Monday Caps Clips: Worlds of Disappointment
by J.P. on May 24, 2010 6:40 AM EDT
in Caps Clips
Email
Print
Your savory breakfast links:
- A look at part of what lies ahead for George McPhee this summer. [Masisak, Scalise]
- Do those plans include adding a Russian? [SLAM! (and for our earlier take on the subject, click here)]
- Is Semyon Varlamov upset with Brooks Laich? [Alex Ovetjkin]
- Speaking of Worlds, another tourney, another disappointment for Alex Ovechkin and friends. Tough year and change for the Great Eight. [TSN, RMNB]
- Re-CAPSule: Matt Bradley. [Capitals]
- Re-CAPSule: John Erskine. [Capitals]
- Erskine, Tyler Sloan and Shaone Morrisonn get the "by the tens" treatment. [Peerless]
- A look at Boyd Gordon's past and future. [A Capital Offense]
- Some nice recognition for Mike Knuble. [Grand Rapids Press]
- Take Five with... Nate Ewell. [Live In Red]
- The Bears are headed back to the Calder Cup Finals. [Masisak, Vogs]
- On experience gained down a level. [Peerless]
226 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
The picture looks as if the silver medal is the weight of the season around his neck…
If you've read this far...seek help.
Wonder if Bykov doesn’t match lines or run extended shifts also.
They're coming.
by Bald Pollack on May 24, 2010 7:34 AM EDT up reply actions
true, can’t forget about semin.
by Natty Bumppo on May 24, 2010 11:07 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Well you know what they say, that which doesn’t kill you can only inspire you to get a tramp stamp make you stronger.
They're coming.
by Bald Pollack on May 24, 2010 8:22 AM EDT up reply actions
Let’s not see anymore of those. After this year, these guys should be the metaphorical hulk in determination, persistence, and perseverance.
Based on this write-up from the IIHF website, Ovi must have thought he was back playing Montreal. Let’s hope these past two months fall under the category of what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger.
The Russians desperately tried to get on the board in the third period, but couldn’t generate much. Vokoun stopped Ovechkin on a promising right wing rush near the midpoint, coming out to challenge and giving no rebound.
The Russians got another push with Datsyuk setting up Ovechkin in front, the “Great 8” banging away futilely at the Czech goalie. With under a minute left, Vokoun stoned Ovechkin again on a faceoff one-timer.
A shitty bounce for CZE gave them the GWG and Datsyuk scored just after the first period ended. Tough loss for RUS.
I waited all year for this?
Ovi had a brutal four months, but Bykov’s was even worse. Two terrible losses in international play. If this were the ’80s, his next job would be coaching mites in Minsk.
Sadly, Bykov will probably still be the Russian coach. I was hoping that he would be fired after the Olympics.
by vtcapsfan99 on May 24, 2010 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions
He was quoted last week on a Russian site that this would be his last coaching of the national team. Could have been just political positioning, sort of like offering to resign to see if they take you up on it, but it did not sound that way.
I love this quote:
“Until the final, we did the right thing and made things happen,” the head coach said.
That’s kind of like the captain of the Titanic saying “Until we hit that iceberg, we were just sailing along.”
by b.orr4 on May 24, 2010 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Strangely all the players seem to like him too, although my impression is that it’s due to him being a players coach and him making things fun and being less strict.
by vtcapsfan99 on May 24, 2010 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t know if always being the players coach is the best thing for the team.
by vtcapsfan99 on May 24, 2010 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions
Let’s just make sure our Russians aren’t available for international play until 2014. Go get us some Cups, boys.
by EmilyB on May 24, 2010 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
And as if this year wasn’t already craptacular enough for Ovie, Chesnokov is reporting that Feds got concussed when AO accidentally laid him out.
And in an unprecedented move, Colin Campbell has suspended Ovechkin for the first five games of the 2010-11, citing the NHL’s crackdown on headshots.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 24, 2010 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions 7 recs
Yeah, that was all terribly unfortuante for that whole line. Ovi actually tripped over Sasha into Feds, so it was like the 3 Stooges running into each other in a dark closet. Ovi and Sasha apparently did not see each other as they were watching Feds go after the puck that had been poked from Sasha as he brought it over the blueline. I hope Feds will be ok.
Now Sovetsky Sport reporting AO wouldn’t speak to the press upon his return to Moscow. I don’t blame him. But it’s not gonna make things easier.
And LifeSports showed Ovi getting off the plane with a dog crate with a 2-year-old shepherd in it. His dad was shown with the dog.
Too bad Orlando Hudson already ruined the nickname “O-Dog”
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on May 24, 2010 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
missing weagles, stripes are wrong, the wordmark is wrong (the real patch is against a white background with annoying extra white space in the letters, which why the white jersey looks better), no front NHL logo…
"Yes, but Rimmer Directive 271 states just as clearly, 'No chance you metal ba****d.'"
but you still have to admire the effort to find a knockoff Caps jersey in Russia.
by vtcapsfan99 on May 24, 2010 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
BMo up today on Rink Wraps?
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on May 24, 2010 7:32 AM EDT reply actions
Ah. Forgot about the Q.
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on May 24, 2010 7:38 AM EDT up reply actions
As much as I love the guy, he’s just not an NHL player.
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on May 24, 2010 8:04 AM EDT up reply actions
Save it for the Wrap!
