Wednesday Caps Clips: Break Out the Brooms
by J.P. on Apr 7, 2010 6:36 AM EDT
in Caps Clips
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Your savory breakfast links:
- Recaps and other assorted musings on last night's win from the us, the WaPo (blog, gamer), Vogs, Puck Daddy, DCEx, Joe B., Ed Frankovic, Peerless, OFB, FFODC, D.C. Sports Bog, Hockey Mom, CapsBlog, DC Landing Strip, RtR, A Capital Offense, Puckhead, and RMNB from the winning side, and PensBurgh, the Post-Gazette and Tribune-Review from the other side.
- Mike Wise weighs in on Ovechkin vs. Crosby with predictable (Wilbonian?) results. [WaPo]
- Anyone who has been paying attention knows that Bruce Boudreau has settled on his playoff starter. Damien Cox, therefore, has not been paying attention. [The Star]
- Back in the world of the living, AO is the most valuable skater in hockey... [Puck Prospectus]
- ... and he and Nicklas Backstrom are fantasy studs going forward. [ESPN]
- Mike Green is even better than you think he is. [Cult of Hockey]
- Is NBC hoping for Caps/Flyers? [Puck the Media]
- Alexander Semin, immortalized in a "History Will Be Made" parody. [Puck Daddy]
- Caps OT... they just keep comin'. [CSN Washington]
- NHLN's Top 10 Goals of the Season rocks a little red. [PHT]
- We know that the Caps are better than they were a year ago. Are the Pens as well? [PensBurgh]
- Flyers fans debate who they hope to see in the playoffs. Click for the picture, stay for the content. [BSH]
- A firsthand account of Cody Eakin's Sunday. [Ravings of a Rink Rebel]
- Dmitry Kugryshev is Hockey Future's top-rated drafted wing in the Q. [HF]
- Finally, let's take a moment and give thanks. For on this date back just six short years ago, per the HHoF, the Caps, "coming off their worst season in 26 years, moved ahead of Pittsburgh and Chicago to gain the 2004 No. 1 overall pick, when they won the NHL Draft Lottery (with a 14.2% chance)." Can I get an amen?
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I hate to be that guy, but at what point do we start getting all conspiracy theroy-ish about the ongoing officiating discrepancy in Caps/Pens games? Slash on Ovi was pretty weak. That happens a dozen times a game without a call. As does a play like Crosby repeatedly cross checking Ovi behind the net along the boards. Why does one get called and the other gets a “play on”?
And Talbot’s elbow was pretty damn blatant.
PPs for the 4 game series were 4-2 Pens, 6-4 Pens, 5-1 Pens, and 4-1 Pens. 19-8 total. 2-1 margin. And yet the Caps won all 4 games.
We were able to excuse away the 2-1 PP margin in the playoff series because the Pens were doing a good job of fore checking and pinning the Caps in their own zone. That hasn’t been the case in the regular season. Not by a long shot.
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Apr 7, 2010 6:55 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
It was discussed some in the recap thread last night. Check it out.
FTR, I agree with you, something stinks. Why, I’ve no clue, but the “last 15 games” would be the beginning of the 2008-2009 season. This is about when the Caps started being acknowledged as a team to watch.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Check out the RMNB link above, they go into some good details running the numbers. Basically it comes down to the fact that the Caps are getting called for their normal amount of penalties, the Pens aren’t. Whether that’s the Pens being more disciplined, the refs not calling the Pens for penalties, or some combo of both, who knows.
Whether that’s the Pens being more disciplined, the refs not calling the Pens for penalties…
I’d also be sure to add “the Caps aren’t moving their feet enough” (as it certainly applies to last year’s playoff series) – the disparity in some of those games has not been entirely out of the Caps’ hands.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Some, no. I think the point there is that there is more disparity than can be explained by that.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
I have to agree with this, especially when I watched the Penguins commit several fouls and not get called for them during that playoff series last season, in full view of the referees. Not saying conspiracy, but coincidence is too strong a word the other way, IMO.
Blog: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
but the guys at RMNB showed the numbers and the Caps were on average taking as many penalties as they did against everything else, the big statistical anomaly was the lack of Pitt penalties
They play cleaner against the Caps. Ev’rybody knows that.
That’s why Knuble and Poti both came back to the Caps bench bleeding. ’Cos of the clean play of the Pens.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Right, I don’t doubt those findings, I’m just saying that there’s a lot more context to “the Pens have had as many or more PPs as the Caps in their last 15 meetings.”
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Right. It’s not an even coin flip; but even with a weighted coin, 15 straight is well out towards the end of the probability distribution.
Something is rotten in Denmark.
"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
But I don’t know how to take it. The disparity is there, and will continue to be, but it never matters in the regular season. The problem is that it’s going to continue into the Semis when the Pens will have flipped their switches, and that’s why there’s a problem with the disparity in the first place. I agree with JP in that some of it is certainly the Caps’ fault, but …
Shit, I’m just repeating everyone else. Like SG, I don’t want to be that guy, either.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 7, 2010 9:07 AM EDT up reply actions
Agreed, but 8 of the 15 games were regular season games where the Caps are 7-0-1 (Shoot out loss to boot). There’s simply no way that happens. I bet if you look at the last 15 PHI/PIT games there is at least one game where PHI had a PP advantage.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
Sorry if this has been posted elsewhere, but I quickly looked at the Flyers power play opportunities and times shorthanded in games against the Penguins over the past 2 seasons.
From most recent 2009-2010: PPO-TS: 5-4; 9-6; 2-3; 3-5; 6-4; 7-5
From most recent 2008-2009: PPO-TS: 7-4; 4-4; 1-4; 6-4; 4-7; 6-6
The Flyers have gotten several PP advantages or even calls.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
by oldemystix on Apr 7, 2010 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
On a similar note...
I checked both Stanley Cup finals series between the Penguins and the Red Wings.
2009 SCF
Game 7 (06/12/09) – Penguins: 3 minor penalties, Red Wings: 2 minor penalties
Game 6 (06/09/09) – Penguins: 2 minor penalties, Red Wings: 2 minor penalties
Game 5 (06/06/09) – Penguins: 9 minor penalties, Red Wings: 2 minor penalties
Game 4 (06/04/09) – Penguins: 5 minor penalties, Red Wings: 4 minor penalties
Game 3 (06/02/09) – Penguins: 2 minor penalties, Red Wings: 3 minor penalties
Game 2 (05/31/09) – Penguins: 3 minor penalties, Red Wings: 1 minor penalty (this was also the instigator on Malkin in the last 5 minutes of the game that didn’t result in a suspension).
Game 1 (05/30/09) – Penguins: 1 minor penalty, Red Wings: 2 minor penalties
Totals:
Penguins: 20 minor penalties / 7 games = 2.857 minors/game
Red Wings: 16 minor penalties / 7 games = 2.285 minors/game
Regular Season:
Penguins: 397 minor penalties / 82 games = 4.841 minors/game (20th in league)
Red Wings: 361 minor penalties / 82 games = 4.402 minors/game (11th in league)
2007-08 SCF:
Game 6 (06/04/08) – Penguins: 4 minor penalties, Red Wings: 6 minor penalties
Game 5 (06/02/08) – Penguins: 6 minor penalties, Red Wings: 6 minor penalties
Game 4 (05/31/08) – Penguins: 5 minor penalties, Red Wings: 8 minor penalties
Game 3 (05/28/08) – Penguins: 5 minor penalties, Red Wings: 3 minor penalties
Game 2 (05/26/08) – Penguins: 12 minor penalties, Red Wings: 8 minor penalties
Game 1 (05/24/08) – Penguins: 6 minor penalties, Red Wings: 5 minor penalties
Totals:
Penguins: 38 minor penalties / 6 games = 6.33 minors/game
Red Wings: 36 minor penalties / 6 games = 6 minors/game
Regular Season:
Penguins: 384 minor penalties / 82 games = 4.682 minors/game (13th in league)
Red Wings: 402 minor penalties / 82 games = 4.902 minors/game (20th in league)
Blog: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
by IRockTheRed on Apr 7, 2010 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
Rec’d for the work.
Small sample size is tough. Pens were really atrocious in Game 5 of the 2009 SCF, and in Games 1 and 2 of the 2008 SCF (or at least Game 1) they were kinda sleepwalking.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 7, 2010 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions
along the same lines, i dont want to see anymore pens or other fans talking about the know-nothing caps fans who boo at every perceived penalty. i heard a lot of boos from the pens fans on obvious no calls and even a lot of boos on guerin’s obvious high stick (our one and only pp). the only boo-worthy call last night was the non call on the goal, which sucks for them. i actually think had they allowed that goal on the ice they would have had to review it anyway because it may have been directed in off a pens skate.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
I thought they would disallow it because their dude was in the crease for a good 15 seconds and one could argue that Varly wouldn’t have had a terribly good chance to play the shot.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
That was Matt Cooke, whose stick connected pretty solidly with Varly’s mask just before the shot. Which leads me to my (potentially very dumb) question – is it possible to commit a high-sticking infraction on a goaltender who has dropped to the butterfly? Or, if there’s any penalty at all, would it just be interference?
by TJA on Apr 7, 2010 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions
yes. highsticking is based upon contact with a player above his shoulders. makes not mention of the players position at the time. i’m guessing that some leeway would be given if a player (not a goalie) puts themselves in a position (ie. lying down) which resulted in another players stick hitting their head. i would imagine, though, since the butterfly is a pretty normal position, a high stick could be called in that situation. more likely interference though.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
I’m with you, SG. Numbers don’t lie, and 15 straight is too many to dismiss.
Especially when the Caps have gone 7 – 0 – 1 in the last two years; they should absolutely be drawing more penalties in the games they’re winning. Credit for that last thought goes to F and B, by the way; it was such a good point I thought I’d post it again.
"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
Broad Street Hockey. Sigh.
Ben, I love you, but some of your commenters … really? There are some places I field trip to – BSH is not one of them.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
I enjoyed this little gem:
And they’ve rocked that up playing against the lowest scoring division in the NHL and the weakest schedule in the entire league. Big whoop.
The Caps have the worst defense corp amongst the playoff teams, if not the whole league.
"We are such fans of your music and all of your records. I'm not speaking of yours personally, but the whole genre of the rock and roll."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Apr 7, 2010 7:55 AM EDT up reply actions
Go Flyers!
Everybody's rockin' out on Telephone Road
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 7, 2010 8:00 AM EDT up reply actions
Why stop there? Half of the AHL, a third of the OHL and three teams in the Greater Detroit Junior High Girls League have better defenses.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 7, 2010 8:00 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
I’ve seen some broomball teams with exceptional bluelines.
4th Floor, is next, swimvare, undervare, Eric Fehr...
My painting team can show you a great blue line. Wait…
So then: which playoff teams (include 9 in the East for now) have worse bluelines (in terms of personnel) than Washington?
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 7, 2010 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions
We gotta get you on the image title train.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
.
SUBJECT LINE!!!
Everybody's rockin' out on Telephone Road
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 7, 2010 8:28 AM EDT up reply actions 10 recs
Click Here!
If you click it the post collapses.
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
by zephyr on Apr 7, 2010 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
if you make a subject line, other users can collapse the post.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
Is that Finley or Frattin in that graphic?
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 7, 2010 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions
You sure that’s not Keith and Seabrook?
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 7, 2010 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions
The guys who write for BSH do a pretty good job I think, and hold it together pretty well in the comment section. However, you may as well just have Puck Daddy posters over there. If I were a Flyers fan, I would be embarrassed. Actually, I would probably embrace it then go outside and punch a baby. Go Flyerz.
by Link_Gaetz on Apr 7, 2010 8:00 AM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
More or less, yes. The writers aren’t too bad, though obviously they’ve said a few things that I vehemently disagreed with. The commenters … there are no words.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
The commentors are from Philadelphia. You know, the same city whose fans just invaded Nationals Park and made a mockery of Opening Day taunting and fighting Nats fans, booing the introduction of Nats players and generally being drunken losers from the moment they stepped off the bus to the moment they got back on it. Why would anybody be shocked by anything that comes out of that stink hole?
Oh god, don’t remind me. It was such a nice day that the score didn’t even bother me at the game, but the Philly’s fans sure did.
Aim for the head baby Jesus
same here. Miserable experience.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
Join the club. It’s one thing for Phillies fans to root for their team but to yell “Nationals Suck”; etc. really lacks class. I was thinking to myself, “Hey Phillies’ fans, save your ire for the Mets who are your real arch-rival. Not on the last place Nats.”
And to think that I’m married to a now former Phillies fan who was born 30 miles south of Delaware. And that the Phillies have been a rooting interest in our household for years (after the Nats and Orioles and my St. Louis Cardinals and my husband’s Atlanta Braves, until the Nats came to town.)
Rocking the Red since 1975
Come on gang, we’ve got OTOT threads for a reason…
"I’d like to take the credit but dig mama, there’s no "I" in "revolut" …in "team."
by Bald Pollack on Apr 7, 2010 11:50 PM EDT up reply actions
i think the editors are just waiting for the day when a few smart/prolific/combative fans show up and begin shaming marioD at every opportunity. it wouldn’t take many to turn the tide.
by Natty Bumppo on Apr 7, 2010 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions
it needs to come from multiple directions. and more regularly.
by Natty Bumppo on Apr 7, 2010 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Takes a lawyer, I guess. We at J.R. pride ourselves at our depth?
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 7, 2010 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions
There are definitely a handful of quality commenters there, but MarioD is hard to get past.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
yeah, caps really struggled against the mightly ATL division, going 14-3-3 (70% win pct) for 31 out of a possible 40 points (77.5% of points available). flyers 13-8-1 (60%) and 27 our of 44 points ( 61%)
meanwhile, against the poor, weak, struggling SE divsion, the mighty flyers were 10-10-0 (500) for 20 our of 30 points (66% of available points).
facts, dont leave home without them…
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Apr 7, 2010 9:05 AM EDT up reply actions 7 recs
10-10-0 is 20 of a possible 40 points. But the point is still well taken
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Apr 7, 2010 9:26 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I officially want the Flyerz in round 1.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks. Oh and f**k Brooks Orpik.
I think it’s a 50-50 crapshoot between the Flyers and the Bruins at this point. NYR has to run the table or get some help to make the dance with their reg loss to Buffalo last night.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
If NYR does not take 2 points out of TOR tonight, they’re essentially done.
"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
Not at all. If they get at least one point from the Maple Leafs, they still control their own destiny. Take both games in regulation against Philly, and you’re in. All the extra point would do is allow them to win one of the two games against the Flyers in OT/SO.
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
I love that everyone in the media is going around touting those two NYR-Philly games as THE games, saying “it all comes down to these two”.
Granted, if either team takes more points it’s a big deal – but does anyone even consider that they split them in regulation, thus cancelling each other out and having it come down to something else?
It’s not, like, you know, out of the realm of possibility that happens. Especially since the season series is split 2-2 right now.
I kinda agree, but there is no denying these are huge games. For once I’d rather NBC pick up the NYR/PHI game for the noon start. We don’t do well with those and I’d rather we have an idea of how the 8 seed looks and get a later start for AO to try to pot a few more goals on the last day of the season.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
Oh, they absolutely are – and I think you’re right about NBC, too.
I just think it’s funny that these games are everyone’s ONLY focus, because it discounts the possibility of the Rangers not getting a point against the Leafs, and the possibility of the Rangers and Flyers alternating W-L like they’ve done all year.
Sorry, should have stated my assumption that the Rags don’t get 4 points out of the Flyers.
Also further assuming that Boston gets at least 2 more points from their remaining games, giving them a final total of 87 points minimum.
In order to catch Boston, then, the Rags are going to need 2 points out of Toronto tonight and then 3 points from the Flyers.
"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
If we get them I want to find a way to fill their building with red to get revenge for the Nats game
Aim for the head baby Jesus
I don’t think the Flyers ownership will be contacting the Caps fan club to see if they want playoff tickets at a group rate…
I used to think that the Lerners would do right by DC, turns out they’re [Avery]-holes….
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 7, 2010 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions
the Lerners didn’t contact the Philly’s fan club, Phillytailgate.com found out about the group rates on their own.
Aim for the head baby Jesus
actually, per the post, the nats did contact philly’s fan club directly to sell them these seats.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
Which post is that, Kasten says they didn’t, and also that they stopped selling tickets to groups from PA, DE, and NJ in February when they realized what was happening
Aim for the head baby Jesus
The Washington Post: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/06/AR2010040603939.html
From the article:
The Nationals did not discourage Phillies fans from coming in droves. If anything, the team may have encouraged them.
In December, Michael received a phone call from Bree Parker, a senior account executive in the Nationals group ticket sales office. She wanted to know if Michael needed to reserve tickets so he could watch his favorite team on opening day.
Michael appreciated the call. For the past four years, Michael had been arranging bus trips to Phillies away games through his Web site, PhilliesNation.com. Michael had also tried planning trips to Citi Field in New York for Mets games, and he always found them “annoying” to deal with. Michael already knew Parker from when she helped him the previous year. This winter, he did not even need to call, he said.
“They reached out to us,” Michael said. “They were able to meet our needs for the tickets. It wasn’t too much of a hassle or anything.”
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 7, 2010 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions
If whatever I did yesterday gets me a time out, what is this thread worth?
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
And I’m aware of the reasons why. You’re more than welcome to throw the OTOT card out there for these things too; it’s a team toughness thing.
"I’d like to take the credit but dig mama, there’s no "I" in "revolut" …in "team."
I think it is hilarious that you call him Huck. How did that start?
"He was the patron saint of quality footwear."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Apr 7, 2010 1:43 PM EDT up reply actions
That goal by Datsyuk was awesome. None of the goals were really eye-popping however.
Fehr and Balanced bringing the heat on the Flyers site.
4th Floor, is next, swimvare, undervare, Eric Fehr...
i can’t believe they left out Ovie flipping the puck over MAF after making that defenseman look like an amateur…or Backs’ GWG vs CHI
Suspend Colin Campbell!
Didnt Semin also score from his knees 40ft away this season?
