Thursday Caps Clips: Richard Race Takes Center Stage
by J.P. on Apr 8, 2010 6:41 AM EDT
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Your savory breakfast links:
- A look at the race for the Richard Trophy, including one of the all-time great goal-scorers comparing Sidney Crosby to a piece of woman's clothing (and it's meant as a compliment). [NHL.com, NHL.com, NHL.com, NHL.com]
- Alex Ovechkin's back... [Capitals]
- ... and looking for hardware. [WaPo]
- The Caps get ready to make their run. [USA Today]
- "Since the 1990-91 season, only three teams have won a Stanley Cup without having a No. 1 goaltender who played 50 or more games heading into the postseason." And... ? [From The Rink]
- I can't, in good conscience, tell you to go vote for Dean Evason for Assistant Coach of the Year when he's "the primary architect" of one of the worst penalty kills in the League. [FanHouse]
- But I can (and will) tell you to go vote for Jeff Schultz for Best Defensive Defenseman... [FanHouse]
- ... even if Mirtle's numbers say Tom Poti is better. Uh, yeah. [Globe and Mail]
- Scott Burnside and Pierre LeBrun pick their award winners. [ESPN]
- Milan Jurcina on his return to DC. [Capitals]
- NBC tries, fails to generate interest in Sunday's game. [Puck the Media]
- A couple of Caps notes in the "Best and Worst of 2009-10," including a Cap questioning his Olympic coach (and not who you might think). [SI]
- A Q&A with Mathieu Perreault. [Capitals]
- Au revoir (perhaps) to The Igloo. [OFB]
- Remembering one of the great games in franchise history. [Capitals]
- Larry King and the Caps go way back. Who
caredknew? [D.C. Sports Bog] - Help out a fellow Caps fan, won't you? [Singing From The Crease]
- Finally, per the HHoF, on this date back in 1989, "Kelly Miller scored at :51 of overtime as the Capitals won 4-3 at Philadelphia, in Game 3 of the Patrick Division Semi-Finals." The win gave the Caps a 2-1 series lead... and we won't talk about what happened next.
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I spent some time on the ESPN LeBrun/Burnside blog/article. There is so much hate directed towards Ovi and Sidney its amazing. Some rational arguments for Sedin or Crosby, but looking at the Hart winners of past history, it is usually given to the highest point getter/goal scorer on one of the top teams (Joe Thornton is exception of recent history). Unless the amount of points by someone else is too big to overlook. This kinda eliminates Crosby and the voters tend to value goals more so than assists. So unless Sedin, in 3 games, goes crazy with 15 points, I think Ovi wins his 3rd Hart.
4th Floor, is next, swimvare, undervare, Eric Fehr...
Further to your point on Sid possibly being out of the running, per 5ive Hole, every forward that has won the Hart since 1998-99 has been first or second in the League in scoring.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I think Ovi is a much easier argument to make than Green. I think Green should walk away with it, but the Keith argument is compelling. J.P. have you done a head to head Green v. Keith comparison?
4th Floor, is next, swimvare, undervare, Eric Fehr...
except on the twitter? Could have sworn I saw something, unless that was someone else.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
Yeah, I threw some numbers out there on the ol’ Twitter. Most of ‘em made it into Becca’s post the other day.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Yea...
I found it funny Burnside said “Crosby or Sedin for Hart”.
I could make my predictions too:
Hart: Crosby or Ovechkin
Norris: Green, Doughty or Keith
Vezina: Miller, Brodeur or Bryzgalov
Calder: Myers
Enjoy everybody! Come award night I’ll probably go at least 3/4.
Love that you didn’t give any other choices for the Calder.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Ha. I thought you were taking exception to only having the one choice. I have Myers too and I don’t think it’s close. He plays a harder job, more minutes, and is only 8 points behind the leading rookie scorer. That’s pretty insane.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
Yeah. He’s a goofy looking fucker, but he gets the job done. I wonder if he’ll slide back next year or if he’s just going to continue improving.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
What do you think about Howard?
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I think he’s had a great season. I’m just more impressed with Myers. It’s probably a little unfair but the fact that DET has allowed him to develop in the minors for so long detracts from Howard’s case, IMO. Myers jumped in to a top pair D position on a division winner after only one year of CHL hockey after his draft. That’s extremely impressive to me. Also, DET is the two time defending WC champ. Yeah yeah, injuries and all, but Howard is still playing behind some pretty awesome defensive players.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
And Myers is playing in front of a pretty awesome goalie.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Apr 8, 2010 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions
How did Miller help Myers get 47 points (and counting)? His defensive numbers may be aided by Miller, but he’s still a top pair D and scored almost 50 points as a 19-20 year old rookie D who is lanky like a giraffe but can still skate. Miller or Toskala, he’s still a top pair D and a ~50 point guy.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
I know, just busting your balls. I still think you are undervaluing Howard’s performance carrying Detroit through their injuries though.
What puts me in Howard’s camp is that while Myers has been great for a rookie, Howard has been a great goalie period. His play is among the top 5-10 for rookie and veteran goalies.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Apr 8, 2010 3:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Up here in Michigan, the sports talk radio blabbers make definitive statements about Howard as if he’s already won it. “Ya know, giiiiez, when we head down dere to Nyeashville ta play de Preedaturrs, ye know, we’ve got Jeemy Heward, ye know, an’ ee’s gunna win de Howard. But mebbe we need to sheak summadarustoffa Krees Awsgud, ye know?”
He plays a harder job
Only if you are only comparing him to Duchene and Tavares.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Apr 8, 2010 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m not really sure how to compare G and skaters so that’s tough. But I’ll reiterate what I said above. A 19 year old defenseman is more impressive than a 25 year old goalie.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
I agree. I think good goalies have the ability to play up to or above the team they are playing for.
Players really don’t have that in the same way a goalie goes. The other players around them help them to a degree but their job changes in a big way where a young goaltender still just needs to “stop the puck” at the most basic level.
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
Then he goes with (Mother of All Mailbags)
John,
I just got around to reading your fan-base analysis, and I just had to say there is at least one Caps fan who believes this team has NO shot at winning the Cup this year. Maybe the rest of the fans don’t want to admit it or maybe they’re caught up in the flashy lights of this offensive explosion of a year, but the playoffs are a different game. This team was not built with the defense or goaltending to win it all. That was and should have been evident to everyone to start the season, but little to nothing was done to remedy that problem. Mike Green is a nice luxury to have on offense, but not when your defense is as suspect as this team’s is right now. I have faith that this team will win a Cup or more in the next few years, but not until it realizes that you can’t do it on only offense.
Mike
I think things are set up very well for the Caps to win the Eastern Conference and reach the Stanley Cup finals. From what I’ve seen, they have a good mix of well-understood skill and underappreciated grit and sandpaper. No one can match their skill. Nicklas Backstrom has elevated his game to the point where he is a top-10 center in the league. This team is a freight train; right now, the Caps would be my pick to win the East.
Certainly, we all want to look at a few playoff games to get a feel for every team, but unless there is an injury to a key player, I don’t see the Caps slowing down in the postseason. I don’t think a hot goalie alone will stop this freight train.
The Penguins, whom the Capitals swept in the season series, are not as good as they were last season. Marc-Andre Fleury is off his game, and the pressure on Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin to produce offense is too great. I understand the Penguins have had injuries; Malkin has missed 15 games, Sergei Gonchar 20 and Chris Kunitz 29. But they are underachieving in some areas. I would never doubt them because Malkin (36 points in 24 playoff games last spring) and Crosby (31 in 24) can carry them a long way when they’re on their A-games. But the drop-off after that is too steep unless underperforming players pick it up in the most difficult of environments.
The Capitals have no such problems this season. Their best players will be good in the postseason. The only concern is if the supporting cast tanks or the goaltending resembles a petrified goat inside one of those rubber sumo-wrestler suits. If I were a Caps fan, I would cast aside all doubt and enjoy a feeling of unbridled confidence. Confidence or expecting a good result is important in achieving good results.
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 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Fail—all of that last part, blockquoted.
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 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions
No, because the Coyotes are in the playoffs.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
So what, BB has broken all caps single season team records!! Including leading the team to it’s first Presidents trophey
I think Coach of the Year generally goes to someone who made something out of nothing. If BB DIDN’T lead this talented of a team to something amazing, we’d have his head on a platter.
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 8, 2010 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions
I’d say a lot more than expected the Coyotes to be in as good a shape as they’re in right now.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Yeah. Half the team is rookies. WTF.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
No one bothered to tell them they couldn’t, so they did.
Also, Wayne Gretzky. Or rather the lack thereof.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Yeah. He’s still the Great One, but not so much a great coach.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
I like listening to discussions about his coaching career and media guys like to tapdance and say “He definitely improved by the end.”
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I think generally people had the Coyotes lower than the Avs, while at a point late this season PHX led the West. Sacco could’ve made it close if the Avs had stayed around that 6 spot or higher. But I think Tippett in a landslide.
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 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions
If I had a vote, it would be for Dave Tippett and what he has done in Phoenix. Yes, he has some veteran coaches to help him, Bryzgalov in goal, and a GM that made some good hockey moves, but I am impressed by Tippett’s coaching job and the team’s season from beginning to end. Also, of note, Tippett didn’t join the Coyotes until after training camp started.
I agree with others that Joe Sacco deserves recognition for the job he has done with the Colorado Avalanche in his first year as an NHL head coach.
What BB did his first year was unbelievable, to come in mid-season and take the last place team to the playoffs. These coaches had an entire year to organize and creat a winning team. Out of all these coaches who did it the best?
What BB did in his first year is completely irrelevant to this year’s Adams race. Phoenix getting 104 pts (and counting) and the 4th best record in the league is far more impressive and unexpected than the Caps winning the Presidents’ Trophy.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Apr 8, 2010 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Well that, and BB won the Adams for his efforts, so it’s already been recognized as an unbelievable accomplishment.
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 8, 2010 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Thats not what i meant. The reason why i feel BB won the award 2 years ago over Babcock was because he took a last place team mid season to win there division. Tripett and Sacco have had all year to create a winning club compared to what BB had to do 2 years ago. This year Bruce has broken all Capitals franchise records and given them there first Presidents Trophy. Why does everyone think Trippett should win when he didn’t even win his division.
The Adams is in big part related to expectations: where did people think they’d finish before the season started? 2 seasons ago, the Caps were middle to low in the East, and of course BB turned them around mid-season. For Tippett, the expectation was 15th, basically. Amidst all the drama, people didn’t believe PHX could build on last season, when they were 5th at the all-star break but collapsed thereafter. But they exceeded even the most optimistic expectations.
In the preseason “where will they finish?” polls, I saw the guys at Five For Howling were putting them at 6th-8th, and I almost commented something like “Hmm, that’s a tad optimistic, don’t you say?” Good think I didn’t.
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 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
But the difference was margin of error!!! BB couldn’t make any mistakes stepping into a team not fully allocated to his system, while Tripett had preseason and an entire season. Sure people had low expectations for PHX but they started hot and stayed on course. When you win it becomes easier to keep winning. The capitals that year had experienced a lot of loses already yet were able to right the ship and march to win a division. Now…having had a entire season to get allocated to a coaches system who had the better year?