But yeah.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
no influencing the jury…besides, its all about expectations. if you expected him not to be an nhl player then he should get a 5.
for me, i’m going to vote based upon my expectations about which body parts he would damage this season. going to be hard to beat ruptured/slashed internal organs from the year before…
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on May 24, 2010 8:11 AM EDT up reply actions
He played in 36 games, which is shocking to me.
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on May 24, 2010 8:24 AM EDT up reply actions
I watched the entire Canada/Russia game, and I didn’t see anything remotely resembling Laich trying to hurt Ovechkin. There’s a big difference between playing hard hockey and “trying to slash and cross-check him [Ovechkin] as painful as possible.” Obviously, the cameras only show so much, but it would be out-of-character for Laich to do that against any player, and even more so when that player is a teammate for 80+ games a year.
I’m much more bothered by the fact that Varly would bring this up with the media. Even if it’s true, keep that stuff in the locker room. And Varly, Laich, and Ovechkin should be locked in a closet until they kiss and make up.
Waiting 'til next year.
The three of them are fine. No harm and no foul. They had a “hockey moment”, which is fine because they are all hockey players.
Weird that Varley brought it up but he’s just a kid.
Still, you expect to take runs at your teammates. Animosity during a game is friendship in sports when you’re competing against each other. I guess Varlamov is so far removed from the action that he doesn’t quite grasp it when he’s stuck back there in the crease.
There’s no finer example of it than of the two F1 legends Prost and Senna — both guys seemed to absolutely hate each other but after the dust settled you could have never found two people so close in sports. Especially when Senna died, any time Prost talked of Senna you saw him fighting back tears. Prost was barely alive himself after he lost Senna.
All the king's horses and all the king's men
Couldn't put Humpty together again
Varly you are such a tool. Brooksie and Alex were playing hockey and you go and do something stupid like criticize your own teammate in the press. I know Brookslie and OV will rise above this but Varly needs to be chastised and be taught a lesson. Maybe Papa Ovechkin can have a talk with him. And instead of talking about the need to trade Brooks (ridiculous), the only trade talk should be about Varly.
And instead of talking about the need to trade Brooks (ridiculous), the only trade talk should be about Varly.
Neither of those guys is in the untouchable core. If we get a good offer on either, we ought to listen.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on May 25, 2010 7:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Hamilton went ahead of Texas 3 games to 2 this weekend. If Hamilton wins tonight in Game 6, they’ll play Hershey in the finals (and it will be the scheduling disaster of all scheduling disasters).
Kinda hoping (besides the fact that I detest the Flyers) that Montreal can hold on and win that series from them. I would like to not see PK Subban play for Hamilton in a series with Hershey at all.
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on May 24, 2010 8:28 AM EDT reply actions
It would be easier for the Stars to win two than for the Habs to win three, dontcha think? Heehee.
But it does look like the Bears will get a heaping plate of Bulldog with a side of Subban.
I would much rather play Texas than Hamilton, but I don’t think they’re going to be able to pull it out. I think Hamilton finishes it tonight.
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on May 24, 2010 8:38 AM EDT up reply actions
Interesting article from Defending Big D
So last night didn’t turn out so well for the Texas Stars on the ice as they dropped a tough 3-0 loss to the Hamilton Bulldogs and fell behind in their Western Conference series three games to two.
But in the stands, Texas Stars fans are putting their counterparts in Hamilton to shame.
Though eight home playoff games each, Stars fans have filled the Cedar Park Center with an average attendance of 4,873 people per game – that number of course really helped by this past weekend’s attendance at all three games: 4,535 for game three on Wednesday and then 6,215 for Friday night’s game four and 5,020 for last night’s game five.
Compare that to the city of Hamilton – or as Jim Basille calls it: “Southern Ontario” – where in eight playoff games the Bulldogs have only averaged 3,142 fans. Games one and two at Copps Coliseum drew 2,977 and 2,897 fans respectively.
And we won’t even get into the fact that Copps can seat up to 17,383 for a hockey game while CPC only seats 6,863 hockey fans.
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on May 24, 2010 8:39 AM EDT up reply actions
Very interesting, but how many of those games fell on the same night as a Habs playoff game? I could definitely see that keeping some people at home.
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 May 24, 2010 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions
But Hamilton is in Leafs/Wings country more than Habs country. I have no idea how much the loyalty in Hamilton goes to MON because of the AHL affiliation.
I waited all year for this?
Wings? Hamilton is nowhere close to Detroit. More like Sabres from the location.
"It's always good to have vikings."
3 hours from Detroit, an hour and a half from Buffalo, an hour from Toronto
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on May 24, 2010 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions
I bet they also take a pretty big hit from Junior hockey in that area. Its right in the heart of OHL country. In that area alone is Mississauga, Barrie, Kitchener, London, St. Catherines, Guelph and Brampton.
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on May 24, 2010 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions
What do you mean “take a big hit?” Against all logic, Junior hockey is actually not very big in the TOR area. They’ve been trying to find ways to boost Junior hockey interest in the GTA for years now. I’ve heard that it was a part of the reason Mississauga got the Memorial Cup for next year and they are trying to use the World Juniors in Buffalo to spur Junior interest in TOR.
I waited all year for this?
Didn’t know that. Was figuring that into Hamilton’s AHL attendance figures, much like (as I recall) the North Stars (or so their ownership claimed), they were taking a big hit from High School hockey.
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on May 24, 2010 10:15 AM EDT up reply actions
Barrie, an hour north of T.O (so at least two hours and change from HAM with good traffic, which they don’t have), routinely sold out 6K seats.
