Capital Ups and Downs: Week 25
by J.P. on Apr 5, 2010 11:00 AM EDT
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PrintOur weekly look at individual Washington Capitals' ups and downs:
| Goalies | Trend | Notes |
| Jose Theodore |  |
Bounced back from a second-consecutive bad outing on Monday to snag first star honors on Saturday. Throw out that first period against the Sens and JT60 had a 2.30 goals against average and .926 save percentage on the week (if only it were that easy, right?). |
| Semyon Varlamov |  |
Was as good as he needed to be in a 19-save, 2-1 victory over the Thrashers. Varly is now 1-1-1/1.73/.921 in his last three appearances. |
| Defensemen | ||
| John Carlson |  |
Skated just 11 shifts against Ottawa before leaving the game and missing the next two. Karmic payback for injuring Hockey Hero Brooks Laich? Regardless, the team needs Carlson back, ASAP (and might have him available sooner rather than later). |
| Joe Corvo |  |
Has gone six games without a point and went the first two games of the week without registering a shot on goal. I'm not sure where to set expectations for this guy, but I know they're higher than what he's shown lately. |
| John Erskine | |
Pretty solid game against Atlanta, despite a bad roughing penalty. |
| Mike Green | |
Two goals, an assist and ten shots on goal for the week are nice, but just as nice is the plus-two rating and only being on the ice for one goal against in 80:29 of ice time (including 4:05 of shorthanded time). Green is playing some of the best defense of his career right now, and at the right time. |
| Milan Jurcina | |
Juice is "expected to start skating with the team by the end of the first round," at which point he should pretty quickly jump ahead of Erskine and Sloan into the seventh defenseman role. Or that sixth defenseman role. |
| Shaone Morrisonn | |
Minus-one on the week with two minor penalties, Mo was also on the ice for four of the eight goals the Caps surrendered, including three of the four at even strength. Just when you'd thought he'd turned the corner... |
| Tom Poti | |
His assist against Ottawa is his only helper in his past 16 games (and only point in his last 11), and he continues to make decisions with and without the puck that you don't expect from a guy with his experience. And yet, he was plus-two on the week. |
| Jeff Schultz | |
Another solid-but-unspectacular week for Schultz, who skated 55:03 at even strength without being on the ice for a goal against. |
| Tyler Sloan | |
The good? An assist for the second time in the last three games he's played. The bad? His play on Columbus's second goal. Enjoy this week Tyler - you might not be seeing much ice time thereafter. |
| Forwards | ||
| Nicklas Backstrom | |
One goal, one assist, minus-one on the week and on the ice for three of the four even strength goals the Caps allowed. Just make sure that wake-up call is set for a week from now. |
| Eric Belanger | |
Has now gone five games without a point and has just one goal in his last 23 games, but he won 64% of his draws on the week, including two huge face-offs down two men in Columbus. For some reason, I have faith. |
| Matt Bradley | |
Tied his career bests in goals (9) and points (22) with his gorgeous game-winner against the Thrash, and also turned in some outstanding forechecking and defense. Hopefully he's got another tally in his twig this week ("ten-goal scorer Matt Bradley" has a nice ring to it) and a few left for the playoffs. |
| Jason Chimera | |
Helpers against Ottawa and Atlanta were nice, but failing to fire a shot on goal for the week isn't going to help break a goal-less drought that now stands at eight games. Then again, given how well he has played with Bradley and David Steckel, maybe his role on this team won't need to involve much goal-scoring, but puck possession from a bottom line sure can be a huge plus. |
| Eric Fehr | |
Two assists on the week, but just one shot on goal. Yes, his minutes were small (he skated just ten shifts and 9:18 of ice time against Atlanta), but F16 needs to get pucks to the net. |
| Tomas Fleischmann | |
Back at center for his first point in five games on Saturday, but expect to see him back on the wing and doing whatever it is that he does once Brendan Morrison is healthy. |
| Boyd Gordon | |
Could be back early this week to help a penalty kill that, in case you haven't heard, isn't very good. |
| Mike Knuble | |
Goal-less in five games, minus-two for the week and just three shots on goal in three games (beauty of an assist on the Fleischmann goal, though). Sounds like someone could use a couple of games off before the playoffs (though it looks like he won't take/get them). |
| Brooks Laich | |
Returned from a broken face against Atlanta and immediately resumed giving everything on every shift. Laich now has ten points in his last eight games and has been held off the score sheet just once in that span. |
| Quintin Laing | |
Acceptable fourth-line fill-in, but the Caps are a better team when he's not in the lineup. |
| Brendan Morrison | |
Likely available later in the week, which would be nice, considering that you'd like him to get a game or two before the playoffs. |
| Alex Ovechkin | |
Whatever. He'll be ready. |
| Mathieu Perreault | |
Scored his second goal in as many games since being recalled against Ottawa, but was sent down after failing to light the lamp against the Thrashers. Slacker. |
| Alexander Semin | |
Tallied twice against the Sens and again in Columbus to set a single-season career best and now has six goals in his last seven games and is plus-five in that span. Hot Sasha is so much more enjoyable to watch than Cold Sasha. |
| David Steckel | |
Won 62.5% of his draws on the week, added an assist and some very solid defensive play in the Atlanta and Columbus games. Looks good to go. |
| Scott Walker | |
Looks ready to return tonight and get a couple of games in to shake off the rust. |
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Whatever. He’ll be ready.
I sure hope so…
To be or not to be. That's not really a question.
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FEDS!!!
To be or not to be. That's not really a question.
Follow me on Twitter! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes!
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
Maybe, but definitely not without his touque!