BB went 37-17-7 for 1.33 pts/gm with more talent than people knew.
Tippett has gone for 1.30 pts/gm with less talent than BB at his disposal, in my opinion, and in a tougher division/conference.
And IIRC Tippett was sort of just thrown in there once Gretzky just didn’t show up. Not the easiest situation. Yotes also can’t score goals and are starting a guy they picked up on waivers, I believe. It’s hard to name anybody in their lineup as a more-or-less casual East coast hockey fan aside from Doan and Bryzgalov I guess as well, which creates the perception of low expectations.
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 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Tippett became the Coyotes coach during training camp, so it’s not like he had a full year. He had a few preseason games and around 20 extra regular season games – do you really think that extra time makes a big difference? The timing doesn’t matter much, and neither does the division championship. The Caps only won the division in 2008 because it is a far weaker division than this season’s Pacific. The Coyotes already have 10 more pts than BB’s Caps had, with two games left.
Either way, the Coyotes have been hot from the start. And everyone knew that the Caps had the talent to win the Presidents’ trophy, but no one thought Phoenix had the talent to make the playoffs, much less be a 100 pt team. As others have said, the Adams is largely about expectations. While the Caps may have slightly surpassed expectations, the Coyotes absolutely shattered them.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Apr 8, 2010 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Tippet joined a week into training camp and didn’t have AO, Backstrom, Green, and Semin to work with. Any of those four would immediately be the best PHX skater. And BB had four of them.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
BB had also coached 2/3 of the team in Hershey. They already knew his system.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
And for BB its more like held it together. Caps are kinda like a nuclear reactor – set it off and see if you can contain and focus the energy.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
by EmilyB on Apr 8, 2010 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I don’t even think BB is a finalist really. Sacco and Tippet have to be nominees, and Tippet wins in a landslide. Then there are a bunch of other guys I think could be candidates over BB.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
Its Tippett, Sacco, Trotz, and Cory Clouston before BB and Quenne.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
I could see Mike Babcock getting some love as well, for all of DET’s injuries.
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 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Really? Present your case.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
Coach of the President’s Trophy winners by far (relatively)? Babcock got a nomination in 2008 for the same thing, and the Caps weren’t supposed to be this dominant.
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 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Darn those Caps for exceeding everyone’s expectations!
Stupid Caps.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
It is pretty amusing to read the predictions we all made back in September and see how far off we were. 104 points?! THIRD in the East? Canes nipping at the Caps?!
oh, reality, how I love you right now!
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
by RedBirdie on Apr 8, 2010 5:16 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Just an idle question – how often does the Jack Adams go with a surprise Vezina candidate?
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Apr 8, 2010 9:09 PM EDT up reply actions
They may not have been big surprises, but Luongo and Thomas both got their coaches the Jack Adams. With Bryzgalov and Anderson this year you may be on to something.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Apr 8, 2010 11:07 PM EDT up reply actions
This isn’t Caps-related, but it is sort of hockey-related: Stay Classy has an, um, interesting take on the Flames’ season. FWIW.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Somewhat surprising quote in that SI piece, though that picture on the top of Page 2 will never get old.
"I’d like to take the credit but dig mama, there’s no "I" in "revolut" …in "team."
agreed. Would love to have a high res version of it
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
One last thought and then I will run off to complete this map:
For those of you who have been around forever – can you think of another season where you seriously thought the Caps had a chance at the Cup? A real, serious chance.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
You mean during the season, or at any time? Because I seriously thought Kolzig was going to beat the Wings. Everything had gone the Caps way for that playoff run.
"Ah, dinner. The perfect break between work and drunk." - Homer Simpson
Literally at any time. I just get the sense that this year is unique, somehow, and I have no idea whether that’s a good or a bad thing.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
It is unique – they’ve never finished the regular season as the best team in the League.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Well, yes. I’m not phrasing what I’m trying to get at correctly. Bah, ignore me.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
I know what you mean, but I’ve just deleted 3 comments because I can’t quite get out what I think I want to say. The expectations have never been higher, but I think I’d be too nervous to call them a team of destiny.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 8, 2010 9:15 AM EDT up reply actions
If you make the playoffs, there’s always a chance (and after the first round in 1985-86, things were setting up nicely… but alas). But never this good a chance, no.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
The Caps’ cup run in 98 was greatly aided by the first round defeats of the top two seeds. When the finals came around they were pretty much outmatched by a great team. I never thought the Caps would overcome the talent on that Wings team.
(I can still see Tikkanen missing an open net, and Fedorov’s shot between a defenseman’s legs that got past Kolzig).
But that season’s playoff run included a great series against the Sabres. Bondra vs. Hasek that season in both regular and playoff seasons was just plain unforgettable.
Are this year’s Caps as good as the Red Wings in 1998? Offensively, maybe better, but defensively, I think not.
But Brawndo's got what plants crave. It's got electrolytes.
Not like this, no. My honest belief is that we have to be in the Finals this year. I won’t make any predictions about whether we’ll win it or not.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Apr 8, 2010 9:08 AM EDT up reply actions
For those of you who have been around forever – can you think of another season where you seriously thought the Caps had a chance at the Cup
For me, it’s the 85-86 season. The team finished with 50 wins and 107 points scored over 300 goals and was the #2 team in the league in goals against. They came in second to the Flyers in the East during the regular season but Philly was knocked off in the second round giving them a clear path to the Cup Finals. In the Western Conference, the Oilers were the runaway point leaders, but they lost in the second round to Calgary. The Caps won their first round but then lost to the Rangers in the second round, a team that had 29 fewer points in the regular season. If you talk to any of the players on that Caps team, they’ll say to a man that was the year they could have and should have won the Cup. For those of you looking for bad omens, the Caps lead the Rangers by 34 points as of today.
Always thought the 85-86 team was outperforming their true talent level during the season – not in that vocabulary, but I remember thinking, “holy crap, they keep winning…” I was a senior in high school, hahaha.
On the original question, before this year I’d never looked at the Caps and thought, “there’s the best team in hockey”. I have thought that several times this year.
The best team doesn’t always win the prize at the end, of course.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
The ‘85-’86 squad may not have been the best team in Caps history, but they were pretty damn close. Consider this; they had Scott Stevens, Rod Langway and Larry Murphy on defense (all three are in the HOF) plus Kevin Hatcher. They had four guys with 30 or more goals, seven guys with 20 or more golas and 12 guys in double digit in goals. Now, it was the 80’s, so goal scoring was inflated, but that team was deep in all positions and loaded with vets. What made their loss that season so galling was that all the favorites who could beat them were already knocked out of the playoffs.
Right, but until the favorites were knocked out, did you think they were going to win it anyway, or just hope that they’d sneak in and get a chance?
I think this team can win pretty much no matter who they have to face.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Yeah, I thought they had a real good chance before the playoffs started. The only real competition in the East was Philly and the Flyers just beat out the Caps by three points in the regular season. In fact, the last game of the season was Caps vs Flyers and the two teams were only separated by one point (Philly won).
The Caps should have won the Cup in 1985-86, period. It was the choke of all chokes to lose to a team it beat by 29 points in the standings. The Caps swept Edmonton that year, so it wasn’t as if the Gretzky-led Oilers were invincible. Against Montreal, who ended up in the finals, the Caps were 2-0-1. Calgary did present a problem in that the Caps lost all three games to the Flames that year.
I still get steamed about that year.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Was anyone going to beat Roy that year? I was too young to remember any of this but I know Roy put on a ridiculous performance in the post-season. Even if we didn’t choke against NYR weren’t we just going to get burned by Roy?
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
He was 0-1-1 against the Caps that season, losing 5-3 in Washington and tying the Caps 4-4 in Montreal
If you've read this far...seek help.
Yes we would have. We had on our 4th line, 8 year old Matt Bradley, who always seems to score against big name goalies.
Roy was ridiculously good that post season. I remember watching the playoffs that year and you just knew this guy would be an elite goalie for years to come.
For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism.
Yeah…I don’t recall thinking that they were a legitimate Cup contender heading into the playoffs at the time? That’s all I’m trying to get at. I do recall the anguish when they lost to the freeking Rangers.
This team has got as good a shot as anyone. Many a slip betwixt the cup and the lip, of course, but they are in the upper echelon of contenders.
"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
Yes, 1985-86, when the Caps finshed 3rd overall, had beaten Edmonton in the regular season, and had home ice in round 2 of the playoffs against the Rangers, who had upset the Flyers in round 1. Alas, the Rangers also upset the Caps in round 2, then went on to lose to eventual Cup winner Montreal, let by a rookie goaltender named Patrick Roy…
If the Caps had beaten the Rangers, they would have had home ice throughout the playoffs since Calgary had upset Emonton (the Steve Smith affair…)
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 8, 2010 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions
I thought this part was kind of funny from the Juice article:
Jurcina was gone for a bit, but now he’s back.
"I didn’t even notice he was gone, really," Shaone Morrisonn deadpanned.
Pretty sure I would say the same thing if ShaMo had been the one whom was traded.
"He was the patron saint of quality footwear."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Apr 8, 2010 8:18 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
You would have noticed the party among the fans.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
by jordanDC on Apr 8, 2010 8:38 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
When I read that part, I just pictured Juice going, “Gee, thanks buddy. Missed you too.”
"He was the patron saint of quality footwear."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Apr 8, 2010 8:43 AM EDT up reply actions
NYR...
think they can sweep the Flyers and sneak into the 8th spot? I just don’t see the Flyers letting them sweep the next two. Reaaally hoping the Bruins stay in 8th
If you want to survive out here, you've got to know where your towel is.
It would be interesting to play the NYR in the first round once AGAIN. This time substituting Gomez for Gaborik.
Who else got dished on the rangers?
Gomez
Zherdev
Naslund
Mara
Antropov
Betts
Orr
If you want to survive out here, you've got to know where your towel is.
by ns on Apr 8, 2010 8:44 AM EDT up reply actions
Meh, no thanks. I think the Rangers could give us some hell this year. I’d like a shorter series, and while we’d probably beat NYR, I don’t think it’d be in four or five games.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
. I think the Rangers could give us some hell this year
Me too. I think they’d put up a bigger fight this year BUT I also think we would know how to perform better those first couple o games. I’d call 5-6 with the NYR first round .. 5 would be descent.. 6 would have Bruce screaming every night
I don’t think the Rangers give us hell this year. The Caps know not to underestimate them now and will take it to them in a big way. I don’t think any team (even Montreal) should scare us in the first round.
"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 8, 2010 9:28 AM EDT up reply actions
Mostly I just want a short first round, as short as we can get it.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
by gotsparkly on Apr 8, 2010 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Really? The deeper we go, the more the tickets cost :)
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
I think Ted would like us to win 4 series in 5 games.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
by Rob Parker on Apr 8, 2010 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
That’s a happy balance… Short enough to be called a blowout and give the Caps some rest.. long enough to get that extra game in there.