At least this year. They’re fairly well depleted for next.
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on May 24, 2010 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions
Definitely more Leafs territory than Habs, but since they’re the Habs farm team, i’m sure some of the area fans have a vested interest in the Parent club. Then again, the Bears attendance doesn’t exactly drop when the Caps are playing.
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 May 24, 2010 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions
I saw something last night that indicates the Calder Cup final won’t start until after the circus leaves Hershey, which will mitigate any potential scheduling disaster, but leave them resting for ten days again. Guess we’ll find out if tickets go on sale today.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Giant Center’s booked up this week/weekend, and I believe Copps is booked up next week/weekend.
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on May 24, 2010 8:40 AM EDT up reply actions
If Hamilton wins, I don’t think tickets will go on sale until tomorrow. Unless they do something exotic with the scheduling, that probably means Game 1 in Hershey June 3 or 4.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Someone, I believe YNC, linked to an article last week that hinted that it would go 2-3-1-1, with the 1st 2 games in Hamilton because of the scheduling isssues.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on May 24, 2010 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions
Yep. I actually think it would be beneficial to start that series on the road. More focus for the team, IMO, and the promise of a great home crowd if things start off badly.
Conversely, if they win on the road, they could win the Cup at home for a change.
"It's always good to have vikings."
by gfcaps fan on May 24, 2010 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I’m 100% in agreement. I think that format favors Hershey. They steal 1 in Hamilton and it really sets up nicely.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on May 24, 2010 10:12 AM EDT up reply actions
Wow, I’ve never been into minor league hockey, but all this talk about Hamilton has me considering purchasing Finals tickets for when the Stars win. :)
And if they don’t win this year, buy tickets and go to the home opener next year. Bring some friends. You won’t be sorry.
Haha, is that a Dan Ellis Texas Stars jersey?
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Twitter/Cycle Like the Sedins
by Chris Burton on May 24, 2010 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions
I suppose I should try this new thing called clicking the picture first.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Twitter/Cycle Like the Sedins
by Chris Burton on May 24, 2010 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions
If I am reading this Tweet correctly that is actually Dan Ellis wearing a Dan Ellis Texas Stars jersey.
I can’t tell if he got it signed.
Thats definitely not Dan Ellis.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Twitter/Cycle Like the Sedins
by Chris Burton on May 24, 2010 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions
regardless, Ellis is hilarious on Twtter.
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 May 24, 2010 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions
I went to one game this year. Dragged my bro (also of Fairfax) with a couple of newbies. I can’t see the Stars lasting down here if the place is more than half-empty (like it was) lest you make it to the conference finals and give away beer and tickets.
I will say AHL hockey is so much better than the crap leagues Austin and San Antonio usually get. And there’s more knowledge in the stands I noticed with all the transplants coming for jobs. Hershey better come for the Finals or I may have to adopt this as my minor league team as they have no fanage.
Re: Volchenkov
While I love love to have the defense that A-train provides, I don’t think he is worth $5mil a year. Is that even possible with our current cap situation? Obviously that means Semin is gone, but who else would have to go?
#NeedsMoreBradley
You’re going to be losing Theodore’s cap hit, too, so count that in. Without looking, I think you can sign AV without dumping Semin this year.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Twitter/Cycle Like the Sedins
by Chris Burton on May 24, 2010 8:41 AM EDT up reply actions
Back of the envelope math…
If you assume that: a) John Carlson and Karl Alzner both make the club next year, and b) that the Caps go forward with Semyon Varlamov and Michal Neuvirth as their goaltenders, the the Caps have $45,943,796 committed in salary cap space to 16 roster spots.
Six of these spots are encumbered by defensemen — Green, Poti, Erskine, Carlson, Sloan, and Alzner. For the sake of argument, let’s assume that Sloan does not make the opening night roster (he has two more years on his contract). We’re at 15 roster spots and $45,243,796.
That leaves $11,556,204 for eight more spots to be filled (assuming the cap is unchanged from $56,800,000).
The Caps still need to re-sign Jeff Schultz, and contrary to what a lot of Caps fans want, this is a no brainer. Let’s say he gets Shaone Morrisonn money. Now we’re back to 16 roster spots, and $47,218,796, leaving seven roster spots and $9,581,204.
Add Volchenkov to fill out the defensemen (assuming the Caps carry seven defensemen). 17 roster spots are encumbered at a total of $52,218,796 in cap space. Six roster spots are left with $4,581,204.
But no team wants to be hard against the cap if they want any flexibility to make moves at the trading deadline. Let’s assume the Caps keep a $1 million buffer. Now we have $3,581,204 and six roster spots to fill. You do not have a second line center (remember, Morrison and Belanger are UFA’s too, and you’re assuming they’re gone). You haven’t made any decisions on Fleischmann, Fehr, Gordon. You are assuming that Shaone Morrisonn and Joe Corvo are goners.
But let’s continue. You have Mathieu Perreault in the wings. You have the possibility of Marcus Johansson making the team out of camp. Let’s assume both make it. 19 roster spots encumbered at $53,835,463. Four roster spots and $1,964,537 left (remember, we have that buffer for deadline moves).
The arithmetic is getting dicey. And you have to assume now that either Perreault or Johansson is your second line center, a job neither had yet demonstrated an ability to perform.
Are you going to bring back Fehr or Fleischmann? Of the two, I’d be more inclined to bring back Fehr, who could double his 2009-2010 salary next year. 20 roster spots taken at $55,377,463. Three left and $422,537 to spend.