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 5, 2010 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Just when you’d thought he’d turned the corner…
…he got paired with Tom Poti.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Wonder how much of the Corvo – Poti – Morrisonn mess all screwing each other up? Certainly Poti’s been the common denominator there.
looks back and forth Would someone hurt me if I suggested sticking Corvo and ShaMo together for a shift / period / game to see what happens?
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
They were together Saturday night and were solid, IMO.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
If you go with Corvo-ShaMo, then who do you skate Carlson with (in a perfect world, current roster)?
Poti, presumably (because Green-Poti/Carly-Schultz is a non-starter).
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Poti, amazingly enough, is the best possible partner for the Hero.
Morvo. It’s what’s for dinner.
Driving under the influence of hockey since godknow's when.
Why is Poti the best possible partner? For the Hero or anyone?
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Part of it is by eliminating shittier pairs. Poti and Corvo are two guys with O instincts who are clearly mismatched as a pair. I already think JC is pretty sound in his own zone and Poti, I would hope, would be less inclined to take the stupid risks he’s been taking.
Admittedly, it’s hard to take stupid out of the stupid.
Driving under the influence of hockey since godknow's when.
That last part is the key. I don’t think it would stop Poti from being stupid, it would just put Carlson in tough spots that a rookie shouldn’t be in. You’d think Poti would be more conservative playing with guys like Sloan and Erskine, yet some of his worst pinches were with those guys; guys that should not be left on an island. Tom Poti is just not a very smart hockey player and I’d rather he not be given the chance to ruin a prospect. I’d take Schultz/Carlson over Poti/Carlson.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
I’d take Schultz/Carlson over Poti/Carlson.
Interesting, ’cause that could be a glimpse of the future. I worry less about 74 on an island than I would about 4, I guess.
So, you’d have Mo-Green as the top pair then? Still leaves Poti with Corvo, which gives me gas.
Driving under the influence of hockey since godknow's when.
What about Poti-Schultz, Corvo-Morrisonn, and Green-Carlson?
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 5, 2010 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions
Bit too much activation on the Green-Carlson pairing, and I don’t think you necessarily disrupt your two best D at the top pairing, who will eat the most minutes, to try and stabilize the third D pairing, who will eat the fewest.
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I thought we were rearranging to eventually find a new 2nd pairing since Poti-Corvo is a no-go?
I’d go with Green-Schultz, Poti-Carlson, Morrisonn-Corvo, as said above.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 5, 2010 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions
What about Schultz-Green, Corvo-Morrisonn, Alzner-Carlson?
Implosion.
I should have saved my old signature. Oh well!
I like that Ovechkin’s down arrow is tempered by the fact that it’s a sassy down arrow.
Eat, drink, and be merry! And then drink some more.
I know Ovi’s in a scoring slump, but I counted at least least six chances in the last two games that would have been goals in November. I think he’s more snake-bitten than anything else.
Agree. Ne’s snakebit in a major way. I also think he’s, ah, “biding his time” at the moment.
Or so I hope.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
Does he get one tonight and go into tomorrow tied with the Kid?
Epic.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Wonder how much of Backstrom’s struggles have to do with Ovi struggling. Those two certainly seem to go hand in hand.
Also, wonder if the fact that the last four games don’t matter will help Ovi and Backstrom – they can relax and just play hockey. maybe not.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
I wonder if Backstrom’s struggles are partly related to not having his contract negotiations finished. It is certainly a distraction and a worry for the rest of us.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
I’d have plussed up Chimera. Sure it would be nice for him to score more but what he brings in terms of intensity, forechecking, and disruption is soooo sweet to watch. He’s skated as well and aggressively this past week as he has in his Caps’ tenure.
What I like about more and more about Chim is that he can be effective on any line, irrespective of the goal dearth. In fact, I’d be happy if he just freighttrained into the paint like he did in his homecoming and let someone else get the layup.
Driving under the influence of hockey since godknow's when.
And that’s why the 3rd line with Fehr is a great spot for him. Chimera can speed down the sides with the puck and either pass it to a trailing Fehr or bounce a rebound off the goalie to Fehr or their center
agreed—that would be a really solid 3rd line, though unless Chim and Fehr are in the doghouse together, Flash seems to get that nod at the 3LW.
Driving under the influence of hockey since godknow's when.
Not directed entirely at you, bigonetimer,
I’m just curious, is the reason so many people dislike Flash because of BB’s “Love Affair” with him over Fehr, because I don’t think that’s fair to either player, and people hating a guy who’s got 22 goals and 50 points in only 66 games (albeit, yes, more ice time than Eric Fehr) just because he gets more ice time than a guy like Fehr is confusing to me.
I would love to see the two as permanent line mates, but with Semin and Ovechkin likely not to share lines in the future, I don’t see it possible unless Flash drops to a third line.
Anyway, it’s just something that consistently bugs the shit out of me – how people can’t seem to promote Fehr without bashing Flash. We have both, both can be productive, so I don’t see the either/or situation people seem to.
I should have saved my old signature. Oh well!
is the reason so many people dislike Flash because of BB’s "Love Affair" with him over Fehr
Personally, my qualms with Flash come from what he’s done (and not done) on the ice, irrespective of the Boudreau/Fehr relationship.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Flash annoys me because he seems like a floater when he’s not putting up numbers. Fehr looks like he has to scratch and claw for every point, and it’s easier to like a guy like that for me personally. This largely has nothing to do with either player’s production, because both are streaky players.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
BB’s love affair definitely exacerbates the problem, but I just don’t like Flash’s game. He’s too soft, doesn’t play good enough D, etc. 20 goals is good, but not great. If you are only going to score 20, you should bring something more to the table. Fehr is more physical, forechecks better, and is better defensively. Seeing BB play favorites is like a finger in the eye, but even outside that context I just don’t like Flash. I don’t think I can depend on him, so I’ve got no use for him.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
by Rob Parker on Apr 5, 2010 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I think the issue people have with him is that while he puts up some nice offensive numbers, he’s our worst defensive forward and tends to float around waiting to for offensive chances rather than being active.
