Thursday Caps Clips: Real American Hero
by J.P. on May 27, 2010 6:37 AM EDT
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Your savory breakfast links:
- John Carlson did a phoner with LaVar and Chad yesterday. Check it out. [The LaVar Arrington Show with Chad Dukes]
- More Carlson, this time via the written word. [Capitals Outsider]
- Mike Knuble talks about his former team heading to the Finals. [CSN Washington]
- Is Matthew Lombardi the Caps' best second-line center option from the free agent market? [Masisak]
- Today's edition of "Why Not to Spend Big Bucks on Goalies." [BtN]
- Apparently it's now acceptable for NHL team employees to use their team's website to trash players from other teams. Classy. [Dallas Stars Blog]
- "I traded Jagr for Alex Ovechkin." That sure does sound a lot better than "I traded Jagr for Cam Barker." [Washington City Paper]
- "Take Five" with the Nicklas Backstrom to Nate Ewell's Ovechkin. [Live In Red]
- Courage Caps delivers. [Capitals]
- Asking one of the easier Caps questions to answer ("hell yes," for what it's worth). [RMNB]
- Great photos and assorted whatnot from the AHL's Eastern Conference Finals Games 3, 4 and 5. [FanPost]
- Bring on the Stars. [Ed Frankovic, Patriot-News]
- Finally, happy 46th birthday to Chris Felix.
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It hasn’t been brought up much, but I’m on the Lombardi wagon if the Caps look to FA for the solution to their 2C problem.
But grace can still be found within the gale. With fear and reverence, raise your ragged sail.
by Steckel Me Elmo on May 27, 2010 6:50 AM EDT reply actions
The Coyotes have quite a few guys to re-sign, so one wonders if Lombardi gets pushed down the priority list until after Hanzal, Michalek, etc.
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by Chris Burton on May 27, 2010 7:41 AM EDT up reply actions
I can’t imagine he’s a higher priority than either Hanzal or Michalek. There are probably other guys ahead of him, but I’d need to look at Phoenix’s cap and contract situation.
But grace can still be found within the gale. With fear and reverence, raise your ragged sail.
by Steckel Me Elmo on May 27, 2010 7:43 AM EDT up reply actions
And while we’re throwing ’Yotes names out there… Michalek is a nice player.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
There have been multiple times I’ve said I would absolutely love it if the Caps were able to sign Z. Michalek. But I know it’s not happening, unfortunately.
But grace can still be found within the gale. With fear and reverence, raise your ragged sail.
by Steckel Me Elmo on May 27, 2010 7:45 AM EDT up reply actions
I think he’d be less expensive than Volchenkov, but its been pretty apparent that the Coyotes want to keep him.
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by Chris Burton on May 27, 2010 7:48 AM EDT up reply actions
He’d be less expensive and better than Volchenkov. But yeah, there’s no way the Coyotes don’t keep him.
I want no part of Volchenkov, not at the salary he’s demanding.
But grace can still be found within the gale. With fear and reverence, raise your ragged sail.
by Steckel Me Elmo on May 27, 2010 7:54 AM EDT up reply actions
Not an awful lot to choose from in the way of second pair defensemen this year.
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by Chris Burton on May 27, 2010 7:57 AM EDT up reply actions
Players (other than Volchenkov and Michalek) that could fill second pairing (or perhaps more) at a quick glance are Martin, Hamhuis, Kubina, Lydman, Tallinder, Seidenberg, Leopold, and a ton of RFA. There are a few names on that list I think the Caps could afford and wouldn’t mind them signing.
But grace can still be found within the gale. With fear and reverence, raise your ragged sail.
by Steckel Me Elmo on May 27, 2010 8:01 AM EDT up reply actions
At first glance, Martin’s going to be much too expensive. It sounds like Gillis is going hard after Hamhuis, as he probably should. The Thrashers are close to deals with Kubina and Afinogenov already, as well.
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by Chris Burton on May 27, 2010 8:05 AM EDT up reply actions
Martin definitely wasn’t one of the people that I think the Caps could afford. I was thinking mainly Lydman, Tallinder, and Seidenberg. Hamhuis probably will hit the upper limit of what they can afford while still being able to address 2C.
But grace can still be found within the gale. With fear and reverence, raise your ragged sail.
by Steckel Me Elmo on May 27, 2010 8:06 AM EDT up reply actions
Right. I don’t think Washington would be able to pay Hamhuis 4 and sign Lombardi too.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
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by Chris Burton on May 27, 2010 8:08 AM EDT up reply actions
There are cap set ups where the Caps can afford both Sharp and Seabrook without losing Semin. I don’t think Lombardi will make as much as Sharp does (or 3.4 – .5 less than Sharp). So if the Caps were to sign Hamhuis for 4, I think they’d be able to sign Lombardi. But it would put them tight against the cap.