You’re stuck.
Unless you make a trade. And that almost has to involve Alexander Semin.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on May 24, 2010 8:41 AM EDT up reply actions 17 recs
Okay, I was wrong. Sounds like Semin’d have to go. Rectacular, Peerless.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Twitter/Cycle Like the Sedins
by Chris Burton on May 24, 2010 8:43 AM EDT up reply actions
The thing is, I think going with a couple of goalies with that little experience without a vet backup is very risky, and I do not see either Perreault of Johansson taking over the 2C spot out of camp. You might have to move Semin just to balance the roster (i.e., bring in that 2C or goalie backup), let alone accommodate a salary such as that which Volchenkov is likely to command.
If you've read this far...seek help.
So your priorities would be, in this order, 2C, 2G, defenseman?
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Twitter/Cycle Like the Sedins
by Chris Burton on May 24, 2010 9:03 AM EDT up reply actions
My priorities would be taking advantage of what opportunities presented themselves. If a reliable backup goalie became available for a low-low bargain price, I’m not going to forsake it thinking, “no, I need to get that defenseman first.”
If you've read this far...seek help.
And if Fehr gets more than double his salary, or Schultz goes north of $2 million — both of which are possible — then the math gets even harder to negotiate.
If you've read this far...seek help.
How in the world would Fehr get that little?
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Twitter/Cycle Like the Sedins
by Chris Burton on May 24, 2010 9:19 AM EDT up reply actions
BB doesn’t negotiate the deals.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Twitter/Cycle Like the Sedins
by Chris Burton on May 24, 2010 9:25 AM EDT up reply actions
From twitter, one of the Pensbloggers:
BTW, if Shero wanted to throw a nice contract at Eric Fehr, well….you wouldn’t hear me complain
:: shudder ::
Seems like a good fit for him.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Twitter/Cycle Like the Sedins
by Chris Burton on May 24, 2010 9:37 AM EDT up reply actions
Don’t see it happening. Offer Sheets for RFAs are a major no-no among GMs.
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on May 24, 2010 9:39 AM EDT up reply actions
Right, but ‘good fit’ is different than ‘I see it happening.’
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Twitter/Cycle Like the Sedins
by Chris Burton on May 24, 2010 9:41 AM EDT up reply actions
And PIT doesn’t have a lot of their draft picks so it severely limits the kind of contract they can offer. Plus, anything reasonable they offer him (read: anything they can afford to offer him) would almost certainly be met by GMGM. Fehr won’t go to PIT.
I waited all year for this?
Is there any resource anyone knows of that I can see who has what draft picks? Trying to figure out who’s going to attempt and poach our RFAs.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Twitter/Cycle Like the Sedins
by Chris Burton on May 24, 2010 9:55 AM EDT up reply actions
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on May 24, 2010 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I know that how ad when a team finishes in the playoffs impacts the final picks, but is it only the final 4 teams left playing in the SCP that are affected? The Caps went down in the first round, but had the best point total in regular season and are slated to pick 4th from the end of the first round.
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 May 24, 2010 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t know of any besides brute force. For RFA purposes the team needs to have all of their own picks. So even if TOR somehow trades for a 2011 1st, they are still out of the RFA running unless they can get BOS to give them their original 1st back.
I waited all year for this?
Gotcha. So really, the list of teams that can realistically offer Hornqvist or Grebeshkov something worth signing is pretty low.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Twitter/Cycle Like the Sedins
by Chris Burton on May 24, 2010 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, and RFA sheets are uncommon even among the teams that have the means. I wouldn’t be too worried about those guys.
I waited all year for this?
Essentially, then, the RFA team’s GM sets the market. Thats a good thing.
So what happens in a case like Grebeshkov (or any RFA in this situation) where he’s probably not going to get re-signed but no one will tender an offer sheet?
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Twitter/Cycle Like the Sedins
by Chris Burton on May 24, 2010 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions
I think looking at “who sets the market” is too simplistic.
For instance, GMDP will tell Grebs “we will pay you X but you can try to find a better deal.” Did GMDP set the market? He set what he would pay but that doesn’t “set the market.” Then if Kevin Lowe comes along and offers Grebs double what GMDP offered then he sets the market.
Basically it just comes down to other GMs not wanting to give up prime assets just to sign a player, in addition to the salary cost. It’s a double cost to sign a RFA. Subsidiary concerns are that GMs don’t want to open themselves up for RFA retribution and the Old Boys Club discourages poaching.
I waited all year for this?
Understood, but if Grebeshkov doesn’t get an offer from Nashville (as I expect) and doesn’t get one from another team because of the expense, then what?
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Twitter/Cycle Like the Sedins
by Chris Burton on May 24, 2010 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions
Well GMDP has to Qualify him and offer him a deal that is 5 or 10% higher than he made this season. Once GMDP does that he reserves the rights to Grebs. If Grebs wants more but can’t get it from another team he doesn’t have any other option (unless he is arbitration eligible) but to sign the QO with NSH or go to the KHL. If GMDP doens’t QO him then he becomes UFA. I’m sure GMDP will at least QO him.
I waited all year for this?
Thanks!
I really hope we QO him, but considering he made so much last year I don’t know that its feasible. It’d have to be around 3,3+/-, I think. His PP numbers are equal to Brian Campbell’s.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Twitter/Cycle Like the Sedins
by Chris Burton on May 24, 2010 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions
Additionally, he can not sign the QO and become a UFA also (I believe).