4th Floor, is next, swimvare, undervare, Eric Fehr...
think that was last season against the Canes
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
Def against the Canes. Made it 5-1…..Canes. haha
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ja0hIBEdjnU
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Apr 7, 2010 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions
didn’t Varly AND Neuvi both get ice time during that game?
"the other day on sportscenter they said something along the lines of "the capitals score so much tiger woods is jealous" haha had me laughing hard while i was eating my cereal"
Fehr and Balanced bringing the heat on the Flyers site.
He does enjoy his road trips…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Road tripping is interesting, but sometimes the stupid will hurt the brain.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
indeed
We have a strong D, and when our forwards show up we can most certainly outscore the Caps.
Last I checked, nobody in the NHL came close to outscoring Washington. Fact checking FTW! (right D’ohboy?)
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
OMG, I missed that one. REALLY?
WSH: 3.81 G/G (1)
VAN: 3.24 G/G (2)
CHI: 3.15 G/G (3)
…
PHI: 2.85 G/G (6)
Reality check FTW!
Oh, and …
Let’s filter that list by GA/G. WSH comes up at #17 in the league at 2.78 GA/G. PHI comes in at 15th at 2.71 GA/G. Wow, huge gap there. Yup.
So, ΔG/G:
WSH: +1.03
PHI: +.14
Uh-huh. I think I see a discrepancy there.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
by gotsparkly on Apr 7, 2010 8:26 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
And, for what it’s worth, the Caps outscored the Flyers 22-13 in their four meetings this season.
Methinks someone has selective memory and only recalls a single game back in December, 2008.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
They should have never let him go. He OWNS the Caps.
Everybody's rockin' out on Telephone Road
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 7, 2010 8:42 AM EDT up reply actions
Selective memory indeed. Especially when you consider this game. Victims of such trauma often suppress those memories.
"He was the patron saint of quality footwear."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Apr 7, 2010 8:50 AM EDT up reply actions
Yep, Caps score 5.25 goals/game vs. the Flyers. Against Washington terrible defense and swiss-cheese goalies, the Flyers managed 3.25 goals/game.
Pf course, facts have a well known pro-Caps bias
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
“I don’t like facts. See, facts can change. Whereas my opinion, now my opinion will never change.”
- Stephen Colbert
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
“When you have the facts, hammer the facts. When you have the law, hammer the law. When you have neither, hammer the table.” – Ancient legal truism
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 7, 2010 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Texas School Board of Ed:
Someone needs to stand up to experts on these issues
In response John Stewart
Really? Your a dentist so I think I’ll brush my teeth with chocolate because it protects from cavities!
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
The only stats that matter between the Caps and Flyboys:
Caps: 3-0-1 7 points
Flyers: 1-3-0 2 points
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 7, 2010 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, that was a fairly egregious comment totally devoid of accuracy. Can’t believe no one responded to that over there.
Anyway. WSH-PHI would be a bloodbath.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
See, I don’t have a problem with that comment. I don’t think anyone doubts that their offense is underperforming. And you know, if the Caps throw in one of those 10 minute efforts, they can outscore DC.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 7, 2010 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions
One could parse Wise’s article to death to find flaws, but there was something buried deep in it that really had me flummoxed. Wise wrote…
In Puckville, they know [that it’s unfair to compare basketball players, who have the ball all the time, to hockey players, who play a fraction of the total game]. But in idiot sports world, they don’t. They just see Sidney [Crosby] piling up titles and medals.
But then he quotes Barry Melrose, presumptively a leading citizen of Puckville…
“Look, they’re both unbelievable players,” Melrose said. “But Ovechkin doesn’t yet have the body of work that Sidney has. One area Sidney is farther ahead than Ovechkin is the end result. He’s not just a part of those teams, he’s in the middle of it like Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux were in the middle of it.”
Well, not exactly. in the two end results in question, Crosby was not on the ice in the last ten minutes of the Stanley Cup winning game and wasn’t the MVP of his own team. He wasn’t the best player on his Olympic team (that would be Jonathan Toews). Crosby is a great player. I would still pick him if I had first choice of any player in the league with which to start a team (a product of the position he plays).
But there is a narrative that accompanies this guy that is nurtured by the league and propagated by guys who really should know a little better. He is not the second coming of Gretzky. He is probably not the best player of this generation. The Penguins are not Crosby and Crosby-ettes in the same way the Chicago Bulls were “Jordan and the Jordanaires.” He has had wonderful supporting casts in which he has been more an ensemble player than “in the middle of it.”
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Apr 7, 2010 7:22 AM EDT reply actions 3 recs
Mike Wise doesn’t come off as a sports analyst guy unless you’re talking basketball (and to a much lesser extent football). His attempts to analyze hockey are shameful. It tends to hurt when reading his articles because his metaphors are incredibly forced…after listening to his radio show, though, I think that’s just how he is.
He seems to do best when writing human interest sports pieces.
Suspend Colin Campbell!
Mike Wise is 98% unlistenable and 98.7% unreadable.
4th Floor, is next, swimvare, undervare, Eric Fehr...
I don’t know that he is entirely wrong, except for the timing. The whole Russell/Chamberlain thing upon which he builds his argument wasn’t much of a big deal until their playing days were over and there was a body of work to evaluate (parethetically, if Wise wants to make this argument, then one had never, ever see anything under his byline that Jordan is the greatest player ever… a player with enough rings to have one for the big toe trumps everything). Crosby and Ovechkin are only in their fifth seasons and have not yet played a thousand games combined.
There seems to be this hellbent rush to judgment among this generation of sportswriters to confirm players of this generation the best this and the best that. Crosby is the Russell to Ovechkin’s Chamberlain, Woods is greater than Nicklaus (no), Jordan is greater than Russell (no), Bonds (before he sort of retired) is better than Ruth (no).
It’s all a big steaming pile of “lack of credibility” making such claims. Wise is not alone in this, but he’s not apart from it, either.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Apr 7, 2010 7:52 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Perspective is a rare commodity in the sports columnist business where everything is judged in the world of now. What is funny is hearing all this “Sid is so much better than Ovi because he’s won a Cup” stuff coming out of Pittsburgh. I guess they forget those years in the 80’s when everyone used to say that Gretzky was so much better than Lemieux because he had three Cups and Mario had none. Of course, that all changed when Mario won his two. And it will change again when Alex wins his first Cup.
It sounds like you’re implying that Mario was better than Gretzky after he won the two Cups? Awesome. I knew I liked you.
He was a better player, IMO, with terrible bad luck with his health. And I hated him every minute he played against the Caps :-). Gretz never earned that hate from me.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 7, 2010 9:24 AM EDT up reply actions
Not better, but different and equally great which is how I view Ovi and Sid. In today’s world, everything has to be black and white, good guys and villians which is why neither fan base can say anything good about the other team’s star. Kind of dumb, imo.
Speaking of Gretzky, if it’s not too OT, did everyone see that Verizon Wireless commercial with him? They’re just killing it with their hockey themed commercials, what with Caps/Flyers, Pens/Blues, and now this.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
The commercial where he’s eating the wings is fantastic. Top 5 for me right now.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
yea, I’m definitely a fan
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 7, 2010 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions
They really are difficult to compare, because they played the game so differently. For the bulk of their careers, they played 2,000 miles apart, so we seldom got to see them battle up close. I don’t think people realize how special it is to have 2 players of the caliber of Ovechkin and Crosby putting on a show 4 times a year. Throw in Backstrom, Malkin, Semin, Green, Staal, and Gonchar… the only time you see that much talent on the ice for a game that matters is in the Olympics. So far this season, those 8 players have a combined 625 points.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
So far this season, those 8 players have a combined 625 points.
…wow. That’s fairly incredible, isn’t it?
I think Caps and Pens fans realize how special it is, and a select group of hockey fans. Sadly there are still too many who think this rivalry is manufactured and fake – it might have been right after the lockout, it’s not anymore. These teams are scary talented and really dislike each other; that’s a great rivalry in my book.
I think what really gets lost in the shuffle here is that the rivalry is much more than Ovi – Sid. It’s Orpik – Semin. It’s two talented teams that can’t stand each other.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Wonder if Semin sees this at night?
from TPB:
Russian Machine very rarely breaks. Oh and f**k Brooks Orpik.
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh D:
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
Can’t sleep… clowns will get me…
Blog: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
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was anything new uncovered in mike wise’s article? seems like my 10 year old nephew could have come to the same “conclusions” as mike did. and i generally like mike, but talk about mailing it in. this was a late season, nothing to talk about, everything’s been clinched/said page filler.
i’ve been a fan of the caps since year one. like all of us, i want to win the stanley cup really really badly. but i think i want the caps to win it as much to stop all the “he/they need to do it in the playoffs” talk as i do to put a nice cherry on top of a lifetime of fanship with this team.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
Mike should stick to the human interest pieces that he excels at and leaving the analysis to Boswell.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
Mike Wise is the girl
That used to be popular…used to be prettier…but now it’s all gone horribly wrong. Maybe it was the years of drug and alcohol abuse (metaphorically speaking, of course). Maybe it was that one failed relationship. Maybe it was because no matter what he did he never did feel like he fit in.
At any rate, Mike Wise is now a sports columnist slut who will do whatever it takes for someone to ogle him and make him feel wanted again. His articles are dressed half-naked and he sometimes takes on two or three fans at a a time, if he’s
drunk /foolish enough.
Pity you, Mike Wise.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks. Oh and f**k Brooks Orpik.
by macvechkin on Apr 7, 2010 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Hey, what’s with the mean-spiritedness? That’s not what we’re about here. Oh wait…
"I’d like to take the credit but dig mama, there’s no "I" in "revolut" …in "team."
by Bald Pollack on Apr 7, 2010 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions
“Mike Wise you ignorant slut!”
Everybody's rockin' out on Telephone Road
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 7, 2010 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions
Semin
What exactly happened to Semin along the boards that laid him out on the ice? The reply was useless to me.
Elbow to the face extended from about 7’ away. Ref had a look at it from up close and gave a no-call wave almost immediately.
Suspend Colin Campbell!
I could be wrong, and maybe biased here, but I don’t think the elbow was intentional. It definitely could have been called (even though the goal would have negated it), but I don’t think it was intentional.
Talbot was bearing down on Semin, who shifted at the last minute. Talbot tried to adjust his body, and when he did, his elbow came up. It’s not like he led with his elbow.
It’s not much different than when the knee-on-knee collision happened with Ovechkin and Gonchar last year. Gonchar shifted at the last second, causing a split-second shift by Ovechkin, which caused him to end up sticking his knee out.
I think both plays were somewhat similar. Fleischmann sniped, Semin wasn’t injured, justice was served.
Talbot’s seems like a stand-up guy on the ice, but it ended up being a blindside elbow to the head. Strictly speaking it should have been a penalty, if that were Carcillo it would have probably been a major+misconduct (i.e. still a penalty even with the goal). If you want to compare it to a questionable Ovechkin hit I’d point you to the Gleason knee-to-knee that bought him a suspension.
But we won, Semin came back and I’m sure nothing will come of it supplementarily speaking, so no use in dragging this argument out (basically I’m agreeing with the letter of your last sentence, if not the spirit)
Suspend Colin Campbell!
If it was Fleischmann or Fehr or just about any other Cap on the end of that elbow, it’s two minutes. But Semin has, well, a reputation.
If you've read this far...seek help.
It definitely should have been two minutes, but the only reason it was a blindside was because Semin turned as Talbot was trying to make contact.
I am not saying that Semin did anything wrong….he obviously did something right to take a hit to set up the third goal…..but it was all in the timing of the play.
I guess the crux of my argument is this – If you stood up for the Ovechkin hit on Gonchar last year, I think that these plays were similar enough that you can’t really criticize what happened.
I have to disagree with your analogy.
Max stuck out his elbow and led with it. Ovi went straight at Gonchar for a shoulder check, Gonchar stepped out of the way and left his knee in Ovi’s path. Short of defying the laws of physics, I don’t know what Ovechkin could have done to avoid contact. Ovi deserved the 2 minutes but that play is overblown in my eyes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwxTrxESWjI
Whats funny about that replay is the HNIC commentator is tryign to perpetuate the “he jumps when he hits” fallacy, and “he stuck his knee out”, neither of which happened.
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
Even Cherry felt that was more on Gonchar for trying to avoid the hit.
Everybody's rockin' out on Telephone Road
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 7, 2010 8:27 AM EDT up reply actions
I didn’t say the Ovechkin hit was dirty, so you don’t need to prove anything in that regard.
Maybe I need to see another replay, but what I am saying is that Talbot didn’t lead with his elbow, much like Ovechkin didn’t lead with his knee.
I felt it was more a case of the opposing player, in this case Semin, trying to avoid the hit.
I still think it should have been two minutes, as I said above. I just don’t think it was malicious or deserved a 5-min or anything.
Yeah, I’m actually with you – stupid play and worthy of a penalty but not intentional. I’ve seen Mad Max do worse and with more intention ;)
(Full disclosure: I have a slight soft spot for Talbot. Just a wee one. Petite, really. Tiny. Oy.)
He was good for me in NHL 10 and he seems like a pretty cool guy. I got no problem with him.
Everybody's rockin' out on Telephone Road
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 7, 2010 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions
So I’m sure F&B hates him.
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
That’s a pretty good bet. I think the only players we agree on are the Staals (hate) and Backstrom (love).
Eric Staal has an $8.25MM cap hit. Digest that for a second.
"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
Eric Staal is CAPTAIN. Digest that for a second.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 7, 2010 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Well, who else on Carolina are you going to slap a ‘C’ on?
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
Cam Ward.
Everybody's rockin' out on Telephone Road
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 7, 2010 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Goalie as Captain is problematic, imo.
"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
Luuuuuuuuuuuu!
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
Bobby Lou wears the C for Van, no?
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
No. He’s regarded as captain in the locker room and media; I’m pretty sure they ice three alternates.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 7, 2010 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions
There you have it. And the answer to the Cam Ward suggestion.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
Very much so.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 7, 2010 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions
A potential candidate, but when they took the C from Brindamour, they would have had a tough time giving it to another old guy.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
Well, they were trying to trade him this season. If they’re giving somebody the captaincy after the deadline, I think Whitney would be a good candidate.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Whitney gets any older, he’ll be “The Whizz-ard”
Everybody's rockin' out on Telephone Road
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 7, 2010 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Gleason.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 7, 2010 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Meh.
"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
Thats who Canes fans wanted.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 7, 2010 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions
When you give Staal that contract, the answer is no one. He has to wear the C.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks. Oh and f**k Brooks Orpik.
This is it. If you’re going to pay him like that, you’ve got to C him and hope it works out.
That is a horrible contract.
"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
who the hell is stupid enough to think Eric Staal is worth that sort of money?!?!
oh, right….
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
Yeah, I didn’t see anything malicious from Talbot. I actually didn’t have a problem with the play and didn’t catch that it was a blatant elbow watching it. It was a bit of a high hit but I also saw Semin turn towards the boards at the end while making the pass which made it a little worse (but that’s called taking a hit to make a play). I didn’t even initially latch onto it being a penalty (probably because I was excited about the goal), and it wasn’t until I checked here much later that I realized it was controversial. Wish I had saved the game on my DVR a bit longer so I could go back and check it out.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Apr 7, 2010 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions
He made a little contact, but it also appeared to be one of those Semin-diva moments that make us all cringe at times. I’m sure it didn’t feel good, but nonetheless…
Russian Machine very rarely breaks. Oh and f**k Brooks Orpik.
It looked like a glancing blow, like the elbow slid off pretty quickly.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 7, 2010 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions
I didn’t see that (silly small computer screen and silly internet!) but wouldn’t surprise me—looked like impact with the glass hurt him too.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 7, 2010 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions
no use in dragging this argument out
I tend to agree, but I would like to see Bruce mention it at his next opportunity (did he say anything post-game about it?) – stick up for your guy who had the cajones to take a hit to make the play.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Don’t the Caps give out a hardhat? As much as I hate Alex Semin, I think he deserved the hardhat last night. If that Semin shows up for the Caps in the playoffs (and not the magical disappearing one from last year), then the Caps will be virtually unbeatable.
Yes, I thought Sasha more than earned the hard hat. But the player who wore it last gets to pick, and Brooks Laich picked Tyler Sloan.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Semin has really been bringing it the past couple weeks – not just scoring but on the PK, board battles and really just being active all over the ice. I do hope its a sign of things to come.
Speaking of… haven’t heard much about how much of a hater I am from the Semin lobby lately.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
It’s almost like there were some valid critiques of his game that have been improved upon recently… or something.
"We are such fans of your music and all of your records. I'm not speaking of yours personally, but the whole genre of the rock and roll."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Apr 7, 2010 8:12 AM EDT up reply actions
Nah. They must have just intimidated me into submission.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
“Hate” is very strong word, would you care to retract?
It’s not like we’re talking about Tom Poti. Words like loathe and despise do apply for him.
4th Floor, is next, swimvare, undervare, Eric Fehr...
What about “abhor”?
Everybody's rockin' out on Telephone Road
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 7, 2010 8:04 AM EDT up reply actions
Penalty or not, Flash’s goal a few seconds later would have negated the call, unless it was a major (clearly it didn’t merit a major penalty…)
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 7, 2010 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions
IIRC, it was a linesman who was waving off icing or offside, or something like that, who had the up close view. Also, someone here mentioned a few days ago that a linesman can only alert a referee to a major, so if he thought it wasn’t worthy of a major penalty, he couldn’t call it anyway. Of course, this is all predicated on my often faulty memory.
↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → b a (select) start
Playoff Race in the West
I think that the Red Wings will finish 7th or 6th making their first round match-up either CHI or VAN. Guaranteeing that 1 legit SC contender will be eliminated in the first rd. I do not think DET will be eliminated.
Can you imagine the outcry in CHI if they dont even get out of the first round? If they play DET, that very well could happen.
4th Floor, is next, swimvare, undervare, Eric Fehr...
WHY IS THERE A PICTURE OF TOEWS WITH A STANLEY CUP BESIDE HIM?