Actually… it would be even cooler to go 3 series in 5….
and the last in 7… dc vs chicago… maybe THEN Barak would be attending the game
.. .
..
in a blackhawks jersey no doubt
Why does anyone care if Obama goes to a Caps game? He’s not a fan of the sport. Is this some sort of latent desire to have a local celebrity validate our team? Guess what, we have the best team in the city, and probably the league, whether or not Obama recognizes it. If I had my way he wouldn’t watch a single game, we’d win the Cup, and turn down the invite to the White House.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
Why does anyone care if Obama goes to a Caps game?
It’s great for marketing. The NHL gets more attention… people buy more hockey crap… So the teams make more money… so they can afford better players :P
Don’t you want to see poor little Uncle Ted actually make some money on the Caps one day?
I want to see him make money because the Caps are an awesome team that wins and generates revenue on their own merit. Not because a non-fan is pressured into giving public support for a team he doesn’t care about.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
y because the Caps are an awesome team that wins and generates revenue on their own merit
That would be nice. :) I’d also like to have free unicorn rides galloping over lemondrop rainbows covering downtown DC.
But unfortunately in the real world… It’s nice to actually have money.
I am very skeptical of the suggestion that the Caps or the NHL would gain a significant amount of money just from Obama attending a game.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Apr 8, 2010 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Well.. if it’s research you need to be taken seriously on this blog then research it is…
Well.. if it’s research you need to be taken seriously on this blog then research it is…I’ll see if I can find anything supporting my claim in another sport and post what I find.
It’s not just research, it’s some plausible theory of causation. I just don’t find it realistic that the public cares about things with anymore than a very fleeting interest just because the President shows an interest.
Hell, most people don’t give a shit about politics (at least not enough to really get informed or involved) and that’s the President’s job! Why are people going to say “hey, the president is doing something for recreation, I better do it too.” For Obama to have any real impact on the popularity and revenues of the NHL he’d have to show sustained and real interest in the sport, not a mere coerced appearance at a game after he’s been living in DC for over a year.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Apr 8, 2010 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
For Obama to have any real impact on the popularity and revenues of the NHL he’d have to show sustained and real interest in the sport,
There ya go. That’s the kind of conversation I was trying to lean towards.
You’re probably right in that continued interest. But I just think it would have a residual effect that would probably be more beneficial than anything… even if only for short term.
This is the big difference between real popularity and fake popularity. One of the things I’ve always loved about hockey is the anti-glitz, down home kind of attitude that always surrounds it. And as the sport is becoming more popular, particularly in historically non-market areas, that attitude is starting to slip away IMO. Obama coming to a game would be one more step in the hyped up, stylized, fake direction.
Give me a couple dudes with no teeth knocking a puck around on a pond over a Presidential spectacle any day and twice on Sundays.
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 8, 2010 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah. One of the things I like is that almost every time you see a celebrity at a hockey game it’s because they are actually fans of the sport. It’s not because “it’s a place to be seen.” Of course I’d love more fans and popularity for the sport, but not the contrived kind.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
"it’s a place to be seen."
Heh. That’s what the Olympics felt like.
But think of it this way. Just because there’s an increase in popularity in the game because a president stops by.. isn’t it judgemental to call all these “new fans” a bunch of fake fans?
Maybe there’s an 8 year old kid out there who’s parents were never into hockey and doesnt know about it.. and he watches his first game on TV because the president is there.. and then he realizes what a great game it actually is.
Think of the poor little kids out there that might have to grow us as accountants or (shudders) .. laywers…. because the president never attended.
Think of the children!! THE CHILDREN!!!!
As a (relatively) new fan, I am in no way calling new fans fake fans. I AM that kid whose parents and friends were never into hockey. I got into it in college (wooo Big Red!), and went to my first game in March of 2007.
(sidenote: it’s sort of funny, now that the Caps are actually good, and popular, so many of my friends in DC are thanking me for turning them into fans…weird)
And be serious…an 8 year old kid isn’t going to watch a hockey game just because the President decided to grace the Caps with his presence.
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 8, 2010 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions
And be serious…an 8 year old kid isn’t going to watch a hockey game just because the President decided to grace the Caps with his presence.
I completely disagree with that.
But that’s just my opinion.
Obama ain’t no old-ass shriveled up gringo. He’s practically a rock star. I definitely think there will be lots of people watching the Stanley cup finals if obama’s there who normally would never have watched it.
hah. Not buying that argument in any way shape or form.
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 8, 2010 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Nope.
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 8, 2010 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions
You don’t?
Hmm.. I guess that’s why no company has ever used a celebrity before to sell their product, get getting ratings to watch their show, their movi, etc.. in the history of man kind.
Hmm.. I guess that’s why no company has ever used a celebrity before to sell their product, get getting ratings to watch their show, their movi, etc.. in the history of man kind.
I’d like him to stay the F away from Verizon. We’re doing just fine without him.
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
Oh Jesus. You would say that. Actually, it’s not politics. It’s because he’s black! (But the white half can still attend.) This has nothing to do with politics or race. This has to do with Obama clearly not being a hockey fan or giving two shits about the Caps. I’d rather he not patronize us with his presence because he feels he has to. He’s lived in Chicago, Boston, and now Washington. He’s had chances to experience a hockey game and he hasn’t done it. I’d rather he just stay away if that’s how he feels about the sport.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
by Rob Parker on Apr 8, 2010 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
This is the angle I’m coming from.
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
Well IIRC you were the first person to bring up the politics of the cold war and post-cold war Russia as an important factor in Olympic rooting interests.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
I was?
I thought I was the one that said I’m cheering for Russia because I like their players .. before having everyone berate him for also saying “this isn’t gov’t vs gov’t .. this is just a sport”
I just feel the same way about rooting for countries. It’s all just arbitrary. The only reason I feel the need to root for one country over another is because I agree with one country’s ideology over another.
I think that’s what I was remembering.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
I’m looking at it from a practicality perspective. I have to scramble badly enough to make puck drop without having to get through the security that would be imposed by Secret Service.
So, if he doesn’t want to watch hockey, and him watching hockey puts out the fans, I ask you why?
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Even if people just hate Barak.. Just think.. if he shows up.. it’s your chance to BOO him with thousands of other people :)
I’m sure Palin’s haters in Philly had fun when she was there.
I don’t care what your political opinions are, IMO it is horribly distasteful and disrespectful to boo your President for no reason other than him being in the same building as you.
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 8, 2010 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions
I completely agree, and it’s your right to do so. But at the end of the day as our President whoever it is deserves respect. Boo him/her when he/she is discussing the political issues that piss you off, not simply for appearing at a hockey game.
To me, the reason our political system is so effed right now is because of this complete and utter lack of respect. But this is also just getting way OT, and I’ll stop now.
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 8, 2010 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I think we went a little TOO political on this tangent.
Note to self: Don’t even mention the word “politics” again
Hence why I’m stopping.
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 8, 2010 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Hah, after seeing Obama completely choke on being able to name a single White Sox player after repeatedly claiming the team, he’d fit right in with all of the bandwagon caps fans.
go Flyerz!
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
It’s amazing the ways in which people can embarrass themselves.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 8, 2010 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions
I’d rather Obama not go to any sporting events, as he better has stuff to do, but if he goes to this game and that game, why should he snub ice hockey?
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 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Is it snubbing if you just don’t give a shit?
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I’m surprised he still gives a s*** about sports, quite honestly. At least, enough to go to games.
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 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Also, Ted Leonsis is about to own a whole lot of stock in the Verizon Center, and I’m pretty sure his goal is to win a Cup.
GUTEN TAAAAAAAAAAAAG!
Well, yes. I think I phrased that wrong – I want to win in the minimum games possible.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
I think you mean you want to PLAY the minimum games possible…the most we can win is that oh so sweet 16…
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 8, 2010 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions
You know what I mean, nitpicker. (I mean that in the nicest way possible.)
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
that’s exactly what I’m being :)
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 8, 2010 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Also, Ted Leonsis is about to own a whole lot of stock in the Verizon Center, and I’m pretty sure his goal is to win a Cup.
True but there are goals and there are responsibilities. He might want to win the cup, but I’m sure there are shareholders he has to report to.
I’m not saying he cares about $ more than the Cup. Obviously he doesn’t. But I don’t imagine you do everything Ted has done in his life without thinking about everything he does from a bit of a business perspective.
actually, I’m pretty sure there aren’t actually are shareholders. Lincoln Holdings is privately held. And Lincoln Holdings is buying out the privately held Washington Sports & Entertainment.
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 owner of the Capitals, he does have minority shareholders to answer to (last I checked, Ted Leonsis owned roughly 75% of Lincoln Holdings, and the other 25% was held by various people, including Sheila Johnson, Jeong Kim, and a couple of others). But if you’re talking business considerations, the best thing he can do for his shareholders in Lincoln Holdings – at least in terms of making long term money – is to increase the value of the Capitals brand and franchise. Winning a cup would do that.
And even if he owned Verizon Center, he has a long-term interest in the Capitals winning a cup and continuing to be good, since it brings in ticket revenue in future seasons.
In other words, playing longer playoff series to sell more playoff tickets could be considered incredibly shortsighted, since you’re trading a few millions in the here and now for hundreds of millions in potential revenue and capital gains on the Capitals brand.
GUTEN TAAAAAAAAAAAAG!
to increase the value of the Capitals brand and franchise. Winning a cup would do that.
This is absolutely true. Everyone seems to think I’m arguing that having the Cup and getting the president to attend a game are mutually exclusive.
I just think having Ted throw in a little effort (which he has already done) to get the president to come to a game would ALSO get more exposure to the game. I don’t think anyone can deny that. More exposure means more people might flip the channel for a bit to watch, increasing ratings, which makes tv advertising more profitable for the league as well.
… even if Mirtle’s numbers say Tom Poti is better. Uh, yeah. [Globe and Mail]
Mirtle’s inclusion of Tom Poti on that list and not Jeff Schultz is pretty inexplicable to me. Schultz has a lower GAON/60 at both even strength and down a man. Schultz has also played more games than Poti, and the two spend about the same amount of time on the ice at even strength, but Schultz has fewer goals against. The only stat Mirtle uses where Poti bests Schultz is in QualComp, but the difference is not that great given the relative merit of the stat. Mirtle must have factored PP ice time heavily into the equation or something.
"He was the patron saint of quality footwear."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Apr 8, 2010 8:41 AM EDT reply actions
He did say he only included guys that got around 2 minutes of PK time per game.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Right, and Schultz does get over two minutes of PK time. (And that was a typo above. I meant to say PK ice time not PP.)
"He was the patron saint of quality footwear."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Apr 8, 2010 8:46 AM EDT up reply actions
I dunno, then. Maybe you could email him, he’s poked around here before.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Someone already commented on the article and said, “Jeff Schultz?” I thought it was a pretty well-constructed argument.
"He was the patron saint of quality footwear."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Apr 8, 2010 8:51 AM EDT up reply actions
I thought Tom Poti was allergic to playing effective defensive hockey on a consistent basis.