They're coming.
by Bald Pollack on May 24, 2010 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions
Why? That would defeat the purpose of RFA. Everyone would do that. I’m pretty sure players can’t just opt out of RFA like that.
I waited all year for this?
I’m not completely clear on it, I read it in the CBA awhile ago and I think that you have service levels to meet before you can do it (ShaMo ‘09 came to mind), but I’m working from memory. Assuming someone doesn’t check before me, I’ll check it later.
They're coming.
by Bald Pollack on May 24, 2010 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions
A brief check suggests this isn’t right. Once the Club makes a QO, it retains first refusal/draft pick compensation rights. Has nothing to do with the player. Player can only become a UFA if the club doesn’t make a QO or the club chooses to not accept the arbitration award.
"Yes, but Rimmer Directive 271 states just as clearly, 'No chance you metal ba****d.'"
Cool, thanks for the clarification apk.
They're coming.
by Bald Pollack on May 24, 2010 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions
RFA offer sheets are so uncommon most of them are really memorable (Penner-ANA/EDM, Bernier -VAN/STL, Vanek – EDM/Buffalo)
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on May 24, 2010 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions
*
Kesler was VAN/STL IIRC. Maybe they did it with Bernier too but I don’t remember that one.
I waited all year for this?
Pretty sure it was just Kesler. Am I ever glad he stayed in Vancouver, playing Backes and Kesler six times a year would’ve been awful.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Twitter/Cycle Like the Sedins
by Chris Burton on May 24, 2010 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Vancouver got Bernier from Buffalo for draft picks in his RFA season. St. Louis signed him to an offer sheet, which pissed off the Canucks to the point where they then offered David Backes an offer sheet, which St. Louis matched.
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on May 24, 2010 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions
Ah, okay. So Kesler wasn’t even involved? My memory sucks today.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Twitter/Cycle Like the Sedins
by Chris Burton on May 24, 2010 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions
The Flyers offer-sheeted Kesler
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on May 24, 2010 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions
Good luck on that. Just looked up the compensation, and I don’t see anyone giving up a first and third for him. And the only way I’d see an offer sheet worth making is for over $2 mil. Anything under and it’s matched in 60 seconds, if it was even accepted by him in the first place.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Schultz isn’t getting two million (Not yet, anyway).
They're coming.
by Bald Pollack on May 24, 2010 9:22 AM EDT up reply actions
No, it would be 2C and a defensemen. 2G = Neuvy.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on May 24, 2010 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions
I’d tend to agree, but I guess the question is how much do you trust Neuvirth in the event of a Varlamov injury.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Twitter/Cycle Like the Sedins
by Chris Burton on May 24, 2010 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions
Plenty.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on May 24, 2010 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions
I trust Neuvirth a lot. But I’ve been a big fan of his for over a year now. One moment that really opened my eyes with Neuvirth was the turnaround he showed after he got shelled in TOR. He had zero NHL practices and got lit up and looked bad. Then he had 3-4 practice days and played very well when he got in the net again. Maybe it was a fluke, but to me it looked like the NHL practice time was very important. I’d like to see him get a full year of NHL practice time (and work with Irbe).
I waited all year for this?
Neuvirth can handle the backup role and he could even challenge for the #1 spot. More importantly, his salary makes him the perfect candidate. And even if he falters or there’s an injury, I have the feeling there are going to be a number of adequate veteran goalies looking for work this season.
I think this playoffs proves Hawerchuk’s position on goalies. Look at the last 3 standing. Not expensive or very experienced.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on May 24, 2010 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions
I assume that Neuvy and Varly will battle it out for the #1 goalie slot next year. I figure they will be more like a #1A and #1B type tandem. Both the kids have pretty much proved they can function at the NHL level.
Neuvy was in goal for many of the games during The Streak.
I figure Holtby will probably be our “main man” in goal at Hershey, with occasional callups to the big club and occasional starts.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Who would be available options for backup goalie?
by CarltonBanks on May 24, 2010 9:27 AM EDT up reply actions
Martin Biron, Johan Hedberg, Chris Mason, Dan Ellis, Vesa Toskala (:P), Alex Auld, Patrick Lalime, Peter Budaj to name a few.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Twitter/Cycle Like the Sedins
by Chris Burton on May 24, 2010 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Twitter/Cycle Like the Sedins
by Chris Burton on May 24, 2010 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions
Maxime Ouellet
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on May 24, 2010 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions
Jim Carey’s still only 35.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on May 24, 2010 9:47 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I thought the whole point was that he lost the " focus, drive and competitive nature" in the first place.
by DrinkingPartner on May 24, 2010 9:53 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m selling the Caps’ goalie woes – at least for the first 2/3 of the season. I think Varlamov and Neuvirth can give us the goaltending we need. More importantly, I think it’s time to see what Neuvirth can do in the NHL. I don’t think he has much to learn at the AHL anymore. If PHI can make a run with Boucher/Leighton then there is no reason we can’t make a run with Varlavirth. Signing a veteran back up relegates Neuvirth to the AHL again and I don’t see the point. If the guys don’t get it done before the deadline then go find a guy then, but I’d like to give them both a chance to compete. Neuvirth has been a playoff stud in his brief career (OHL and AHL), and it’s time to give him a chance to bring that to the NHL.
I waited all year for this?
by Rob Parker on May 24, 2010 9:57 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Varlavirth? What about Neulamov?