Cheers, Complaints, homerism and bashing of mediocre pop musicians in 140 Characters
"DO NOT get stuck behind Kyle Wellwood in the buffet line. This isn't really etiquette, but it will prevent you from starving to death"- Down Goes Brown on Etiquette for Jason Spezza's wedding
by Kevin Sellathamby on Apr 7, 2010 7:38 AM EDT up reply actions
That’s what it is? I thought it was an ad for an elaborate Chicago BBQ joint.
"I’d like to take the credit but dig mama, there’s no "I" in "revolut" …in "team."
by Bald Pollack on Apr 7, 2010 8:06 AM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
Gotta rec that… the nose in that photo is so wrong.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 7, 2010 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions
I wouldn’t worry about it. Doesn’t that carry some kind of a jinx with it?
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Yes. It’s called a Marian Hossa contract.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
by EmilyB on Apr 7, 2010 8:08 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
damn
You beat me to it
Cheers, Complaints, homerism and bashing of mediocre pop musicians in 140 Characters
"DO NOT get stuck behind Kyle Wellwood in the buffet line. This isn't really etiquette, but it will prevent you from starving to death"- Down Goes Brown on Etiquette for Jason Spezza's wedding
by Kevin Sellathamby on Apr 7, 2010 8:08 AM EDT up reply actions
.
?
Everybody's rockin' out on Telephone Road
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 7, 2010 8:04 AM EDT up reply actions
if I weren’t on the West Coast I’d have been there for ya J.P…glad someone beat me to it!
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 7, 2010 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Backstrom rated #3 in ESPN top forwards 2011
Eric Fehr, RW, Washington Capitals: His points in relation to ice time are among the best in the NHL. If Fehr can make a move up the depth chart, he’ll be a fantasy regular.
E.F.N.Fehr love.
4th Floor, is next, swimvare, undervare, Eric Fehr...
Last night when Chimera hosed his breakaway, I was hollering “Fehr woulda had that!”
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Dear Chimera,
How can I make my hands hard like yours?
signed,
Roberto Duran
Jag antar parader är cool.
He’s the white Russ Courtnall.
Everybody's rockin' out on Telephone Road
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 7, 2010 8:27 AM EDT up reply actions
Black Dirk Graham?
or would it be White Dirk Graham?
Russian Machine very rarely breaks. Oh and f**k Brooks Orpik.
by macvechkin on Apr 7, 2010 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
So he’s Mary Hart?
Everybody's rockin' out on Telephone Road
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 7, 2010 8:35 AM EDT up reply actions
It’ll keep him blissfully affordable. He’s such a good forechecker, I barely care if he blows 75% of his breakaways.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Yup. There’s enough offense here already that whatever he contributes on that end is just gravy.
Everybody's rockin' out on Telephone Road
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 7, 2010 8:41 AM EDT up reply actions
he just need a healthy dose of BMo and his point totals will go up.
If you want to survive out here, you've got to know where your towel is.
by ns on Apr 7, 2010 9:16 AM EDT up reply actions
No…25% of his breakaways require the goalie to make a save attempt.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks. Oh and f**k Brooks Orpik.
by macvechkin on Apr 7, 2010 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
To Jason Chimera
You have learned your lessons well, now go out into the world.
Signed,
Todd Krygier
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 7, 2010 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Maybe Chimera should sleep / eat / drink / shower / shit / shave – basically everything – with his stick in his hand for several weeks. Sort of like trying to cure a fumble-happy running back by making him live with a football in his arms.
ah-VEECH-kin
by renhoak on Apr 7, 2010 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
This is my stick
There are many like it but this one is mine
Without me, my stick is useless…
Well, you get the idea.
CapsAreNotMyDaddy
by PensAreYourDaddy on Apr 7, 2010 1:09 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Fehr is my boy, but its hard to justify him in most leagues as he gets very little PP time and in leagues where they count TOI, he kills you.
4th Floor, is next, swimvare, undervare, Eric Fehr...
Karl Alzner – think he’ll get any game action before they send him down again? They put him through a fair amount of annoyance before sending him to the Mellon press box.
And the Bears lost last night without him.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
It’d be nice to, though sending him back down 24 hours later would seem to be more symbolic of his year.
Related: did Corey ever post his article on him yesterday/today? I never saw it.
"I’d like to take the credit but dig mama, there’s no "I" in "revolut" …in "team."
I got the impression that it may never appear because he didn’t play. I could be wrong about that, though.
"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."
Me, too, because I’m worried it might be an oncoming locomotive.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Apr 7, 2010 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions
No Perreault or Helmer, either. That’s a pretty tough trio to play without for them, I’d think.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I believe I read they were just resting him. “8 healthy D” argument. I don’t think Kane played last night, either.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Boyd Kane is a leader, contributor and effective hockey player at the AHL level and one of the regulars on the PK.
But people are missing another key player that sat out last night: Keith Aucoin.
List of regulars that did not play:
F: Aucoin, Beagle (call-up), Kane, Perreault (lower body injury)
D: Alzner (call-up), Helmer (Carlson obviously longer term has been off the roster)
- Bourque returned after missing several games due to injury
- Mitchell made his pro debut
- Given the opponent was Syracuse, both Grant McNeill and Simon Ferguson played
- Helmer has sat for rest from time to time all season
by sk84fun_dc on Apr 7, 2010 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
And Cody played (quiet on the scoresheet) but BabyGus did not.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
yikes…I don’t know a lot about the Bears but I do know that missing those guys will definitely have an impact on a game’s outcome
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 7, 2010 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Bad news for the Bruins…Seidenberg of the Bruins is out 8 weeks. He was a good trade deadline move for them, but now hes gone. And with last nights results all pointing to the Bruins finishing 8th…the Caps may get a soft opponent in the first round.
The Bruins may be underperforming this year, but they have had their share of bad luck with injuries too, including whatever injuries Chara and Lucic are playing through.
That’s awful news. I hope his wrist heals properly.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
I would like to play the Bruins in the first round, but there aren’t any left. Seriously, Philly sweeping New York could be the best thing that happens to the Caps. It could possibly result in sending Montreal to Pittsburgh, Ottawa to Jersey, Philadelphia to Buffalo, and Boston to Washington. I’d be a very happy fellow to see the first two of those series guarantee that one or the other isn’t around in the second round.
(Rotten luck for ‘em, those B’s. Wish them all speedy recoveries. Injuries suck.)
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
Great snark from the Post-Gazette.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10097/1048431-150.stm
"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."
Similarly, no special feeling washed over the audience during the handful of shifts Craig Adams skated with Crosby, as Adams hasn’t scored since the Jonas Brothers were in preschool.
Topical!!
Or was it Jay Bear from the Hershey Beagles?
HIS NAME IS THE SAME AS A POPULAR BREED OF DOG!!
Ovechkin ultimately deigned to slide the fifth and sixth Washington goals into the worn Penguins net, which kept him even with Crosby in the race for the Rocket Richard Trophy. Ovechkin has only two games remaining, while Sid is looking at two scoops of Islanders and one of Thrashers.
Maybe that will soothe some tummies.
with much of the crowd still wrangling nachos back from the concourse, Crosby finally delivered a small slice of special.
Crosby didn’t think the Penguins played badly, even as it surely looked that way on the other side of the nachos.
/Food Metaphors!
Everybody's rockin' out on Telephone Road
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 7, 2010 8:46 AM EDT up reply actions
Hershey Beagles
I have one of those, so it made me smile.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Ohhhh that article isn’t that bad. I have read much worse from the same guy who wrote that. It’s more sarcastic about the Penguins struggles than anything.
I’m just a fan of the snark. He’s probably buried some valid points in there.
I’d probably rather read snark about our PK than the crap that Mike Wise wrote this morning.
"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."
Gene Collier mines that vein of witty sportswriting that Kornheiser occasionally achieved. Really funny, balanced writing.
Kornheiser was funny as hell when he was on, and his radio show is hilarious, but PTI is too scripted and predictable and just not really that funny
Aim for the head baby Jesus
Yeah im pretty much done with all sports talk related TV and radio in general. I can’t stand any of it any longer.
Everybody's rockin' out on Telephone Road
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 7, 2010 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions
I hate to break it to Pens Nation, but the ‘on’ switch probably won’t be found this year. I think there is almost no way the Pens beat the Caps in a 7 game series this year. The Pens had a nice little run, but I think they are going to have to make some tough decisions this offseason to put themselves back in position to be Cup favorites.
I don’t see anyone beating the Caps out of the East. At all. The Devils have a chance, but the way Uncle Daddy Brodeur has played the past few post-seasons, I think it is highly doubtful.
by Link_Gaetz on Apr 7, 2010 9:42 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I haven’t been following the Pen’s salary cap and roster situation this season. I generally obsess over that in weeks leading up to the draft and FA day. What are the Pens biggest issues this offseason
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
Defense, wingers.
Everybody's rockin' out on Telephone Road
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 7, 2010 9:54 AM EDT up reply actions
After winning the Cup last year, the Pens seem pretty committed to their 3-Center model they have. It was huge to be able to roll out Crosby/Malkin/Staal throughout last year’s playoffs, so I don’t see the Pens making big changes in order to get a winger or two.
Defense, though, is the Pens big need this offseason. Right now, they have 3 d-men signed for next year – Orpik, Letang, and Goligoski. Orpik has turned into a defensive stud, so there is nothing to worry about there. Letang has all the tools in the world, but I’m not sure his brain will ever catch up. Goligoski has raw talent, but I am not sure he has what it takes to be a solid NHL defenseman. I am hoping they re-sign Eaton (underrated) and Leopold (who has been great for the Pens since he was acquired).
Since it looks like Gonch is gone, I am hoping the Pens can pluck a solid puck-moving defenseman off of free-agency or via trade.
Time will tell.
Eaton’s numbers are actually surprisingly pretty good. He’s got the best GA/60 amongst Pens Defensemen, while playing with the worst teammates.
Everybody's rockin' out on Telephone Road
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 7, 2010 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, sometimes I even forget that Mark Eaton is playing for the Penguins. That’s exactly how I know he is doing his job.
Funny moment from the game: Mark Eaton almost turns the puck over due to forechecking pressure from Quintin Laing.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 7, 2010 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions
his dented spleen gives him special powers!
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
lighter on his blades!
If you want to survive out here, you've got to know where your towel is.
by ns on Apr 7, 2010 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Funnier moment, the Pens “shutdown pair” gets beat on a two on two by Q and Brads. A fearsome duo indeed.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
they were scared Bards might bleed on them.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
right, I know D and W have always been pointed at as their weakpoints. Anybody in WBS ready to make the jump, or was the best option traded to Tor for Poni?
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Apr 7, 2010 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions
The Penguins have a lot of solid players who can perform 3rd and 4th line duties in WBS, but no one that could really be considered a top-6 winger. I know Caputi was traded for Ponikarovsky, but I was fine with that deal. I have never been high on Caputi.
The Pens are really holding out hope that Eric Tangradi blossoms into a solid power forward to pair with Sid or Geno. Time will tell on that one though. He certainly isn’t ready now.
What are your thoughts on Ponikarovsky so far? I know he was really good out of the gate but he seems to have cooled and he was pretty invisible last night – at least to me, and to be fair I’m really not that smrt about hockey.
Meh. He will end up being a guy Pittsburghers love to hate, but I think he has been ok. He has been defensively responsible, he just needs to start burying some pucks.
That is the tricky part, yes – but defensively responsible ain’t a bad thing when your linemate is Crosby. Or Malkin. Who is he with, now? Hard to tell last night since Sid was like Bugs Bunny playing baseball, playing every forward position possible.
Oh, and by that first part I meant because they score enough goals for anyone – reading it now looks like I was saying they’re NOT defensively responsible, definitely not what I was going for.
…except maybe Malkin. :D
I didn’t even know Ponikarovsky was playing last night. He was pretty invisible.
Everybody's rockin' out on Telephone Road
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 7, 2010 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions
he was really good out of the gate but he seems to have cooled and he was pretty invisible last night
That’s the story with Poniboy, though, right? He’s a 20-goal guy with tools that make you think, “oh, if he could just…”. Hands, size, decent speed, puck skills, shot, the whole package is there, but he goes long stretches where you just don’t notice him.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
I think Poni boy just has to stay gold.
Everybody's rockin' out on Telephone Road
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 7, 2010 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Tangradi looks like he has the tools. I’d be a little more upset about Caputi if I were you. Did Ponikarovsky even play last night? Caputi is already playing for TOR and probably starts in the NHL next year. PIT needs cheap production and that’s what Caputi would have been. Tangradi is good, but that’s not really enough. The strength of the Caps’ prospect pool is their numbers and depth. If one or two guys flame out we still have options. If Tangradi flames out the Pens are kinda fucked in the short term. Having Caputi would be a nice insurance policy, even if it didn’t help this year.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
They’ve got about 44.5 million committed to 14 players. They don’t have the wealth of cap space that Washington has, but few teams do.
They’re so screwed they’ve practically applied for a registered mark on the slogan “we screwed up our Cap so you don’t have to.”
GUTEN TAAAAAAAAAAAAG!
The Caps don’t have as much cap space as it looks. We still have to sign Baxter.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
And Schultz.
"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 saw on Pensburgh last night – per dociavelli, and I haven’t confirmed it independently – that MAF has a .897 Sv. Pct. since Feb 1. That’s a bad sign.
Still, the Pens are absolutely a dangerous team. They’re going to need one guy outside of the big guns to get hot at the right time and stay that way for a couple weeks, and they could make a run.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
you mean like….Leopold? where the frick did he come from last night?
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 7, 2010 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions
He was still riding high off his OT game winner against Atlanta.
CapsAreNotMyDaddy
by PensAreYourDaddy on Apr 7, 2010 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Just like Leopold.
"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
Uncle Daddy Brodeur
Rec’d for that line. I love it.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Apr 7, 2010 11:54 AM EDT up reply actions
On switch? Not unless the Islanders, Maple Leafs, Lightning, Blue Jackets, Stars, and Oilers are in the playoffs. The Pens are 11-4-0 against those divisional bottom-feeders. Against division leaders they are 4-12-2, and three of those wins are against Buffalo (all of them one-goal games). Compare that to the Caps, who are 6-6-1 against division leaders (again, three of the wins are against Buffalo).
The Penguins are weak at wing, defense, and they are getting inconsistent goaltending. Sidney Crosby is carrying a larger share of the goal-scoring load this year because he has to (a product of the weak wingers and Malkin having a drop-off). If you compare Crosby’s performance against division leaders with Ovechkin (taking out Crosby’s games against Washington to provide for common opponents), Crosby is 5-5-10, minus-12 in 14 games. Ovechkin is 6-8-14, plus-6 in 11 games. The scoring isn’t all that different, but an 18-point swing in plus-minus suggests Ovechkin (this year) has the deeper supporting cast.
The Penguins are talented enough and experienced enough to win any series. I don’t think they are talented enough to win four of them. Not this year. And in an odd way, you might be seeing the Penguins’ window closing some. Gonchar isn’t likely to be extended as long or as lucrative a contract as he might like from the Penguins, and Goligoski seems to have regressed over the course of the season. They appear to have no top-end prospects in their system (unless you’re counting Eric Tangradi, and that’s possible). Who are their prospects on defense? I’m not necessarily a big fan of Hockey Future’s rankings, but they do rank the Pens 28th, and that was before they traded Luca Caputi.
The Penguins aren’t the team they were last year, and if you start looking two or three or four years down the road, are their prospects that rosy?
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Apr 7, 2010 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
I agree with everything you said, and then some. Very good points.
As for the Penguins D prospects, that is the lone bright spot. Simon Despres is looking to be a steal with the 30th pick in this past draft. I was very impressed from what I saw from him in the pre-season. He is big, an excellent skater, and is capable of playing a solid all-around game. Maybe John Carlson with much less offensive upside?
The Pens also have guys like Carl Sneep and other late-blooming defensive prospects who are good skaters that can move the puck well.
As for the offensive prospects, well….the Pens are Old Mother Hubbard, and only Tangradi’s in the cupboard.
The bright spot there is that I really think you have to grow your own defensemen. It is so hard to get a good one in trade (with uncertain results… ask Calgary about Jay Bouwmeester), and expensive to get one via free-agency. Forwards you can get more easily that way.
In that respect the Caps are solid with Mike Green, Jeff Schultz, John Carlson, and Karl Alzner — all home grown, all top-four caliber (or projected that way). One could imagine a Dmitry Orlov or a Zach Miskovic getting minutes for this team in 2-3 years.
If you've read this far...seek help.
What’s a McNeill gotta do to get some respect?
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Be named Carlson or Alzner.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
by EmilyB on Apr 7, 2010 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Or “Fleischmann”
Everybody's rockin' out on Telephone Road
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 7, 2010 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions
So who was it that I bet a changing of the Avatars for a month if Carolina didn’t make it?
Let’s get this over with
Paging Chris Burton
Some love for your boy Geoffrion here.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
by EmilyB on Apr 7, 2010 9:03 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
hey cool
Thanks! Don’t forget Ryan Ellis in there, he’s basically bouncing pucks off of Taylor Hall’s stick into the net ;).
Hopefully Blake wins the award, but I don’t know too much about the field. I’d like to get him to Milwaukee after they win/are eliminated, but AHL season is getting close to being finished. Geoffrion has a lot of ‘hype’ because he grew up/played junior hockey 30 minutes from Bridgestone Arena. I’m not sure if he and Ellis will get sniffs in training camp or not, but they’re not too far out. I’d guess Blake gets a call way before Ellis, just because of the stupid logjam at D.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
Yeah, but Hall is getting all the glory. Man I want him to bust.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
Seguin has the top spot in the final Central Scouting Rankings. Would be funny to see him pull and Angelo Esposito.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Apr 7, 2010 6:42 PM EDT up reply actions
GreenLife52 Tweets!
Hey everyone I’m alright no problems just clinched the league and figured I would rest up a few games. I’m 100 percent and will be back next game promise.
I have a C on my heart.
In the time it took to read that tweet, Jeff Schultz racked up a +3.
"I’d like to take the credit but dig mama, there’s no "I" in "revolut" …in "team."
by Bald Pollack on Apr 7, 2010 9:56 AM EDT up reply actions 12 recs
It took you about 2 periods to read that tweet?
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 7, 2010 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
Well done sir.
