Thursday Caps Clips: Double Shot of Double Nickel
by J.P. on May 20, 2010 6:39 AM EDT
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PrintYour savory breakfast links:
- Time to pay Jeff Schultz... [A Capital Offense]
- ... who gets the "by the tens" treatment today. [Peerless]
- It's been a busy week for Marcus Johansson. [FanPost]
- Russia and Canada meet today in the World Championships, but proper perspective is maintained (by the players, at least). [CBC]
- Five reasons Russia will not lose at Worlds. [Universal Sports]
- Taking pot-shots at players who declined to go to Cologne to represent their respective countries... [IIHF]
- ... and reactions to that silliness. [BtN, Snapshots]
- Corey Masisak talkin' Caps. [The Grinder]
- The number one game of 2009-10. [Live in Red]
- Everything you thought you knew was wrong. [Sporting News]
- Ever wonder why Andrew Gordon pats guys on the head after laying 'em out? No? Well, you get an answer nonetheless. [Rink Rebel]
- Finally, happy 45th birthday to Bruce Cassidy.
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He is never likely to be a Chris Pronger – a defenseman who seems to harbor dreams of biting the head off of an opposing forward and consuming it at center ice.
I’d pay to see that.
But grace can still be found within the gale. With fear and reverence, raise your ragged sail.
by Steckel Me Elmo on May 20, 2010 6:48 AM EDT reply actions
Dave Bolland the new Dale Hunter?
Bolland said he learned a lot from both Dale and Mark Hunter about how to get to the NHL – and that he didn’t have the "pest" part of his game in place until he got to the London Knights. There, Bolland’s junior hockey career (2002-06) was shaped by the Hunter brothers, who own, coach and manage the OHL club. (Dale and Mark combined for 1,938 penalty minutes in 2,153 regular-season games in their NHL careers.)
Hunter still gets the edge in edginess.
What can I say I’m a JP fangirl. I will follow him into the darkest and filthiest of alleys, even the comment section at Puck Daddy.
By my look, those numbers aren’t right.
Dale and Mark have a combined 2035 regular season games (1407 for Dale, 628 for Mark), and 4991 combined regular season PIM (3563 for Dale, 1428 for Mark). I don’t know where the writer got his numbers… but they weren’t even close.
But grace can still be found within the gale. With fear and reverence, raise your ragged sail.
by Steckel Me Elmo on May 20, 2010 8:39 AM EDT up reply actions
Thanks for the correction.
You could wake me up in the middle of the night and ask me about Eric Fehr’s point production with the Wheat Kings in 04-05 and I would tell you the correct number. If you on the other hand asked me about penalty minutes on this years caps squad I wouldn’t get a number right except maybe for Schultz and that is only because I just read them. When it comes to penalty minutes for me a player has a lot of them or they don’t that’s about what my brain can handle.
What can I say I’m a JP fangirl. I will follow him into the darkest and filthiest of alleys, even the comment section at Puck Daddy.
I knew there was something wrong about those numbers the moment I looked at them, considering Dale on his own shatters the amount given by the article. I have a tough time with exacts for PIM numbers, but I can usually keep track of a ballpark number.
But grace can still be found within the gale. With fear and reverence, raise your ragged sail.
by Steckel Me Elmo on May 20, 2010 9:23 AM EDT up reply actions
Where are we right now?
6 roster spots to fill, $12,709,000 to throw around.. I’ve included Erskine, Sloan, Mackan and Perreault.
If we were to add salaries based on “A Capital Offense” analysis.
Fehr $2,333,334
Schultz $2,600,000
4 spots to fill, $7,775,000 to spend. Missing positions, 2C, 4LW, 2D, PB (pressbox).
Now, Erskine is a pressbox guy IMO, but he is getting $1,250,000 no matter if he plays or not.
Plenty of room to make 1 significant move or 2 slightly significant moves.
4th Floor, is next, swimvare, undervare, Eric Fehr...
Beware about making moves with next season in mind. Right now, the Caps have seven roster players under contract for 2011-2012, none of them goaltenders (this does not include Viking II or Braden Holtby). Among the players who come off the books and would have to be resigned are: Varlamov, Neuvirth, Laich, Semin, Knuble, Bradley, Poti, and Erskine. I suspect Knuble, Poti, and Erskine would not be resigned. Bradley is, to me, doubtful (the Caps could go cheaper/younger than a 32-year old grinder who would cost more than $1M). Semin is iffy. But the two goaltenders and Laich are almost no brainers to resign.