But grace can still be found within the gale. With fear and reverence, raise your ragged sail.
by Steckel Me Elmo on May 27, 2010 8:15 AM EDT up reply actions
Sure, and I worded it a little wrong – they ‘could’ do it, but I don’t see why they would.
At any rate, I’ll be really, really surprised if Hamhuis isn’t a Canuck next year.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
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by Chris Burton on May 27, 2010 8:19 AM EDT up reply actions
Several reasons. Namely, Vancouver’s defense sorely lacks his type of player. Willie Mitchell may be irreparably injured, Sami Salo is nearing an age where he’ll likely go downhill pretty quick. Ehrhoff is a good player, but heavily tilted towards offensive things. Bieksa and O’Brien are bottom pair players. Its no secret that Vancouver’s biggest need this offseason is another above average defenseman.
Secondly, Hamhuis is from Smithers, British Columbia, and nearly all of his family is in BC. His wife just had a baby, and I’d guess that if given the choice, Dan would like to put his family in a good situation since he’s gone quite a bit.
Its basically the perfect match.
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by Chris Burton on May 27, 2010 9:16 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Makes sense on both sides although I’m always cautious about guys going home to play in front of family and friends. It very often never works out. Too bad, he’d look good in a Caps jersey.
Some talk, too, of Vancouver waiting to get their hands on Weber, also from BC. Gaaaaaaaaaaaaah.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
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by Chris Burton on May 27, 2010 9:29 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m just hoping he takes the long term contract in NJ rather than walk.
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"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 27, 2010 8:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Why would you give a long term deal to a guy at his age? Isn’t he 30?
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by Chris Burton on May 27, 2010 8:19 AM EDT up reply actions
He’s 29 if I remember right. I could see him getting 5 years or so, which would still be long term. Though the definition of long term is now changing with the advent of contracts that hit double digit years.
But grace can still be found within the gale. With fear and reverence, raise your ragged sail.
by Steckel Me Elmo on May 27, 2010 8:21 AM EDT up reply actions
I was thinking 8 years, with the bulk of his contract in the first 5 years. While a 5 year deal is good too, it’s just the longer term= lower cap hit, which is a problem in New Jersey (Thanks Brian Rolston), especially because 2011 Parise is an RFA and getting him inked long term is a must.
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 27, 2010 8:26 AM EDT up reply actions
It’s not Brian Rolston’s fault. Who offered the contract? Isn’t there a blog and a flippant saying about that guy’s infallibility?
I waited all year for this?
I don’t think Lou is all he’s cracked up to be.
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by Chris Burton on May 27, 2010 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Neither do I, especially in the salary cap world. I’m interested to see when he steps down, and what he leaves for his successor to work with.
I waited all year for this?
He didn’t do them that many favors with the Kovalchuk deal, and the Rolston/Langenbrunner deals were pretty bad, as well.
The Parise/Martin negotiations will probably tell a lot. I’d pay Parise all kinds of money.
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by Chris Burton on May 27, 2010 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions
You would, he won’t. He’s a stingy prick in every contract negotiation (except, apparently, Rolston’s).
I waited all year for this?
I know, and that could come back and bite him. 7 million isn’t out of the question there, is it?
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
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by Chris Burton on May 27, 2010 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions
I know they’re of a different position, but I’m not sure how you can pay Parise more than Toews. At least thats what I’d tell him.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
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by Chris Burton on May 27, 2010 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Hmm. Parise strikes me as better offensively and certainly very close if not equal or better defensively. I’d pay Parise a bit more, but not too much. They’re comparables, certainly. Well, in skill and stuff.
Actually, come to think of it, Toews is younger, so of course Toews should be getting paid more if he’s roughly Parise’s equal now.
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 27, 2010 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions
I love both players immensely, but at the end of the day I’m taking Toews. That guy has been a man among boys in the playoffs. Parise is the better goal scorer, though, so its a tough question.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
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by Chris Burton on May 27, 2010 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Martin is the type of player that can be a very effective defenseman well into his 30s.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on May 27, 2010 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Especially if you keep his mileage low by botching injury rehabs.
I waited all year for this?
by Rob Parker on May 27, 2010 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
What if Martin was on Team USA? Gaaaaaaah.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
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by Chris Burton on May 27, 2010 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Last I heard, the Yotes wanted to keep Michalek bad.
But also, last I heard, he wanted to test the free agent waters and see what kind of deal he could get.
The big bidder I’ve heard about for his services is Ottawa. There’s a thought that they’ll look to Z. Michalek to replace Volchenkov, and that Z. Michalek would be particularly interested in playing there because he’d get to play with his brother.
"Ovechkin, what is good in life?"
"To crush your enemies. To see them driven before you. And to hear the lamentations of their captain."