"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 5, 2010 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions
Wasn’t it D’ohboy the other day who said Flash must love playing with F16 and Knuble, since they do all the work? Yeah. That.
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That sums it up quite nicely. Tomas “Floatypants” Flieschmann.
"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 5, 2010 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions
You need a guy to float, though, on a line with good puck possession forwards. At least, a guy to play without the puck, and what else do you do without it?
I will say, I think he’s better on the puck than off it.
I should have saved my old signature. Oh well!
You never need a floater. Ever. And the next time he digs a puck out of the corner might be the first.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 5, 2010 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Exactly. Floating is by definition a bad thing. And so what if Flash is better with the puck than without it. 95% of NHL players can say that but you don’t get to play in the NHL if you aren’t reliable without the puck. Flash absolutely is not reliable without the puck.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
I don’t think I phrased that correctly. His game doesn’t involve digging pucks out of a corner, but if he could, yeah, he’d be more valuable.
He’s too old at this point to rely on “if he added (an aspect) to his game (comma),” but the fact that he’s as successful as he is with the way he plays means there’s something decent about his play style. Now, I’ll sing another tune if he gets eaten in the playoffs, but not all 20 of your players need to be super strong forechecking dynamos, though it definitely helps. Sometimes you let a little of that go to add skill (hi Semin, sup?)
I should have saved my old signature. Oh well!
Semin’s pretty good along the boards.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Right. He’ll get into the corners and try to get the puck out of there. He mostly tries to use his phenomenal balance and quick hands (i.e., he’s not running someone over to separate them from the puck) to close the deal, but he’ll absorb a hit to get puck possession. And often stay on his feet after he’s absorbed the hit.
I don’t recall Flash ever putting himself in a position to get hit.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
Phenomenal balance? Not sure I agree.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Disagree in that Semin does not have phenomenal balance, or disagree in that it’s not what he uses to win puck battles?
Not sure I can argue either of these points with you, to tell you the truth; don’t know where I could get any objective data to back it up.
But I’d be interested to hear your answer.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
I don’t think Semin’s balance is phenomenal. It’s probably his biggest physical weakness, IMO. I think he’s pretty easy to tip over and gets that new born deer thing going on too much.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
He’s not strong on his skates like, say, Zednik. But the fact he stays upright as much as he does is his balance. His ability to absorb contact and continue the play is due to balance; his wrong-foot snap shot that starts with the puck 5 feet behind him is possible due to balance;
As slight as he his, if he didn’t have great balance, he’d never have or keep the puck, and he does that plenty.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
The amount of time he spends sprawled out on the ice is lack of balance. I’ve had this discussion with D’ohboy and it’s really hard to tell with Semin. He puts himself on such extreme angles on his edges that sometimes it may be almost impossible to stay upright so the slightest push enough. I’m willing to accept that but I still come away from games saying that if I could change anything in Semin’s physical skill set it would be his balance.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Well, wait. Are you targeting his “balance” (i.e. like, a literal inner ear thing), or are you blaming his inability to seemingly stick-handle and shoot without nearly tipping over?
I agree with Fats up there in that I don’t think it’s a balance issue so much as a technique issue. I can’t recall too many times where he literally tipped over for the sake of tipping over, but he does absolutely put himself in awkward positions when he shoots off his back foot or stick-handles while mostly on his heels. I’m not sure it’s not intentional, I guess is what i mean.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 5, 2010 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions
You notice that when he falls, it’s kinda weird, not like you see other players fall? I think you got it right, he goes on his heels a lot.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 5, 2010 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions
That’s the newborn deer look that I keep talking about. His legs will just go out in weird ways and he takes some awkward falls.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Semin is five times the player Flash is in either end of the ice, and probably five times as tough. He gets by floating sometimes because, well, he can. He’s good enough. Flash isn’t.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
(And plenty of people kill Semin when he floats.)
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
by Rob Parker on Apr 5, 2010 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
My argument wasn’t that Semin isn’t a better player than Flash, and you know it. He gets killed when he floats, and I’m fine with that, and I’m fine with calling Flash out for it too. I’m just saying Flash is basically Semin lite, and I see more floating out of Semin, but I also see more skill.
Semin and Flash are both guys who I can buy the RJ Umburger comments about.
I should have saved my old signature. Oh well!
Right, but you implied that Semin’s game has similar deficiencies to Flash’s, and I disagreed and still do. Flash is not “Semin lite,” because there’s no point at which Flash decides he’s going to play and markedly raises the level of his game and willingess to do things with which he’s not entirely comfortable. Flash is Flash. Nothing more, nothing less.
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And I don’t think I’ve ever seen Flash take a game over. There was never a point where we walked away from a game like “Damn, if we didn’t have Flash we could have lost by 2-3 goals.”
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Dude makes 725k and pots 20 goals (and 30 assists), and we hate him cause he’s not Semin. Whatever. I give up.
Betcha a buck he gets paid more than Bradley after this season. Yet we all love Brads and hate Flash.
by bilspacecadet on Apr 5, 2010 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions
No offense, but you’re not paying attention if you think that’s why people don’t like Flash. Go back and read the thread.