If you've read this far...seek help.
I don’t see Semin coming back after next year. The Caps have too many other contracts at positions that are essential. They won’t long be able to afford the luxury of two 1LW caliber players.
But grace can still be found within the gale. With fear and reverence, raise your ragged sail.
by Steckel Me Elmo on May 20, 2010 7:43 AM EDT up reply actions
I’ve already jettisoned Semin for next season already. I should’ve said significant but smart moves. GMGM has done a great job with trades and bringing on salary cap friendly guys, not so much with our own players, Erskine and Steckel come to mind immediately.
An expiring contract in a year or two. Patrick Sharp.
4th Floor, is next, swimvare, undervare, Eric Fehr...
Are you saying you’d target Sharp now or in two more years? I hope now because he’ll be older and get a nice raise in 2 years.
I waited all year for this?
http://www.japersrink.com/2010/5/4/1457242/who-do-you-want-from-the
4th Floor, is next, swimvare, undervare, Eric Fehr...
Bradley will be back when his contract is up, even if they offer him exactly what he is making now ($1M). I suspect he will want to be here as long as there’s a contract waiting for him, even at the NHL minimum.
There’s no reason to believe they won’t extend him beyond 2010-11.
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on May 20, 2010 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions
I hope you’re right.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on May 20, 2010 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions
Proactively throwing $5 to 2 RFAs? I’d love to play poker with you man.
They're coming.
by Bald Pollack on May 20, 2010 7:47 AM EDT up reply actions
Just using ACO’s predictions dude. High-end for sure.
4th Floor, is next, swimvare, undervare, Eric Fehr...
Yeah I should have read that part. Haven’t cracked the 5 Hour Energy open yet.
They're coming.
by Bald Pollack on May 20, 2010 7:51 AM EDT up reply actions
If you have to pop on those at 8am, sniffing cement glue is not far behind.
4th Floor, is next, swimvare, undervare, Eric Fehr...
Hey, it beats a Red Bull, where you can feel your teeth enamel rotting. But we’re heading OT.
They're coming.
by Bald Pollack on May 20, 2010 8:06 AM EDT up reply actions
I thought that Schultz number was really high. Fehr too, to a lesser extent.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Yes and yes. Schultz and Fehr should combine for $4M not $5M.
4th Floor, is next, swimvare, undervare, Eric Fehr...
Cap Offense is mighty profligate with the cap room.
Agree that the Schultz and Fehr numbers were high, and the Flash number made me throw up in my mouth.
I fervently hope that Schultz does not get more than $2M per year, and that Fehr slides in at around $1.5M.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
I’m guessing Schultz will come in somewhere a little south of what Morrisonn made this year.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on May 20, 2010 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions
From memory, $1.95M or so, wasn’t it? I can live with that.
"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
A) I don’t think that’s plenty of room to make significant moves (but I guess it depends on what you mean by significant).
B) There is no way we carry MP, Mackan, and sign a 2C FA. I could see carrying one of those guys and signing another C, but carrying both means we have 6 Cs on the roster (if we keep Gordon (or Flash!)) and, more importantly, guarantees one of those guys is in the press box every night. No way this organization thinks having MP/Mackan in a suit is the best way to develop them.
I think those numbers are high for Schultz and Fehr, and I agree that we have some room to make moves, but if you are looking for a 2D and a 2C we are in trouble. Those guys will cost and it won’t be short term. Our cap is manageable this year but is going to get harder every year going out as we have all these young guys coming up for new contracts.
I waited all year for this?
Sharp is a significant move. I only counted MP and Mackan because I’m not sure which one will win the 3C job and the loser would likely be one of the first players called up. One of them is just one of 3 extra players that count against the cap.
2nd line defensemen do not cost a lot., unless you decide to pay them a lot.
4th Floor, is next, swimvare, undervare, Eric Fehr...
If Mackan is the loser between the two I doubt he gets called up later in the year, because he will probably go back to Sweden to play in the SEL instead of sticking in the AHL. He’s already said that’s what he’ll probably do.