Yeah, I’ve been seeing stories claiming Michalek will test the market first. I think he’s gone, personally, from Phoenix.
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 27, 2010 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions
The USS Phoenix Coyotes is still a very leaky vessel. I’m sure the players do not enjoy all the uncertainty.
by EmilyB on May 27, 2010 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Upshall, Wolski, Stempniak, Michalek, Hanzal, Derek Morris, and Lombardi are their big FAs. I’d guess that at the very least two of those guys aren’t around next year. Upshall and Michalek they’ll keep for sure.
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by Chris Burton on May 27, 2010 7:47 AM EDT up reply actions
I’d trade for Sharp or Weiss before any of those guys. I’d definitely swap Marleau for Semin, but it’s not going to happen so it’s not worth discussing. I also think Corey is wrong when he says Plekanec is the best “pure center” available; that just punishes Marleau for being versatile. If we are talking about who is the best center available, it’s Marleau. He plays wing because he is so good and versatile; not because he’s not really good at center.
I waited all year for this?
Apparently it’s now acceptable for NHL team employees to use their team’s website to trash players from other teams.
Is he a Stars employee? Because Joe B & Locker are employed by Comcast, not the Caps, and I assumed that was standard throughout the league. If Razor is a Stars employee and Versus is using him on national telecasts, that is so very, very wrong.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Daryl Reaugh is listed among the front office employees of the club, subordinate to the Assistant Vice President, Broadcasting and Creative
If you've read this far...seek help.
aka “The Guy we make wear Stars snuggies”
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory
by Rather Bengt on May 27, 2010 7:41 AM EDT up reply actions
That must be under “creative”
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on May 27, 2010 7:42 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Link. But you’ll find Joe B. and Locker similarly listed on the Caps’ website, though they’re more clearly separated out. And I’ve never seen them use the team’s site at all, much less for a purpose like that.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Caps list him them only as TV staff, as far as I can tell, and I’m reading Joe B’s bio and it doesn’t really give him any other position. You would know better than I, but I was pretty sure they don’t collect a paycheck from Lincoln Holdings. Frankly, it appears the same way on the Stars’ site.
"It's always good to have vikings."
joe b is actually an independent contractor who gets paid by the game, which i found interesting. he gets paid by comcast but not technically an employee. he also does blogs on the comcast web site but again, probably gets paid for that as in IC as well.
not sure about locker.
as for razor, its a stupid comment, but i didnt find it to be some violation of team rules. it’s his wacky “opinion” in a blog vs a real article. his snuggle ad suggests he isnt to be taken seriously. now, if vogs penned an article on washingtoncaps.com calling crosby a whining baby who is mean to puppies, i can see that being an issue (btw, i’ve never seen crosby be nice to a puppie, so draw your own conclusions).
btw, i’ve seen some tweets from nate ewell, team employee, which werent terribly complementary to other players/teams. not a team website, but he does clearly represent himself as a caps employee. also, i’ve never seen nate be nice to a puppie either….
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on May 27, 2010 8:42 AM EDT up reply actions
I disagree that there’s a difference between what Reaugh wrote and your example on Vogs – using an NHL team’s site to bash an NHL player is inappropriate, IMO.
As for Nate’s tweets, like you recognize, it’s not a team site, nor is it a team account (like @WashCaps or @capsmedia). Poor judgment by someone well-known as a team employee? Maybe. But a very different scenario.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
i think there is a distinction between an article and a blog just like there is a difference between what tarik writes as a beat reporter and what wilbon or wise write as a columnist.
he’s providing his opinion, which is that ov was a gagger and one trick pony. both are stupid and unfounded, but opinions nonetheless. opinions which are clearly shared by some others. if he said ov was a cheater or something that could be grounded in fact, i would have a big problem with it.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on May 27, 2010 8:58 AM EDT up reply actions
The problem is that an official team outlet shouldn’t be taking shots like that directly at another player.
If Reaugh wanted to share that opinion and put it on a different blog — like a FS Texas website or some other personal blog that would have been a better forum to air it.
But it’s poor taste for the team to basically endorse it by publishing it on their own website.
by Hooks Orpik on May 27, 2010 9:02 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
poor taste, sure. and looking back at his web page, i’m suprised there isnt a disclaimer that the opinions of razor are his own and not those of the stars or the nhl. i just have a problem with team or league censoring opinions (as dumb as they may be).
so what would be the difference between locker or another color analysis on a team/league licensed broadcast using the airwaves to provide criticism of another teams player? for example. suggesting the C on ov’s chest is too small. i would have a problem if those guys held back their opinions cause they didnt want to offend the other team.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on May 27, 2010 9:16 AM EDT up reply actions
First of all Errey is a goofball, meant no ill-will and was basically just making (another) bad joke off the top of his head. A far cry from a more serious and thought out effortthat had to be written and one would assume proof-read and edited by someone.