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on May 24, 2010 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions
And this coming season is all about the Caps’ playoff preparation. We’ve had the Ugly Umbrella Stand President’s Trophy season. Now we need to practice penalty killing and rework our power play and finesse our defensive schemes and such. Let the kid goalies see lots of shots. Let Holt 45 have primary duties in HER so he can see lots of shots too.
I think it’s time to see what Neuvirth can do in the NHL. I don’t think he has much to learn at the AHL anymore.
I agree, but at the same time there’s precedent for spending an extra year in the AHL. Ryan Miller put in almost three full seasons in the AHL and was 25 before he started seeing full-time duty with Buffalo. Jiimmy Howard spent four seasons with Grand Rapids before coming up for good to the Red Wings at 25. If Neuvirth is ready and there’s a spot for, he should be brought up but it won’t be the worst thing if he has to spend one more year there.
I understand the precedent, and I definitely can appreciate taking it slowly with goalies. But there are some big differences with the other guys. First, Miller’s 3rd year in the AHL was the lockout year. He probably would have been in the NHL and thus only spent 2 years in the AHL. Howard was only in the AHL so long because he failed to deliver in the NHL. Every chance he got he crapped the bed until this season (and even then, if DET had another option Howard probably would have been in the AHL after his horrid first two months). Neuvirth has already done everything you can ask at the AHL level; he’s put up very good regular season numbers and is 26-6 in the playoffs with one Calder Cup MVP. You have to think if HER wins again the MVP will go down to Neuvirth, CBo, and Giroux (as of now). That’s pretty good.
I waited all year for this?
Agreed. The point I was making (or trying to) is that if Neuvirth had to stay another year, it probably wouldn’t stunt his growth. Still, I fully expect him to be with the big club coming out of training camp for a variety of reasons. Plus, it’s probably Holtby’s turn to take over the #1 spot in Hershey. It’s amazing how deep this franchise is in goal.
(and even then, if DET had another option Howard probably would have been in the AHL after his horrid first two months)
Stop spreading vicious lies for the sake of the Tyler Myers bandwagon. It was only one month (and then only 5 games) that he was horrid.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on May 24, 2010 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions
lol, F/B on the Myers wagon…
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Twitter/Cycle Like the Sedins
by Chris Burton on May 24, 2010 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, it’s almost like I’m intentionally pushing your buttons…
But you have said that he should win the Calder.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on May 24, 2010 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, and I stand by that. You and the damn goalie lobby just can’t get over Jimmy Howard though.
I waited all year for this?
I bet Jimmy Howard wouldn’t play for Team Canada if given the option.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on May 24, 2010 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions
This is a convincing argument.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Twitter/Cycle Like the Sedins
by Chris Burton on May 24, 2010 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Speaking of not playing for Team Canada, I heard the most hysterical thing driving home from NY the other day. On XM some guy was vigorously defending Crosby against the IIHF (again). Now, I’m in Crosby’s corner on this one – the IIHF article was ridiculous. But this guy’s defense was the WORST. He directly said, on several occasions, that “Crosby would never turn down Team Canada. He will play for them every time they ask him. He just won’t play in this one tournament.” Hysterical. I’m not sure it ever crossed his mind that his point was entirely internally inconsistent. What an ass.
I waited all year for this?
I’m not particularly moved on this issue one way or the other, but if Hockey Canada is so blase about him not playing, why did they bother to ask? Because they have to? Because it’s Sid? Would Messier have been fried if he simply said they weren’t going to even ask because he deserves the time off? Did they actually say to him, “hey, we don’t really expect you to play, but do you want to?”
I know I’m throwing a lot of questions out there, but you know I’m not the only one asking them.
"It's always good to have vikings."
I don’t see how as the manager of your country’s ice hockey team, for any international tournament, you fail to ask an available player to join. Maybe you expect him not to accept, but still, you have to ask. All it takes is a few minutes, and I’m sure Messier didn’t go and sulk because Sid said no.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Red Line Station: for Capitals fans who can bear reading something less intelligent than a story at Japers' Rink
(note name change)
by red army line on May 24, 2010 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m sure he didn’t. It just reinforces the political nature of the thing. It also sets up the excuse of not caring about the WC because it’s not the Olympics. The 23 guys who went to Germany damn well wanted to win, too, and in the end you could argue that they were treated like chopped liver by Hockey Canada. The IIHF guy who wrote the story was out of line, but the Canadians got way too huffy about it, too.
"It's always good to have vikings."
I thought they were going to go another direction on Mike Green. The quote
I want you to take a minute, and think about high school. The angst, awkwardness, the cliques, the burning desire to fit in and be liked.
seems to really describe Mike Green. He seems to be experiencing an extended teenage phase.
by vtcapsfan99 on May 24, 2010 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions
I know Ted gets a lot of emails about the snafus that occur with <ahref=“http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2010/05/leonsis_on_verizon_center_sche.html#comments” >Verizon Center Scheduling
but I’d settle for a more even split of the Saturday night home games. Last seaosn, in a season with fewer weeks the Wiz had 10 Saturday night home games, and the Caps had 6.
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
Crap
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 May 24, 2010 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions
From Friedman’s 30 Thoughts
Tough from several states away to realize if we’re reading too much into Dale Tallon’s introductory press conference, but it sounds like Stephen Weiss doesn’t fit the new GM’s mould in Florida. Weiss has a no-move. However, would a guy who really wants to be a winner willing to waive?