But grace can still be found within the gale. With fear and reverence, raise your ragged sail.
by Steckel Me Elmo on May 21, 2010 5:32 AM EDT up reply actions
One comment from the CBC article that shows just how much more seriously the Russians take the WC than the Canadians is that the Russians have 14 Olympians on the roster. Canada only has 1.
Russians are fooling themselves if this can even come close to being considered revenge. As Kovalchuk said, the real grudge match is in Sochi ’14.
But grace can still be found within the gale. With fear and reverence, raise your ragged sail.
by Steckel Me Elmo on May 20, 2010 8:01 AM EDT reply actions
No one thinks it’s revenge. And I doubt they’d have that 14-person turnout if not for Sochi looming. It’s probably been made known to the players in a not-so-subtle manner that participation in Worlds will impact the likelihood of them being considered for Sochi.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I figure none of the players actually think it’s revenge. But the whole grudge match article is just getting really annoying. I really should have made my post apply to everyone. Oh well.
Point is, Russia is icing the closest thing to an A team of all the hockey powers.
But grace can still be found within the gale. With fear and reverence, raise your ragged sail.
by Steckel Me Elmo on May 20, 2010 8:30 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, the “revenge” storyline is much more a media creation.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
whoever scheduled a meeting that conflicts with a game featuring Ovie vs. Laich, I hate you.
#savethekittens!
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
I’m actually planning to go home at lunchtime to set my DVR. Forgot to do it this morning. This will be awesome. And praise be that I get the odd channel carrying these games!
Universal Sports – channel 804 or something like that on Cox. Owned by NBC and seems to air alot of obscure, Olympic sports… You know, like hockey. Sigh.
DC Comcast, Universal is in the low 200s. FYI, in case anyone is looking.
#savethekittens!
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
Wonder if Brooksie will release any pent-up agression he might have towards his frequent linemate.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
and this is for the time I set you up for an easy tap in. And this is for the time you shanked a clean pass. and this is for the time you were too busy checking out the girl in row 2 in take a shot.
#savethekittens!
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
by RedBirdie on May 20, 2010 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
and this is for the time I set you up for an easy tap in. And this is for the time you shanked a clean pass. and this is for the time you were too busy checking out the girl in row 2 in take a shot.
hat trick, eh?
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on May 20, 2010 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions
Brooksie on the game
Google translated from SovSport.ru:
Forward Team Canada Brooks Lyke on the eve of the World Cup quarterfinal match against our team noted that the victory of his team will need to neutralize the leader of the Russian Alexander Ovechkin. Stop Ovechkin? It is impossible. What to do now? We will try to use the rare opportunity to remove Ovechkin with the slaughter of positions, to try to force him to fight in the corners, because pure ice in the middle of the playground was very very dangerous ", – says Lyke.
It is worth noting that a Canadian is a teammate Ovechkin at “Washington.”
You did that in Google Translate or something like that?
Can you give a link to the original? I’d like to see the word that was translated as “slaughter.”
Every bursted bubble has a glory! Each abysmal failure makes a point! Every glowing path that goes astray,shows you how to find a better way. So every time you stumble never grumble. Next time you'll bumble even less!
Here’s the link.
It often does not go directly to what I think it should. If not, click Hockey on the left menu; once there, scroll down to the many headlines for snippets of articles. The one with Laich is pretty far down.
It’s very entertaining to read these. The imagery often is hilarious, and sometimes superbly poetic.
Got it.
The translation is generally good. I would change a few things:
Forward Team Canada Brooks Lyke on the eve of the World Cup quarterfinal match against our team noted that the victory of his team will need to neutralize the leader of the Russian Alexander Ovechkin. Stop Ovechkin? It is impossible. What to do now? We will try, although we are unlikely to succeed, touse the rare opportunity to remove Ovechkin with the slaughter of positions, take Ovechkin out of his normal attacking position, to try to force him to fight in the corners, becausepure ice in the middle of the playground wasin the middle of the ice he is very, very dangerous "
Every bursted bubble has a glory! Each abysmal failure makes a point! Every glowing path that goes astray,shows you how to find a better way. So every time you stumble never grumble. Next time you'll bumble even less!
I prefer the slaughter in the middle of the playground. Has a nice B-movie ring to it.
"It hit me on the pants. I had protection. It felt good. Why? I wanted to win."
You can see this getting out of control, can’t you?
Some reporter goes up to Laich and asks him why he said he would slaughter Ovechkin.