There’s nothing wrong with sharing opinions, and some will be negative about other team’s players. It’s in poor taste and a low-class effort to take a shot at another team’s player like this on an official channel though….The point is not too offend — I doubt anyone really cares or is offended — the point is it should be a beneath them to do it in that forum.
totally agree. it is beneath them and if i were the stars i might be concerned if one of the guys on my web site were spouting stupid opinions. but ultimately it’s their call as to whether to continue to provide the guy a forum to speak his mind. if they think he’s adding value to their brand and web site, so be it.
i dont think the point is to not offend, the point is to make your opinions relevant and thought provoking. his were neither, but IMO not out of bounds for the forum he was in.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on May 27, 2010 9:37 AM EDT up reply actions
Heck, I’ve seen a few tweets by Nate taking pot shots at our own Caps players. I think it’s inappropriate, whether his own personal Twitter account or not. He’s well-known to be a Caps employee no matter under what name or banner he communicates. Sure, he can have his own opinions, but when you are in the position he’s in, protecting your client, as it is, trumps voicing your own opinion if it might harm the client, collectively or individually (players). Just because you can say or do something, does not mean you should. I was once a PR professional and never would put my own personal opinion about my client/employer out there ahead of what was good for them. I would have been fired.
From what I’ve seen at work (I do some sports analysts’ taxes) they’re generally employees of the company that produces the program. In which case, Joe B would be an employee of Comcast and Versus, the guys on Redskins Radio are all employed by Red Zebra Broadcasting, etc.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on May 27, 2010 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions
So Flash was apparently at the DCU-Milan friendly last night, but didn’t come over to spend a minute and bang a drum with the loud side. I have two for this:
a) It’s not the first time he hasn’t been seen in May, or
b) Jesus, he’s apparently avoiding all kinds of hitting.
They're coming.
by Bald Pollack on May 27, 2010 7:16 AM EDT reply actions 6 recs
I don’t think Kölzig should hang among Labre, Hunter, Langway and Gartner.
Wow, RMNB thinks that Labre is actually a better candidate than Kolzig? Dude must be crazy.
by DrinkingPartner on May 27, 2010 7:35 AM EDT reply actions
He could just be commenting on the people that are there, and not whether or not they deserve it. Kolzig could be more deserving of a spot in the rafters than Labre while still not be deserving in general.
But grace can still be found within the gale. With fear and reverence, raise your ragged sail.
by Steckel Me Elmo on May 27, 2010 7:42 AM EDT up reply actions
That’s the feeling I got as well, that they were trying to determine if there was a common link between the retirees. Personally, I would consider Kolzig more deserving than either Gartner or Labre. Bondra’s case would be more on their level.
"Yes, but Rimmer Directive 271 states just as clearly, 'No chance you metal ba****d.'"
That’s the feeling I got as well, that they were trying to determine if there was a common link between the retirees.
I found a common link among three of the four.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Based on those guidelines. I say nay.
But grace can still be found within the gale. With fear and reverence, raise your ragged sail.
by Steckel Me Elmo on May 27, 2010 7:58 AM EDT up reply actions
That said, the notion that Olie’s sweater shouldn’t be retired is insane. I think there’s a reasonable debate to be had about Mr. Bondra (as big a fan as I was/am, I’m on the “no” side), but Kolzig’s a no-brainer.
Of course, this brings up the “ring of honor” notion that I love and that could happen now that the owner owns the arena (or will soon enough).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Definitely in favor of the Ring of Honor idea. I mean, isn’t Montreal going to have to someday assign numbers with three digits?
"It's always good to have vikings."
I would love to hear your reasoning
Why do you think Bonzai’s number shouldn’t be retired? The man holds most, if not all of the team’s offensive marks, lead the league in goals twice, and was on the team longer than the recently retired jersey recipient Mike Gartner.
I think Bondra and Kolzig are no brainers to have their jersey’s retired. Unless of course you liked seeing #12 worn by players like Jeff Friesen (I’d like to say I died a little on the inside when I saw that but the first Star Wars prequel and the Tampa Bay playoff disaster took care of that).
O/T: Personally I think no number should be taken out of circulation. I think numbers should be raised to the rafters but let players wear them regardless. It would be like added motivation, “think you can live up to this number? Prove it.”
by DC_Determination on May 27, 2010 2:33 PM EDT up reply actions
If we retire Bonzai we are basically saying 8 and 19 are retired, with at least 52 also in early contention. We are looking at 8 or more retired numbers and no Cups to show yet (though 8 and 19 should change that). Based on precedent I don’t know how you don’t retire Bonzai, I agree with that. But following bad precedent is worse than not following precedent. At some point they need to tighten the reins, may as well start now.