"I’d like to take the credit but dig mama, there’s no "I" in "revolut" …in "team."
by Bald Pollack on Apr 7, 2010 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions
There are two periods in that tweet, yes.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
by EmilyB on Apr 7, 2010 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
Heh, Schultz went to the DMV this morning and still managed a +1.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks. Oh and f**k Brooks Orpik.
by macvechkin on Apr 7, 2010 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Great news. Can’t wait for his return. Green rested and healthy for the playoffs is a huge addition to our blue line.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
But if he can’t even make Team Canada, how can he help us?
Russian Machine very rarely breaks. Oh and f**k Brooks Orpik.
Ha.
That question will be answered in the next two months.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
He (we) can’t win. If he scores 10 goals in the playoffs, he’s not a good defenseman, he’s more of an offenseman. If he has a +50 rating through the playoffs, the +/- stat is overrated. If we shut out every team and he has 45 minutes of ice time a game, it was all the goaltender. If his corsi is +500 then it’s because of Alex and the other team wasn’t feeling it. Excuses, excuses.
Suspend Colin Campbell!
Not that sounds like a guy who’s feeling pretty good about his game, so much that he’s not worried about racking up points to impress the Norris voters.
I’m sure he figures he’s not winning, so why obsess over 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."
Really? There’s been so much love for his defensive play lately that I think he might be the front-runner now.
Betcha it goes to Keith.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 7, 2010 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions
JP mentioned this in the recap last night, but at what point do you really start the Backstrom/Crosby comparisons instead of the never ending and inaccurate AO/Sid comps?
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
When Backstrom starts doing wacky stuff like Ovechkin or has any type of marketing put behind him.
Everybody's rockin' out on Telephone Road
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 7, 2010 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions
Unfortunately, you’re probably right, but Nick is right there with Sid in the points race, yet I never hear him given any credit, which is ridiculous for a 100+ point player. I’ve seen the guy play, and I don’t think you can make the argument that he benefits from playing with Ovechkin all the time. He’s just that good, maybe even on Crosby’s level (well; except for goal scoring).
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 7, 2010 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions
Give him a year, he’ll put up some more goals.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
And he’s already done something Peter Forsberg never did – score 30 in a season.
And he’s 22-effing-years-old.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 7, 2010 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
He’s such an amazing player. We could gush all day and it wouldn’t be enough.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I’m constantly amazed by the level of talent we have. We’re some damn lucky fans.
I have a C on my heart.
The problem is paying for it all :(
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 7, 2010 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions
We can trade it Nashville for Hornqvist :P
Everybody's rockin' out on Telephone Road
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 7, 2010 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions
That’d be kind of a lateral move. He’s due for a big raise, too.
You can haz Klein?
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 7, 2010 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions
Only if he brings Phoebe Cates.
Everybody's rockin' out on Telephone Road
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 7, 2010 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions
Ew.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 7, 2010 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions
You’re insane.
Everybody's rockin' out on Telephone Road
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 7, 2010 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 7, 2010 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
From the Draft Day video
Regarding Backstrom, I’m reminded that immediately after the Caps selected Baxter, Pierre McGuire came up to George McPhee and said something (liberal paraphrase coming) to the effect of, “You just got the best player in the draft” or something similarly complimentary of Backstrom. McGuire also added, “He could play in the League right now.”
McGuire’s affect can be a little tiresome, but he does know him some hockey.
Just by way of giving credit where due…
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
by fat_daddyo on Apr 7, 2010 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I also remember when that draft pick was made – you know when the commentators talk about the kid while he’s walking up to the podium? Someone, I think it was McGuire, said “Ovechkin’s going to love playing with this guy”.
Still remember it word for word because it made me so happy – and it’s so true.
by Becca H on Apr 7, 2010 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
And yet Nicky didn’t come over ‘til he was good and ready. Here’s an article about a superstar winger awaiting his centerman.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Loved how they (GMGM, basically) kept on simply calling him “The Swede.” I sometimes refer to him as that. That CSN draft “documentary” was really cool.
The best part is when, unprompted, the dude from Boston also simply calls him “The Swede”. Lawl.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Apr 7, 2010 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions
love that piece. just rewatched it…check out Ovi’s reaction at 30 seconds in. how far he’s come…
If you want to survive out here, you've got to know where your towel is.
by ns on Apr 7, 2010 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Ovie developing sudden stage fright over announcing the pick was hilarious. “No, George, no!”
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
mini Russian Machine panic attack
If you want to survive out here, you've got to know where your towel is.
by ns on Apr 7, 2010 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Foppa had 30 in 95-96 and 30 in 98-99
Everybody's rockin' out on Telephone Road
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 7, 2010 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions
I think he meant score over 30.
"He was the patron saint of quality footwear."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Apr 7, 2010 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions
He’s gonna get a fucking huge raise.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 7, 2010 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions
Oh absolutely. The problem is devoting so much to Semin/Green/Laich/Ovechkin/Backstrom.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 7, 2010 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions
That’s why they need to win out this year. I want to see these names engraved on the Cup together. ‘Cos eventually they’ll have to break up the band, and make the rest of the National Hockey League richer in talent and awesomesauce.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
by EmilyB on Apr 7, 2010 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
This is why you have Mike Knuble. He’s the last piece to the puzzle, no?
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 7, 2010 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions
I figure Semin’s a cap casualty next year. It’s more important long term to keep Green, and he’ll only have one more year on his contract after next year, and I guess he’ll be due a hefty raise.
"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."
Just direct him to Music City, mkay?
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 7, 2010 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions
Moscow. Got it.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 7, 2010 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions
you mean after next year? Semin is already resigned for 10-11
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Apr 7, 2010 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions
booo to that. Hopefully, if Backs gets locked into a longer deal (more than 5 years) maybe they can grab Semin for a longer deal on a bit of a discount. Who wouldn’t want a chance to collect multiple Cups with friends?
Green is going nowhere. He is the equivalent of a defensively sound shortstop who hits 30 home runs. He just can’t be replaced.
AO is locked up. Backstrom will be. There are a handful of guys out there that can do what he does, but you can’t get them.
Semin will have one more year with the team, and then he’s probably done. It will be difficult to replace his production, but not impossible along the lines of the guys above.
Laich is a nice complementary player, but there are plenty of guys who can replace what he brings.
"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 they let Laich go unless his production goes down. I think the team sees him as a very important part of their success and his versatility is incredibly useful.
With how much goal scoring the team has and with guys still improving I agree that Semin is probably on the way out but it’s nice that so many guys will be on cheaper entry level contracts. This team has another 4 years of being really great.
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
Ideally you’d love to have Laich on the roster, sure. If he wants to get up into that $4MM range, though, they probably have to let someone else pay him that.
He’ll be 28 after the last year in his current contract (next year), and he’s not irreplaceable.
I’m just anticipating him wanting a big payday (and being in line for one).
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
I could see him being willing to take less $ to stay here, actually. I know all players claim to be happy where they are, blah blah blah, but I’ve never seen a guy speak so lovingly about an organization and his teammates as Brooks has over the years. He loves it here.
…that being said, I could be totally wrong and he could just be a really good actor. I hope I’m not, because I don’t think he’s as replaceable as others might. And it’s not just because I love him :)
That would be nice. He does a lot of little things that are real helpful in the cause of winning games, and a nice sampling of big things, too.
Pending Baxter and Schultz getting reupped, the Caps have some room in 2011…we’ll see what they do.
"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 could see him being willing to take less $ to stay here, actually. I know all players claim to be happy where they are, blah blah blah, but I’ve never seen a guy speak so lovingly about an organization and his teammates as Brooks has over the years. He loves it here.
Exactly the impression one would get from reading Confessions of a Hockey Lifer, I think.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 7, 2010 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions
I’ve had that book for months, should probably get around to reading it ;)
But that wouldn’t surprise me. We joke about BB’s love of Flash and Green but I think he has just as much love of – or at least admiration for – Brooks.
Bruce’s quotes the past couple weeks certainly make me think he as Brooks int he same category at Flash and Green.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
It doesn’t bother us as much because we mostly agree—-Brooks does complete this team.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Apr 7, 2010 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Steckel is in that crew as well. Fehr… he can’t get the same HER Cup love.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
to some extent, Sloan seems to be in the BB love letter group. I don’t think I’ve ever heard anything remotely negative about Sloan from BB.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
But BB also says quite often that healthy scratch is part of Sloan’s job description. Be ready to play when called on, and cheerfully accept a permaseat in the press box.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
If he’s smart, he’ll understand that the team is going places and that he’s lucky to be along for the ride.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 7, 2010 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Brooks is pretty smart. He also saw what happened to Clark when his contract became undesirable.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
That, and all signs point to “Brooks loves playing here”.
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 7, 2010 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions
How far is Sullivan from retirement?
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I’d guess after next year. He signed an extension in the summer for two years, and he wants to retire in Nashville, so I assume that the 2yr deal was for that purpose. He’ll be 38.
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by Chris Burton on Apr 7, 2010 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions
Nicky’s a hell of a shooter, he’s just too damn selfless. GODDAMN IT, NICKY, SHOOT THE PUCK! YOU HAVE A CANNON!
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 7, 2010 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions
Same reason the Sedins are so good but no one really “notices” them because they play in Vancouver.
Everybody's rockin' out on Telephone Road
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 7, 2010 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions
In fairness, assists are cheap.
/Campbell’d
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
And that’s pretty much my point. If we’re talking about “mainstream” acceptance and comparisons between the two, i’d rather he remain anonymous so I don’t have to hear any more dumb comparisons or columns. WE know how good he is, and i’m content with that.
Everybody's rockin' out on Telephone Road
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 7, 2010 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Maybe you don’t want the comparisons and endless chatter, but it wouldn’t be a stretch to say he could be included in the Hart conversation.
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by Chris Burton on Apr 7, 2010 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions
Oh of course not. Just not gonna happen without some sort of “mainstream” acceptance, which is a good and a bad thing.
Everybody's rockin' out on Telephone Road
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 7, 2010 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions
Its unfortunate for a guy who could end up better than Forsberg if things go remotely well.
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by Chris Burton on Apr 7, 2010 10:23 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, in reality, “never.”
But…
Offensive GVT to date this season: Nick 19.6, Sid 19.8
Defensive GVT to date this season: Nick 3.1, Sid 3.4
I’d say comparing the two is certainly fair.
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I think the only time the two diverge is on FO%. Nick is 50.1, Sid 56.1. Everything else is pretty close.
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by Chris Burton on Apr 7, 2010 10:17 AM EDT up reply actions
Worth noting that in Sid’s third season in the League, his FO% was 51.4%, so Backstrom’s more or less on track there.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Getting north of 50% is, IIRC, a nice improvement for Nick in that regard.
"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
Backs and Toews will battle for the best player of that draft for a decade or more.
Not a bad draft for GMGM.
4th Floor, is next, swimvare, undervare, Eric Fehr...
I’d also say that Nick is better defensively than Sid. Not sure how the GVT shook out like that.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
Sid seems to compete harder, and I think is a bit faster. Also, there’s the FO% difference.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 7, 2010 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions
I dunno about “compete harder.” Nicky competes hard, he just frequently makes it look completely effortless.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
I mean, if Chris Pronger were in the corner, Crosby would go full speed, hit hit as hard as he could, and then get body position to try and get the puck. Backstrom I think would go there, give Pronger some shoves a la 87 on 8 last night, and use his skill to win the puck.
I meant it as a testament to how hard Crosby competes, not as a knock on Backstrom.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 7, 2010 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t know. I notice Crosby using his body, constantly shuffling for position, along the boards more than Backstrom. Maybe when Backstrom is first man in, he does “get in there” like Crosby (I’ll watch for this against ATL, if I remember).
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 7, 2010 4:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Backstrom “posts up” and hangs on to the puck along the boards almost better than anyone. It’s something he’s gotten more and more adept at.
by Davethecapsfan on Apr 7, 2010 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes (though I have noticed that people with long reach can knock the puck off—sigh). I was talking about going for a 50-50 puck or winning the puck though. I’m not sure if you were supporting your opinion or “corollary-izing”
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 7, 2010 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions
It’s been more this year that I’ve seen him go in and knock guys off the puck but he’s done it to guys that at a glance appear to be much bigger than he is but Lars is much stronger than you would think knocking guys off the puck on the boards it’s been eye popping a number of times this year to me at least.
by Davethecapsfan on Apr 7, 2010 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m sorry. I can see what you’re saying and I can recall some instances of what you’re talking about, but I don’t see the same thing from Backstrom as from Crosby. Maybe it’s the things people might call “dirty” or “cheap” that Backstrom avoids but Crosby uses, but hey, whatever goes uncalled. Agree to disagree, I suppose.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 7, 2010 4:17 PM EDT up reply actions
I suppose, maybe I just haven’t watched Crosby enough or the fact that Lars has seemed to up his physical play at key moments has skewed my view of how much he does it on the whole.
by Davethecapsfan on Apr 7, 2010 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Nicky and Green and to some extent sarge all have that trait – they do their jobs (well) without obviously working. It also helps that everyone’s always watching Ovechkin. You have to remind yourself to stop watching 8 and focus on 19 or 52 or 55.
I continue my call for an end to OvechKam and debuting a new feature of BackisKam or SchultzKam.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
A focus on 8 was arguably how the first (?) goal was scored last night.
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 7, 2010 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions
I know, and I try to watch other guys on the ice. Maybe it’s just that I notice that with Crosby and not with Backstrom, even if I do see it with the latter. That’s just the impression I get—no one competes harder than Crosby.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 7, 2010 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Nobody competes harder than Crosby, but plenty of players compete just as hard. Let’s not pretend he’s the only guy that goes 100% all the time. You may see him more because he’s always around the puck and he is faster than Baxter, but there’s no way you can take away from Baxter or AO’s compete level.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
Quite honestly, I don’t see it.
You may see him more because he’s always around the puck
That tells me that he competes hard even away from the puck. I’m not so sure I can say the same about AO (though AO is getting better and better there).
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 7, 2010 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions
It’s hard for me to judge the last week or two because the games have meant less and less and it seems like Ovie has been saving himself a little for the playoffs. When we were on the streak and just after he had been named captain his “compete” level was at an all time high in our own zone and backchecking. I’m hoping we see that again come playoff time.
by Davethecapsfan on Apr 7, 2010 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, short-term memory probably plays a role. Nevertheless, even just after he got the C and during the 14 game winning streak, he would float from time to time, and a pet peeve of mine regarding his backchecking is that if he takes the extra one or two strides he’d make so many more good defensive plays, I think.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 7, 2010 4:18 PM EDT up reply actions
You also don’t watch PIT enough. Sid isn’t exactly a master in his own end either.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
Compete defensively != smart defensively. He’s definitely no Selke candidate yet (at least in the present conventional sense) he just, well, tries. Maybe that’s the nature of C vs W. I’ll see next two games if 8 or 19 go into a boards battle behind Theo.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 7, 2010 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Backstrom goes to his first all-star game. It’s the skills competiton. Henrik Zetterberg puts a hat on him with the flags of Sweden and Canada on them. Z cleans his glasses. Backstrom skates off with two sticks, and instead of a puck, he whacks a meatball into the net. He turns around, thrusts his arms skyward and shouts, ’FLYGPLATS!"
Too much?
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Apr 7, 2010 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
There can never be enough FLYGPLATS!
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 7, 2010 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions
If Nick should end up ahead of Crosby in the points race, that might seal the MVP for Ovi. BTW, Sedin edged ahead of Alex with an assist last night.
“AO only got his points because of Backstrom’s help! THERE’S NO WAY that he’s the MVP!”
Go Maple Leafz!
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 7, 2010 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions
I almost want to see Backstrom traded to another team, just to see how he performs without Ovechkin (and because I obviously want the Caps to suffer).
Backstrom has ridiculous talent, and is probably the most underrated player in the league.
If the Olympics were any example, he’d still be pretty damn good.
Everybody's rockin' out on Telephone Road
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 7, 2010 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions
For me, he’s gone to that Ovechkin like level where he just continually amazes me. I think the game against Chicago where he scored the OT winner was one of the most remarkable plays/sequences ive ever seen anywhere.
Everybody's rockin' out on Telephone Road
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 7, 2010 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions
Especially when you remember that he was LATE in his shift when he scored that.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
And he recovered the puck after giving it up in the Caps defensive zone. Awesome hustle to overcome a mistake, rewarded sweetly with his march down the ice, complete humiliation of Keith, and potting of the biscuit.
ah-VEECH-kin
It was a complete humiliation of Seabrook, and only a partial humiliation of Keith. Niemi can share some shame as well.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
Ah, yes. Thanks for the Seabrook correction. Short term memory, well, you know the deal.
ah-VEECH-kin
Yes, and if I were at home, I would have just clipped this wonderful play out of my archived copy of the Chicago game, posted/linked to it so everyone here relive the gloriousness of Backstrom in stunning HD. But alas, damn thing called work tends to mess things up way too frequently for my tastes.
ah-VEECH-kin
For me, it’s still the sequence against the NYR in last year’s playoffs, robbing Callahan of a goal, going length of the ice, kabonging Callahan while keeping the puck, then making a sick cross-ice pass to set up a goal. The entire toolkit on display.
by cuqui on Apr 7, 2010 10:23 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Amen to that.
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Apr 7, 2010 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions
With our current roster, and elite Center depth (or lack of), i think the Caps can win more with Ovi out than Backstrom.
I think Backstrom should be right up there with Ovi in MVP talk.
If you want to survive out here, you've got to know where your towel is.
by ns on Apr 7, 2010 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions
Don’t let Bushwood hear you, or he’ll go off the rails…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
… but still wouldn’t write a FanPost about it.
"He was the patron saint of quality footwear."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Apr 7, 2010 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions
That’s the feeling I get too. Center is more important than wing, and Backstrom’s versatility is immensely valuable. That being said, it’s easier to find an elite center than an elite wing, right?
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 7, 2010 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions
It Was
And yet it couldn’t make the NHL top ten goals of the year…unreal
by Direction 87 on Apr 7, 2010 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions
Beat me to it.