Every bursted bubble has a glory! Each abysmal failure makes a point! Every glowing path that goes astray,shows you how to find a better way. So every time you stumble never grumble. Next time you'll bumble even less!
According to media reports, the Russian players made a pact after the disappointing Olympic tournament to come to Cologne, and win the nation’s third straight World Championship gold.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
The players are joking, laughing, and one practice in Cologne ended in a strip shootout competition.
#needsmorevideo
didn’t the Bolts do this last season, with St. Louis reduced to his skivies and socks?
#savethekittens!
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
Well, THIS is a first!
An article that takes potshots at Backstrom and Crosby, and praises Ovechkin?! Although, I think that this comment is a bit unfair…
Why is that a 23-year-old Niklas Bäckström is suddenly injured and unable to come to Germany when he played 22 minutes per game in Washington’s seven playoff games and would have played had the Caps advanced?
Players play hurt in the playoffs all the time. This is not news.
Photography: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
And dang...
In one of the commentaries:
Szemberg and IIHF president Rene “the dentist” Fasel are worse than Bill Daly and Gary Bettman, and in this case, the truth hurts—Daly and Bettman have both more integrity and represent better, more “noble” interests than the IIHF does.
Dayam. Just sayin’… Wow.
Photography: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
That whole piece is pretty immature and petulant. I’d break it down, but its not really worth it.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Twitter/Cycle Like the Sedins
by Chris Burton on May 20, 2010 8:42 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I’m finding that the articles in the IIHF website are almost impossible to read, not for what they say, but because of how they are written. I thought maybe they were poor translations from non-English speaking writers, but based on the byline of the Russia/Canada game article, not so much. They just can’t write.
"It's always good to have vikings."
It’s a dumb article no doubt and I fully understand why the Canadian Olympians didn’t play. Still, I have to wonder that if the championships were being held in North America and Crosby had played and Ovechkin had declined would the outrage would be the same. I’m thinking the storyline might be Sid plays for his country and Ovechkin play for himself.
It may be worthwhile to let the actual play out to see if that happens, rather than contorting things into unnecessary personal frustration, assuming you feel like devoting attention to the content to begin with.
They're coming.
by Bald Pollack on May 20, 2010 9:21 AM EDT up reply actions
Why is that a 23-year-old Niklas Bäckström is suddenly injured and unable to come to Germany when he played 22 minutes per game in Washington’s seven playoff games and would have played had the Caps advanced?
The blame is all on Boudreau. He should have rested Backstrom in the playoffs so that he would be ready for Worlds. Bruce has to get his priorities straight.
"Do not be afraid to ask for credit, for our way of refusing is very polite."
by Laich It Or Lump It on May 20, 2010 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
The blame is all on Boudreau. He should have rested Backstrom in the playoffs so that he would be ready for Worlds. Bruce has to get his priorities straight.
That sounds like something Swedish journalists would write but without the irony.
Not participating in Worlds=Quisling
What can I say I’m a JP fangirl. I will follow him into the darkest and filthiest of alleys, even the comment section at Puck Daddy.
Aw. Poor widdle writer was jilted. Waahhhh!
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
Wilbon at it again...
from lavar and dukes:
“Washington is new to hockey..People look at a black sports writer and say he doesn’t know hockey…I played hockey growing up…Washington hasn’t seen 10% of the hockey I listened to on radio”
combine that with this from his monday chat
I couldn’t give a damn about what fans say or what their reaction is or whether they get angry or e-mail because I say something they don’t like. You really think I’m going to shy away from either praising or criticizing Ovechkin in the future because some Caps fans, many of whom have been following hockey for all of two minutes and wouldn’t know off-sides from icing, are upset? Sorry … Doesn’t work that way. Sorry …
hmm..so hockey/caps fans are both racist and ignorant. not sure how or why race was brought into the discussion, but i think people get upset with his opinions not because of race, but because they are not formed from a base of current knowledge, just regugitated crap that is ripped from the headlines. i wonder if he’s ever met the post beat writer for the caps.
the irony of course, is that while wilbon may have grown up with a stan makita poster on his wall, he clearly doesnt follow hockey these days. he’s admitted as much. so when he makes comments about ovechkin v crosby, he must forgive us if we dont take his opinion seriously. particularly when it contradicts statements he made a few weeks earlier.
as for the rip on “many caps fans” not knowing hockey, i wonder how he formed that opinion? from attending one game a year and sitting in the press box. maybe he gets all his info from pensblog?
