGHT?!
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 26, 2010 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Yup.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes. 1-2-3-4.
Scary.
I’m writing up a Farm Report preview for the Colts-Spitfires series, which starts tomorrow night in Barrie.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Nashville doesn’t have anyone on Barrie do we?
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Not sure, actually, but I don’t think I’ve seen any mentions of Music City prospects.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Their “import forward” Alex Burmistrov might be a good draft prospect to consider, depending where Nashville sits for the draft this year. He’s pretty good.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Import forward?
I actually have no idea what kind of picks we have off the top of my head.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions
No Preds on Barrie
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 26, 2010 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh. Didn’t think so. I think our only other OHLers are on Guelph.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 26, 2010 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions
He’s from Russia, and word on the street is Barrie mgmt paid $100,000 dollars to pry him loose (not clear who they paid) and the OHOL press calls him “import forward” all the time.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
I wouldn’t mind if the Caps had a shot at drafting him, but it’s unlikely, methinks.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
AnGus out (again!) in Hershey
Forwards Jake Hauswirth and Anton Gustafsson were sent home for the summer. Defenseman Brett Flemming, whose junior season with St. Michael’s (OHL) ended, is with the Bears but isn’t expected to sign an amateur tryout contract.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
I was really sad that we didn’t get to see Eakin play on Saturday.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 26, 2010 1:06 PM EDT up reply actions
It would have been fantastic if Cody got a Bears sweater, yes.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
I got to see him in line at the concession stand, also awesome!
Follow me on Twitter!! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes
Co-founder and president of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
Clips of Boudreau
The most entertaining coach in the NHL?
http://bit.ly/9K4IJU
by thestevenetwork on Apr 26, 2010 1:06 PM EDT reply actions
Do the Caps need an agitator? While I hate Chris Neil and he’ll never be in the running for the Hart, he’s a really effective guy on the ice. He’s annoying, he’s a pest, he takes too many penalties, but he also gets under the skin of every guy he’s up against.
Same goes for Cooke in Pittsburgh or Ott in Dallas or Avery in New York. If they’re not on your team, you hate them, but they’re all really effective at what they do and creates a bit of grit on the team.
He’s no agitator. He’s a nice checking forward that can put the puck in the net on occasion, but he’s not really what I think this team needs.
I don’t see what an agitator would change about the current series.
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.
Agitators just piss everyone off. They make the game uncomfortable for the other team. They can put you at an advantage by throwing players off their game. They hit guys just a little too late and they make sure the goalie knows that they’re there after a save.
I don’t know if you can quantify it — there is no Hunter stat, per se — but don’t you think this team is missing something?
Yeah this team is missing something. A second line. Not sure how an agitator would solve that. Maybe if we are getting pushed around by PHI in two weeks I’ll have a different answer, but today the answer is not #needsmoredouchebagagitator.
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 don’t know why you gotta hate on my Twitter feed.
They have a second line, though. Just because it’s not doing anything, doesn’t mean it’s not there.
Thank you for being concrete. Yes, technically they are dressing a second line, but only because the NHL vetoed their request to name their lines 1, 3, 4, 5. But for the second straight year the biggest problem for the Caps has been the lack of a second line producing… anything. I don’t see MON doing anything that requires us having an agitator; if anything they’ve taken lots of dumb penalties that a guy like Carcillo or Ott would have just negated (and why do we need a pest to do what our PP is perfectly capable of doing!). An agitator is way down on the list of things that are giving us a problem right now.
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.
You know what I mean. Their second line produced better than nearly anyone’s this season — the fact that it isn’t in the playoffs is a completely different problem.
You don’t think a guy who is going to pester Gomez or Camallieri (sp?) or Halak after a whistle wouldn’t do anything? You don’t think a guy who wants to hit everything doesn’t help get the team’s energy up after a failed power play? These guys are useful.
Chimera has been hitting everything. Knuble and some others have been in Halak’s face. I’m not sure what else you want from me. If you honestly think Chris Neil would mean this series would be over then we’re just watching different hockey.
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.
Walker also fills a bit of an agitator role. Unfortunately every forward has been so great there is just no way to fit him into the lineup….
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Apr 26, 2010 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, come on, Chimera’s goal got a puck launched at the Caps’ celebration!
I like the Washington Capitals.
Chimera can do that, and skate, and play defense, and PK, and…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 26, 2010 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions
He's just...
For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism.
by Rather Bengt on Apr 26, 2010 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Versus has a poll on their site about tonight's game, it's pretty close
“Will the Canadiens will force a game 7?”
http://www.versus.com/
It probably didn’t help any that I accidentally clicked the wrong response….
The NBA still draws more viewers on TV in the States than the NHL, but the numbers have been sinking for years. According to Nielsen, the 1998 NBA finals between Chicago and Utah drew an 18.7 overall national rating; last year’s finals, with the Kobe-led Lakers against Orlando, pulled an 8.4 average.
Is it game time yet?
I have a ton of work that needs doing and I can’t concentrate on any of it.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
Vogs’ blogs about tonight:
You can also expect some changes on Washington’s power play, perhaps even the inclusion of John Carlson as a point man and a move of Alex Ovechkin to the front line.
Putting Johnny on the PP is fine — he’s got the hardest shot of the Caps’ current defensemen — but I sure hope it doesn’t mean he has less PK time. We need him out there then.
Our BSH paisan in solid form today, explaining why he’d rather play the Caps instead of the Pens in round 2.
Can’t say I’m shocked but I don’t have time for him today. Glad Geoff already called him out. That post is rife with bullshit. I can’t even pick my favorite one.
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.
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