Loui Eriksson and Daniel Alfredsson seemed to like him OK.
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by Chris Burton on Apr 7, 2010 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions
Definitely. I guess I would just like to have them separated just to see how much they help each other.
Depends on what you mean by “help.” Obviously, AO was still having 100+ point seasons without him.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 7, 2010 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions
Clarkie put up his 30 the year before Backstrom too, correct?
Everybody's rockin' out on Telephone Road
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 7, 2010 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions
I know they would both still be top 5 players in the league, but it’s just out of curiosity. It’s like when people talk about how Sid plays without Malkin, but Sid did well before Malkin arrived.
Speaking of Malkin, when he is on his game, do the Pens and Caps have a monopoly on the top-4 players in the league? I seem to think so.
That can hardly be fair….
When you throw in Semin and Green, it really gets unfair ;).
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by Chris Burton on Apr 7, 2010 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions
Semin’s got Top-5 talent, but Top-20 results. Green is the solid #5 IMO, though.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 7, 2010 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions
I wasn’t insinuating that Green and Semin are top 10. But they’re definitely top 30. I don’t think Green is the best defenseman in the league, FWIW.
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by Chris Burton on Apr 7, 2010 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions
I know how you Preds’ fans think, but I will amend to, perhaps, Top-5 scoring talent?
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 7, 2010 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions
Nah. Green’s the league’s 4th best defenseman, I think. And I’d think that even if I wasn’t a Preds fan.
/ducks
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by Chris Burton on Apr 7, 2010 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions
So I guess I’ll have to ask before you’ll tell us.. Who do you have ahead of him?
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
This is a purely objective assessment, so don’t shoot me.
1. Keith
2. Doughty
3. Weber
4. Green
5. Orpik
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by Chris Burton on Apr 7, 2010 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions
I guess I’m just not familiar enough with Keith.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I guess not.
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by Chris Burton on Apr 7, 2010 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions
What were those stats JP posted yesterday comparing Green and Keith over the last month or two?
Everybody's rockin' out on Telephone Road
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 7, 2010 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions
I didn’t see any of those. Admittedly, Keith has regressed over the last month.
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by Chris Burton on Apr 7, 2010 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions
I wonder how much of that has to do with ye olde olympics?
Everybody's rockin' out on Telephone Road
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 7, 2010 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions
It was totally his skates, man!
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by Chris Burton on Apr 7, 2010 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, Green is far and away the most dangerous defenseman in the league, but I wouldn’t call him the absolute best yet. I know Keith has been struggling lately, but the race to be called “the best defenseman” is so close. I love me some Shea Weber.
I also think Drew Doughty can go on a 10 year stretch of being the best d-man in the league.
When Semin is on his game he’s up there with Ovechkin, I think.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 7, 2010 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions
I was thinking that after his performance last night…add some Ovi toughness and presence and Semin would be scary, scary, scary
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 7, 2010 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions
It’s gotten to the point where saying Backstrom is 4th in the league is a legit argument. I still think it’s hard to say he is clearly better than everyone else other than the Big 3…and so much of the Ovechkin/Backstrom discussion will be different than rating Crosby and Malkin individually because they usually play on 2 lines while Ovie and Lars make each other better and both their stats increase as a result.
by Davethecapsfan on Apr 7, 2010 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think Malkin is better than Baxter anymore. I think it’s Sid and AO and then on any given day there’s a large handful of guys that could lay claim to the “3rd best” title.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
I would actually be on board with this given how this year has gone for Malkin. When he is “on” though his ceiling is tremendously high…but the ability to consistently bring it seems to separate Crosby and Ovechkin from the rest of the pack. I also tend to more think “best of” by position after the top couple guys versus trying to compare everyone.
by Davethecapsfan on Apr 7, 2010 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Position is definitely relevant. It’s hard to compare Lidstrom to the forwards but he’s still a stud.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
Obviously not in his prime but if we were trying to compare between all positions it’s amazing how high he would still rank if people are being objective.
by Davethecapsfan on Apr 7, 2010 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Every time I watch a Wings game I’m consistently impressed by him. I’d sell my soul for Green to turn into 80% of Lidstrom’s career.
by Davethecapsfan on Apr 7, 2010 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Nick may have had the prettiest assist in the Olympics with his deke around the German defender to set up Loui Ericsson…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 7, 2010 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions
If You Could Go Back in Time
And you could re-order the top four choices, who would you pick with the top choice in the 2006 draft?
Here’s the way it actually went:
1. Eric Johnson-Blues
2.Jordan Staal-Pens
3. Jonathon Toews- Chicago
4. Nicklas Backstrom-Caps
I’d go:
Backstrom
Toews
Staal
Johnson
by b.orr4 on Apr 7, 2010 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I’d expand that to top 5 – Kessel (BOS) was the 5th.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Who do you take over Kessel in that draft?
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 7, 2010 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions
Kessel > Erik Johnson?
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by Chris Burton on Apr 7, 2010 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah.
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"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 8, 2010 12:05 AM EDT up reply actions
I would also have liked Okposo, no foolin’.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 7, 2010 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions
I just pulled up the whole 1st round and agree with your assessment. Very top heavy.
After Kessel – there are few impact players – Okposo, Mueller, Bryan Little, Patrick Berglund, but you quickly find yourself at Varlamov (#23) when looking for folks that are already top tier like the top 6.
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
I don’t know if Johnson would be down so far. He’s still very young, lost a year due to a freak injury and Dmen generally take longer to develop than forwards. He was awesome for the US in the Olympics and has the potential to be a real stud for the Blues for a long time (and he’s already a very good player).
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Apr 7, 2010 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Many of us in STL have a different perspective on the “freak injury.” Hard to believe that he was sober when he supposedly got his foot stuck in a golf cart and twisted his knee.
I need to remind myself that you can’t drink until you are 21, so he couldn’t possibly have been drunk.
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
How about the kid (for the Bruins?) that “fell over his luggage” in his hotel room at 2 in the morning when getting up for a potty break?
Haha.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
and suffered a concussion. youch.
If you want to survive out here, you've got to know where your towel is.
by ns on Apr 7, 2010 1:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah…the concussion is not up for debate. I’m completely not buying how he got it, however.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
My Order
1) Backstrom
2) Toews
3) Staal
4) Johnson
Amazing draft that all top four players have panned out so well. In many drafts this doesn’t happen…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 7, 2010 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Really, Baxter and Toews are 1 and 1A – can’t go wrong with either of them, and I feel like I could make a respectable argument for Toews over Baxter at this point.
"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 would like to hear that, as Toews has not yet been even a point a game player.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks. Oh and f**k Brooks Orpik.
Toews’ strengths aren’t limited to points (neither are Backstrom’s for that matter, but in a different way) – he’s extremely mature for his age, on the ice at least, and has amazing vision. If you watched him at the Olympics, he was hands-down the best player for Team Canada, and it wasn’t like that team was a bunch of stiffs.
And like Backstrom he’s still so young and hasn’t hit his full potential yet. I’d take him in a heartbeat – not before Backstrom but I could see a 1, 1A kind of argument for them.
Toews also has plenty of size—6’4", I believe. That gives him an advantage that Backstrom can’t touch.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 7, 2010 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions
NHL.com lists him at 6-2, 210. Backstrom 6-1, 210.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks. Oh and f**k Brooks Orpik.
Hmm. Not the first time NBC’s made a mistake (IIRC Edzo called him 6-4, 2-something).
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 7, 2010 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions
I think Backstrom is equal or better in every facet. Amazing vision? Check. Defensive asset? Check. Passer? Duh. Scorer? Check.
The only thing you are lacking is faceoffs and this je ne sais quoi that comes from his hyper maturity. To me it’s more like Backstrom is clearly 1 and Toews is clearly 2, then the rest.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks. Oh and f**k Brooks Orpik.
Start with the fact that Backstrom’s QualTeam is .565 and Toews’s is .176. Add in Toews’s sick PK numbers, and potential growth curve.
Put in terms of thought problem, how do you think Toews would do if he centered AO and Knuble for a year?
OK, maybe not a respectable argument. Sort of an argument.
"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
Oi….already reverting to the “He gets to play with Ovechkin” card. ;-)
Russian Machine very rarely breaks. Oh and f**k Brooks Orpik.
Yeah. when I actually checked the numbers, I didn’t find too much of a leg to stand on.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
If only there were some other offensively talented players on Chicago that Toews could play with…
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Apr 7, 2010 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions
It’s like you guys are related or something.
Follow me on Twitter!! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes
I wish I could quit you, Tyler Sloan! - Co-founder of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
by Ovechwin on Apr 7, 2010 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Last I checked Toews is playing with Kane and Hossa… they’re no slouches either…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 7, 2010 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Backstrom is kind of a fantasy what if Bowman let Fedorov play in a more open offensive system.
President and sole member of the Erskine lobby.
the mere idea of a younger Fedorov playing in a Bruce system is hockey-gasm. We saw flashes of it when he was here, but its a damn shame he was so bottled up most of his career.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
No, Feds was kept on a pretty short leash. I had an interview from this summer where he talked a little about his years in Detroit. He wasn’t entirely positive about the experience. I hope I can find the link again.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
I don’t have the link, but I know the interview. And it’s not the first time he’s said stuff like that. And he hated playing for Hitchcock.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
Which is why he’s reportedly coming to see Washington’s playoff games, not Detroit’s. (Can’t wait to see him back here.)
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Apr 7, 2010 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions
what, he’s coming back to watch games?!?! yay!
(he an Babcock didn’t exactly hit it off when they were in Anaheim. But to Babcock’s credit, he expressed shock that Feds was going to Russia and said something along the lines of Fedorov could still play defense in the NHL, if he wanted to, he’s that talented)
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
Feds could still play; he just couldn’t get paid what he wanted. Sadly his madd hockee skillz did not translate well to money management.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
I think Babcock made that comment before the extent of Fedorov’s financial situation came to light.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
As I typed that, I was looking for a link — I can’t remember where I read it. Maybe a Tarik tweet? But it was a firm rumor, if that makes sense.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Apr 7, 2010 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Chesnokov?
Follow me on Twitter!! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes
I wish I could quit you, Tyler Sloan! - Co-founder of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
Yes!
Sergei Fedorov, if what he told me in Feb is still true, will be in Washington for the Capitals’ playoff run this year.
11:47 AM Apr 5th
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Apr 7, 2010 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Everyone has said he could play D. He just never wanted to. Holland said he would have won Norris Trophies if he had made the switch when he was younger.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
under different circumstances, you think he could have been the Mike Green of his generation?
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
Nah, he’d have played D.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
by Rob Parker on Apr 7, 2010 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Zing!
Follow me on Twitter!! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes
I wish I could quit you, Tyler Sloan! - Co-founder of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
damn, I got pwned
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
Feds was a trailblazer. He had to kick a pretty big hole in the wall so Ovechkin & Co. could follow.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
I’ll agree in the sense he was the first truly young guy to come over, but Fetisov and Larionov had to endure a good deal of maltreatment(?) before the government let them go.
"I’d like to take the credit but dig mama, there’s no "I" in "revolut" …in "team."
perhaps unsurprisingly, Larionov continues to make his home in the US. These days, he runs IL Triple Overtime Wines.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
Varlamov
Missed the game yesterday but was hoping to get your impression on his play. Any improvement? Calmer in net? Still overplaying at times?
If you want to survive out here, you've got to know where your towel is.
Very solid, quiet (movement-wise). He’s almost “there.”
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Would ideally have liked to see him snare one of either Crosby’s goal or Leopold’s goal that didn’t go in off of ShaMo. It would have been a big save, of course.
He did make a couple other nice saves, though.
Overall, not bad, though.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
I think he was pretty epically screened on both. Not much chance, from my view.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 7, 2010 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions
Could be. I haven’t watched the replays.
"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
Looked fine to me. The Morrissonn thing was a bad bounce, the PK shit the bed on Crosby’s goal.
Everybody's rockin' out on Telephone Road
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 7, 2010 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions
And the other goal – Leopold’s bomb – Mo got down late to attempt a block and screened Varly.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
How can you give him that much room to operate? ERGH!
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
You can’t. It really was a perfect example of what sucks most about the Caps’ PK.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I could almost hear William Wallace shouting, HO-L-L-L-L-LD…HOL-L-L-L-L-L-LD… as Crosby was inching in.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Apr 7, 2010 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Unfortunately, that ended up like the English Cavalry impaling themselves on those wooden stakes.
Everybody's rockin' out on Telephone Road
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 7, 2010 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions
The Sid goal? That made me angry. I was happy that Steckel actually went out to cover the point man, but Sloan pretty much just sat there and let Crosby walk right in instead of rotating over.
Everybody's rockin' out on Telephone Road
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 7, 2010 10:26 AM EDT up reply actions
Speaking of being angry, I think 90% of the posters on Pensburgh were more upset that Ovi scored the empty-netter than they were that the Penguins got swept by the Caps.
by b.orr4 on Apr 7, 2010 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
And that, my friend, is what made that goal so sweet. That goal was nothing more or less than pulling the Pens’ chain.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
It did look like Ovi was actually tweaking the Pens fans by waiting to score until there was virtually no time on the clock.
Interesting how people see different things.
I saw him taking his time to get closer and not miss. In fact, in real time, I’m watching the clock wanting him to move faster.
I’m not sure that he knew how much time was left down to the second, but he clearly knew that it was late and — no question — clearly wanted that goal.
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
I don’t know. The clock is basically right above the goal. He could have been tracking it.
CapsAreNotMyDaddy
by PensAreYourDaddy on Apr 7, 2010 1:13 PM EDT up reply actions
There is a very easy to see clock at the ends of the rink at the Igloo. I have no doubt Ovechkin scored when he did as a coup de grace.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 7, 2010 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Makes sense. Why score earlier and leave even the slightest chance for the Pens to rush in off the faceoff and get another goal?
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
by jordanDC on Apr 7, 2010 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah, he learned from Maryland. Don’t leave time on the clock for a last second 3.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
Even in scoring an ENG he was thinking D first…
Anyone else notice how he then took the game-ending faceoff. Meaningless, I know, but still…I think it was against Crosby.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 7, 2010 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions
the only face off the report shows is vs. Craig Adams.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
Yep (scroll to the bottom). Guess Sid got off the ice.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 7, 2010 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions
I loved it. It was a total “eff you” moment, and doubly sweeter that it was probably the last game we’re playing in that house of horrors.
Everybody's rockin' out on Telephone Road
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 7, 2010 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions
probably the last game we’re playing in that house of horrors.
League won’t allow it to be the last :-)
CapsAreNotMyDaddy
by PensAreYourDaddy on Apr 7, 2010 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh-so-true. The better question – do they dare make the Caps the first visitor to Consol Energy Center?
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Would be interesting, but...
Hopefully we’ll get more of a pushover to start things off in the new place.
Oh joy, NHLN is replaying the game.
CapsAreNotMyDaddy
by PensAreYourDaddy on Apr 7, 2010 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Depends on how the Winter Classic plays out. If I were the Pens, I would lobby hard to have Edmonton be the first opponent. Open the building with a W…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 7, 2010 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions
And then taking the face off with 0.2 seconds left…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 7, 2010 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Does the puck have to leave the stick before time is up or does it actually have to cross the goal line to count?
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
Goal line. When AO pulled back the puck a little before that shot I thought "no ENG :( "
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 7, 2010 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions
F&B said something in the recap that stuck with me. He said Bylsma was sending a message to his team by pulling the goalie, knowing full well the price to be paid.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
No way, at first. But pulling him after the whistle in which he put him back in with ~30 seconds left down two? Odd move if you want to win your guy the Richard.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
After reading the comments, they’re ready to ride Bylsma out of town for that move. But you can hardly blame a coach for placing winning above personal goals.
Agree with you there. But someone please enlighten me when the last time a team came back from down 2 via pulling the goalie? I bet it sure helps pad the GPG stats for the NHL.
LOL @ Pens coaching. Thierrien, Adams Finalist, Fired. Blysma, Cup, Fired?
Russian Machine very rarely breaks. Oh and f**k Brooks Orpik.
Therrien had completely and utterly lost that team. I don’t see signs that Bylsma has at all. Their problems, other than injury, have been largely due to off-season losses driven by salary cap constraints.
Boston U had scored 2 after pulling the goalie in the Frozen Four final last year to tie it up. (And they won in OT.)
Rocking the Red since 1975
that was INSANE. easily one of the top 3 games I’ve seen. Ever.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
I think hes referring to yanking Fleury after Flash’s goal to go up 3-1
I ain't a playa, I just Puck alot
This was Flower’s 300th game, BTW.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
by EmilyB on Apr 7, 2010 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Eat it Pepper Fleury!
Signed,
Slapshot
Funniest thing I saw all last night I think.
"the other day on sportscenter they said something along the lines of "the capitals score so much tiger woods is jealous" haha had me laughing hard while i was eating my cereal"
That was pretty funny. If I was that guy, I might’ve gotten mad, though, at having shit poured on me.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 7, 2010 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions
He cussed out Slapshot for it and was pissy for the rest of the evening. Good work!
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Verry excellent, I no longer hate slapshot. Mainly because he did not attempt to accost me in any way.
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
This was at Union Jack’s?
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
Yup lol Walked right over w/ the pepper from another table.. and shook a good sized pile onto his jersey lol priceless.
"the other day on sportscenter they said something along the lines of "the capitals score so much tiger woods is jealous" haha had me laughing hard while i was eating my cereal"
That guy deserved it. He was the “real shot” guy. I pointed out that Flash’s goal was most certainly a “real shot”. He turned around, looked directly at me and pointed to the stanley cup patch on his Fleury jersey. Oh so you’re a bandwagon fan, eh?
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
But I thought that individual awards and such were meaningless and only the Cup matters. Why would AO and Sid’s pursuit of the Richard Trophy be of interest to them?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
(Btw, more impressions in the recap thread)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I like Hook’s content on Pensburgh, but he could really use an editor.
"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 7, 2010 10:35 AM EDT reply actions
And, ironically, I make my own grammatical error.