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on May 20, 2010 8:50 AM EDT reply actions 5 recs
I thought the irony was that the Caps beat writer for his own paper – who most people adore and few would say doesn’t know hockey – is a minority.
People have problems with the subtance of what he writes and spews, and his attempts to play the race card and martyr himself with the cause of delivering the truth at all costs is ridiculous and narcissistic.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 20, 2010 8:59 AM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
He lost me when he pulled the race card when discussing fighting in hockey…
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/capitalsinsider/wilbon-why-violence-is-accepte.html
Wilbon shows an astounding ability to turn a discussion every difference between Hockey and basketball (other sports too, but basketball in particular) into an argument about race. It’s ridiculous.
But grace can still be found within the gale. With fear and reverence, raise your ragged sail.
by Steckel Me Elmo on May 20, 2010 9:18 AM EDT up reply actions
I’d actually love Souldrummer’s take on this. I know he’s talked about it a little bit before but I think it’s nice to get the perspective of other non-white hockey fans. There is undoubtedly still racism in hockey. I can remember when Kane knocked out Matt Cooke I was joking with D’ohboy about how Cooke thought he was going to take advantage of a rookie. Basically our conclusion is that (no shock) Cooke is a freaking idiot. Kane was a black player in the WHL. He was probably the only black hockey player half those Canadian western boys had ever seen on the ice. I’m sure he had to fight a lot defending his honor.
I waited all year for this?
I know for Nashville, Joel Ward had a much tougher road to the NHL, in part because of his race.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Twitter/Cycle Like the Sedins
by Chris Burton on May 20, 2010 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions
That’s a more reasonable discussion of race’s role in hockey than anything Wilbon ever brings up.
Wilbon says crap (all off memory, could be wrong) “Fighting isn’t looked at as a problem because hockey players are white. And the part culture isn’t frowned upon like it is in the NBA because of race.”
But grace can still be found within the gale. With fear and reverence, raise your ragged sail.
by Steckel Me Elmo on May 20, 2010 8:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah I’m not saying Wilbon is on the money; he tries to say the Carmello Anthony sucker punch was only a big deal because it was black guys. I’m just saying there is a legitimate discussion that has to take place and I’d like to hear from the minorities in and around hockey. The ones that actually like and follow the game.
I waited all year for this?
again, the irony that two of the best fighters in the past decade, donald brashear and georges laraque, are black. didnt see anyone turning their heads and running away when those two guys would mix it up. actually quite the opposite. so, so wrong in that statement…
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on May 20, 2010 9:32 AM EDT up reply actions
And this?
Was deeply satisfying to many, many hockey fans.
Looks like I picked the wrong season to stop sniffing glue.
by alex_k on May 20, 2010 9:38 AM EDT up reply actions 8 recs
Was deeply satisfying to many, manyhockey fanshuman beings.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on May 20, 2010 9:46 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
That’s the way the Cookie crumbles…
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on May 20, 2010 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions
I never noticed how much Kane is enjoying this
Cheers, Complaints, homerism and bashing of mediocre pop musicians in 140 Characters
"DO NOT get stuck behind Kyle Wellwood in the buffet line. This isn't really etiquette, but it will prevent you from starving to death"- Down Goes Brown on Etiquette for Jason Spezza's wedding
by Kevin Sellathamby on May 20, 2010 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions
Don't take it, don't take it!
They're coming.
by Bald Pollack on May 20, 2010 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
So, I watched a ton of NBA basketball when I was younger and well into my adulthood. But I haven’t watched more than a half hour of it this season. Does that render me an expert on the abilities of LeBron James and his capacity to lead a team to a championship?
…didn’t think so.