He’s signed through 2013-2014 at a 3.1 cap hit. I think he’d solve our hole at 2C quite nicely, if he’s available in the division, but I haven’t looked at the salary implications that far into the future. How much would you be willing to part with for his rights and how does that contract grab you? Too much? Value? About right?
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on May 24, 2010 12:03 PM EDT reply actions
I’d be very interested in Weiss.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Prospects/picks, probably.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Twitter/Cycle Like the Sedins
by Chris Burton on May 24, 2010 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Thanks, Sherlock. I meant which picks/prospects. Are we talking Firsts and Mackan/MP or are we talking 3rds and Bouchard/Orlov.
I waited all year for this?
:D. I meant I doubt that Florida needs/wants a good roster player like Fehr in return.
i think you’re looking at a 2nd or 3rd and a top six prospect, probably not MP/Johansson, but no slouch, either.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Twitter/Cycle Like the Sedins
by Chris Burton on May 24, 2010 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Sounds low to me, given that the price for renting Corvo was a 2nd, a decent prospect and a roster NHLer.
I’d think that if FLA moves Weiss, they’d want a higher pick (say, a late first-rounder) and/or better prospect.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Could be, though I thought Corvo’s price was pretty steep.
He’s a 60 pt player (on FLA, granted). Last three years:
74gp, 42p
78, 61
80, 60
I’m not sure why you would give up a first AND change for a guy like that. I certainly wouldn’t give up one of your best prospects for a guy thats probably going to peak below their ceiling.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Twitter/Cycle Like the Sedins
by Chris Burton on May 24, 2010 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m not buying the Caps forward prospects as having peaks substantially above 60 points. I’d be delighted if that were the case, but I don’t see it.
He’s got three more years on his contract at fairly reasonable production rate (although his GVT/$ isn’t stellar) and shores up 2C for that timeframe. That said, his defensive numbers, especially his relative +/-, aren’t great. On the other hand, he was behind only Horton and Frolik in relative Corsi numbers while not being totally out of line with regards to his offensive zone starts.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on May 24, 2010 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions
There’s a good possibility that Tallon would move Weiss, but to a team in their own division? And not only that, but the best team?
Actually that last part might make it more convincing of a deal than less. The Panthers went 0-5-1 against the Caps this year. The closest game was a 5-4 Caps shootout win the night after getting beat by Tampa Bay 7-4. And it was the start of the Streak. Other than the shootout game, the Caps won every game by at least a 3 goal margin and in the 6 games outscored the Panthers 33-15.
So this past year the Panthers got beat by the Caps so bad it might not even matter that they’re a division rival. I have no clue what Florida needs player-wise, but putting Flash in a deal for Weiss might be enough for them.
LET'S GO CAPS!!!
Something dawned on me about the Panthers’ performance against the Caps during the 2009-2010 as opposed to the previous season. In 2008-2009, they were a pesky nemesis who the Caps had trouble beating. This year, they Caps swept all the games, with one OT win.
One obvious difference: Jay Bouwmeester is no longer with the Panthers and he tended to be a Caps nemesis. (Also, David Booth missed much of the season, courtesy of Mike Richards.)
The absence of Bouwmeester was exemplified when the Caps lost to Calgary and guess who scored a goal vs the Caps — you guessed it — Bouwmeester.
Rocking the Red since 1975
I could live with that but the deal is kinda long. I’d hope either MP or Mackan would be ready for that job by 2013-14. I’m sure they’ll want a lot back simply because he still has relatively high value. Then again, it’s Tallon and if he doesn’t like him then maybe it wouldn’t be terrible. I wouldn’t give up too much future for him.
What exactly did Tallon say?
I waited all year for this?
I don’t know, I just saw the 30 Thoughts column in the “What We’re Reading” sidebar and clicked through. Weiss grabs my attention as a guy who could plug into the 2nd line nicely without breaking the bank. He’s 27 now, so what we see is likely what we get.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on May 24, 2010 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Miami Herald blog after Tallon was introduced.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Twitter/Cycle Like the Sedins
by Chris Burton on May 24, 2010 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions
This is a pretty significant Supreme Court decision
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court on Monday turned away the National Football League’s request for broad antitrust law protection, ruling that the league can be considered 32 separate teams — not one big business — when it comes to selling branded items like jerseys and caps.
The high court unanimously reversed a lower court ruling throwing out an antitrust suit brought against the league by one of its former hat makers, who was upset that it lost its contract for making official NFL hats to Reebok.
Major League Baseball is the only professional sports league with broad antitrust protection. The National Basketball Association, the National Hockey League, the NCAA, NASCAR, professional tennis and Major League Soccer supported the NFL in this case, hoping the high court would expand broad antitrust exemption to other sports.
Not knowing much about this on the surface, i’m hoping that by being able to offer merchandise from all sorts of manufacturers, and not just the league’s “preferred brand” (like Reebok) will make prices go down.
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on May 24, 2010 12:06 PM EDT reply actions
It might take it down a little for things like hats and t-shirts but the “official” merchandise would still be Reebok and high priced. The whole application of antitrust to sports leagues is ridiculous.
I waited all year for this?
I still don’t understand why Major League Baseball gets away with having one while the other leagues don’t. I know the history of WHY they have one, but I don’t understand why one of the other leagues hasn’t challenged it in court as being overly preferential to MLB’s interests at the expense of the other leagues.