For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism.
by Rather Bengt on Apr 8, 2010 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions
He’s just helping the Caps keep Schultz’s next contract lower.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
I wonder if Schultz’s agent uses BtN statistics in contract negotiation. Maybe I should corner that market.
"He was the patron saint of quality footwear."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Apr 8, 2010 8:50 AM EDT up reply actions
And didn’t Mike Green make that list last season? I was surprised not to see him.
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 8:59 AM EDT up reply actions
He did last year but was sort of middle of the pack this year.
Blogging on hockey at Globe on Hockey
I think he factors PKTOI heavily. That’s how he did his forward list as well.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
Schutlz was 31, right beside Poti.
Didn’t realize I’d take such a beating for cutting it off there!
Blogging on hockey at Globe on Hockey
Nah, it’s not the cut off. It’s just that if you watch Poti and Schultz all year there’s no debate about who is better in their own end. How heavily did you factor PKTOI? Poti probably got a boost from that despite his PK work being far less effective than Schultz’s.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
It’s because of the QCMP rating, which I perhaps rate to high. Schultz’s is lower than I think every single guy who made my list.
Blogging on hockey at Globe on Hockey
Do you find that, in general, players that are on teams that don’t match lines end up suffering in your evaluations? I know BB doesn’t match lines at all so you don’t see guys stack up large QComp ratings. Also, Schultz has played a lot with Green so he’s often on the ice against checking lines which are going to have low QComp ratings.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
Normally it balances it out because it’s only one of three stats in the equation, but there are obviously exceptions.
Schultz was top 10 when I ran these stats earlier in the year so I’m not sure where the change has come. (And I recall many here complained when he was rated that high!)
Blogging on hockey at Globe on Hockey
Heh. Schultz is nothing if not polarizing among Caps fans. My complaint is with where Schultz and Poti are relative to each other, not the rest of the league. There is simply no statistical analysis that can convince me Poti is better in his own end than Schultz.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
Hey James, glad you stopped by. I was not trying to give you a beating. It’s just that the subject of your article is straight up my alley, so I was inclined to comment on it.
F&B is right in that our objection is to Poti being ranked ahead of Schultz, not his rank relative to the rest of the league. I recall when you had Schultz ranked higher a while back and I also recall being quite pleased about it. I believe Milan Jurcina was also on that list, which had me pleased as well.
Like you, I do put stock in QualComp ratings, though perhaps not to the same degree as you. QualComp is based on plus-minus, so its merit is essentially based on how much value you get out of plus-minus as an indication of “quality.” I feel that plus-minus on its own is not that valuable of a statistic. What I do think plus-minus, and QualComp by extension, is good for is providing context. If a player’s stats look above average or below average, QualComp and QualTeam can offer some explanation. Basically, I feel it needs to be used as a supplement to other statistics.
That is why I was surprised that Schultz was ranked below Poti. Schultz had better numbers in two of the categories you used, yet Poti’s QualComp was enough to push him ahead. So I guess it comes down to how much weight you put on that QualComp metric.
"He was the patron saint of quality footwear."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Apr 8, 2010 8:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Congrats Theo
He was at Nationals Park last night to represent his foundation. (picture courtesy Cheryl Nichols and Nationals News Network) Nicky Backstrom and Eric Belanger went as well.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
by EmilyB on Apr 8, 2010 8:51 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I was hoping they’d show it on the TV, but nooooo. Think there’s any video anywhere?
"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 sorta thought the Caps would send Stretch a camera crew for Caps 365 to Nats Park, but they didn’t. Maybe that was at Jose’s request. Reports are that Nicky caused near riot conditions in the Diamond Club. Just by standing there, mind you.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
there were actually people in the Diamond Club?
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
Could have shown Philly fans the touching ending of Boudreau's first game behind the bench..
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Apr 8, 2010 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Hanlon sank Nick’s Calder aspirations.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Yeah he did. That wing experiment was stupid. I hated it even at the time.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
Putting him on the fourth line made me want to strangle him.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
And that after he assured the Swedish reporter that nick wasn’t going to get fourth line duties. Sheesh.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
what a beautiful sight
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
we are freakin’ spoiled, as Caps fans, with the quality of people on this team.
If you want to survive out here, you've got to know where your towel is.
by ns on Apr 8, 2010 8:58 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Bears
Anybody find anything about the Bears roster for the weekend? John Walton Hockey seems to have evaporated.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Admirals
Not a thing, but I’m going to both Friday’s and Saturday’s game in my John Carlson Hershey Bears jersey in Norfolk. Gonna be awesome!!!
"Absolutely destroyed by Alex Ovechkin" - J.B.
Hooray for being the jerkass out-of-town fans!
It’s nice having family near minor league cities!
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
How many games are you going to this weekend?
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 8, 2010 9:58 AM EDT up reply actions
It’s like $18 or less to sit on the glass. My parents are footing the bill since it costs me a zillion dollars in gas to get down there and back, so it works out well for me.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I’ll post some pics when I get back, if any of them turn out well.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
HOLY LOL.
Hat giveaway day is Friday at the Scope. I hope Matty drops 6 on them so I can throw my hat twice.
Alternate witty comment: I guess they’ll give the rest of the hats away on Saturday.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I’ll drive if anyone wants to go to the Saturday game and return later that night.
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
Stupid Norfolk, having the same mascot as Milwaukee.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
Kelly Cup playoffs update
The Stingrays got a 3-1 win over the Cincinnati Cyclones last night to tie their first playoff round at one game each.
The best-of-five series moves to Charleston tomorrow.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Chris Fiegler (Latham,NY)
Who do you think will be the 2009-2010 Stanley Cup Champions?
Pierre LeBrun
(4:11 PM)
Washington Capitals
Mike Green (Ballston, VA)
Pierre, I am in 1st place amongst NHL Dmen in Goals, Assists, Points, PTS/G, PPGs, and PPAs. I am 2nd in the league in +/- behind my boy Sargeant Schultz. If the Norris is supposed to go to the best “all around” defencemen then how can it not be me? Can you at least give me this after I was left off the Canadian team?
Pierre LeBrun
(4:31 PM)
You’ll get strong consideration from me when I fill out my ballot later this week. I promise you that. I promised the same to Nate Ewell today.
He does have some other stuff though, like implying Mike Green isn’t reliable defensively and trading the guy in fantasy, but oh well.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
I give props to the person using Green as his chat name, going as far as to give the location as Ballston (which is a neighborhood, not even a mailing address).
"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."
Well it’s OBVIOUSLY not Mike. The grammar is too good.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
by jordanDC on Apr 8, 2010 9:31 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
My solution to the power play problem for the Caps:
Give ALL 18 players face masks. Go to SMASH in Adams Morgan and buy everyone spiked collars too. Every power play shot WILL BE blocked. If a team gets more than 10 shots per game during the playoffs, all players must be videotaped once again strolling around DC on segways with those dorky looking helmets
“Since the 1990-91 season, only three teams have won a Stanley Cup without having a No. 1 goaltender who played 50 or more games heading into the postseason.” And… ?
…and correlation equals causation if it fits the narrative of your article. Duh.
Not to be a math dork, but 3/19 is just about 16%. It’s a lot different than saying “almost never”.
"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
Of course, that begs the question, since 1990-91 how many teams have gone to the Finals and lost with a #1 goalie who played 50 or more games. Don’t know the number but I’m guessing it’s pretty high.
by b.orr4 on Apr 8, 2010 9:45 AM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
Every team that has ever lost as Stanley Cup final has had a goalie. UH-OH!
However, since I’m bored right now, I figured I’d research it. I checked hockeydb.com for each Stanley Cup loser’s goalie with the most games in that regular season. And the survey says:
1990- Boston Bruins Andy Moog 46
1991- Minnesota North Stars Jon Casey 55
1992- Chicago Blackhawks Ed Belfour 52
1993- Los Angeles Kings Kelly Hrudey 50
1994- Vancouver Canucks Kirk McLean 52
1995- Detroit Red Wings Mike Vernon 30
1996- Florida Panthers John Vanbiesbrouck 57
1997- Philadelphia Flyers Ron Hextall 55
1998- Washington Capitals Olaf Kolzig 64
1999- Buffalo Sabres Dominik Hasek 64
2000- Dallas Stars Ed Belfour 62
2001- New Jersey Devils Martin Brodeur 72
2002- Carolina Hurricanes Arturs Irbe 51
2003- Anaheim Mighty Ducks Jean-Sebastien Giguere 65
2004- Calgary Flames Miikka Kiprusoff 38
2005- no season
2006- Edmonton Oilers Jussi Markkanen 37
2007- Ottawa Senators Ray Emery 58
2008- Pittsburgh Penguins Marc-Andre Fleury 35
2009- Detroit Red Wings Chris Osgood 46
Discounting 94/95 and 04/05 for obvious reasons, that means you had 18 losers over that time span, 13 of whom had a goalie who appeared in at least 50 games (72%). The average for those 18 years was about 53.3 regular season appearances for the losing team’s so-called #1 guy. And this tells us….well, absolutely nothing. But it did give me an excuse to not do anything productive for 15 minutes.
by Kerry Fraser's Hairspray on Apr 8, 2010 10:15 AM EDT up reply actions 6 recs
But perhaps it is worth nothing that 4 of the last 5 losers played in less than 50. It would be foolhardy to imply any causal relationship there, but it is an interesting thing to think about. Of course, Kipper was traded mid-season and Fleury missed significant time to injury in their respective years so it just goes to show all the circumstances involved and why games played, in a vacuum, is not a good predictor.
by Kerry Fraser's Hairspray on Apr 8, 2010 10:23 AM EDT up reply actions
BTW, Edmonton’s playoff starter in 2006 was Roloson, who had 19 GP in the regular season (I know this list is based on regular season; I think Markkanen is the only one who wasn’t the guy in the playoffs). This is kind of interesting but not really anything beyond that. And BTW, Osgood won the Cup 2 years ago with under 50 GP. 50% of the Cup winning teams the past 2 years had goalies with under 50 GP!
FWIW, Markkanen got 6 or the 7 starts in the finals…but he wouldn’t have if not for Andrew Ladd.
by Kerry Fraser's Hairspray on Apr 8, 2010 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions
Roloson also had 24 GP for the Wild that season, so he had 43 total.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Apr 8, 2010 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Another question is how many teams actually made the playoffs (and how many of those teams were high seeds) without a goalie with 50+ GP? I’d imagine that the majority of playoff teams (and the vast majority of top-4 seeds) have had a solid starter and the teams with big question marks in goal have been the teams that have struggled, leading to a nice selection bias. It would be interesting to see how many teams were really good in the regular season with split duties in goal and how they did in the playoffs. I bet the performance isn’t much different from other top teams with clear cut #1s.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Apr 8, 2010 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Caps Prospects Update
(iced, go ahead and hit the Z key)
All of the prospects that we’ve been following played last night.
The New Guy, Dustin Stevenson – his team the La Ronge Ice Wolves are playing in the SJHL finals. They fell to the Yorkton Terriers last night 7-2, with Stevenson showing up nowhere on the final scoresheet. The series is tied 2 games to 2.