"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 7, 2010 10:36 AM EDT up reply actions
Rumor has it Pens are just waiting for the playoffs!
by d_fens on Apr 7, 2010 10:39 AM EDT reply actions 5 recs
The best thing about that picture is that I don’t think the Malkin part of that was photoshopped.
by Link_Gaetz on Apr 7, 2010 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Yeah it was – you can see the neck.
Blog: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
Staal can grow facial hair?
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 7, 2010 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions
Gads… please someone, anyone, invent eyebleach…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 7, 2010 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions
thank god for subject lines….aaaaaand collapsed
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 7, 2010 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions
The History Will be Made parody videos are ridiculous. The Patrick Stefan one almost had me crying. They didn’t include my favorite though: Gordon Bombay.
DC Landing Strip - Waxed and Ready to Go
by Alex Reed on Apr 7, 2010 10:48 AM EDT reply actions 2 recs
Morning Playoff round up. The West has it’s 8 teams,a ll the remains is to see where they end up seeded. In the East, 4 teams remain in the chase for 3 spots. Atlanta was eliminated last night.
EAST
Washington vs. Boston
New Jersey vs. Philadelphia
Buffalo vs. Montreal
Pittsburgh vs. Ottawa
WEST
San Jose vs. Colorado
Chicago vs. Detroit
Vancouver vs. Los Angeles
Phoenix vs. Nashville
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
Now we’re talking. CHI/DET would be must-see TV, as would VAN-LAK.
NJD-Flyers could be fun, and I like the Habs’ chances against the Sabres.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 7, 2010 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions
Losing Seidenberg makes the B’s an even more attractive opponent.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
According to Sports Club Stats, we have almost a 50% chance of facing Boston.
Even atheists believe in Matt Wieters
For that reason alone I would be scared for Semin if we played them in the first round. Chara running Ovi is one thing but Sasha doesn’t stand a chance.
"the other day on sportscenter they said something along the lines of "the capitals score so much tiger woods is jealous" haha had me laughing hard while i was eating my cereal"
Chara will hit Semin hard, but he’ll hit him clean. He’s very much a stand-up guy.
Of course, Semin may not be on the ice with Chara too often since Chara’s target will be Ovechkin…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 7, 2010 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, that’s why I’m not worried about it, either. Chara’s never really gone after Semin in the limited time they’ve shared the ice, and his target is and will always be Ovie.
One, Boston is fighting for their playoff lives. They need Chara on the ice.
Two, it was unfortunate rather than dirty, which I hope/think Chara will recognize.
"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
Van-LA would be a fun match-up. Too bad every game starts at 10 PM…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 7, 2010 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Again — I encourage you to consider moving to the central time zone.
It’s a wonderful place for sports starting times (and a lot of other things).
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
Ahem. West Coast rules.
Plus, every Caps game starts at 4 or 4:30PM.
by bilspacecadet on Apr 7, 2010 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Like Dirk Diggler self employed?
Russian Machine very rarely breaks. Oh and f**k Brooks Orpik.
by macvechkin on Apr 7, 2010 1:09 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Nah, I like it here… it’d take to long to get to the games in DC from the Central Time zone…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 7, 2010 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions
What Happens if..
Two or more players are tied for the goal scoring lead? Do they share the Richard? Would make for a nice Vegas moment on stage with Sid and Alex
I believe Iginla and Nash shared it once.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Do they share the Richard?
Yep, happened in 03-04 when Iginla, Nash, and Kovalchuk had a three way tie.
Should go to the guy who’s done it in the fewest games (and I’m not just saying that b/c it’d be Ovi this time around – goals-per-game seems like a good tie-breaker to me).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 7, 2010 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
way to sensible to happen…and if it possibly takes anything away from Crosby, forget it
by Direction 87 on Apr 7, 2010 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions
I think an asterisk should be required every time the goal scoring race is shown to point out the games played differential. We all know that Ovie would be ahead of him if not for injuries and suspensions.
Dare I say not showing that is part of the Crosby love fest? Don’t ever diminish his accomplishments!
Ovie’s assist increase is even more impressive, given the number of games played, but that never gets mentioned either.
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
I don’t get this argument. Part of accumulating any statistic is durability and abiding by the rules. If you get injured or miss games because of suspension, it doesn’t mean you could have scored more, it means you weren’t able to because of something you did. It’s all part of the equation.
I’m not suggesting or even coming close to suggesting that a stat like goals/game should determine the trophy. The Richard is based on goals scored, whether you play 40 games or 82. I also agree that projecting goals/game across more games means the player definitely would have scored more.
I’m just frustrated that it seems like such a big deal on certain web sites and tv channels that Crosby is either tied with or close to Ovechkin for the season, when games played is rarely mentioned.
I’m also aggravated at the bias shown when pointing out that Malkin didn’t play last night, as if that’s a reason the Pens lost, while not pointing out that Green didn’t play for the Caps.
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
Malkin is more important than Green truthfully. It’s closer than most think this year. We were also suiting up Beagle and both Sloan and Erskine so you could add our centers and Carlson to that list of guys we had out.
by Davethecapsfan on Apr 7, 2010 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions
I think that is entirely false. Green is hugely important. We were bad without him last year and earlier this year, and we weren’t the same team when he was hurt.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
by Rob Parker on Apr 7, 2010 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I agree with you.
It’s that darn 7-0 record without Green that says otherwise to people who don’t follow the Caps as closely at the folks here.
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
I agree last year we looked lost without him bringing the puck out for us, but this year we have adjusted better and have more puck movers on the backline. Pitt really is missing something without Malkin. Maybe I should say Malkin at his best, which we haven’t seen as much this year. Like I said though I think it’s pretty close, Green will be a huge part of our success or failure in the postseason, despite what anyone living in Pitt thinks.
by Davethecapsfan on Apr 7, 2010 4:03 PM EDT up reply actions
More puck movers on the backline? Corvo is a trade deadline guy and Carlson is basically the same. Everyone else was here last year and no matter what anyone says Poti isn’t a puck moving D anyway.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
I have to kind of agree with Davethecapsfan here. Last season, without Green, the philosophy of the offense changed (I think this is why without AO the Caps can win—their philosophy doesn’t change). Corvo has seemed to fill in okay for Green, as has Poti and even Schultz to an extent.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
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by red army line on Apr 7, 2010 4:07 PM EDT up reply actions
You’re going to make my head explode even trying to compare Poti and Schultz’s contributions to Green’s. If that’s the case then Green is literally not even a top 20 Norris candidate.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
I definitely am not comparing Schultz and Poti to Green btw :) just that collectively as a team we have adjusted for his absences much better this season. although some of that may just owe to our overall dominance in a lot of stretches throughout the year.
by Davethecapsfan on Apr 7, 2010 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions
If that’s the case then Green is literally not even a top 20 Norris candidate.
I can see this argument work against his MVP, but not against his Norris candidacy.
Basically, Poti/Schultz/Corvo can make a breakout pass most of the time, skate well, can stand at the blueline and pass the puck around the offensive zone. Nowhere near Green because Green brings more to the table, but those three tasks are a large part of playing defenseman, right? Helps to mitigate his not dressing because 75% of what he does is adequately taken care of with little to no adjustment needed.
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by red army line on Apr 7, 2010 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Basically, Poti/Schultz/Corvo can make a breakout pass most of the time, skate well, can stand at the blueline and pass the puck around the offensive zone.
All three of those guys do at least one of those things terribly. I’m not using it in the MVP sense in that “he’s not important to his team.” I’m saying in the sense that if Green is just marginally better than Corvo/Poti/Schultz then he’s not good enough to be a Norris winner. None of those guys are even close, so if Green doesn’t blow them away, neither is he. Good for us, Green blows them away every day of the week, even after a trip to the buffet.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
I think it’s been more of a collective effort when Green has been out this year that we’ve benefited from.
From comment below.
I think that’s also selling them short. Schultz can skate okay, and has reach to partly make up. Poti, maybe not so great at the breakout pass, can pass it to his partner. Corvo is competent in all three things (I would’ve added shooting the puck, but neither 77 nor 3 can really do that).
We all know the Caps are super talented and deep (on paper). So no excuse for not dressing the best defenseman, as the others should be able to pick up the slack. It’d be unrealistic to pick up 100% of the slack (a la Malkin 2008) but if they’re doing a competent job of it then no issue.
And we are comparing Green’s contribution to the contributions of 3 other players, after all (so roughly 3 times the TOI).
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by red army line on Apr 7, 2010 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m pretty much trying to compare him individually to each of those guys while pointing out that we’ve missed him less this season by taking better advantage of each of those guys’ strengths to collectively patch up the gaping hole we have when Green is out of the lineup. He does all of those things better than each of the guys listed imo.
by Davethecapsfan on Apr 7, 2010 4:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, that’s what I thought it was. I still don’t like it because Green is better at everyone of those skills than every one of those players. There isn’t a single thing that any of them do better than Green does (with the puck). The only guy that is as good as Green defensively is Schultz, but he doesn’t spark the offense.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
I feel like if you wanted a guy to come close to what Green does, you’re going to need to wait until the meat of next year and see how Carlson develops. I think he has the ability to get to that level defensively and offensively with the exception of carrying the puck himself…Green doesn’t have a peer in the league at that when comparing all D men.
by Davethecapsfan on Apr 7, 2010 4:32 PM EDT up reply actions
And that’s my point. That’s why I think he’s at least as valuable as Malkin and why he should win the Norris this year.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
I think it’s a dead heat between him and Keith for the Norris now. I would not have said that before the Olympic break. You’re making me buy the at least as valuable as Malkin argument too haha
by Davethecapsfan on Apr 7, 2010 4:38 PM EDT up reply actions
We got so far I forgot that was the original argument. I agree there, this season, Green and Malkin are equally valuable. Still, both guys’ teams have picked up the slack (right?).
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by red army line on Apr 7, 2010 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions
The difference being Green has played at a high level for most of the season when in the lineup…Malkin has missed time and been a little below his standard this year.
by Davethecapsfan on Apr 7, 2010 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions
What? You were comparing aggregate contribution? That makes more and less sense at the same time. If you have one guy that produces the same as the next three players on the depth chart combined then doesn’t that talk about how important he is?
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
Yes, he is that important…I said I thought it was much much closer than most people would think when comparing him to Malkin. A separate portion of the argument was how we had performed without Green last year and this year. This year I feel like we’ve done a better job of utilizing the best part of each of the other guys’ games to fill in the hole we have when Green isn’t in the lineup. That doesn’t mean he isn’t any less valuable I was just making the case why I think we’ve been 7-0 without him this year.
by Davethecapsfan on Apr 7, 2010 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions
I meant when 52 is out, the others can make up the slack well enough for a win most nights. He is important, but not as if he’s the only guy on the blueline who’s not petrified of the puck.
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by red army line on Apr 7, 2010 4:33 PM EDT up reply actions
If he goes down in the playoffs we are toast. I get that Corvo is supposed to be insurance, but Green is one of 3 guys this team can’t replace for any sort of long term injury.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
Definitely not. Going back to what trade package could get AO (I think from yesterday’s clips, specifically whether Keith + Toews + first is enough) he brings so much as one player. Although, I don’t doubt in the first round or two missing Green shouldn’t be an excuse to lose. In the CF and SCF, when the talent between the teams will be closer, the fact that he’s the all-in-one D is huge, but before that, I don’t think so much.
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by red army line on Apr 7, 2010 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions
I will say Schultz is an under-rated breakout passer of the puck. Obviously he is not a guy who is going to carry it out himself, but he has the ability to make sharp breakout passes to allow us to gain the center line and get it deep. Carlson has also shown an aptitude for this. For all of Poti’s fails this year, at times he has done a good job of taking space that is given to him and carrying the puck to center. I think it’s been more of a collective effort when Green has been out this year that we’ve benefited from.
by Davethecapsfan on Apr 7, 2010 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Despite my defense of Corvo being an upgrade over him, Pothier definitely had stretches earlier in the year when he was very effective moving the puck up ice for us, and noticed it especially in a game or two Greenie missed. The 7-0 record is kind of a small sample size and given how dominant we have been if those games all just come during one of our “runs” I don’t think it’s that relevant even though it would support my stance. I think it’s very close and Malkin has been very pedestrian many a night this season.
by Davethecapsfan on Apr 7, 2010 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Ross tie breakers: 1) most goals, 2) few fewest games played, 3) first goal scored
Richard tie breakers: there are none, players tied share the award.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Richard tie-breaker: fewest shots taken.
Signed,
Gary
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
second tie-breaker:
most front teeth.
Also signed,
Gary
by bilspacecadet on Apr 7, 2010 1:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Fourth tie-breaker:
Do you play for Pittsburgh?
(this silvery stuff is getting caught in my eyes)
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by red army line on Apr 7, 2010 4:07 PM EDT up reply actions
cage match in Vegas on awards night
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Apr 7, 2010 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Per F&B in the recap – if two players score identical goals they share the Richard. If two players score identical points the Ross goes to the player with the most goals.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
I like this idea. Mostly because I think cage match=Ovie wins.
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Dammit, beat me.
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by Chris Burton on Apr 7, 2010 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions
With front AND back protection, ideally.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 7, 2010 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions
a UFC sponsored pay per view event between Ovi and Sid would be awesome.
by Direction 87 on Apr 7, 2010 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions
No. Keep it to hockey. That’s what they’re good at.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Take out the violence and possible injuries..
How about a simply beard growing contest?
Crosby and Ovechkin compete to grow the thickest beard between the end of the playoffs and the awards night. The one with the the thicker beard wins.
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
How much does creativity work into that? Crosby rocked a pretty mean Van Dyke.
Everybody's rockin' out on Telephone Road
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 7, 2010 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think that was creativity. I think those are the only spots he has growth.
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by STLSpidey on Apr 7, 2010 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Quoting King Henrik:
Oh, I like that idea.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 7, 2010 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions
King Henrik is all sorts of awesome for that clip alone.
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Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
For the Art Ross, the first tie breaker is goals, the second is games played, the fewer the better, the third tie breaker is the player who scored earliest in the season.
The Rocket Richard Trophy has no tiebreakers and is shared among all players who lead the league in goals.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 7, 2010 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions
What would you have it be? I mean, at the point where you’ve got two guys who have both scored 46 goals, 67 assists, and did so in 79 games, you kind of need a definitive tie-breaker to award the thing. “Who scored earlier” is something they’re almost certain not to have tied on, unless they scored at the same second of the same game.
GUTEN TAAAAAAAAAAAAG!
I would not have a 3rd one. If they had identical stats in identical games played then they should share it. Scored first is retarded especially with teams starting the year in Europe, etc. Granted not much chance of it ever coming down to that, but at that point just share it.
by Davethecapsfan on Apr 7, 2010 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions
My apologies, substitute “staggeringly stupid”. Far more stress on how poor of a decision it is and it sounds better to boot.
by Davethecapsfan on Apr 7, 2010 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Interesting Sid/Ovie comparison...at least to me.
In 35 home games, Ovie has 24G, 38A, and is a +31.
In 35 away games, Ovie has 24G, 20A and is a +12.
In 39 home games, Sid has 33G, 35A, and is a +21.
In 39 road games, Sid has 15G, 17A, and is -10.
So, if you can match your best pair against Sid, that would be a good indicator you’re going to shut him down for the most part, no?
Also, how much of that has to do with Pittsburgh’s shit power play (converting at a sweet 13.7% on the Road)?
Everybody's rockin' out on Telephone Road
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 7, 2010 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions
The answer to the implied question… Sid played 39 home games against the sucky Southeast, 39 road games against New Jersey
If you've read this far...seek help.
The answer to a second implied question is that Crosby is a massive minus and scored less in the 8 extra games he played than Ovechkin – thus skewing the overall results.
Had Crosby only played 70 games, he would have much better +/- at home and on the road and more balanced scoring like Ovie..
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
You cut out the games where Sid didn’t score and was minus so that the stats are skewed in his favor.
Or at least that’s what the biased Caps fan in me thinks the Sid-supporters would do to explain the difference.
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
Right, I’m just saying it goes both ways. When AO was injured he was hot as balls. That’s when people were talking 50 in 50. He lost some games when he was seriously producing. If he had been injured for 6 games after the Olympics he would have lost far less production. There’s no way to know how it would have played out. Bottom line, AO played fewer games and surpassed Sid’s production.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
by Rob Parker on Apr 7, 2010 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Break Out the Brooms
This post needs more brooms.
The eagle never lost so much time as when he submitted to learn from the crow.
Bob McKenzie sez
Interesting final NHL CSB: Seguin, Hall, Connolly, Gudbranson and Fowler. New TSN Top 10 on Monday in honor of draft lottery Tuesday.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Are all the top 4 Canadian born? Are they all CHL guys? I think there’s a pretty strong CHL bias in prospect ranking. The CHL is definitely the best developmental league, but the best players don’t always come from there.
And Cam Fowler is absolutely being overlooked.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
Patric Hornqvist- 50 goal potential?
Dirk thinks maybe. (Hornqvist is just below AO in SOG/60M of 5/5 and ahead of Semin).
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
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Schultz for Norris!
What’s the over under on how many votes Mr. Nasty gets in the Norris voting this year? For reference, here’s last year’s votes.
I’m going with 4 points. Over or Under?
Under
"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
Over! 6 points!
To be or not to be. That's not really a question.
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I vote under as well. It looks they they only vote for top 5. I’m not sure I’d put him in the top 5 and I’m incredibly biased.
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Green
Doughty
Weber
Keith
Lidstrom
Reasonable Top 5?
"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
Swap some guys around, but yeah those are mine too.
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by Chris Burton on Apr 7, 2010 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions
You, swap some names in that list??
I’m SHOCKED!!
(I debated leaving Weber out entirely just to tweak you, but decided it was too mean)
"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
lol, I don’t care, its your opinion.
Don’t worry, I don’t think Shea’s the best defenseman in the league (yet?). I don’t think Green is, either, though.
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by Chris Burton on Apr 7, 2010 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Cool.
You put Doughty at the top? I haven’t seen hardly any of his games this year, so it’s tough for me to say.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
Nah.
Keith/Doughty/Weber/Green/Lidstrom, in that order. Pronger, Suter, Schultz in the next pack.