"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 5, 2010 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m exaggerating to make a point—no offense taken.
by bilspacecadet on Apr 5, 2010 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions
No one hates him, and we certainly appreciate his value. However, there are legitimate criticisms of his game and what he brings to the team.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
But I think some of these criticisms are affected by unreasonable expectations. That’s the part I don’t get. He’s young, he’s cheap, he’s a helpful player. Yet he gets crapped on an awful lot.
by bilspacecadet on Apr 5, 2010 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions
Unreasonable expectations would be wanting him to do things that he’s simply incapable of doing. The things he’s being critcized for—work ethic, unwillingness to battle along the boards, defensive play—are all things he’s capable of improving and hasn’t.
"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 5, 2010 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions
This is completely fair, and seriously, thanks to people for answering the question legitimately, though I expected nothing else.
I should have saved my old signature. Oh well!
WM—No problem. That’s just how we roll.
bilspacecadet—To me his game this season has been virtually identical to last season.
As for the toughness question, he’s a talented player and hustles in the offensive zone, which is what got him to the NHL, but to be an effective NHLer he has to do more than that. His toughness is called into question because he seems unwilling to battle for the puck in the corners and along the boards, which he needs to do to elevate is game. In other words, he’s too passive in situations where he needs to battle in order to generate offense.
"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 5, 2010 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree that his game is about the same as last year. I was hoping he’d take the next step, and early on it looked like he may have, but he’s back to old Flash.
Sell high!
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
I DO think Flash is stronger on his feet than last year. I think he doesn’t go into the corners and dig around as much as he should, but I also see a similarity between his board play and Semin.s.
A Semin has gotten stronger on his skates, and as he’s spent more learning the physical play of the league (not to mention growing in confidence) he’s become much more effective along the boards.
I see the same relative growth in strength with Flash and think in a year or two, perhaps he will learn to be crafty along the boards in the same way as Semin. I don’t think either will ever excel at board-work, but I do think that both can be effective “smaller” guys along the board given time.
If Flash doesn’t continue to improve that way, than I agree he’s got issues that undermine his value, but for now, I still think he’s learning the physical part of the game.
Great. Now I have to change my name to "Jaromir meet Alex".
by Chris meet Alex on Apr 5, 2010 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions
I think anyone that is looking to Semin for reassurance about Flash is going to be sorely disappointed.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
That’s probably true… perhaps more wishful thinking based on a perceived similarity that I WISH to extrapolate to the whole player.
Hope we’re both wrong, but than again, so does everybody here (mostly).
Great. Now I have to change my name to "Jaromir meet Alex".
by Chris meet Alex on Apr 5, 2010 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Flash reminds me of Kristich and Czerkowski: 2 guys who used to put up nifty stats, but thentou watched them play and realized why they bounced around so much. Their coaches simply couldn’t rely on them whatsoever.
To me, the Flash debate is inseperable from the Fehr issue, because part of the problem with Flash is that the opportunity cost of his ice time is less time for Fehr.
There's a fine line between arrogance and ignorance and only I manage to erase that line.
by D'ohboy on Apr 5, 2010 1:57 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Good point. Flash on PP1 isn’t just about BB being in love with Flash, it’s about Flash keeping Semin off of PP1 as well. Maybe it’s not quite fair to Flash, but it’s hard not to look at it like that as a fan.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
I think that probably has more to do with wanting two nasty PP units, thus you sacrifice having Semin on the 1st unit to have him on the second unit. I’m okay with that.
I’m not so okay with Ovie being out there for both (often the whole 2 minutes), BB’s management of ice time leaves a lot to be desired in my mind.
Great. Now I have to change my name to "Jaromir meet Alex".
by Chris meet Alex on Apr 5, 2010 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions
We could have two deadly PP units, but we usually only use one. Putting Semin on for :30 on a PP is a total misuse of his skill. I think Semin is probably at his absolute best on special teams. Our PP really suffers without him, IMO. If you play one unit for :90, then you play Semin on that unit.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
It’s amazing to think that we have the best PP in the league yet it could still improve.
"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 5, 2010 6:50 PM EDT up reply actions
I'll buy THAT for a dollar.
That’s too much sense to argue with
Great. Now I have to change my name to "Jaromir meet Alex".
by Chris meet Alex on Apr 5, 2010 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Here’s where we’re just gonna disagree—I find it hard to believe he can be tough enough and work hard enough to get all the way through juniors and the A, and then suddenly, consciously decide to turn it off once he gets a taste of the NHL.
Furthermore, I’d given up on him two years ago, thinking he just wasn’t fast enough or strong enough. Now it looks like he’s almost there—so, while the improvement hasn’t been what anyone would hope for, there’s still been some improvement.
I think he’s just not great. He’s 2nd/3rd liner, and that’s still pretty good,
by bilspacecadet on Apr 5, 2010 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions
He didn’t turn it on in the A and Juniors, he was just that much better than everyone else. He isn’t anymore, and he hasn’t found that extra competitive gear.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Right, and I’m saying he may just not have one.
by bilspacecadet on Apr 5, 2010 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Which is why I’m hating on him.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
No one hates him, and we certainly appreciate his value
JP, meet F&B. F&B, meet J.P.
by bilspacecadet on Apr 5, 2010 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Here’s what Flash has at the NHL level: high end speed, high end shiftiness, good hands, a decent shot (good accuracy, average velocity) and pretty good stickhandling.
I never watched any of Flash’s games in the A or in Junior, but I feel quite confident that he got by based on being more talented than the rest of the guys on the team. Not based on his willingness to work hard and pay a physical price.
He needs to add that component to his game in order to be a complete player; at the Caps’ current place on the development curve, I don’t think they need one-trick ponies in the offensive end.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
He doesn’t. I agree with you. Not high end NHL speed, that’s for sure.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Ah, here I disagree with you. He’s fast.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
Oops, premature post.