Dmitry Kugryshev – His season and probably career with the Quebec Remparts is over as they lost their fourth and final game to Victoriaville. Hopefully we will know soon what plans if any the Caps have regarding Dmitry’s next steps.
Joel Broda – The Calgary Hitmen went ahead in their series with the Medicine Hat Tigers 3 games to 1. Joel had a very good night with a goal and and an assist.
Stefan Della Rovere – Delly had a spectacular game as the Colts ran the table and advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals. He had an early assist and a goal in the second, then when Brampton scored in the third to get within two goals of tying, Delly marched right back and got one more tally for insurance. The Colts were playing with their backup goalie and the Captain was not about to let Brampton take advantage of that. He was named First star of the game.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
by EmilyB on Apr 8, 2010 10:02 AM EDT reply actions 2 recs
CP2 is going to swoon when he reads that bit about Della Rovere.
I’m interested to see if Kugryshev gets sent to Hershey. Seems like they’d be running out of practice ice at this point.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Think he’ll get more ice time than AnGus, too?
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 8, 2010 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions
Not a chance Kugryshev even gets a sniff at the Caps roster next year though, right? Because Nemchinov has all but offered him a contract with CSKA for the next year… could be tough for a 20 year old to ignore the money and ride the bus all year long.
by Orrlov on Apr 8, 2010 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Always a concern with the younger overseas guys. We’ll have to see how it plays out.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Whoops! I read your username and assumed you were talking about Orlov. Derp. Yeah, the Caps already signed Kugryshev, so I think it’s less of an issue.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
And he went to the Q because he wanted to be in North America and learn the North American game (then why did he pick the Q?). I’m not too worried about him, but I doubt he plays with HER before the season ends.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
then why did he pick the Q?
I imagine because he was drafted by a team in the Q.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Apr 8, 2010 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions
I know, it was more a reason to take a shot at the Q. Awwww cute, you guys like to score a lot. Guess what? We play a thing called “defense” in the professional ranks.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
I think I read something where that’s now a bit of an outdated critique of the league. I’m not going to look for it, so it’s your not-watching-the-league word against mine, though.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
No, I think you are right as well. It’s definitely more of a historical stereotype. There are obviously still lots of quality players that come from the Q, including defense-first guys like Vlasic. I’m not sure how the total number of Q prospects making the NHL compares to the W or the O though. Also, in the last two Memorial Cups (almost a worthless sample size, I know) the Q teams looked the least like “NHL style” teams. But if you do manage to dig that article up I’d love to read it.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
Yeah, but I think he’s signed a contract, so that may be mute now.
"I’d like to take the credit but dig mama, there’s no "I" in "revolut" …in "team."
by Bald Pollack on Apr 8, 2010 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions
I know, but Nemchinov did say it just a week AFTER he signed the contract…
http://www.sports.ru/hockey/69609822.html
Сергей Немчинов: "Ждем Кугрышева и Широкова, если у них не получится в НХЛ"
Hmmm. Not sure it sounds like Nemchinov could back that up. Couple of ‘ifs’ in his statements.
Also, it’s always classy when you throw the kids on your team under the bus.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Can anyone translate those two russian sentences for someone who’s only foreign language is British?
I agree totally about the stupidity of the average person. Horrifyingly, nearly 50% of people are even stupider!
I am sorry, I just assumed everybody here is fluent in Russvechkian ;-)
Here it is:
Сергей Немчинов: “Ждем Кугрышева и Широкова, если у них не получится в НХЛ”
means
Sergei Nemchinov: “Expecting [here] Kugryshev and Shirokov, if it does not work out for them in the NHL”
It kind of sounds like they’ve got a role there if they don’t pan out more than anything else. I’d have to think that if the Caps caught whiff of anything credible, they’d be on the phone to any/everyone they could to block such a poaching.
"I’d like to take the credit but dig mama, there’s no "I" in "revolut" …in "team."
by Bald Pollack on Apr 8, 2010 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions
Nice to meet you, Orrlov, and welcome to the Rink. Nice handle and avatar too.
The interviews I’ve read with Kugryshev seem to indicate to me that he is determined to play in North America. He had a major falling out with the Russian WJC team management and (reading between the lines using googletranslate) they were pressuring him hard to come back to Russia.
But I bet a call from the Alexes could help him in the decision process. :)
Also, Chesnokov was reporting that the KHL players are contemplating a strike, as the K says they may reduce salaries by 30%.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
I kind of stole the handle – read an writeup about Dmitri a few days ago – that was the nickname his junior coach gave him
Come to think of it, I kind of stole the avatar too… But, you know, once a сине-бело-голубой, always a сине-бело-голубой!
Playoff match-ups
EAST
Washington vs. Boston
New Jersey vs. Philadelphia
Buffalo vs. Montreal
Pittsburgh vs. Ottawa
WEST
Chicago vs. Colorado
San Jose vs. Los Angeles
Vancouver vs. Nashville
Phoenix vs. Detroit
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
Too the hell close to San Jose. Dammit.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 8, 2010 10:26 AM EDT up reply actions
NYR – BOS – who wins that tiebreaker?
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Rangers took 3 of 4 and have a slight edge in GF-GA. Rangers also have an extra win in one more GP.
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 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions
If the Rangers sweep the Flyers (so long as one of the wins is in regulation), they’re in. Let’s say they win both; they would be 39-33-10 (88 pts). In that scenario they win every tie-breaker with Boston in the event the teams are tied at 88 points. If the B’s go 1-1-1 to finish at 88 pts, they finish 37-31-14, and the Rangers win on more wins. Ditto if the B’s go 0-0-3 to finish at 88. If they earn four or more points in their last three games, and the Rangers sweep the Flyers, the Caps get the Rangers in the first round
If you've read this far...seek help.
So the B’s need four points in their next three games to guarantee themselves a spot. Let’s see, they have vs. BUF, vs. CAR, and @WSH remaining.
So if BOS wins two of their last three and NYR doesn’t sweep the Flyers, NYR is done. Got it. Thanks!
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
If the Rangers don’t sweep the Flyers, it doesn’t matter what the B’s do, Boston and Philly get the last two spots, unless the B’s lose all three of their games in regulation, then they would be out.
If you've read this far...seek help.
BOS has to win at least one of those – they’re at 85 right now and lose a tiebreaker with NYR. If NYR wins one and loses the other, they end up at 86.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
seriously
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 8, 2010 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Or two OT losses, but whatever. Boston needs a couple of points, which would force NYR to win twice against Philly.
"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
BOS wins once and NYR has to take points out of both games and win at least one. They win two and NYR is done.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Boo on this. I’m hoping for Philly to be the Cap’s round one opponent. With the Cap’s PP being so dominate, it would be pure suicide for them to play rough (these aren’t the Pens – refs have no reservations calling Flyers for PIMs). Plus, if Boston enters Sunday’s game knowing they will be facing the same team in round 1, wouldn’t it benefit them to cause some pain and hurt?
"It hit me on the pants. I had protection. It felt good. Why? I wanted to win."
Doubt Philly ends up in 8th. The only way that happens is if NYR sweep them in regulation (or OT)
AND
Boston gets fewer than 2 (or 4) points in their remaining games.
More likely that they remain 7th or miss the playoffs entirely.
"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
NYR have been so inconsistent all year…I can’t see them winning 3 in a row to close out the season, you know?
If I were in Boston’s shoes, I would play for a tie by trapping the snot out of each of the final 3 games, then taking my chances in the shootout. Then I would hope for regulation wins in the Philly/NYR games.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
fyi, brendan shanahan’s “little black dress” comment is the one NHL.com article not linked (the three links listed offer quotes from bylsma and kevin weekes).
“Just like any coach will tell you, if you want to score goals (the area around the net) is the area to go to. It’s great to have the ability to score from the perimeter, but if you want to do it for 20 years you have to get down there. It’s like the little black dress; it never goes out of style.”
uh-huh… and how many women can get into that same little black dress they wore when they were 20, now that they are 40? (in the interest of equal opportunity chauvinism, we might apply that to the tight slacks the guys wore at 20…)
If you've read this far...seek help.
AO will be a formidable crash the net guy – when he’s good and ready. ‘Crease clearing defensemen’ will weep when they realize that tomorrow they will be contending with a stationary 235-pound bull moose parked in front of their goal.
Until that day, they can contend with a mobile 235-pound bull moose roaming free along the top of the circles.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
by EmilyB on Apr 8, 2010 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
yeah, ask Hal Gill how much he enjoyed Ovie hanging out around the crease.
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
by RedBirdie on Apr 8, 2010 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Hey J.P. -
Are you going to do an updated post on the old “going on the record” post from before the season started? If so, is that off-season material or something you’ll visit after the regular season is over?
Just asking, because if you weren’t I would do a fanpost on it.
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
"He was the patron saint of quality footwear."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Apr 8, 2010 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions
From that thread, I said 52-25-5 for 109 points. Missed that as the Caps came in higher. Got the East top seed right.
Bold prediction remains to be seen…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 8, 2010 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions
I was so close with Ovi fighting someone!
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
Mine was terrible:
105 points, second in East, first in Southeast, 6 points ahead of Carolina,
Six points ahead of Carolina? More like 40.
"He was the patron saint of quality footwear."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Apr 8, 2010 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions
and second in the east! You didn’t believe.
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
Couldn’t believe his own luck, you mean.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 8, 2010 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Nate tweets:
Great note a fan sent Ted: Tuesday’s win makes the Caps’ all-time record 1214-1214-303-71
That means the franchise has a .500 points percentage for the first time ever (or since 0-0-0 in 1974-75)
Karma. Let’s leave it at that.
Not to be a complete jackass, but wouldn’t that be over .500 points percentage? I’m afraid to even touch winning percentage and “half wins.”
Even then this is a helluva milestone, considering that the Caps were 59 games under .500 after one season…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 8, 2010 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions
No, it’s exactly .500 pts percentage. In the 2428 games settled in regulation the Caps got 2428 pts, and then 1pt per game for the other 374 games, putting them at exactly 1 pt per game or 50% of possible points.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Apr 8, 2010 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Ahh thanks. I misunderstood what points percentage was; thought it was % of games where you earn a point. I appreciate it.
No problem.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Apr 8, 2010 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Corey finally tweet sthe inevitable:
Jose Theodore is the (well deserved) nominee for the Masterton trophy from Washington chapter of the PHWA.
"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 feel like he’s a lock.
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’d agree, but he’s not a Steve Sullivan-level lock.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 8, 2010 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions
I think he’s a finalist. I can’t say whether he gets it.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Who do you have?
Follow me on Twitter!! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes
I wish I could quit you, Tyler Sloan! - Co-founder of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
That’s exactly why I don’t want to lock it up – because I don’t know who else is out there that might qualify. I think Florida nominates David Booth.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Yeah, I’m waiting to see the nominees.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 8, 2010 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions
Just off the top of your head can you think of any story that’s better?