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by Chris Burton on Apr 7, 2010 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Schultz, really??? Off the top of my head I’d throw Erik Johnson, Rafalski, Timonen, Ian White, Tomas Kaberle, Joni Pitkanen, Chara, Ehrhoff ahead of him.
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Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 7, 2010 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Bwahahahahahahahahahahhahahahahahahaha. Tomas Kaberle!!!!! BWaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhahahhahahaahahahahahahahahaha. That guy fucking sucks in his own end. Even on a shit team he can’t get ES time against top lines or any PK time. He’s such a defensive liability he makes Mike Green look like a Norris winner! If I wasn’t laughing so hard about Kaberle I’d tear down Pitkanen and Ehrhoff as well.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
Kaberle is so good offensively I don’t even care he’s super unbalanced. If I had zero D and was picking for a single game this summer, Kaberle comes ahead of Schultz for me. Pitkanen can skate and is good offensively. I take him for that single game as well. I do admit though I was going by the stats on Ehrhoff. Schultz is good, and on those guys’ level, but not better, I don’t think.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
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by red army line on Apr 7, 2010 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Nope. You’ll never get me to give on Kaberle. Sandis Ozolinsh 2.0. Ehrhoff has taken a big step this year but still suffers from brain farts in his own end pretty regularly. Ultimately none of them are in Norris contention.
If GMGM traded Schultz to TOR for Kaberle straight up I’d drive to Kettler and throw feces at his office door and demand he be fired.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
by Rob Parker on Apr 7, 2010 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
It would be amazing to track the discrepancy in how many people would 100% agree with you on that last year to this year.
by Davethecapsfan on Apr 7, 2010 4:33 PM EDT up reply actions
On J.R. I think most people would want GMGM fired, including myself, in that case.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 7, 2010 4:34 PM EDT up reply actions
So you think Kaberle is better but wouldn’t trade Schultz for him?
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
Well there’s the issue of the salary cap!
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Which means you think Kaberle is overpaid, or Schultz is underpaid. Personally, I think both are true. After Schultz re-signs we’ll see if he’s underpaid, but Kaberle will still be overpaid. Even not looking at the money I’ll take Schultz over Kaberle, especially for this team.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
Eh, that’s a goode enough salary for him on the right team. A team that is defensively responsible, but hurting for offense from the blueline, for example.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
He’s actually not a bad fit for TOR’s blueline with Komisarek, Schenn and Beauchemin.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Apr 7, 2010 7:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Schultz is a lot younger, will be better real soon, and is cheaper. Plus, no NTC (or does TK have a NMC?). Like saying Green for Lidstrom, to pull a comparison out of thin air. A GM would be crazy to trade Green for Lidstrom, but if you do it for one game, then it works out well for the party that traded 52.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
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by red army line on Apr 7, 2010 4:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Ehrhoff no, White no, Kaberle LOL, Chara no, Pitkanen LOL, Timonen no.
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by Chris Burton on Apr 8, 2010 12:09 AM EDT up reply actions
Really, even Chara not ahead of Schultz? Wow.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 8, 2010 8:54 AM EDT up reply actions
I like the list, but from a practical perspective, do you really see voters leaving off last year’s winner entirely when he has only missed two games, is 18th in scoring among D, and is +17? These are just slightly off last year (12th in scoring and +23).
Voters will ask who has moved up, but they’ll also question last year’s vote and wonder if Chara has really moved down enough to go off the ballot entirely. They need to validate last year’s vote this year.
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I think its pretty much a given the final ballot is Green/Keith/Doughty, right?
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by Chris Burton on Apr 7, 2010 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Top 3 – yes, difficult to argue.
But the vote is top 5, which is where FD started.
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
Then just add Lidstrom and Weber, I guess. They’ve both had better years than Chara, IMO.
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by Chris Burton on Apr 7, 2010 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Good point. In my defense, I was offering my own Caps-biased picks, not predicting what the final standings would be. I agree that Chara will get some carryover votes.
"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
Had no idea Weber got that many. Thx.
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by Chris Burton on Apr 7, 2010 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Under. But I think he gets some votes from people who will go “Well he led the league in plus minus so he has to be on my ballot!” You know, the same people who gave Viktor Kozlov Selke votes a couple years back.
Well, exactly. But I could see two dudes going crazy and voting him a 4th and a 5th. 3+1=4 pts. Could happen….
by bilspacecadet on Apr 7, 2010 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions
I seem to remember TEB writing that he isn’t allowed to vote for these awards per Post policy.
GUTEN TAAAAAAAAAAAAG!
Post won’t let anyone vote on an award that affects a person’s compensation. Aside from there being money attached to the awards (is there?), the entry level contracts have/had bonus clauses for them, so no Calder votes for Ovi or Nick in those years.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
I’m just in shock over some of those guys getting votes
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
IDK, but Dan Boyle having that many votes and Suter not even showing up is a disgrace.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 7, 2010 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions
And what off the (at least) four writers that didn’t think Chara was Top 5 material for the Norris?
Really, shouldn’t this be some sort of Darwinian exercise where we weed those fools out? I’m not asking for group think, but to be that far out in left field means you have issues.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks. Oh and f**k Brooks Orpik.
what the hell are you talking about?
signed,
Fred Hickman
/NBA reference
by bilspacecadet on Apr 7, 2010 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Over...
Probably will get a couple of 4ths and few 5ths. Maybe 11 points.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 7, 2010 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions
55 points.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Apr 7, 2010 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
so, Theo is supposed to be at the Nats game tonight. Does anyone have details?
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
He’ll be coming in for Jesus Flores.
Everybody's rockin' out on Telephone Road
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 7, 2010 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions
You can get them custom made… Rawlings will make them. They don’t stock them by default.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 7, 2010 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Right here...
And yes, you can get them without having them custom made.
and notice the deft use of the subject line…
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Apr 7, 2010 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Well played…but prove to me that is not taken from a mirror! ;-)
Russian Machine very rarely breaks. Oh and f**k Brooks Orpik.
There have been 30 LH catchers in MLB history, none since 1989 (Benny DiStefano from, of course, Pittsburgh), only three since 1905.
OK, back to hockey
If you've read this far...seek help.
It’s the mechanics of the game. Most players hit right handed, so a left handed catcher has a tremendous disadvantage when throwing to second, and is completely off balance when throwing to third. Unless a runner has Adam Dunn speed, it’s pretty easy to steal third on a lefty catcher.
It’s the same reason that there have been even fewer lefthanded second-basemen, shortstops and third-basemen.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 7, 2010 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Interesting quote from the NHL.com recap:
But Ovi erased that lead with his predatory ways.
What’s up here? Gratuitous word-choice, there – “predatory”. Dictionary.com says:
PREDATORY: of, pertaining to, or characterized by plunder, pillage, robbery, or exploitation: predatory tactics.
Oh, so the big, bad, evil Ovi and his henchmen the Washington Capitals preyed on poor Sidney Crosby? Oh please. Can we knock off the whole Ovi-as-villain charade now?
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
When I hear ‘predator’ all I can remember is this time I went to this girl’s house and all of a sudden all these MSNBC people came out of nowhere….
Russian Machine very rarely breaks. Oh and f**k Brooks Orpik.
When I hear Predator, I think about that troll Chris character that hangs out here.
/snark (we luv ya Chris…)
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 7, 2010 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Get to the choppaaaah!!!
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
by Rob Parker on Apr 7, 2010 4:33 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I think McGuire’s referred to him as predatory before, too – and I get why it sounds negative but I don’t know, it’s kind of growing on me.
It’s not exactly the worst description of the way he plays, either. He’s always going for the puck or the net, or looking to run over someone if he loses the puck or misses the net. People have called him worse (and will continue to) – and actually it’s being spread to the team as a whole, too. I like it.
If you look at the dictionary definition of “predatory”, it’s all about exploitation, which really isn’t fair to my way of thinking. I understand what you’re thinking, but I don’t think the word fits.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
I guess by the technical definition of it, it doesn’t – but I doubt NHL.com was going for something like that, and most people who use it in casual conversation don’t mean it that way, either. When I use it or read it I think of someone constantly on the attack.
(Of course, macvechkin’s joke above is actually a good way to demonstrate why others might give it a negative connotation ;))
“Alexander Ovechkin is the ultimate predator” etc etc etc, talking during Caps-Pens with Ovechkin’s trick, after a hit on Matt Cooke.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 7, 2010 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions
I’ve described Varly’s style of play as predatory, something about his stance is animalistic to me.
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
Perhaps “primal” would be a better word choice.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
I don’t think so. I’ve settled on predatory.
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
And never mind the dictionary definition of predatory. Okay, to each his own.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Primal is an even worth interpretation! There are multiple definitions to things you know.
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
even worse* ack
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
Hungry like a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
More like adorable!
Follow me on Twitter!! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes
I wish I could quit you, Tyler Sloan! - Co-founder of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
Give it a few months
and Holmgren will try and sign this crab
If you want to survive out here, you've got to know where your towel is.
by ns on Apr 7, 2010 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, even then the Flyerz goaltending willbe better than the Caps…
Go FLyerzzzz
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 7, 2010 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions
velociraptovechkin
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Apr 7, 2010 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Pic didn’t come through for me. Is that an XKCD joke?
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 7, 2010 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions
photoshop a red #8 jersey on him!
(BTW, that movie scared by bejesus out of me when it came out. For YEARS I would have nightmares if I even saw a picture like this)
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
I don’t mind the comparison; heard worse, recently…
The fact is he scares the shit out of 15 other teams that matter right now, and they better hope he feels satisfied with his regular season.
Driving under the influence of hockey since godknow's when.
I describe AO’s offensive game as predatory all the time. He is like a shark on the ice. I think you are too sensitive with this one.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
“He’s like the shark in Jaws, circling in the water waiting for blood. They should play that music from the movie – da-duh, da-duh, da-duh – when he’s out on a shift. He doesn’t just go after loose pucks, he hunts them down.”
~John Davidson, President of Hockey Operations for the St. Louis Blues.
by cuqui on Apr 7, 2010 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Posted permanently over at http://alexovetjkin.blogspot.com/ (right sidebar, along with many other sweet quotes).
so, watching the replay
I remember there was some questioning about Gonchar’s submarining of Ovechkin during the empty net situation last night. After watching the replay, it appears that the trail official actually saw it and intended to call it, that or he saw something else because his arm is up signaling a delayed penalty as Alex waltzes in to score the ENG.
I kinda feel like delayed penalties should show up on the score sheet as a 2 minute minor to whomever it is called on, just need to serve any time.
↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → b a (select) start
Great idea. I can tell you that in Missouri High School Hockey such penalties are put on the scorecard and count towards suspensions, ejections, etc. I don’t know about elsewhere.
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
That definitely makes sense for youth hockey, especially leagues that have limits on how many stick fouls you can get in a game.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
What the rule in the NHL for 5 minute majors or double minors, when a team scores before the penalized team touches the puck? Are those also waived off?
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
Yes — I just checked online and they do. Nothing about double-minors though. My guess is that those are waived off.
I can’t recall a time when a team scored on a delayed 5 minute penalty and then went on the power play and then scored again. That would be awesome.
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
I don’t think I’ve seen it either but now I want to (as long as it’s not us getting called).
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
Double-minors
When a double-minor penalty has been signaled by the Referee and the non-offending team scores during the delay, one of the minor penalties shall be washed out and the penalized player will serve the remaining two minutes of the double-minor penalty. The penalty will be announced as a double-minor penalty but only two minutes would be shown on the penalty time clock.
CapsAreNotMyDaddy
by PensAreYourDaddy on Apr 7, 2010 6:34 PM EDT up reply actions
But then the Pens touched it (Staal, whose cross ice pass Backstrom intercepted)…late penalty call???
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 7, 2010 1:42 PM EDT up reply actions
some interference behind the play, maybe?
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
So… Elephant in the room.
What does it cost to sign a 22-year-old who already has a 100+ point season under his belt? Considering how sure the Caps organization was last season that Backstrom would be a star, should we be irked that they waited until after this season to sign him?
You had me at no problem.
This is where it’s excellent to have Crosby in the league. They may be comparable, but I don’t think he gets Crosby money, because, frankly, he’s not Crosby.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 7, 2010 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions
That’s my thought, but how much less? If I was his agent, I’d probably try to get 8M. He won’t get it, but is 7.5 out of the realm of possibility?
"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."
Depends on the term of the contract.
If I’m his agent, I’m looking for either a short contract for big money, or a long contract for somewhat less. If the Caps were willing to sign him for 10 years at $6.5M, he’d be crazy not to take it. Under that scenario, if he was Lindros’ed out of the league in the first game of next season, he’d still walk away with $22M or so. If he was to reach age 26 and either flame out, or get injured, he’d have earned not less than $26M (in salary payment to that point), plus he would walk with another $25M or so when the Caps buy out his contract.
It would be the perfect deal. If he signs for a bit of a discount, but plays on a powerhouse team, he’ll make up the difference in salary with endorsements (Bauer, Geico, whatever), while providing himself some insurance against possible injury, or failure to perform.
Otherwise I think you’re looking at 5 years at $7.5M, maybe $7M if he really liked DC.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
Not that I think Backstrom will flame out, I am very very wary of a long term contract for anyone. 7 years down the line a 10 year contract with a 6.5M hit could be disastrous for the club. In the salary cap era, teams that are successful have stayed as flexible as possible.
↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → b a (select) start
I figure that you keep some key players long term, ideally. Pittsburgh got 87 and 71. Detroit got Datsyuk, Zetterberg, and Franzen if memory serves. In Washington, 8 is already done, and I think 19 and 52 are on that level as well.
I also think it’s too early to judge long deals in the cap era. For one, many teams were handicapped by deals made in the first offseason or two—GMs have learned since then (I hope Sather did, for Rangers fans’ sake). And we haven’t seen a 6+yr deal handicap a team yet, aside from the Pronger one which was for an older player, not a young guy with tons of upside.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 7, 2010 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Every dollar counts though. Look at how much impact the Clymer buyout had. I’m not saying don’t sign them to a long term deal, I’m just saying that it makes me uneasy seeing so many flying around.
↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → b a (select) start
Ovechkin’s long term deal, to me, is a scarier prospect than giving Backstrom a long term deal, purely because of his style of play. If OV was to suffer a bad injury (knocks on desk) the Caps are on the hook for a ton of money. Obviously, anything can happen, but to me, Backstrom looks to be a lower risk from an injury standpoint.
On the upside (in both contracts) when Ovechkin signed, and if they get a deal done for Nick, both will be signed when they are well under 27, which reduces the risk of getting stuck with a huge cap hit on a long term contract (since they get bought out for 1/3 of their remaining salary instead of 2/3 if they are under 27).
Ovechkin, Backstrom, and maybe Green are the only guys on the roster I’d be willing to risk a long term contract on, and in part, I’d only do it to keep their salaries down so I could afford to keep a team around them. Its a gamble for certain.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
Insurance and LTIR my friend. Not as risky as one might think.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks. Oh and f**k Brooks Orpik.
I’d only do it to keep their salaries down so I could afford to keep a team around them
And I think that’s the kicker. I could see the Caps saving $1 million or more per season on Backstrom’s cap hit with a long deal, and even more with Green. And they can still get paid what they think they’ll be worth, but not have it count 100% against the cap (with other seasons’ salaries bringing their cap hit down)
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 7, 2010 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions
I’d sign Nick to a ten year deal right now. I’m withholding judgment on such a deal for Green until he’s up for a new deal. Today I wouldn’t sign Green to that deal, but if he keeps developing his defensive game and showing commitment to improving and staying in shape then I’d give it to him.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
Is $6.5/10 fair? Does his play this season merit $7, or perhaps $7.5?
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
Considering he’ll be around 32/33 by its end, 7 sounds right. I’d prefer a longer deal (16 years anyone?) to get maybe $6 in a Zetterberg type cheap end years.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 7, 2010 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions
I think the 6.5 average is probably fair. You’d be likely to see a base salary for the first 4-6 years of 7 or 7.5.
by Davethecapsfan on Apr 7, 2010 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Amazing how accurate that BB statement of him being a 30/70 guy is what he sees for him reaching 100 points.
by Davethecapsfan on Apr 7, 2010 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions
But I submit he is getting more Crosby-ey by the day. That said, it is probably reasonable, if not entirely fair, for a GM to assess Backstrom’s numbers are inflated by the Ovie factor: that may help keep the cost under 7 Million per, and he doesn’t need a Cup at this point to protect his asset value.
(and no wisecracks about cups protecting assets, people)
Anyone who has been paying attention knows that Bruce Boudreau has settled on his playoff starter.
I know we’re all assuming Theo will be the guy going in, but hasn’t BB publicly said that he wasn’t decided yet? Or did I miss something?
by sixsevenfiftysix on Apr 7, 2010 1:42 PM EDT reply actions
Anyone else used to think EA had a massive glitch in their NHL engine when Crosby would end up with 50+ goals? Funny how things change. Now they look line geniuses.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
Why would it be a glitch? He is fast as hell and strong on his feet. That’s literally all you need to score 50 goals in video games. I had Steve Eminger winning Norris trophies and Stanislav Chistov winning the Richard.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
Because Crosby wasn’t supposed to be a 50 goal scorer until, well, now. He was supposed to be a 30 goal-70 assist type of player. I thought it ridiculous that he’d beat out AO (or maybe I stole a few of AO’s goals in be a pro—heh). But now, not so ridiculous. He certainly has and had the tools, but that wasn’t his style.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 7, 2010 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions
By the same token I’m sure most people would never expect Ovechkin to have more assists than Crosby and be flirting with 60+ for the year. Even though it shouldn’t be too surprising given his 200/200 in first 4 year status.
by Davethecapsfan on Apr 7, 2010 4:52 PM EDT up reply actions
AO was messed up when I last played as well, going pretty much 50-65 when I thought it should’ve been 60-55.