Nothing will keep Wilbon from writing what he will about hockey and Alex Ovechkin. He gets paid handsomely to write about whatever he cares to write about. That doesn’t ensure that any of it will have any relatonship with reality.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on May 20, 2010 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
wilbon and so many others would benefit greatly from spending 10 mins a day here at japers’ rink (and other local sports blogs). beyond the fact that he’s out of touch with the team, i think they’re all just so insulated and unaware of the first-hand analysis that’s out there.
by Natty Bumppo on May 20, 2010 11:33 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Wilbon is the Forrest Gump of sports writers. He’s done everything and been everywhere. He’s the poster child for the “smartest guy in the room” syndrome. The fact that he grew up in an affluent middle-class Chicago suburb, yet continually plays the race card is hypocritical at best.
well, affluent middle class home or not, i have no doubt wilbon has seen his share of racism, personally and professionally. and not being black, i will stipulate that he knows more about being a minority in this country than i will ever know. and there is not doubt that sports is not immune from racism.
however, the fact that he feels the need to interject race into even the most benign conversation does more to perpetuate the type of racist opinions he so often rails against. the question he responded to had nothing whatsoever to do about race. he could have just said that he knows more about hockey then people give him credit for and i would have had no problem with that, although i still would argue he doesnt know enough about the NHL today to be making the types of claims he makes.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on May 20, 2010 9:40 AM EDT up reply actions
His penchant for injecting race into conversations where it has no place is just so tiresome and frankly, it demeans the much larger issue of racism in sports which no doubt does exist. And JP’s point about Tarik is spot on. I’m guessing Tarik has forgotten more about hockey than Wilbon knows, yet you never hear him demeaning Washington hockey fans’ knowledge or accusing us of being closet racists. I just wish Wilbon would move to Arizona permanently and spare us all his pearls of wisdom.
by b.orr4 on May 20, 2010 10:02 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Wow, hoops must really be a snooze if ol’ Mike pops off about the Caps in the offseason.
Slightly off topic, but I’d love to see Gene Wang cover some more of the Caps. He’s a DC area native for whom this beat could resonate. The guy can write too, and he’s funny.
More norrissey, less morrissey
oh, but clearly gene wang knows nothing about hockey….
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on May 20, 2010 9:43 AM EDT up reply actions
Tarik’s also a DC area native, although I can’t remember which high school. Combing through the Bog archives to find it….
#savethekittens!
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
Definitely was – Tarik was a classmate of our own Stephen Pepper (Rink trivia!).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
so, do I get an OFB mug if I answer correctly next time it comes up?
#savethekittens!
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
Not that he would ever get an inside scoop, but G. Wang and D. Fishman share G’town roots….
More norrissey, less morrissey
by bigonetimer on May 20, 2010 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Careful… the banhammer hasn’t been swung in a while…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 20, 2010 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Anything praising G’town is inherently offensive.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
What if the NCAA tried to put a D I program in DC and decided that G’town would be the best choice? Would you support it or not?
(And definitely out of nowhere, but I talked to a friend of mine and he said he’s part of a group of people, including some Upstate NY NHL players, that are trying to bring a D I program to Syracuse. You hear anything about this?)
I waited all year for this?
Takes mad skillz to banhammer from a 2-3 zone…
"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
Is there a link to this article?
But grace can still be found within the gale. With fear and reverence, raise your ragged sail.
by Steckel Me Elmo on May 20, 2010 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions
the first quote is from wilbon’s call into lavar and dukes show yesterday afternoon. the second is from his chat on wapo.com this past monday.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on May 20, 2010 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions
Is it just me or does Capital Offense seem pretty generous with the contracts? I mean, these deals seem way over what we need to be offering our RFA
I think CO may be erring on the high side, but judging by the comparable contracts that CO discusses, it’s not entirely ridiculous. Unfortunately.
But grace can still be found within the gale. With fear and reverence, raise your ragged sail.
by Steckel Me Elmo on May 20, 2010 9:32 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m not sure I agree that his “comparable contracts” are actually comparable (and they’re most certainly not by the arbitration-related definition of the term).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I don’t even remember what the arbitration definition of comparable is. But the numbers seem to be pretty decent for some of them. Though as you said (or implied), if he choose to go to arbitration, that doesn’t mean much.
But grace can still be found within the gale. With fear and reverence, raise your ragged sail.
by Steckel Me Elmo on May 20, 2010 10:17 AM EDT up reply actions
It’s pretty narrow. Vogs does a great job explaining it here:
One common misnomer in the process is the concept of "comparables." Yes, both sides will present comparable players in their cases, but those comparables are looked at from the standpoint of when they signed the contract that made them comparable. In other words, you can’t just look at Laich’s stats from 2006-07 and find other players with similar numbers and see what their earnings are.