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 way, but then I’m not exactly up on all the stories around the League either.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Not only has Jose gone through all that, but he’s stepped up his game, no? Very Masterton-esque to me.
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
Has Kessel been nominated for beating cancer?
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 8, 2010 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions
nvm
The Leafs nominee is Gustavsson, who has a great story too: (Wiki)
Gustavsson endured a setback on the first day of camp, traced to a heart condition that required an ablation surgery process. After overcoming a groin strain, he was diagnosed with a racing heart en route to a road shutout against the Montreal Canadiens on December 1, which led to a second ablation. Gustavsson was also dealing with a new country, new language, new team and the different NHL rink size and rules. Through it all, he gradually improved his game and was named to the 2010 Swedish Olympic team. He won seven straight starts in March to tie the Leafs’ club record for the longest winning streak by a rookie goaltender. To date, his record is 16-14-9 with a 2.82 GAA and a .904 save percentage.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 8, 2010 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions
Got a link? I’m compiling these.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Thats on his Wikipedia page. Check PPP or the Globe and Mail for more.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 8, 2010 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions
I have links to a bunch of them if you are interested. Do you have an email you are willing to share?
In my profile.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Thanks! I’ll make sure to credit you with the links. I’m pulling together a fanPost to collect all this information and have it in one place.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Thanks. I was just getting into hockey then.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 8, 2010 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions
BANDWAGON FAN! Nashville is nothing but a bunch of bandwagoners!
(j/k)
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
LOL. Think I’ve told my sports story once, no?
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
According to Mirtle…
Anaheim: Teemu Selanne
Atlanta: Jim Slater
Boston: Mark Recchi
Buffalo:
Calgary:
Carolina: Rod Brind’Amour
Chicago:
Colorado: Matt Hendricks
Columbus: Jared Boll
Dallas:
Detroit: Tomas Holmstrom
Edmonton:
Florida: Bryan Allen
Los Angeles: Brad Richardson
Minnesota:
Montreal: Jaroslav Halak
Nashville:
New Jersey: Patrik Elias
NY Islanders:
NY Rangers: Chris Drury
Ottawa:
Philadelphia:
Phoenix:
Pittsburgh: Bill Guerin
San Jose:
St. Louis:
Tampa Bay:
Toronto: Jonas Gustavsson
Vancouver: Henrik Sedin
Washington: Jose Theodore
If you've read this far...seek help.
Holy fuck. Jared Boll? Hahahahahahahahahaaha.
BTW, Nashville’s is Joel Ward.
I’d vote for Gustavsson or Theodore.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 8, 2010 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions
No offense to Gustavsson but a couple of pretty common, outpatient procedures (albeit to the ticker) doesn’t come close to dealing with the death of a child.
by Reckless on Apr 8, 2010 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
So far, on that list, Theo is a lock. But we’ll see who else gets nominated.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
Doan should get a nomination for being with Phoenix for so long. Or maybe the fans should get the nomination.
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 8, 2010 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Tampa’s nomination should be Kurtis Foster, who is going through the same hell that Pat Peake went through (and is still going through).
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 8, 2010 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Which is…what? (Don’t know the Pat Peake story)
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Had great promise, but dealt with tons of injury problems that ended up with a shattered foot and early retirement.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I remember at the time a quote from a doctor saying that Peake’s shattered heel was the kind of injury most often seen in people who fall from a building and land on their feet. Can’t imagine the pain/rehab from something like that.
I think so. I did a bit more digging here. If nothing else, it’s an excuse to not be productive for an hour.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Kessel was not only nominated, but the winner of the trophy in 2007.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 8, 2010 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions
New content up on the nomination
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I was under the impression that evason was in charge of the PP not the pk?
by JustJeff on Apr 8, 2010 11:11 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Thanks from the Crease Singer and Awesome Theodore piece!
Just wanted to say thanks for helping me try to “pay it forward” at http://singingfromthecrease.wordpress.com and I really liked your Theodore piece this morning. He certainly wins in my book!! Go Goalies! Go Caps! GO JAPERS!
Mia
by FromTheGreatHockeyVoid on Apr 8, 2010 11:46 AM EDT reply actions
Tinker, tenor, soldier. . . coach?
Per Tarik, the tinkering continues. Thoughts on these lines?
Ovechkin-Backstrom-Semin
Laich-Morrison-Fehr
Chimera-Belanger-Fleischmann
Bradley-Steckel-Knuble
Laing-Gordon-Walker
If wishes were horses, we'd all be eating steak.
by Hang a Laingtern on Your Problems on Apr 8, 2010 11:59 AM EDT reply actions
Isn’t Laich and Fehr redundant?
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 8, 2010 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions
They aren’t exactly. Fehr’s a much better goal scorer, numbers be damned. I’m just glad he’s above Flash in the rotation, today.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 8, 2010 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions
But they’re both net-crashing power-ish forwards, right? Seems like they both go to the bakery, while up top neither Semin or OV do, or Flash and Chimera.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 8, 2010 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Fehr is much more of a legit goal scoring PWF, though. Laich is learning to be Knuble.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 8, 2010 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Earlier this season, Laich and Knuble had success on the same line.
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 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions
My question is: does Chim’s forechecking ability and Flash’s forechecking ability cancel each other out?
"He was the patron saint of quality footwear."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Apr 8, 2010 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Don’t you mean tinker, tailor?
"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 8, 2010 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Of course I do. I’m just an idiot.
If wishes were horses, we'd all be eating steak.
by Hang a Laingtern on Your Problems on Apr 8, 2010 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Knuble on the fourth line? Are you kidding me?
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
My guess is he’s just filling in during practice. Maybe he’s getting a game off, or BB just wanted 8-19-28 to get some practice time in. I can’t believe he’d go with them for an entire game.
"It hit me on the pants. I had protection. It felt good. Why? I wanted to win."
Yeah if I ever saw Knuble on the 4th line in a game I’d lose it altogether, but there’s zero chance that ever happens. Not worried.
nah. My bet is that Brads / Stecks / Gramps is the scratch line for Friday. Good choice – Knuble should rest a game and they should be okay without that net-front presence with Atlanta.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
That’s pretty much my reaction….22 on the fourth line is way too much to comprehend before I’ve had my first cup of coffee.
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 8, 2010 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions
that’s one way to manage his minutes. Give Gramps the nine-minute-a-night line
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Apr 8, 2010 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I wouldn’t be surprised if that whole “fourth line” got the night off tomorrow. Care Bears suggests to me that Bruce wants to let Semin get to 40 and Ovie pad the stats. I’d be absolutely shocked if the first line in the playoffs is not 8-19-22.
If Sasha gets his 40th tomorrow, does he sit on Sunday? Magic 8 ball says – distinctly possible. Specially since ‘twas his stick as injured Chara’s beak.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
If Chara is going to be upset at Semin because a ref didn’t catch that inadvertent high stick, he needs to get a life.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Yeah, I don’t think Chara is going to get all that upset about it. It was a nasty high stick, but it’s not as if Semin isn’t known for getting his stick up high doing something or another.
Chara will certainly want to get a good hit in on him, sure, but he’s a bit too good of a player to do something dumb.
President and sole member of the Erskine lobby.
Well, knowing Sasha, that might put him out for the first round of the playoffs (tap tap).
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 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions
But he’s Gramps. He doesn’t have the stamina of the young guns, and the only that I would rather see rested and healthy in the playoffs is Green. And since he got 2 nights off, time for Grampa to rest a bit.
I agree totally about the stupidity of the average person. Horrifyingly, nearly 50% of people are even stupider!
yea I’m definitely a fan of Knubs getting a bit of rest in
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 8, 2010 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t like the idea of Knuble sitting unless he is suffering from fatigue. He provides an alternative when the OBS line gets too cute. Too much passing doesn’t help anyones stats, shooting home rebounds does.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
They’re going to play ATL in the 2nd to last game of the season. Knuble’s one player we shouldn’t worry about having to keep sharp and ready.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 8, 2010 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Egg zachary.
This game cannot change their playoff prospects one bit. Resting the important player personnel is the best thing the coach can 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
Will he really stay with 8-19-28 or go back to 8-19-22?
I can’t imagine 22 staying on the fourth line.
I see a cascade of Semin to the 2nd line, Fehr to the 3rd line, Chimera to the 4th line.
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
Stopped in at practice today and Knubs, Steckel & Brads all were in light blue jerseys, which seemed to say scratches for tomorrow night. My impression was exactly what grapejoos said above: rest Knubs and load the top to help Ovi and Sasha reach milestones. I can’t imagine that the lines today would be those for the play-offs, but just for tomorrow night.
Don’t forget Nick’s milestone.
"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."
’Twould be cool if Nick and Sasha get their milestones on the same goal. The only question would be – who keeps the puck?
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Oy.
I’d vote Nick. 40 goals is cool, but 100 points is cooler?
"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."
Split it like Ovie did with that Canadian dollar.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
by jordanDC on Apr 8, 2010 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Having BMo back is good news, at least.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Perreault chats with Corey Masisak of Caps Extra
Corey of “Caps Extra”? How many jobs does this guy have? :-)
"It hit me on the pants. I had protection. It felt good. Why? I wanted to win."
This will make a Pred fan’s day.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
link fail
http://www.ontheforecheck.com/2010/4/8/1411246/nashville-is-the-team-that
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 8, 2010 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions
High praise indeed. There are not going to be any easy teams in the west. A week ago I’d say everyone wanted COL, but they’ve won a few straight and Duchene looks great. Losing Mueller hurts a ton, so unless he comes back COL will be the team people won’t fear. I want them against SJS because I think Duchene gives their D fits. If he can get Mueller back it would be a very interesting series. I don’t think Mueller is returning though. LAK would be the next easiest team, but they are not to be taken lightly either. A very well-rounded team and getting solid goaltending. After that, you have 6 teams that could all definitely win a first round series.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
I still think COL is the weakest. Despite the win vs. SJ they have not been good for a few weeks, and didn’t look good vs. EDM last night. Anderson has not been very good lately and is untested in the playoffs and then there is the Mueller injury you mentioned. I think they are out pretty quickly against SJ or CHI, and they likely won’t get up to the 6th seed.
I agree about LA. Quick has been mediocre for the past month, and Kopitar is hitting another slow patch. LA is dangerous, but without those two picking their games up they are in big trouble.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Apr 8, 2010 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Hopefully Anderson gets a bit of a rest and comes out fresh for the playoffs. It was Budaj last night so you can’t hold the score against Anderson. It’s hard to say whether COL is out of the funk or if they just put together a couple good games to lock up a playoff spot. I’m really glad CGY isn’t making the playoffs.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
Not blaming Anderson for last night, just the team in general. Letting EDM come back from down 3-0 is not good. May have been a bit of a let down after clinching the playoffs and getting up by 3 early, but still.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Apr 8, 2010 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Colorado gives up a ton of shots in general. Plus, outside of Adam Foote, they’ve got a really young D-corps, none of whom have much big game experience. I have to think they’re poised for a sweep and a giant step backwards, kind of like what St. Louis did this year.