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on May 24, 2010 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions
The MLB got their exemption from the Supreme Court back in the 20s before sports were major business. It went unchallenged for decades and by the next time it was challenged the Court said it would be unfair to revoke since the whole league developed with the understanding that they were exempt. When other leagues (NFL, NBA, Boxing, etc.) tried to challenge to get the exemption, after the commercial side of sports was greatly developed, the Court said that basically the reasoning behind giving the MLB exemption was no longer valid so they wouldn’t extend the exemption, but that they wouldn’t revoke the MLB exemption out of fairness considerations. The Court basically said that if Congress thinks the exemption shouldn’t exist they can revoke it, or extend it to other leagues, but the Court wouldn’t limit or extend it anymore. It’s an aberration but that’s where it stands. The MLB doesn’t even use their exemption anymore so it’s basically a toothless exemption; if anything it hurts the MLB because that’s the hook Congress uses to drag MLB players and officials into hearings.
I’m pretty sure this is way OT now, so if you want to continue the discussion let me know and let’s take it to the OTOT.
I waited all year for this?
By all means….i’m interested to know.
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on May 24, 2010 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions
As we all know from Econ 101, and MLB’s example. The competition will result in better quality products.
Makes me miss Zubaz
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on May 24, 2010 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Honestly, I don’t think it matters as far as the consumer is related. I don’t even know how the manufacturer might conceivably benefit. It’s not like individual teams contract for branded merchandise. If I read it right, the issue is they terminated an agreement (or simply didn’t renew) because they gave 100% of the contracts to one company.
"It's always good to have vikings."
IIRC some teams have their own deals, but are mostly minor. The major implication of the case isn’t really about individual team hatwear contracts though, its that the leagues (and other industries) don’t have a precedent to push more into an antitrust exemption (i.e. labor contracts).
"Yes, but Rimmer Directive 271 states just as clearly, 'No chance you metal ba****d.'"
Playing GMGM
So I’ve been playing with numbers and things don’t look great considering both the number of players we have and guys deserving of raises. But I decided to play GMGM and this is what I came up with roster wise: In parenthesis are new numbers I’d offer or at least attempt to
Ovechkin, Semin, Knuble, Backstrom, Laich, B. Morrison(1.6), Chimera, Bradley, Fehr(1.5), Fleischmann(1.8), Steckel, Perreault(0.65), Bourque(0.578), A. Gordon(0.66)
Green, Poti*, S. Morrisonn(2.1), Erksine*, Shultz(2.5), Sloan, Carlson, Alzner
Varlamov, Neuvirth(0.765),
24 Players @ 55,913,000. Cap space left 887,000
Couple things really come up here though, Flash and Fehr are probably shooting for 2 mil a piece which could be done. A lot of the AHL call ups aren’t under contract. Matty P, Bourque, A Gordon, Neuvirth are not. Shultz could easily go for more than 2.5 mil.
But as things are just like that, if I could move Poti and Erksine that would free 4.75 mil allowing a big pick up or two small pickups. Personally I’d go after Volchenkov. And that’d still allow for 7 defensemen with only one Sloan to sit out most nights. And then also allow flexibility of having 2 forward scratches every night as well.
But if anything the salary cap is going to be tight and before next season I excpet to see a lot of people walk and even a trade if GMGM is serious about going after a 2C or big D.
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Oh and i didn’t account for Marcus Johansson making the team and how that would change things. I’d probably use him over A. Gordon but I don’t know MJs contract details
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Priorities for signing, in my humble opinion: Fehr, Schultz. With our other Right Wingers (Knuble, Semin) in their last contract year and given that we don’t have lots of hot shot winger prospects, it’s especially important to sign Fehr.
We would probably have to move defensemen, salary-wise, to make room for Volch. I assume S. Morrisonn would be allowed to walk. And possibly trade Poti.
I figure many of our trade acquisitions and Brendan Morrison would be allowed to walk.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Didn't see this posted (Tarik's twitter)... sorry if I missed it
Jose Theodore nominated by his teammates for the King Clancy, given for leadership on and off ice and humanitarian contribution.
Rink Rabbit & newest member of TySlo's fan club.
by caps123 on May 24, 2010 2:51 PM EDT reply actions 3 recs
Article and ~4 minute video of the Russian team arriving in Moscow from Russia Today. Varly is wearing a weagle hat and has his Caps equipment bag. He looks amused by the fans outside the airport.
http://rt.com/Sport/2010-05-24/hockey-russia-czech-dissapointment.html
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Japers' Rink
Related FanShots on Japers' Rink
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
FanShots
Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.
Recent FanShots
The Vault
In Association With
Latest Puck Daddy - NHL from Yahoo! Sports
- Who are the Non-Smythe candidates for the Devils, Kings?
- End is near for Rick Nash, Blue Jackets as trade discussions set to resume
- Why the Devils and the Kings are evidence the Capitals shouldn’t trade Alex Ovechkin
- Eulogy: Remembering the 2011-12 New York Rangers
- Stanley Cup Final: 5 keys for New Jersey Devils and Los Angeles Kings
Latest stories and headlines from NHL.com
- Driven DeBoer delivers Devils back to NHL's elite
- Driven DeBoer, fired by Panthers, delivers Devils back to the land of elite in just one year
- Bruins acquire son of Hall of Famer Ray Bourque
- Bruins add a Bourque: Chris Bourque, son of Hall of Famer Ray Bourque, acquired from Capitals
- Shinnimin named CHL's Player of the Year