For the purposes of comparables, "platform years" are used. A platform year is the year in which a player "earned" his subsequent contract. Anyone signing a (non-entry level and non-UFA) contract this summer for 2007-08 would have a platform year of 2006-07. So "comparable" contracts basically include those negotiated by other Group II (restricted) free agents. For the sake of comparables, the players’ age and position should also be similar, if not exact.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
OK, that’s pretty much what I thought it was.
Do/can the comparable contracts take into account years prior to the “platform year”? I feel like they should considering whether a player went from zero to 60 immediately or showed steady improvement should change the contract. But I guess that’s kind of mute since arbitration only offers 1 year contracts anyway.
But grace can still be found within the gale. With fear and reverence, raise your ragged sail.
by Steckel Me Elmo on May 20, 2010 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions
Actually, as long as the second year would not be an UFA season (or Group 5 season – not worth going into details here as doesn’t apply to 55), the party that did not elect arbitration has the option to have the arbitration award be a two year award, i.e., if the player elects arbitration the team has the choice in advance of the hearing to request either an one yer or two year award.
I knew there was some sort of rule about arbitration that allowed for 2 year deals. But I hardly ever see it used, so I just ignored.
Arbitration laws are a pain in the ass.
But grace can still be found within the gale. With fear and reverence, raise your ragged sail.
by Steckel Me Elmo on May 20, 2010 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions
You could round up all the physicists at Livermore Labs, Oak Ridge, Los Alamos, put ’em all in a room, and none of them would understand them.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on May 20, 2010 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions
But if you got all those physicists’ lawyers they’d straighten it right out.
I waited all year for this?
can backstrom’s contract be used as a comparable for other players around the league (bobby ryan, etc)? with the length of his term, it’s kind of half an RFA deal and half a UFA deal.
by Natty Bumppo on May 20, 2010 11:37 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t read that blog, so I don’t know how often they write about contracts and extensions. The Oduya contract only covers UFA years so I don’t believe it could be considered a comparable for arbitration purposes. Also, I didn’t see it mentioned, but it is worth taking into consideration that two of the four years of Gleason’s contract cover what would have been UFA seasons. Just some things to take into account when looking at the numbers of what they list as comparables.
Also, in terms of the Schultz qualifying offer, given his current salary, the QO only needs to be 105% of the current salary, not 110%.
by sk84fun_dc on May 20, 2010 10:00 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
mike wilbon
mike wilbon’s desire to play a race card in many of his columns does not enlighten any of his readers to differences between race and class in the US, instead it just annoys and comes across uninformed…. the whole notion of "you don’t understand because you’re not ________ went out of style years ago.
the whole notion of "you don’t understand because you’re not ________ went out of style years ago.
Jesus Christ no.
by CaptainAwesome on May 20, 2010 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Here’s a discussion of how to reconfigure the Bears’ lines. I agree on his thoughts about Delly. Just this once, mind you.
Giroux – Aucoin – Bourque
Dubuc – Perreault – Bouchard
Beagle – Wilson – Pinner
Rome – Joudrey – KaneThat will help the offensive game. I know Bourque is a left wing and Beagle would rather play center but something needs to change. Without Gordon, Hershey is weak on the right side so you have to move someone over for a game.
I am sure Bourque can handle right wing for a game or two.
Not my find (this was posted on HFBs), but worth posting…Cody Eakin recalled to Hershey
I’m not sure if he was playing through an injury or not, but Rome has been pretty ineffective of late and didn’t play much from what I recall seeing even after Gordon left the game on Saturday.
Thanks for that news, sk84fun_dc!
Guess that means Andrew is definitely not ready to return.
As excited as I am to see Cody get the (re)call, it’s a little weird that the loss of one player has caused such chaos in Hershey. Their PP is 1 for 10 since AGord went out, and their SOG fell off a cliff.
Somehow I s’pect they will rebound tonight though, with or without Cody in a chocolate sweater.
Also, via the link from sk84fun:
Broncos F Cody Eakin is back in Winnipeg. He’s been down with Hershey of the AHL since the end of Bronco season. The Bears are in the Conference finals for the Calder Cup. Cody has been relegated to press box duties since the end of the regular season.
Late last week, Hershey sent him home. I trust he gained valuable experience being around the pro game for over a month.