I waited all year for this?
Of the ones that are retired, I can’t comment on Labre. Never saw him play. Langway, yes. Hunter, yes. Gartner, no. He’s a Hall of Famer, sure, but that’s a career achievement. He was traded from Washington in the middle of his prime for a player who is not, and perhaps never will be in the Hall (an interesting trade, that. Two future HOFers were sent out for two guys who aren’t in the Hall). He scored about half of his career goals in a Washington uniform, never played on a conference finalist playoff team. He was probably the best Cap of that era not named “Langway” but that doesn’t make him among the top four Caps of all time, either.
If you've read this far...seek help.
That’s how I feel. Don’t know a thing about Labre other than he was the first player to make the team somewhat respectable. I loved Gartner as a kid and I hated NYR for trading him away from his best Cup chance, but there’s no way 11 should be retired for the Caps.
I waited all year for this?
Agreed. Felt like over-compensating to reconcile years of bad blood or something.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
At least the Rangers traded him to a team that ended up as a 2 seed and made it to the Conference Finals, so it’s not like he went from contender to bottom feeder like Chris Clark.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on May 27, 2010 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Two words: Alexander Ovechkin.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
So?
So if I understand this, because Bondra’s records are going to be broken, he should be disqualified from getting probably the highest honor the team can bestow (is there anything higher than a jersey retirement?)
I would like to point out that that logic kept Art Monk out of the Hall of Fame way longer than he should have.
I mean, we retired Gartner’s number long after Bondra eclipsed his team marks.
If Gartner deserved to have his number retired as did Dale Hunter, then I see no reason why we can’t extend that to Bonzai as he was our offense through the 90’s and early part of 00’s.
by DC_Determination on May 27, 2010 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions
I think retiring Gartner’s number was wrong. I think retiring Labre’s number was wrong. I don’t think we need to keep piling on the “wrongs” here, when there’s a guy here now who will obliterate Bondra’s numbers.
Put up a “ring of honor” for the Bondras and Calle Johanssons of the world, but stop putting guys up there who won nothing and whose numbers won’t stand the test of time.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
If we're now judging by how many championships they have brought in
Then we could probably cover the Verizon center (or at least half of it) with all the retired numbers out there of players who didn’t win the big one but meant so much to their teams.
Should Boston have never retired Ray Bourque’s number because he won nothing for them?
How about Buffalo and Pat LaFontaine? These are just what immediately come to mind for me.
Why retire any number then? Especially Langway
By the way, I apologize if I am annoying anyone with this. I just feel that considering that Bondra is a borderline Hall of Famer who got to 500 goals in his career despite spending the lions share being the only threat on the Caps, I think that is worthy of being raised to the rafters.
by DC_Determination on May 27, 2010 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Stop with the straw man arguments – I’m saying that the Caps shouldn’t retire Bondra’s number and shouldn’t have retired Gartner’s. I could give a shit what Boston and Buffalo do. I just don’t think teams should retire numbers of guys simply because they were popular for a decent stretch of time. There should be more. For Langway, it’s the HoF, a Norris in D.C. and the fact that he more or less saved the franchise. For Kolzig, it’s the numbers Peerless detailed below, as well as the Vezina, the Cup run and what he did for the community. Frankly, I could take or leave Hunter’s and Labre’s numbers being retired.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
My apologies
I didn’t mean to make any straw man arguments. I apologize sincerely.
I will defer to your judgment almost every time since you are in my opinion one of the unquestioned champions of sports blogging in general (and I mean that sincerely).
In this case, I would like to agree to disagree, Bondra in my opinion is one of the Caps all time greats and this golden age of Ovie and Backstrom doesn’t change that.
Thank you for your patience.
by DC_Determination on May 27, 2010 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Of course, and thanks for the kind words. I think there are really two arguments here – should Bondra’s sweater be retired in light of the precedent here and should a player who served as Bondra did have his jersey retired. I think we’re in agreement that the first question would yield a “yes.” Maybe we disagree on the second point, but I most definitely can see the argument and would have thought Bondra a no-brainer myself a couple of years ago.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I was on the fence about this for a long time until I settled on this…
There are eight goaltenders in the history of the NHL to win 300 games with one team:
Martin Brodeur
Terry Sawchuk
Tony Esposito
Chris Osgood
Billy Smith
Turk Broda
Mike Richter
…and Olaf Kolzig
That’s it.
Four of those goalies are in the Hall of Fame (Sawchuk, Broda, Esposito, Smith), one is a 100 percent certainty to go in (Brodeur). Osgood is a possibility, and Richter gets mention in that regard. This isn’t a hall of fame argument, this is a matter of what one goalie meant to one team. The current state of the game, with players changing sweaters more often in free agency, argues that we might not see another goalie win 300 games for one club for some time. Even Evgeni Nabokov, with all 293 of his wins in San Jose, might not get another one in that city. He might move on.