GUTEN TAAAAAAAAAAAAG!
I’m inclined to agree. Way too many young guys carrying the load and I gotta think at least one of them will have some sophomore struggles. We’ll also see if Anderson is the real deal or if this year was a bit of a fluke. I think the Blues are actually a very good comparison.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Apr 8, 2010 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions
A lot of the St. Louis problem is that they have old dudes that they lean on for scoring.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Not completely. They also had a lot of young guys play well last year (specifically Perron, Berglund, Oshie and Boyes) that either took a step back or failed to take the next step in their development, particularly early in the season.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Apr 8, 2010 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Mainly it was just a repeat of last year, which is a problem.
Start well, shitty terrible middle, end hot, except this year the rest of the west is better so fall just shy of making the playoffs. Not a huge step back from last year, just not the continual improvement everyone was expecting. If they could have just gone 50/50 at home they would be in the playoffs for sure. Or have 60 road games.
I agree totally about the stupidity of the average person. Horrifyingly, nearly 50% of people are even stupider!
Who was their guy who hurt Matt Bradley?
Less of him, please.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Cam Jansen I think. He’s a hard player, but not quite Carcillo (usually)
I agree totally about the stupidity of the average person. Horrifyingly, nearly 50% of people are even stupider!
Sort of.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
I know, I know.
I just hate him.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
Still, though, relying on Tkachuk, Kariya, Brewer, and Jackman isn’t a good policy.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
Sorry, didn’t mean he was ‘old’ necessarily, more that he’s not a good player to rely on heavily.
Mostly because I hate him.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
Yea, it’s not a talented team. They really do need to get some good free agents, specifically one that is a strong leader and good goal scorer. Pretty much, they need Ovie.
I agree totally about the stupidity of the average person. Horrifyingly, nearly 50% of people are even stupider!
But it is a smart team!
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Apr 8, 2010 11:21 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m glad CP2’s at the Frozen Four and won’t see this, but I’m slowly beginning to wonder if I want Vancouver instead of Phoenix. Unfortunately, we won’t be getting the Kings, who we own, but we split the season series with the Nuckleheads and won in GM Place.
Hm.
If Hornqvist is out for an extended period, though, we’re probably fucked.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
:( sad. I like the Preds.
I also like the Kings, though, so go them if the Preds can do it.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
The longer that goes by without word on The Horn Dog, the more I’m worried.
Yeah, I don’t feel much hate towards the Kings. They’re kind of lovable, in a pathetic sort of way, and I have a pretty significant man crush on Dustin Brown.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
Yeah, and they can play some damn good D. Willie Mitchell’s hurt, Ehrhoff’s hurt, Salo sucks, and Bieksa can’t hit the broad side of the barn.
But they haz Andrew Alberts!!!11
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
And a gold medal goalie!!!1 Bryzgalov is on Russia and they sux!
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
Every time someone brings up Russia I can’t help but feel bad for Bykov’s parents. Damn he’s an idiot.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
Judging by the headline picture on nhl.com, NHL Network’s Comebacks of the Year has some Caps love. Link
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
Chicago game
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 still think of Miracle on 34th Street when I think of caps comebacks.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Yeah, that one was insane. I remember wanting to turn off the TV but being too sick with bronchitis to move. Needless to say, I was glad I kept it on.
"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 8, 2010 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions
I went and took a nap. Got up at 4-1. Went upstairs to the TV, apparently became 4-2. Turned on the TV, 4-3.
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 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions
absolutely. but the video is for last minute comebacks and best overall comebacks of the 2009-2010 season. Although how you don’t include the Blizzard comeback (HAT TRICK! KNUBLE OT WINNER! SO MUCH SNOW DC LOOKED LIKE CANADA!) is beyond me.
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, that one was pretty good, but Chicago was more spectacular.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
They’re supposed to do games of the year tonight. Blizzard game should be there, no?
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
If there was one game that showed OV should get the Hart again, that’s the one. Took the team on his shoulders.
What time?
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Who knows? It’s On the Fly. I imagine they’ll do it more than once, and in the overnight wrap up too. Remember, US channel is showing Pens/Islanders tonight.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
That would have been my pick too. Down 4-1 in the 2nd, win in OT.
Bringing in the Puck the Media link:
CLOSE GAMES: All nine of NBC Sports’ NHL games this season have been decided by one goal, and five needed extra time to determine a winner
I think the two Boston games they’ve had so far (including the WC) have been the only duds. So undeserving a network to have so many great games.
"It hit me on the pants. I had protection. It felt good. Why? I wanted to win."
Hershey update: Uh-oh
Neuvirth “still ailing”, Kugryshev is expected but they don’t know when.
Hershey Bears goalie Michal Neuvirth (lower body) didn’t participate in Thursday’s whole practice at Hersheypark Arena and wasn’t expected to make the trip to Norfolk for the club’s final two regular-season games.
"I think it was more precautionary than anything," Bears head coach Mark French said. "He took some shots early and went off. I guess he didn’t want to get too much activity, and that was the plan going ahead. It certainly doesn’t look like he’s making the trip."
It looked like Neuvirth was concerned about his right knee. Since he likely won’t play this weekend, there is a growing question about whether he will be tabbed to start Game 1 of the playoffs next Wednesday.
"I think for sure it is [a question]," French said. "We’ll have to sit back and talk with the doctors and talk with people in Washington about the direction they want for us.
"That would have to be a topic of conversation. I don’t know which way it would go. I think the first step, in my mind, is once he’s healthy then he becomes a guy on the radar screen for us to start. Until that point in time, we’ll go with the two we have."
Jay Beagle exited practice with a knee bruise after colliding with a goal post. Garrett Mitchell, not originally scheduled to practice, replaced Beagle, who still was expected to make the trip.
Anton Gustafsson (lower body) didn’t practice. Dimitri Kugryshev, whose season with Quebec (QMJHL) has ended, is expected to join Hershey. "I haven’t heard anything from Washington on when they plan an assignment," French said. "I think he’s a guy we’ll probably look to be in Hershey next year."
With a growing corps of junior eligibles, the Bears are poised to start holding Black Aces practices. "We’ll start practicing and game-day skating with what we believe our game unit will be and have more of a Black Aces squad go on after," French said. "I think we’re getting to that point."
Lines:
Giroux-Aucoin-Gordon
Bouchard-Wilson-Rome
Bourque-Perreault-Beagle/Mitchell
Kane-Joudrey-Pinizzotto
G. McNeill-Eakin-Ferguson
D-pairs:
Alzner-Collins
Amadio-Helmer
Wellar-P. McNeill
Lewis-Miskovic
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
On the bright side, sounds like Holtby will be getting some big game experience.
by grapejoos on Apr 8, 2010 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I see BMo is listed as 5’11. No way.
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
Haha… the picture terpgrrl took of you next to him (despite the weird perspective) says otherwise.
"In the past we developed individually, but now we're growing as a team and that's what is important." - Mike Green
Exactly!
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
Back to the Philly/Boston/NYR potential outcomes
I’ll assume that Boston gets 3 points out of their remaining three games (i.e., 1 – 1 – 1), which is in line with their .538 points pct., and ends the season with 88 points and 37 wins.
With that in mind, here are the possible points distribution for the two NYR/Philly games, and the standings implications (NYR points gained are the first figure):
A. 4 – 0. NYR 88 points, 39 wins in 7th, BOS in 8th, Philly out.
B. 4 – 1. NYR 88/39/7th, BOS 8th, Philly out.
C. 4 – 2. Philly 88/40/7th, NYR 88/39/8th, BOS out (NYR own the season series tiebreaker over NYR)
D. 3 – 2. Philly 88/41/7th, BOS 88/39/8th, NYR out
E. 3 – 3 Philly 89/41/7th, BOS 8th, NYR out*
F. 2 – 3 Philly 7th, BOS 8th, NYR out*
G. 2 – 4 Philly 7th, BOS 8th, NYR Out*
H. 1 – 4 Philly 7th, BOS 8th, NYR Out*
I. 0 – 4 Philly 7th, BOS 8th, NYR out*
*Philly might catch Montreal for 6th in these circumstances, but Montreal has CAR and TOR coming up, so…
"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
Boston’s Playing Buffalo tonight, montreal saturday and the caps on Sunday. Do you really think Boston can walk away with 3 pts?? If there lucky they will get 2 pts from these last two games. What would be the possible results of the NYR/PHI if Boston only got 2 PTS?
Yeah, I do, to tell you the truth. I think Boston beats Carolina and manages to take either BUF or the Caps into OT. But, since you asked, if Boston gets 2 points, assuming they get it in a win, they end with 87 points and 37 wins. The results:
A. 4 – 0. NYR 88 points, 39 wins in 7th, BOS 87/37/8th, Philly 86/40/9th out.
B. 4 – 1. NYR 88/39/7th, Philly 87/40 8th, Boston out.
C. 4 – 2. Philly 88/40/7th, NYR 88/39/8th, BOS out
D. 3 – 2. Philly 88/41/7th, NYR 87/38 8th, BOS out
E. 3 – 3 Philly 89/41/7th, NYR 87/38 8th, BOS out
F. 2 – 3 Philly 7th, BOS 8th, NYR out
G. 2 – 4 Philly 7th, BOS 8th, NYR Out
H. 1 – 4 Philly 7th, BOS 8th, NYR Out
I. 0 – 4 Philly 7th, BOS 8th, NYR out
"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
John Buccigross in his mailbag today
Nicklas Backstrom has elevated his game to the point where he is a top-10 center in the league.
Hahahahaha. Lols.
DC Landing Strip - Waxed and Ready to Go
Bwahahahaha. That’s great. Yes, he indeed is a top 10 C. But he was also a top 10 C last year. Idiot.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
by Rob Parker on Apr 8, 2010 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
The top 3 are still in the top 10, right?
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
by jordanDC on Apr 8, 2010 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
So, Sid, Getzlaf, Backstrom, Sedin and, uhhhhh…Thornton?
"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
Stamkos, duh!
:P
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
Two guys from Detroit are pretty good. I’d take one of ’em, maybe two, right now over 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 8, 2010 5:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Put down the crack pipe, son.
Backstrom is good enough defensively and so much better on offense that I’d take him every damn day of the week over Datsyuk or Zets.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
I cut them some slack for injuries and stuff. I have no doubt Datsyuk is better than Backstrom though. Zetterberg is a little behind. Offensively, I think Backstrom pulled ahead of both of them, but defensively Zetterberg is still a premiere shutdown center and Datsyuk is just amazing defensively. Backstrom is getting better, but not on either one’s level, I don’t think. They’re still damn good centers (who can win draws too). Datsyuk in a heartbeat.
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 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Only ‘cos #11 doesn’t have Ovechkin on his wing.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Top-10 centers, according to the Bard of Steubenville…
1. Sidney Crosby
2. Evgeni Malkin
3. Jordan Staal
4. Tyler Kennedy
5. Mark Letestu
6. Dustin Jeffrey
7. Casey Pierro-Zabotel
8. Joe Vitale
9. Kevn Veilleux
10. Nicklas Back — oh wait, Nathan Moon
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Apr 8, 2010 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
Wait, what? Does he mean top 2?