Maybe he’s not fast like, say, Parise, but he’s fast enough to be a top line winger on a good team.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
He’s fast , but he’s not high end fast.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
Exactly. You want high end fast? We have high end fast. Look at Green and Chimera. Flash ain’t that fast.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Both of those guys accelerate better, too.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Apr 5, 2010 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions
We may be into semantics here, but Chimera is elite-level fast. Green is a generational skater – his ability to move on the ice transcends mere speed; his change of direction, stop and start, and ability to get into high gear is off the charts.
Flash isn’t either of those guys in those ways. But his speed level pressures the defense at a high level.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
Meaning Flash is just a normal NHL player. Nothing wrong with that, but it’s not high end speed in this context.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Disagree. He’s got first line speed, which is ipso facto high end speed.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
First line isn’t about speed, it’s about being a great hockey player. Knuble doesn’t have “first line speed” but he’s a first line player. Chimera has “first line speed” but isn’t a first line player. Flash can skate, no doubt, but the guys I reserve “high end speed” status for are the guys that stand out as being fast among NHL players. Flash isn’t that. But at this point it’s just a matter of subjective labeling.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Straight line speed without the puck? No. Weaving through the neutral zone with the puck on his stick? Yes, most definitely.
There's a fine line between arrogance and ignorance and only I manage to erase that line.
by D'ohboy on Apr 5, 2010 2:01 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
He’s crapped on because the seemingly only improvement in his game is his shooting %.
We appreciate his performance relative to salary, but on a team whose big star is unfairly criticized for not playing D, Flash doesn’t play D yet avoids similar criticisms.
"I’d like to take the credit but dig mama, there’s no "I" in "revolut" …in "team."
by Bald Pollack on Apr 5, 2010 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think it’s an unreasonable expectation for him not to have the worst GAON/60 at 5-on-5 of all forwards on the team or the worst +/-ON/60 of any non-4th-liner who’s been here all year. But that’s just me.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 5, 2010 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
The worst +/-ON/60 of any non 4th liner that’s been here all year? That feels like you’re defining a group that he’s the last in, so that you can show that he’s the worst at something.
Why don’t fourth liners count?
by bilspacecadet on Apr 5, 2010 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions
I think it’s generally understood that their goals against/goals for ratio is going to be hurting.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Or skewed from limited time on ice. If I’m remembering right, Parros (I’m pretty sure it was at least one of the Ducks’ 4th liners) has an awesome +/-ON/60.
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 5, 2010 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Because they aren’t expected to contribute offense and get absolutely killed in zone starts (i.e. they start far more shifts in their own end and thus are in more dangerous situations from the get go, whereas a Flash has more offensive zone starts, which are less risky).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
And on a team that fancies itself as having 3 scoring lines, the non-4th line distinction makes a lot of sense. “Which of our 10 top-9 guys should we sit? How about the one that is the worst.”
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
I agree.
Now, if we could just agree on which on is the worst….
by bilspacecadet on Apr 5, 2010 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Flash!
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Shit. Can’t we just have a conference call and get this over with sooner than later?
by bilspacecadet on Apr 5, 2010 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Now, I disagree here. I don’t think we should bench Flash over any of the other 9 top 9s when Chimera is just as quality on the fourth line, and makes our fourth line better while the third wouldn’t drop off that much.
I should have saved my old signature. Oh well!
Well, by definition, if you drop Chimera to the 4th then you only have 9 top-9 and nobody sits. The only way to have a “which of the 10 top-9 sits” discussion is to keep Chimera in the top-9. I don’t necessarily disagree with your assessment though. But when Flash disappears in the playoffs I’ll probably be clamoring for Fehr/BMo/Chimera on the 3rd line again.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
I’ll probably be clamoring for Fehr/BMo/Chimera on the 3rd line again.
You and me both. That line is nails!
I don’t know for sure he will. If he does, I can agree with you. But Chimera’s a left wing, putz.
I should have saved my old signature. Oh well!
I don’t put my lines like that, and you know it.
When I say Fehr/BMo/Chimera any of the three could be anywhere, it’s not a LW/C/RW thing, it’s just naming 3 guys.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Fourth liners aren’t on the team to score points, and inherently have lower +/-‘s than first and second liners. Flash’s peers are first and second liners, so it’s fair to compare him to other first and second liners.
I should have saved my old signature. Oh well!
Again—expectations.
Why are Flash’s peers 1st and 2nd liners?
by bilspacecadet on Apr 5, 2010 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Talent and playing time.
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 5, 2010 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Ok. Fine. But how about next year? We have to re-sign him (do we?) this off-season. He won’t be so cheap anymore. How much money would you commit to Not-Semin?
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
No idea. I’m bad with guessing salaries.
by bilspacecadet on Apr 5, 2010 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m not saying how much will he make. I’m asking how much you think he should make. What would GM billspacecadet pay Flash? Let’s get this “he only makes 750K argument” out of the way. He may be good value, but he’s not a very good player and with him being RFA that 750K thing doesn’t mean much to me. Personally, I hope EDM offers him an RFA sheet and we get some decent picks.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
seriously, I have no idea.
I know he’s nowhere near Semin’s 6MM, and waaay above a 725k salary. He deserves more than Scott Walker, who makes 2.5.
2 to 3, I guess.
by bilspacecadet on Apr 5, 2010 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions
And this is why we need to sell high!
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I would be sad to see him go, but I don’t think it would hurt the team long term.
I should have saved my old signature. Oh well!
I don’t give him any more than 2 million, personally. His kind of production isn’t irreplaceable, or even particularly difficult to replace, and when Brooks Laich is getting 2.5 there’s no way Flieschmann deserves more.