Kolzig is a rare breed who won games, even for a team that was ghastly in other positions. And he did it with a mix of class and a fierce competitiveness.
Raise the banner, retire the number.
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by ThePeerless on May 27, 2010 8:06 AM EDT up reply actions 9 recs
Preach it.
300 wins + Vezina + Cup run + what he did in the community = retired number. Simple.
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I think that’s where I stand. I wouldn’t vote to put him in the Hall of Fame, which is based (for players) on merits and hockey accomplishments. But retired numbers are more for what a player meant to a team and a community, which Kolzig undoubtedly meant a hell of a lot.
But grace can still be found within the gale. With fear and reverence, raise your ragged sail.
by Steckel Me Elmo on May 27, 2010 8:22 AM EDT up reply actions
I was trying to explain to my husband last night how I really didn’t “get” hockey until I went to college and could watch all the games two rows from the glass. Before that? Hockey was “Olie Kolzig made saves, got the Caps to the Finals, and I loved him for it.” And I know I am far from the only person who got completely addicted to a sport I knew nothing about because of the guy with the rhyming nickname.
I left. I came back. Olie was still here, loyal to the team and the city and he gave me something to grasp on to as I’m going “Who the hell is Jamie Heward?” Beyond all the wins and all the stats, he meant, and still means, something very special to this team.
It’s such a no-brainer, to me, that I just assume it will happen and I can’t wait for that night. It’s going to be one hell of an emotional night.
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If you want to take the statistical route, then you’re not really going to win with Kolzig. He’s not HOF material nor is he the equal in class of any of those goalies you mentioned.
It’s hard not to love on the guy. Should his jersey be retired? That should be up to the team. I do feel that the whole ‘retired’ jersey thing is out of hand, for most teams and all sports. What’s going to happen is you start retiring the jersey of some guys and then better guys come along and it’s, “How can you not retire their jersey?”
So I think any jersey retirement should wait until HOF (automatic in my mind) or significant time has passed so that a player’s career can be put in context.
Choking since 1985.
He’s not HOF material nor is he the equal in class of any of those goalies you mentioned.
I agree with the first part, but not the second. His career was at least as good as Osgood’s and Richter’s. Kolzig never played for a team nearly as good as the ones Osgood won Cups with, and Richter was great for a couple years but pretty average the rest of his career.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on May 27, 2010 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions
And I don’t remember Kolzig singlehandedly sinking Team USA in Nagano either.
I waited all year for this?
Yeah, if only Team USA had another good goalie to turn to…
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on May 27, 2010 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions
You swap out Kolzig and Osgood in 1998, the Caps don’t get out of the first round, let alone go to a final. Kolzig was a better goaltender than Osgood for virtually his entire career. Richter was a very good goaltender, but there is a reason he’s not in the Hall of Fame — he was a “very good” goaltender, not a great one. Kolzig suffered playing on teams that either had their sphincters slam shut on offense in the playoffs or (at the end) played on some truly ghastly teams.
If you've read this far...seek help.
here’s something else I’m seeing, just doing a quick scan and not really diving into doing deeper research. Osgood spent three season away from the Wings (2201-2002 to 2003-2004). Nothing in those seasons is jumping out to me as “very good” or “great.” In fact, 02-02 is pretty bad. The other two season are mostly in line with his historic averages. And every year, his team was bounced in the first round.
There was a lot of talk of how Osgood carried the Wings in the 2008 playoffs. I don’t buy it. He, like so many goalies, got hot at the right time and he played behind an absolute juggernaut.
Without the Wings, Chris Osgood, who seems like a real nice guy, isn’t a 300+ game, multiple Cup winning goalie.
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Osgood though IIRC did play pretty well for STL and especially for a weak Islanders squad. It’s like he gets better with more pressure on him (individually, but less pressure overall?) but when he’s the “weak link” he’s not as good.
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by red army line on May 28, 2010 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions
"I traded Jagr for Alex Ovechkin."
Uh, no. That’s like saying after I won the grand prize in Powerball, “I earned $50 million.” I didn’t “earn” anything; I took an action - buying a ticket. The rest was blind luck. The Caps took action to suck; one action of which was to trade Jagr. And still, they finished only third worst. The rest was blind luck. No one “traded” for Alex Ovechkin.
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by ThePeerless on May 27, 2010 7:43 AM EDT reply actions 3 recs
Pretty much what I was getting at.
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Most lopsided trade?
Jagr for Anson Carter is more lopsided than Jagr for Kris Beech, Michal Sivek, Ross Lupaschuk, and a bag of magic f’n beans?
That City Paper Guy can go to hell.