Looking ahead to next season, from a selfish perspective I’m scared the Capitals could potentially keep Cody as a bargain 4th liner with all their high salaries. He could fit in well with their cap space.
If that’s the case, I’d wish Cody well knowing he’s ready for the next step in his career.
Another year in junior would mean big things for him though. A run at a scoring title, a chance to wear the “C” and a shot at World Junior gold with Canada.
It’s a win-win for the kid.
Update
Ashton Rome, a healthy scratch in Game 4, is returning to the lineup and will play on the fourth line with Andrew Joudrey and Stefan Della Rovere. Junior eligible Della Rovere struggled in his AHL debut in Game 4 and saw limited ice time after the first period, but he is staying in the lineup while Simon Ferguson and Grant McNeill remain healthy scratches.
“The question of speed and skill on the fourth line — if you want to label it that — is more important than a big, physical presence,” French said. "We want to up our forechecking game, and we need to play at a high pace. That’s basically the thought process on him."
Junior eligible forward Cody Eakin, who had been sent home for the season, is being brought back. He is scheduled to rejoin the club in Hershey, and his return is a sign that Gordon (lower body) might not be available the rest of the series.
“Yeah, I think it’s fine to say there is a concern [Gordon will remain sidelined],” French said. "I think that’s the reason why the decision was made to bring him in. I don’t think anything is definitive, but I think that is a good word to use; that would be a concern. "With the possibility of Gordon being out, to up our skill level he’s one guy the organization feels could help us."
Lines:
Giroux-Aucoin-Beagle
Bourque-Perreault-Bouchard
Kane-Wilson-Pinizzotto/Ferguson
Della Rovere/G. McNeill-Joudrey-Rome
D-pairs:
Alzner-Carlson
P. McNeill-Helmer
Wellar-Collins
Amadio-Miskovic
Beagle is being moved to the top line.
http://blog.pennlive.com/patriotnewssports/2010/05/beagle_moves_to_top_line_for_h.html
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
Before the match with the Canadians Bykov and nutritionists fed Russians coleslaw and hard-boiled eggs.
Not sure if the Russians are trying to stink up the quarterfinals in a different way or are hoping to gas the Canadians into defeat. I just hope no one lights a match in the locker room (no smoking!).
Interesting NHL/AHL hockey news for next season: “”http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=529684&cmpid=nhl-twt-nhl" >Swede to become NHL’s first European official"
For his part, Vinnerborg said the “proof of the four-man system” is that no major calls were debated or lambasted during the 2010 Olympics, which ended in a thrilling overtime victory for Canada.
Too bad this can’t be said of the NHL.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
WC Update
CZE beat FIN 2-1
SWE beat DEN 4-2
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
Live in Red seems nice and all but unless I missed something, Mean Lars Burns Down Chicago is not one of the ten best games this year? FAIL.
Great. Now I have to change my name to "Jaromir meet Alex".
by Chris meet Alex on May 20, 2010 2:12 PM EDT reply actions
Mine too, that’s why I went over to see what was the number 1 game, cause I thought it might be that one.
“huh, Caps Montreal comeback… Okay I can see that. Must be number two then… Snowvechkin, alright, maybe three…. Nope. Nor 4, or 5, what the!”
Great. Now I have to change my name to "Jaromir meet Alex".
by Chris meet Alex on May 20, 2010 7:05 PM EDT up reply actions
i agree. Too much pain involved with that Caps Hab playoff comeback game.
I also preferred—and expected to see—that Caps Hawks one in which Mean Lars channelled his inner Ovi with the pass off the boards to himself then have a breakaway down the ice where he undressed two of the Hawks defense to score in OT. A highly satisfying conclusion to that game. Definitely a highlight to the regular season.
Ovechkin on Backstrom: "I’m very happy to hear the news, because he’s one of the top centers in the world, one of my best friends and we want to play together for a long time. He’s a guy who wants to stay in one place and be comfortable and win, just like me. We talk all the time about playing together, and we talked after the playoffs about how we can win in Washington."
by capsyoungguns on May 20, 2010 8:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Same old same old...
No score yet, but two penalties so far in the WC game: Downie for boarding, Semin for high-sticking.
"It hit me on the pants. I had protection. It felt good. Why? I wanted to win."
WC thread.
http://www.japersrink.com/2010/5/20/1480649/ot-hockey-russia-vs-canada
"It's always good to have vikings."
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