"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 5, 2010 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions
The price of Brooksie is going to be more like $4m next time around. And I think that’s being conservative.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks. Oh and f**k Brooks Orpik.
I don’t see Brooksie getting more than 3.5, but I could be wrong.
I should have saved my old signature. Oh well!
You see Ryan Kessler’s deal?
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Agreed, but even 80% of Ryan Kessler is 4 mill. I think it comes down to how much Laich wants to stay and be a part of the Caps.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
You’re right, he’s BETTER!
/Becca’d
But I could see Brooks getting in the neighborhood of $3-3.5 million on his next deal. Hopefully he’s willing to take a bit of a hometown discount, he does seem to love this team.
I want the Caps to win a Cup THIS YEAR, with THIS team.
That is all.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Kess is a bit younger, still with some upside. I think Brooks is a 20 goal, 50-60 point guy who gives you leadership, PK, some versatility. He’ll be a 28 year old UFA, and that will be “The Deal”. At his current production I think around $4m is right, if he gets even better? Who knows.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks. Oh and f**k Brooks Orpik.
It depends on how he produces, but yeah, he’ll get paid. Right now he’s making 2.5 though, and like I said, Flieschmann doesn’t deserve that much.
"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 5, 2010 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions
We have Flash 2.0 coming up with Bouchard, no need to hamstring our finances by paying Flash 3 mill. Maybe a short term deal up to 2 mill to give Bouchard another year to develop.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Right on. The only real value Flash brings at this point is some extra oomph to the second power play unit. At 5 v. 5 he is at best a net-neutral player.
Assuming Flash is going to get $1.5 – 2.0MM, I think you can get more value for those dollars than Flash is going to bring to the table.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
Dude makes 725k and pots 20 goals (and 30 assists), and we hate him cause he’s not Semin. Whatever. I give up.
If that’s what you’re taking away then I’m not even sure it’s fair to say you are giving up. It doesn’t even look like you tried to comprehend the argument. Is the Flash Lobby now taking cues from the Semin Lobby? Lesson 101: how to misconstrue every critique of your favorite player.
Flash:Semin :: Flash Lobby:Semin Lobby?
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
by Rob Parker on Apr 5, 2010 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Oy. Not my favorite player.
Just one I think gets unfairly maligned. And I already said I was exaggerating to make a point. Please don’t read through the thread before you reply.
by bilspacecadet on Apr 5, 2010 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions
I dare say, I’m one of the best at reading through before replying, but when you throw out a bastardization of an argument like you did I may just jump the gun.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Alright. I’ll retract.
But it’s tough when you’re playing 5 against 1 and the comments are coming in faster than you can write rebuttals.
by bilspacecadet on Apr 5, 2010 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions
No, you were right, I didn’t read through. I’m just saying I’m normally good about it and was impulsive with the bait you dangled out.
I understand 5 against 1, but it comes with the territory.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Semin is worlds ahead of Flash. Having a 40 goal scorer that doesn’t do much else (even if that was really the case, which it’s not) is preferable to a 20 goal scorer that doesn’t do much else. And Semin is great on the PK and Flash is not. You’re right that Flash isn’t going to add to his game, and that’s why we should sell high.
His game doesn’t involve digging pucks out of a corner
That’s because Flash chooses to not dig pucks out of the corner.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
I don’t know if it’s a choice or due to some other factor.
I should have saved my old signature. Oh well!
It’s a choice. He’s not tough enough or determined to try.
"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 5, 2010 11:49 AM EDT up reply actions
Early in the season IIRC he was, and that’s partly why he had a hot start. But he stopped.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 5, 2010 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions
And Brads (Brads!) having one of the others.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Let the record show I’m driving the Flash bus right now. Yes, his defense is iffy, but I still feel like he creates more chances than all but about two or three of our forwards. And yes, I’m including a bunch of guys that currently have “C” listed next to their names on the roster.
by bilspacecadet on Apr 5, 2010 11:37 AM EDT up reply actions
He can create tons of chances, they just don’t all get finished.
I should have saved my old signature. Oh well!
Oh and he can’t hit a one-timer to save his life.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
it wasn’t mentioned before, but I really liked the play on the Semin goal Saturday where he saw the puck behind the net, chased it but intentionally left it so his man followed, and Semin was free to pick up the puck and start the play unimpeded. That was pretty clever.
by bilspacecadet on Apr 5, 2010 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions
I think the reason we’re getting a lot of fans turning on Flash is because the numbers are now starting to agree with what our eyes have seen. Plus we’re sort of getting over the “he’s young, he’ll toughen up” possibilities.
He has 50 points on the year on the league’s best team, but is still only +9. He has the highest GAON/60 of all of our forwards.
I think his unlimited opportunities from BB exacerbates the problem, but really the numbers are getting so bad for Flash this year on the defensive side that it is too hard to ignore.
Again, thanks for the legit feedback to my question. Didn’t mean to threadjack. For what it’s worth, I think completely I’ll base my opinion on Flash on the playoffs this year. If he shows up, I’ll be all for him. If not, eff.
I still maintain a line of Fehr – Perrault – Flash is a silly line.
I should have saved my old signature. Oh well!
I,on my part, dont hate Flash, i dislike how BB handles the situation with him and Fehr. Flash gets a lot of trust and faith and Flash doesnt back it up. On the other side Fehr doesnt get enough credit from BB. It seems that he is always in BB doghouse, despite his offensive numbers. He scores important goals for the team and doesnt get enough credit for that. Maybe he does but u cant tell that on the basis of his ice time. Its just not fair.
It has nothing to do with Flash, he just courts my resentment about BB.