Sincerely,
A Jagr-loving Pittsburgher
I’d argue that from a hockey perspective, the Jagr for Carter trade was not the “worst” in history, it was the least consequential.
Now the Jagr for prospects and cash deal? That might have been the worst, but not from a hockey perspective. The Caps went from paying perhaps rookie money to a trio of guys in a year or two and playing to 15,000 people a night with the club they had to taking on a $77 million contract and then hemorrhaging money faster that that oil pipe is leaking in the Gulf because the club couldn’t draw flies after Jagr became The Grand Disappointment.
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Haha very true.
Is that the only trade in NHL history where both teams got ripped off?
by Link_Gaetz on May 27, 2010 8:25 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
You know, that’s probably the best description of that trade I’ve heard yet.
by Kerry Fraser's Hairspray on May 27, 2010 8:27 AM EDT up reply actions
Exactly. Reading that article, I was thinking to myself that I’d have excused myself from that meeting in about 15 seconds.
If you've read this far...seek help.
I’m glad I’m not the only one who found no logic in the “Jagr for Ovechkin” train of thought.
Though it would be nice to think the Penguins traded Jagr, Kovalev, Straka, Lang and Kasparaitis for Fleury, Malkin, Crosby and Staal because, hey, that’s all Pittsburgh has to show for those years anyways.
Using the same (silly) logic, we can even take it back a step further and say that the Pens traded Randy Carlyle for Mario Lemieux.
by Kerry Fraser's Hairspray on May 27, 2010 8:49 AM EDT up reply actions
Wizards traded Butler and Jamison* for Wall.
*I think they traded them, right? Dont follow much NBA.
And the Nats traded Luis Ayala for Strasburg!
by Kerry Fraser's Hairspray on May 27, 2010 8:58 AM EDT up reply actions
Oilers traded Gretzky for Tyler Seguin?
Okay, that still looks bad.
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(note name change)
by red army line on May 27, 2010 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions
Shoot, why can I never remember who won the draft lottery?
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(note name change)
by red army line on May 27, 2010 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions
@dchesnokov
KHL President Medvedev confirmed that his club (SKA) made offers to Kovalchuk and Frolov.
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of more interest, also Chesnokov
A newspaper in Latvia reports that KHL’s Dynamo Riga goalie Nauris Enkuzens will travel to Washington to try out for the #Caps.
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by Chris Burton on May 27, 2010 7:52 AM EDT up reply actions
Oh heavens, I hope not. Nauris Enzukens is an anagram for “Ruin Us Zen Snake”
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by ThePeerless on May 27, 2010 8:55 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I hope he makes it just so we could use that nickname. “Zen Snake” :-D
by DC_Determination on May 27, 2010 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions
possible minor league contract? Valry and Neuvy in DC, Holtby and Enkuzens in Hershey?
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Maybe just a favor for Irbe – get the guy a little exposure, maybe someone bites.
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also a possibility. I forgot Irbe was Riga’s coach for a few seasons.
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You know, all stars want to go play in the KHL and face elite goaltending like Martin Gerber, Wade Dublewicz and future KHL legend Vesa Toskala
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by Kevin Sellathamby on May 27, 2010 8:21 AM EDT up reply actions
hey now, y’all are supposed to be trying to enjoy a Vesa-free summer. Don’t go bringing his name over here! :)
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(he’s a New Jersey fan)
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by Chris Burton on May 27, 2010 9:03 AM EDT up reply actions
I just like mocking him. Plus If Leafs fans are allowed to make “Marty is fat Jokes”, Devils fans should be allowed to mock the era of medocrity in the Leafs net.
Though in all seriousness, I hope Toskala becomes a Ranger or Flyer. I would love it
Cheers, Complaints, homerism and bashing of mediocre pop musicians in 140 Characters
"DO NOT get stuck behind Kyle Wellwood in the buffet line. This isn't really etiquette, but it will prevent you from starving to death"- Down Goes Brown on Etiquette for Jason Spezza's wedding
by Kevin Sellathamby on May 27, 2010 9:05 AM EDT up reply actions
but Marty is fat :)
Vesa as a Flyer. Now that’s an idea I can get behind!
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shit, my bad. can’t keep all my PPP posters straight.
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I post there, i’m from Toronto and most of my friends are Leafs fans. That and I might try out for a job at writing at In Lou We Trust
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"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 27, 2010 9:08 AM EDT up reply actions
ok, so I’m not totally crazy! This is much earlier than I usually post, so I was going to blame it on the early hour.
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I know, right? I think thats the team Radulov is on, as well (Salavet SKA?), which is interesting. Apparently he’s the one luring all the good NHL players.
You may or may not remember the big kerfluffle over Radulov being able to play in IIHF tournaments. IIRC, he was a part of that mess because Radulov, by the letter of the law, should not have been allowed to suit up for Russia.