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
Hey, F&B
Any reaction to Mirtle’s naming Staal the top defensive defenseman?
"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 really. For starters, Marc is the one that pisses me off least. By far. But more importantly, any list that has Poti over Schultz in terms of defensive accumen/skill is clearly flawed. It doesn’t pass the laugh test so I’m not going to get too worked up about it.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
That was a strange list.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
Ya know who I’d really like to see at a Caps game? Donovan McNabb. Wearing red.
Heads asploding all over Center City and South Street.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
by EmilyB on Apr 8, 2010 4:13 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
NHL Best of the Week up. Absolute beauty by Colin Wilson makes the cut.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
Holy shit. That Sedin to Sedin goal at the end is just wrong.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
You sounded like the Chicagoans with NY style pizza.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 8, 2010 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Damn, that was close. Weber needs to cut it out with the friendly fire, he’s gonna take too many years off my life.
Bring on the playoffs.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
Good to hear, that was a nasty exchange he had there.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 8, 2010 4:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Definitely a good sign. Mike Green would never do that to a teammate.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
Heh. Wonder how much slower his shot is than Weber’s.
Can you imagine Canada having a Weber/Green power play?
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
I can imagine a couple ways Canada could have been a better team. That’s definitely one of them.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
The shot speed was an actual question, btw.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
No chance. Green isn’t even close. His shot isn’t dangerous because of its speed. It’s dangerous because he gets it off so quickly and it is very accurate. It’s not overpowering like Weber’s. John Carlson is the guy that will have our dominant point shot once he gets acclimated to the NHL.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
Okay. Sounds like Franson’s.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
And his feet get him in good position before he takes the shot, yeah?
"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
Would guess Green gets it up there in the high 80’s to low 90’s? Not particularly powerful, in other words.
"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
Ninety-five per cent of your teams have decided they’re going to protect the area right in front of the net. That leaves the guys with the most time and space, your defencemen at the points, and those guys Lidstrom and Rafalski, they make so many plays from back there.
From Scotty Bowman himself. Yet another reason the Caps should try to have more puck-capable D than just Mike Green going forward, I’d say.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
yeah, I think the Caps are at their best when they get in deep and their dmen can setup on the blueline. They create some really great scoring chances that way. You think they’d try that a bit more than the run’n’gun.
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
Well, other than Green they don’t really have anyone back there that can exploit all that space. Corvo was supposed to be that kind of guy, but I haven’t seen it.
Carlson will be when he matures.
"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 dunno, I think all the guys on the top 4 do an OK job. You do facepalm a bit when it’s Erskine or Sloan going in for the slapper though.
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
Or Schultz (takes forever).
Or Poti (waiting for it to get blocked).
"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
Quote of the day
From Alex Burrows:
"We don’t mind facing anyone, but as far as Detroit, the only thing I dislike is having to fly there and having to stay there, to have to spend a couple of days in that city."
H/T to Kukla
GUTEN TAAAAAAAAAAAAG!
Douche.
I think Vancouver is scared to death of the Wings.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
Vancouver should be scared of almost everyone. Luongo isn’t hot, the D is a shambles, and they rely on one line. Yeah… that’s a recipe for playoff success.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
Stop describing the Capitals!
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
by zephyr on Apr 8, 2010 5:07 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Their D is an underreported story. Its a trainwreck.
I have no idea why they’re considered a contender.
I’m thinking the Wings are going to win the West, you know it?
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
I feel like everyone is suddenly thinking the Wings will win the West. Not sure I disagree, but it would be equal parts impressive and annoying.
For me at least, it’s not so much “win” as “who’ll beat ’em?” They’re feeling like the 2008 Caps.
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 5:21 PM EDT up reply actions
I think the Wings are the favorite in the West and I hate it. They’re the only WC team that I think would give the Caps a problem in a 7 game series. I hope they run out of gas after pushing so hard just to get in the playoffs.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
They might not run out of gas so much as Jimmy Howard will.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
I hope so. But they’ve still got some old legs and even with the breaks they’ve gotten (via injury) they’ve still played a ton of hockey the last 3 seasons.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
I think people are calling them the favorite just because they’re the Wings.
The one thing that nobody mentions anymore in this conversation is that they lost a lot of offense last year to free agency. Hossa and Samuelsson provided some sixty goals, and Kopecky provided another 10 or so. Datsyuk is putting up 55 points this year to the 92 he put up last year. Nobody has stepped forward to become a total goal-scoring stud. As a result, the Wings have put up 220 goals this year, which puts them just ahead of Carolina and two ahead of Nashville.
GUTEN TAAAAAAAAAAAAG!
But that’s with a dreadful first half. Season totals don’t even begin to tell the story for DET. They still have Hank/Datsyuk/Franzen/Lidstrom/Rafalski/Kronwall and are getting solid goaltending. They are the hottest team in the league and everyone knows they are capable of running through the west if they stay healthy.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
For anyone checking in to the Clips later in the day, here’s your reminder to GO VOTE for Jeff Schultz for Best Defensive Defenseman over at FanHouse.
I just made my vote, and Jeff is leading Brooks Orpik by 20 (percentage) points, which is 19 points less than he leads Brooks in plus/minus (44 to 5).
But we can’t rest on our laurels. Make your voice heard!
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
by EmilyB on Apr 8, 2010 5:05 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Are we flooding their votes, or is this legitly Schultz ahead of those two? Both of them get tons of press for hits and stuff. Maybe the Fanhouse community is smarter than I thought.
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 5:10 PM EDT up reply actions
I think it has to be from the Rink and Pensburgh. Schultz and Orpik are good defensive defensemen, but I don’t think they’re THAT much better than Seabrook (if any). I certainly don’t think the popular view amongst hockey people generally is that they’re better, what with Seabrook being on Team Canada and all.
SCH was hating Seabrook a while back, for what it’s worth.
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 5:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Stingrays netminder Todd Ford named ECHL goalie of the year. Congrats, Todd!
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Ha. I don’t think that guy is actually a prospect. (The SC guy, not Dunn, although Dunn is a long shot as well.)
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
He was drafted by the Maple Leafs in 2002, but it looks like maybe he’s a free agent? Have mask and pads, will travel.
Last season Ford spent the majority of his time (41 0f 42 games)with the ECHL’s Columbia Inferno. The Calgary, AB native also gained a start with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies. With the Inferno he played in 41 games and earned a 21-14-5 record with a 3.01 and .906 save percentage. During the 2008 Kelly Cup Playoffs he competed in all 13 games for Columbia and compiled an 8-4-1 record with 2.21 goals against average and a .936 save percentage. He backstopped the team to a series upset victory over the TExas Wildcatters. Over his four-year pro career he has spent time in both the ECHL and the AHL. Prior to life as a pro he spent four season in the WHL with three different teams (Vancouver, Swift Current and Prince George). Drafted in the 3rd round, 74th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs during the 2002 NHL Entry Draft.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
he’s slooooooooooow. Saw him at training camp and he made Theo look super fast.
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
Timely Kaberle "defensive highlight"
Given the discussion yesterday, I thought it was awful nice of Kaberle to provide me with this.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
Tomas for teh Norris!
Speaking of awards, the Selke is way more open this year. Who ya got?
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
Absolutely. I’d kill to have him instead of David Legwand. If there were no Nick Backstrom, he’s the league’s most underrated forward.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
Dan Steinberg has groundbreaking information on our favorite Siberian Snowflake.
Semin to attendant, in perfect English: “Don’t forget, skates, gloves and sticks.” But, but, but….
From a couple hours ago, but I know some of y’all don’t follow twitter.
If wishes were horses, we'd all be eating steak.
by Hang a Laingtern on Your Problems on Apr 8, 2010 6:36 PM EDT reply actions
Sasha, you’ve been holding out on us! Silly snowflake.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Locker room attendant? Sorry, Dan doesn’t offer any more details than that.
If wishes were horses, we'd all be eating steak.
by Hang a Laingtern on Your Problems on Apr 8, 2010 6:47 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m just wondering what kind of attendant he’d need to tell that to. Seems like anyone that works with a hockey team would know about the sticks, skate, and gloves.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
Maybe he was just being neurotic? I don’t know. I hate not having answers.
If wishes were horses, we'd all be eating steak.
by Hang a Laingtern on Your Problems on Apr 8, 2010 7:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Or maybe…Semin was just workin’ on his English. “Goodnight moon, goodnight room, skates, gloves, and sticks…”
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Adding 1 + 2 to get . . . a theory. I see Steinberg’s tweet was around 11 a.m., which was about the time the formal part of practice ended. I took my son to see a practice since he’s on break this week. We followed Steinberg up to the rink from Glebe (slow, annoying driver, too; I recognized him from the back of his head; confirmed upon arrival). Semin got off the ice pretty quickly, around 11. When we left at 11:30, his gorgeous white Porsche was gone. Perhaps he needed skates, gloves, and sticks (which he normally would not leave practice with) for an event at a rink elsewhere. That, or he’s flown the coop to the KHL to take advantage of that 30% salary cut that so many are so sure he’s anxious to do.
Flogging my own FanShot, but go take a look at “The Coolest Goal Ever Scored in Hockey” With lots of Brendan Morrison.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Can we all cry now? Crosby got two goals AND two assists. So he now has the Rocket Richard lead, as well as closing in on Sedin
(But at least the Caps were able to beat the Pens. And I’d rather have the Stanley Cup than Ovi getting the individual honors.)
Rocking the Red since 1975
Actually, that 50th goal, if you look at the replay, went in off Guerin. It’s not Crosby’s at all, and he knows it. He points at Guerin.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
your right, they just changed it, looks like NHL.com jumped the gun lol. the race is still alive!
~~~ R0cK D@ R3D ~~~
by Chaz-Capapalooza on Apr 8, 2010 10:37 PM EDT up reply actions
And look at the Penguins scoring all those goals against the crummy Islanders. (And better than they could do against the “good” teams this year.)
Rocking the Red since 1975
To Crosby’s credit, he went to the refs afterward and said it wasn’t his.
Of course, isn’t it considered bad luck to claim a goal that isn’t yours?
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
yeah, the pens and the caps both have two more games left, Crosby is up 2 goals on Ovi but Ovi is still 2 points up on Crosby. That means, the rocket is pretty much out of reach unless Ovi can get a hatty in one of those games, and the art ross is between Ovi and Sedin, I don’t think Crosby can pull off two more 3 or 4 point games
~~~ R0cK D@ R3D ~~~
by Chaz-Capapalooza on Apr 8, 2010 10:30 PM EDT up reply actions
I just got the new issue of The Hockey News where they pick the Caps to win the Cup and write about them at length. There is also a player poll and the Caps were chosen more than any other team. Has this already been discussed on the site (I miss most of the Clips threads)? And, if not, do any of you care enough about it for me to transcribe some of the bits into a FanPost?
by sixsevenfiftysix on Apr 8, 2010 10:51 PM EDT reply actions
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