I really don’t see the point of contention. NHL 09 Crosby’s production was radically different from real 2009 Crosby. But NHL 09 Sid ~ 2010 Sid.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 7, 2010 4:55 PM EDT up reply actions
But you’re talking about “Crosby wasn’t supposed to be a 50 goal scorer” in real hockey. I don’t see why that would mean you shouldn’t expect that in video games. Jeremy Roenick wasn’t the best NHL player but he’s the best video game player ever. Certain qualities are highly overrated in video games and make players produce more than they would IRL. Crosby has those qualities, most importantly speed.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
Chimera should be a 100 goal guy.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I was looking for something realistic. I thought the engine, especially with Crosby’s designation as a “playmaker,” would have made him a not-50 goal guy. For all the awards EA’s NHL series has been winning, that was one sore point for me, especially with the whole Caps-Pens thing.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 7, 2010 5:02 PM EDT up reply actions
But I needed to win the Richard as a defenseman!
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 8, 2010 8:55 AM EDT up reply actions
There are a lot of tinfoil hats on today
The fans for these other teams are a bit delusional. Over on the Flyers side, they think that the Caps are were they are because they beat up on the South Least division, as do the Pens fans, without considering the Caps record against the Atlantic, or anyother division. They seem to be under the impression that Pitt and Philly dominated the SE and Eastern Conf, too.
On top of that, some lunkheads on the Flyers board think that if they beat Pitt, they won’t fear anyone. Its like Boucher isn’t even in net for them. They mystically channel Patrick Roy between the pipes.
And all this speculation that the Caps have the weakest D going into the post, and suspect goaltending. They’re #1 in the league, #1 in the east by a wide margin (approx 10% of the seasons worth), and have over 300 goals for. But suddenly teams are going to start playing defense in the postseason and that will negate the Caps offense. Well, what if the Caps start playing defense in the post too, and still have the league’s best offense at their disposal? Really? They’ve been beating teams all year because the opponents opted not to play defense against the Caps? Thats why Ovie is triple teamed all the time?
Don’t need to worry about the Caps, huh?
I hope your team skates out with that attitude too.
facts are just so damn inconvenient, aren’t they?
Caps vs. SE: 18-3-2 (.848)
Pens vs. SE: 9-6-4 (.579)
Flyers vs. SE: 10-10-0 (.500)
oh snap!
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
To be fair, the Caps don’t have to play themselves, so you should look at the other teams’ records against the other 4 SE teams. The Caps are still better, but just sayin’ is all.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Apr 7, 2010 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions
It affects the pens, since 2 were OTL and 2 were regulation.
by The Jade Donkey on Apr 7, 2010 2:03 PM EDT up reply actions
good point, here are the Pens and Flyers revised numbers:
Pens vs. SE: 9-4-2 (.666) yes, 666. I checked it twice. And laughed)
Flyers vs SE: 10-7-0 (.588)
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
sorry, Flyers is incorrect. it should read 9-7-0 (.562)
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
Take it a step further:
caps vs ATL: 14-3-3 (.700) (31 pts)
Pens vs ATL: 13-8-1 (.591) (27 pts)
flyers vs ATL: 13-8-1 (.591) (27 pts)
Seems like we feasted on their division too
Suspend Colin Campbell!
So in other words, the Caps do get a slight advantage relative to the Pens (since, as RedBirdie figured out, the Pens are .666 against the SE), but the Flyers don’t (since they’re actually worse against the non-Caps SE than the ATL).
I can buy that playing in the SE inflates the Caps’ point totals a little, this year, but the Caps are winning the conference by such a wide margin and have played so well against the ATL that it’s foolish. And I also think it’s a disadvantage come playoff time to have played so many games against a terrible division.
The Caps get 8 extra SE division games over the Pens and Devils. Lets assume they won all 8 and that if those were 8 extra games against the Atlantic they’d lose all 8 in regulation (definitely not accurate). That’s 16 fewer points for the Caps, still good enough for first in the Conference by 3 points over the Devils. So yeah, playing in the SE has nothing to do with why they won the Presidents’ Trophy.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Apr 7, 2010 8:28 PM EDT up reply actions
What with that analysis being so shortened, I’d modify that to nothing to do with why they won the East. The President’s Trophy is a different animal. That 16 point drop puts them behind San Jose and Chicago in points, and ties them with Phoenix.
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 7, 2010 9:03 PM EDT up reply actions
I know that, but as I hinted at it is completely ridiculous to suggest that the Caps would get 0 of the 16 points in any other division. Even if they only got 8 pts (which is still a stretch) they would be first in the league. Playing in the East contributes to them winning the Presidents’ Trophy, but the division they are in within the East does not.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Apr 7, 2010 11:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Depends on how many of those 8 additional losses to the Atlantic were against the Devils.
CapsAreNotMyDaddy
by PensAreYourDaddy on Apr 7, 2010 11:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Off topic
RedBirdie – did you get my email?
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
yeah, sent it to Mr. B, since he was the one handling it. I’ll remind him.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
That’s the worst argument: “Well the playoffs are a totally different animal.”
I could buy “well, in the playoffs the Pens will be more responsible with the puck, and will control the puck since the Caps commit too many turnovers with their aggressive style.”
But that defense in the playoffs argument is weak.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 7, 2010 2:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Its ridonkulous. I tried to comment over there, but it takes 24 hours to join. Not that I go to other sites and harass people, but someone said that if the forwards were playing well, he knows that the Flyers could outscore the Caps. He knows. I don’t know if he’s a savant, but he’s definitely an idiot. I’ll take the Caps offense with Theo in net over the Flyers team with Boucher in net all year long.
I’m reminded of two sayings:
“If ifs and buts were candy and nuts, we’d all have a wonderful (insert your holiday of choice).”
And a great rejoinder from my mom, when she disagreed with something we said with an “if” — “If I had four wheels, I’d be a garbage truck.”
No question – if the Flyers forwards can score more goals than the Capitals, they will win. That a ginormous IF.
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
Rumor has it that that’s how you win hockey games – score more than the other team.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
so that’s how the Crapitals keep winning!
Go Flyerz!
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
mirtle
New top choice for Masterton… Mark Recchi nominated in Boston.
I’m assuming this is only because Jose hasn’t been nominated yet, I can’t think of anyone more deserving than Theo.
Follow me on Twitter!! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes
I wish I could quit you, Tyler Sloan! - Co-founder of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
maaaaaaaaaaaybe Q could be nominated, and in any other year I’d happily say he embodies the perseverance and dedication to hockey. (wait, was Q the 2008 nominee?) But this year, it’s Theo.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
Pothier last year. I just don’t see Q getting the nomination unless Jose doesn’t want it.
Follow me on Twitter!! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes
I wish I could quit you, Tyler Sloan! - Co-founder of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
Q two seasons ago though.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 7, 2010 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Comprehension fail!
Follow me on Twitter!! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes
I wish I could quit you, Tyler Sloan! - Co-founder of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
Mirtle noted that Theo is one of his own top five choices. The Washington media corps rep has not formally submitted their nominee yet – I can’t imagine that it could be anyone other than Jose Theodore.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
do you have a link to where Mirtle is discussing this?
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
gracias!
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
From the comments, on the Gustavsson nomination:
W*T*F!
The award is supposed to be for, “qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.”
It’s not for surviving a season with the Leafs
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
by EmilyB on Apr 7, 2010 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Theo, Pisani and Foster are the three I would pick. All three have been through hell and back…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 7, 2010 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions
I was just kidding about Recchi… he’s from my hometown so I always play homer with the guy. I don’t think he’ll win.
Blogging on hockey at Globe on Hockey
by James Mirtle on Apr 7, 2010 11:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Entered the rink lexicon: Real shots.
Follow me on Twitter!! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes
I wish I could quit you, Tyler Sloan! - Co-founder of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
He regretted saying that instantly.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Who scored on “not a real shot”? Knuble?
"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
Semin and Knuble, apparently.
That guy had no idea who was sitting behind him. We repped the Rink well. He had enough of the phrase “Real Shot” after Flash scored, and he heard about 100 times more after that.
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
We had some great imaginary shots!
Follow me on Twitter!! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes
I wish I could quit you, Tyler Sloan! - Co-founder of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
Ah yes the land of make believe in Brent Johnson’s neighborhood.
Between Slapshot and us, I think that guy is totally regretting going to a Caps official game watch party in a Penguins jersey.
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
I hope we see him again, he was easy to make fun of.
Follow me on Twitter!! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes
I wish I could quit you, Tyler Sloan! - Co-founder of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
Watching the replay now…Sidney’s shot was only half real. I didn’t realize how soon after Flash scored.
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
How were the CB cupcakes, btw?
"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
Shoulda been there!
Follow me on Twitter!! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes
I wish I could quit you, Tyler Sloan! - Co-founder of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
Knuble I agree with, but I don’t understand the logic. The goalie gives up a horrible goal, so I criticize your offense?? What?
Semin simply pwned MAF on that breakaway (to say nothing of Goligosky).
"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
Poor Ellis is in two of the top 10 goals of the year.
Follow me on Twitter!! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes
I wish I could quit you, Tyler Sloan! - Co-founder of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
I tweeted him yesterday that it just takes top 10 skill to beat him.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
You have twitter?
Follow me on Twitter!! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes
I wish I could quit you, Tyler Sloan! - Co-founder of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
No Respect
for my man Q. from the list of fan appreciation winners. hope that game worn jersey has the correct spelling.
it’s bad enough JP wont give him and up arrow (although last nights assist wont hurt, right?) but the max number of games he can play in this year is 37. meaning, barring a finals appearance (or medical exemption), he wont get his name on the big prize if we are so lucky to win that thing. then again, they would probably misspell it on the cup too.
Tuesday 4/6 Fan Appreciation Winners
2:00 pm LeAnne H. of Falls Church, VA Quintin Lainge Game Worn Jersey
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
Burnside and LeBrun Awards
Just flipped over to ESPN and saw a new article from Burnside and Lebrun with their annual awards.
In short, neither gives the Norris to Green. Burnside gives it to Keith and LeBrun to Doughty. Burnside gives the MVP to Ovechkin, but LeBrun all but says he’s voting for Sedin.
The logic from Burnside on the Norris:
Even though the Blackhawks wobbled a bit after the Olympics, they’ve righted the ship and Keith has been the straw that stirs the Blackhawks’ Stanley Cup drink. He’s so poised, so offensively dynamic (second to Green’s point total among NHL defensemen) and does all the little things well, so I think he’s an obvious, natural choice for the award this year. Poor Green seems destined to be a bridesmaid again, although I think his defensive game has improved without sacrificing any offensive production, which is pretty amazing.
Burnside points out the games played differential in supporting OV for the Hart. LeBrun, oddly, says that the Capitals are too good for OV to be the MVP:
I don’t think Ovechkin should win this year, and that’s a huge compliment to the powerhouse that is the Washington Capitals. The Presidents’ Trophy winners went 7-2-1 without Ovechkin in the lineup this season. They also went 7-0-0 without Green on the ice. That speaks to the team’s incredible depth. It also means, by definition, that Ovechkin no longer is as valuable to his team as he once was. And that’s a good thing if you’re a Caps fan.
LeBrun’s argument gets to the unresolvable discussion of what MVP means. Is it for the best player or for the one “most valuable” to the given team? In the case of the Hart, it is supposed to be given to the “player adjudged most valuable to his team.”
Hard to argue with an opinion on Keith and I understand LeBrun’s logic. I don’t agree with either.
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
Earlier in the year I would have said Keith should easily win it over Green (much like I said Chara should last year) but it’s been pretty clear Green has stepped up his defensive game and has been much, much better in our zone this year. As much as people claim he racks up so many points only on the PP, our dominance 5 on 5 and the fact he isn’t achieving that +35 a man up seems to speak differently.
by Davethecapsfan on Apr 7, 2010 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions
LeBrun’s argument gets to the unresolvable discussion of what MVP means. Is it for the best player or for the one "most valuable" to the given team? In the case of the Hart, it is supposed to be given to the "player adjudged most valuable to his team."
That’s definitely the question that’s going to make this Hart vote incredibly fragmented. If it’s truly “most valuable to his team” and nothing more, it goes a little too far IMO given that goalies are Hart eligible – who has been more valuable to their teams this year than, say, Miller, Bryz, or Howard? Same would be true for elite goalies for teams with anemic offenses every season. And wouldn’t they cease being such an MVP if their team had a better backup by that definition?
Hockey Primer
My life lacks for nothing here in the Deep South, other than buddies to watch hockey with. I have buddies, but they’re all football guys. I remain convinced, however, that they would grow to love hockey if they gave it a chance.
To that end, I invited a couple over to watch a game last week. It was informative how little – like, literally, zero – about the game they know and understand. I had to keep up a running commentary just to try and keep them abreast of why play was stopping/starting, etc.
With the playoffs approaching, I’ve worked up a Basic Hockey Primer for them to read. It started out with the idea of being just the basics, but it metastasized into all my thoughts about hockey. Now, I need to pare it down.
My question: what are the minimum topics a man has to know, in order to watch a hockey game?
PS. Maybe this should have gone into OTOT, and if so I’ll repost and the mods can delete it. Thought it would get more views over here, and it’s hockey-related. Sorta.
"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
Try to find this book. It’s a good start and very remedial (which is what you want).
http://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN0346125804
Also, you can never go wrong with the dummies collection, assuming they won’t be offended by the concept.
http://www.dummies.com/store/product/Hockey-For-Dummies-2nd-Edition.productCd-0764552287.html
Russian Machine very rarely breaks. Oh and f**k Brooks Orpik.
Try to find this book. It’s a good start and very remedial (which is what you want).
http://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN0346125804
Also, you can never go wrong with the dummies collection, assuming they won’t be offended by the concept.
http://www.dummies.com/store/product/Hockey-For-Dummies-2nd-Edition.productCd-0764552287.html
Russian Machine very rarely breaks. Oh and f**k Brooks Orpik.
NHLN getting ready to talk about the “Caps’ PR machine” if anyone is near a TV.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
Hope i didn’t miss it was still watching Fox Soccer after that stunning implosion by United.
by Davethecapsfan on Apr 7, 2010 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions
still stuck at fucking work. anyone mind summarizing it?
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
I will once they do it. Talking PHI/TOR goaltending right now.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
Boucher apparently could “turn it on”. Seriously this was actually said.
by Davethecapsfan on Apr 7, 2010 5:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Boucher couldn’t turn on a tranny in the middle of a 10-year prison sentence, much less carry a team in a 7 game series.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks. Oh and f**k Brooks Orpik.
by macvechkin on Apr 7, 2010 5:15 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Clement says the work the PR staff does is great. They don’t have a problem pumping up their guy.
AO dominates the top 1/3 teams more than the bottom 1/3 so he’s not feeding on the weak. Clement says he’d be convinced if he had a vote. Other teams that have players in the running should be doing the same thing.
Not a whole lot. Sorry for pumping you up.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
it’s ok. Always nice to see the well-oiled Caps PR crew get some well-earned love.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
Bill Clement lives? I always liked him as a color guy. Then there was that disastrous foray into being a studio host, complete with frontal lobotomy.
Thorne and Clement…such good memories. Of course none had the Caps in them.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks. Oh and f**k Brooks Orpik.
Hated Thorne and Clement.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
by Rob Parker on Apr 7, 2010 5:29 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
For whatever reason, one of my earliest Caps memories is of a TV game, probably on channel 20, where they highlight Clement as the Caps’ representative to the All-Star game.
I can see him now skating in the classic red with stars across and no helmet.
I’m sure that I’m right, but I just checked hockey reference and he only played 46 games for the Caps in 1975-1976. He must have been traded right after the All-Star game.
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
Aw…Brads won’t be able to abuse Chelios any more.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
so sad!
But, to be honest, I was pretty excited to see Chelios play live, just once.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
NHLN is talking about the draft now. This is hysterical. Cam Fowler’s skating and puck skills stand out, but they think he wore down as the season went along. The guys that jumped past him are physically more mature. This is so short-sighted I can’t believe it. Does anyone not think Fowler will fill out his body and be able to handle the physical rigors of NHL play? He’s 18, tall, and can skate. You’re going to drop him because he got tired late in the season after he dominated in the WJC, played on the Memorial Cup champs last year, and is playing well for Windsor in the OHL playoffs right now. The other guy that jumped Fowler is a guy that has been injured all year but has skill. Something doesn’t smell right. At least the guest analyst is at least saying it’s shocking that this injured guy got ahead of Fowler. I’m still solidly on the Fowler bandwagon.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
“We erred on the side of the prototypical big, mean NHL defenseman,” McGuire told NHL.com.
Oh, you mean the guys that are no longer dominating the NHL defensive corps? They have Fowler compared to Mike Green. I was pretty sure it was the smooth skating puck moving D that are in high demand right now. Aren’t we talking about Doughty, Green, and Keith being the new guard? Which of those is a prototypical big, mean NHL D?
(Correction above, Fowler wasn’t on the Memorial Cup champ team.)
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
Sorry if this has been said before, but did Mike Wise forget that the Redskins traded for Donovan McNabb for just a second to notice there was a Caps game last night?
Dear someone who has an eye for these things: this jersey is a total knock off, right?
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/sissyjay/items/Washington_Capitals_Nicklas_Backstrom_red_nhl_jersey
by sixsevenfiftysix on Apr 7, 2010 8:21 PM EDT reply actions
It is a knockoff. RBK Edge (Authentic) jerseys come in sizes 46, 50, 52, 54, and 56 only (roughly equivalent to Premier (Replica) sizes of S, M, L, XL, and XXL). No such thing as a size 48 genuine Authentic jersey these days, although there used to be. The price is the other dead giveaway – unfortunately real Edge jerseys are just ludicrously expensive, always.
That said, this is probably a nicer jersey than you can get for that money elsewhere. I inadvertently got my brother a knockoff Green jersey and it was nicer than my replica, even if it came from a non-league sanctioned sweatshop.
by grapejoos on Apr 7, 2010 8:43 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Florida
|
55 | 27 | 17 | 11 | 65 |
|
Washington
|
55 | 28 | 22 | 5 | 61 |
|
Winnipeg
|
57 | 26 | 25 | 6 | 58 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
55 | 24 | 25 | 6 | 54 |
|
Carolina
|
56 | 20 | 25 | 11 | 51 |
(updated 2.13.2012 at 8:45 AM EST)
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