Hey JP, just wondering, why do the down arrows link to http://twitter.com/#search?q=%23EricFehrDeservesACheckMark ?
Wow. That’s weird. I’ll fix it. They should go nowhere.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Green’s late-season surge (combined with Keith’s post-Olympic slump) seems to have pushed him into the favorite role for the Norris. There’s no denying that he’s becoming an all-around force on the ice which may be the biggest reason to favor the Caps in the post-season. It appears that the two-week break in February is turning out to be a godsend.
If Doughty wins it, I will offically drop dead on the spot. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a great young player, but this is his first really good season and traditionally you’ve got to put up at least a couple of good years before being seriously considered. Plus, Doughty’s only 20 and the last 20-year old to win the Norris was my namesake. That should tell you all you need to know regarding his chances. The Norris is a two horse race between Green and Keith and I think the tide is turning to Green.
But Doughty does have a ton of hype and played great in the Olympics. I’m officially on board for Green for Norris now. He has really stepped his game up and after a slow start has improved all year and has a ton of points again. His defensive play since the break has been outstanding and Keith hasn’t been. But I don’t think Green wins it.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Agreed. Doughty is an incredible talent. He just hasn’t paid his dues yet and voters are usually big on that. As to Green vs Keith, JP had a tweet a few days back comparing the even strength goals that Green has been on the ice for vs. those for Keith and it was incredibly lopsided in Green’s favor. I can’t find it now, but it was a staggering number.
Even I was surprised by that number. Media seem to be as well.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
Not really a fair fight when JP brings out the clipboard and the slide rule.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
by EmilyB on Apr 5, 2010 1:06 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Mike Green has been on the ice for 18% more Goals For than Duncan Keith at 5-on-5 this year (90 to 76) in 18% less 5-on-5 ice time.
11:51 AM Apr 2nd via web
That stat may not surprise you. But this next one might…
11:51 AM Apr 2nd via web
Duncan Keith has been on the ice for 44% more goals against than Mike Green at 5-on-5 this year (72 to 50).
11:52 AM Apr 2nd via web
So yeah, Mike Green’s on-ice goal differential at 5-on-5 is ten times Duncan Keith’s (40 to 4).
11:56 AM Apr 2nd via web
by bilspacecadet on Apr 5, 2010 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Spoiler alert: those fabulous stats may or may not show up later today (or tomorrow), so you won’t need to dig them up ;)
Shit. My bad. Also—Evelyn Mulwray’s daughter is also her sister. Whoops—did it again.
by bilspacecadet on Apr 5, 2010 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Why are you losing faith? It’s not like he’s been awful. He’s contributed at the dot and has been getting chances. Also, he’s playing a bigger role than he would if the team were healthy. He’s ideally a 3rd line center who can fill in at 2nd if need be.
"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 5, 2010 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions
Not trying to kill him, just haven’t seen anything other than FO wins. No offense really, PK hasn’t seemed any better, no obvious chemistry with linemates, dunno…
by bilspacecadet on Apr 5, 2010 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions
I think the chemistry with linemates will come as soon as he’s got established linemates – he’s bounced around a lot since arriving in DC and as an older player coming from a system like Minnesota’s, that can’t be an easy transition.
As for the PK, it hasn’t improved but I’ve noticed him on the PK in general and I think he’s slowly influencing others. He was very vocal about how the PK should be more aggressive and over the past few weeks I’ve started to see it – with mixed results for sure but there have been good moments to go with the bad.
And he’s a 3rd line center for this team – I’m not as concerned if he’s not contributing offense, because he’s generating chances on his lines and that’s promising.
Agree. Similar situation to Chimera. He’s working hard, creating chances, and not making mistakes. Things just aren’t bouncing his way or finding the back of the net.
I thought he looked solid in game against CBUS. He’s still putting pucks on the net and playing good in the dot. Some of those pucks will bounce in eventually.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
He’s also got some experience against Western Conference teams. That might come in handy, eventually.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Eric Belanger is, at best, a third-line center who’s known for being sound defensively and inconsistent offensively. He’s already set a career high for points this season, and needs two more goals to tie his career high. I think using him as a second line center is a mistake, but I’ve got no problem with 14-18-16 or 16-18-25 as a line.
As F&B once said to me, we don’t need offense from our third line. That we get offense from it is just icing on the cake.
GUTEN TAAAAAAAAAAAAG!
Hot Sasha!
Pour yourself a cup, grab a seat. The playoffs are about to begin!
Russian Machine very rarely breaks. Oh and f**k Brooks Orpik.
A hot cup of Semin will cure what ails ya!
Sorry, couldn’t resist.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Hahah…you should at least gone with Jizz. I think Gouldie would have approved it’s usage there.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks. Oh and f**k Brooks Orpik.
Ewww… I think you’re wrong.
Great. Now I have to change my name to "Jaromir meet Alex".
by Chris meet Alex on Apr 5, 2010 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Hot Sasha is indeed a joy to behold. Stay hot, Sasha.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
On Ovie’s little slump, I think it might benefit him. Last postseason he didn’t come out with a bang and this time around he might because he’s not getting the goals right now. I’ve seen times when teams and players have slumped right before the playoffs and had a great postseason. Hopefully the same is true for Ovie.
Here's to all us girls who love hockey...and the men who play it.
by Brad_Richards_Rocks on Apr 5, 2010 12:03 PM EDT reply actions
Brads appeared very motivated to get that regular season career-high goal after scoring last game.
I have mental notes on specific un-Bradley-like moments from that last game regarding his puck-possession choices and decision-making after the goal. Prob won’t continue, but if it does it should end when the regular season ends.
Schultz
Little rough on him. When he’s been out there lately you can just sit back and relax. Been playing great hockey despite efforts otherwise by the team.
Does he need to score points now to exceed our expectations? If that is the rational that is a wonderful dash mark as far as I am concerned.
President and sole member of the Erskine lobby.
DOESNT HIT1!
/rocK THE RED!!!
Everybody's rockin' out on Telephone Road
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 5, 2010 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions
How awesome would it be for one of those signs in the end zones to read “HIT SOMEBODY 55” during the playoffs. Ah, satire.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks. Oh and f**k Brooks Orpik.
They just have to learn the hard way that you can’t drive…….55.
Everybody's rockin' out on Telephone Road
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 5, 2010 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I’d love to see him throw his frame around some but I imagine he’s too busy being all Rain Man about defense. “Crosby is on at point. A slapshot is 55mph. Boudreau lets me drive the Zamboni on Saturday.”
Still, I think the spigot of Schultz love needs to be opened up some now that we’re approaching postseason. Of course that one 5-3 looked a little dodgey….However, if history is any indicator he will quite likely be the linchpin of our postseason run.
President and sole member of the Erskine lobby.
Anyone else think OV is injured? What suggests this to me that is that he’s not scoring on his go-to shot – the one-timer from the left half-boards. If goalies are catching up to what is essentially an impossible-to-stop shot when it’s at its best, that tells me something’s wrong. It’s not a slumpy thing, because he’s getting in place to make that shot – it’s just getting stopped, which means it’s slower.
The way he’s been playing the last couple weeks has really been awful – his passes are weak, and always getting picked off, and his shots are all stoppable. He’s losing battles on the boards. Since that’s not OV, I gotta think something’s bothering him. Would sit him for the last few games, but I can imagine him pushing himself to be sure he can chase the Ross and Richard.
Dunno, but it’s not good.
His play has been absolutely puzzling and very un-ovechkin like, but I’m not too sure about an injury. You’d think he’d sit out and rest for a good playoffs instead of fail at chasing a rocket/ross at the detriment to the post season. I want nothing more than to see him get the ross/rocket, as long as it doesn’t come at the cost of the conn smythe, if you know what I mean.
Bispacecadet is correct
We are killing people like Flash (c’mon, admit it) and the Caps are the HIGHEST scoring team in the league. When you consider the recent goal-less and even SHOT-less droughts of guys like Belanger, Knoobs, BMo, Laich, Brads, and, particularly what’shisname, you have what is considered the norm for the league.
The Caps have scored almost 100 more goals than NJ. It boggles the mind.
The difference between Flash and those guys is (as F&B noted above) that they contribute positively when they’re not generating offense. Since Fleischmann does not, he has to create more offense to be as valuable to the team (and earn kudos).
I asked the question, and the consensus I think I’m reading between the lines is basically that Flash is not to our team what Flash would be to another.
Basically, let’s argue that Flash is a second line winger for us. He isn’t necessarily better than 4 or 5 of the other guys on the team who could conceivably fit the same role, and he doesn’t bring intangibles other than scoring. A team like Nashville, on the other hand, is lacking in Flash type players, where as we abound. We have Bouchard, for one, and Semin, if you argue they’re the same mold, and Semin is definitely better than Flash across the board.
Is Flash a legit top 6 forward in the NHL? Yes.
But he’s not necessarily a top 6 forward on the Capitals.
I should have saved my old signature. Oh well!
My question is: at what production level do we say, “yeah, he’s a bit of a liability defensively, but geez, he sure helps shoulder the secondary scoring load.”?
I say 50 points in 66 games is about right, others believe that number needs to be higher. How much higher, I cannot say.
by bilspacecadet on Apr 5, 2010 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions
For what it’s worth, I agree with a lot of what you’re saying. I also kind of agree with Jordan/F&B’s sell high mantra.
I should have saved my old signature. Oh well!
I’m a huuuuge “sell high” proponent (see Simon, Chris).
by bilspacecadet on Apr 5, 2010 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions
I measure him (like everybody else) as to whether he had a good week for my expectation specific to Flash.
I’d say if someone has a bunch of weeks of exceeding or falling below my expectations, it probably will shift my expectations a little in that direction.
But I’d say the cumulative of the season ratings for a player here should jive somewhere relevant to our answers for last season’s “What does this person need to get a 10 for next season in my eyes” survey.
Flash should be traded, period. He’s not a fit and likely never will be with the rolodex of talent from Hershey. I’d like to see him buckle down and commit to becoming a 2nd line center but is that something you can expect out of the guy?
Might as well shop him in the offseason and try to get a pick for him or use him to get a decent veteran goalie or as part of a deal to get a center who can legitimately skate with Laich and Sasha.
President and sole member of the Erskine lobby.
I guess Flash for Hamhuis is a little late now…does Nashville have another D for us?
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 5, 2010 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions
What about if Flash could tank the last five games of the season because they don’t matter to how we finish?
"I’d like to take the credit but dig mama, there’s no "I" in "revolut" …in "team."
He was so ahead of you he’s been doing that for 10 already!
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
by Rob Parker on Apr 5, 2010 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I think it has to do with what WM mentions. His expectations as a goal scorer are higher on the Capitals because we have several guys that could take his place. If he is going to be a goal-scoring top 6 forward but not play well defensively, he should probably have more goals than some of the other top 6 forwards that do play well defensively. Right now he is in 6th place in goals of the forwards.
Damn Poti and his wizardry, It’s like he puts a spell on Theo when he’s on the ice…“No goals will be scored…but I will give them many many chances”
~~~ R0cK D@ R3D ~~~
by Chaz-Capapalooza on Apr 5, 2010 3:28 PM EDT reply actions
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