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by Chris Burton on May 27, 2010 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Frolov’s apparently done in LA. Cue the “Frolov to Washington” rumors. (Do not want, btw.)
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But he had a 58.3% for faceoffs! Sign him to 2C!
But grace can still be found within the gale. With fear and reverence, raise your ragged sail.
by Steckel Me Elmo on May 27, 2010 8:27 AM EDT up reply actions
We already have the East Coast Semin. Do we really need the West Coast Semin?
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory
by Rather Bengt on May 27, 2010 8:35 AM EDT up reply actions
Ooooh, imagine a line of: Frolov-Nylander-Semin
It would be a floating, circling, dangling, brain-exploding nightmare.
If you want to survive out here, you've got to know where your towel is.
by ns on May 27, 2010 8:38 AM EDT up reply actions
Jason Blake does all of that and takes up two less roster spots
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by Kevin Sellathamby on May 27, 2010 8:40 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Ha, good call.
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by Chris Burton on May 27, 2010 8:50 AM EDT up reply actions
And here they are, in an uncanny CGI simulation
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by ThePeerless on May 27, 2010 8:53 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
OK, so they lose Frolov, a guy who’s scored 30+ goals two out of the last four seasons. They’ve also got $12-14 million in cap space and some real nice depth at the center position with:
Anze Kopitar
Jarret Stoll
Michal Handzus
Andrei Loktionov
Anyone think LA could be interested in acquiring a legit 40 goal scorer in Semin who’s about to enter UFA in exchange for Handzus, who’s also one year from UFA status? Handzus does have a NMC, but he might be willing to waive it to play for the Caps. The move would obviously solve the #2 Center spot for the Caps and it would strengthen the wing position for LA who only had two guys score more than 20 goals last season from the wing.
I’ve long been in favor of not keeping Semin around long term, but if the Caps trade him they sure as hell better get a lot more back than Handzus. I don’t even like Handzus as the 2C for the Caps without giving up Semin.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on May 27, 2010 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions
I want no part of Vikhal Handzlov and his $4 million contract, even if it is for only 1 year.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on May 27, 2010 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions
That 50.9% on faceoffs isn’t wowing me, but fair enough on the defense part. I guess that’s why he makes the extra $1.5 mil.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on May 27, 2010 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions
I hadn’t looked up the FO%, I was just going off recent memory. He absolutely owned Sedin in the dot for that series (at least the first 4 games, I missed most of 5-6).
I waited all year for this?
Because we are all about challenging anecdotal memories here on the Rink, I present Handzus’ FO% for each game these playoffs:
47.1%
23.5%
26.3%
45.8%
50.0%
52.4%
Now, for icing on the cake. Here are Sedin’s FO numbers for the same series:
53.8%
61.9%
57.1%
57.7%
82.6%
51.8%
Do lawyers have a different definition of “absolutely owned”?
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on May 27, 2010 2:03 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Not with LAK looking at re-signing Doughty and JJ and some other guys coming up. They aren’t going to bring Semin in to be part of the core, they have that already. They’d be trading one year for one year, and as K_C said they’d be ripping us off.
I waited all year for this?
Aren’t they in the running for Kovalchuk to go with Brown and Kopitar?
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by Chris Burton on May 27, 2010 1:29 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t believe it even if there are reports. You force out someone if you do that. Who would you give up?
I waited all year for this?
Frolov’s contract is coming off the books. This was the idea when I talked to an LAK blogger a few months ago, anyway.
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by Chris Burton on May 27, 2010 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions
I guess, but Doughty and JJ are going to make huge raises. I guess it’s doable, I’m just skeptical of LAK bringing in a high price FA long term. Doesn’t seem like the way Doug Armstrong does business. They don’t have as many core guys to keep around as I initially thought so they could afford it, but after next season they are still going to have to pay JJ/Doughty about 10 million more combined.
I waited all year for this?
Whatever the case, I just wouldn’t pay Kovalchuk that much money.
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by Chris Burton on May 27, 2010 1:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Hmm…
6.5
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by Chris Burton on May 27, 2010 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Haha. You are crazy. First, no way he signs for that little. Second, he deserves much more than that. I wouldn’t offer him 10, but it’s not realistic to think he’s signing for anything under 7. He’s the second or third best goal scorer in the game (and has Captain experience!). He’ll get paid.
I waited all year for this?
he sure as hell is worth more than Vinny’s 7.7 hit.
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Haha, if we start comparing offers to Vinny’s contract this would get crazy.
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by Chris Burton on May 27, 2010 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Vinny gets 7.7 for his offense. Kovalchuk is better so should get 8 for his offense.
Redden gets 6 for his defense. Kovalchuk is at least as good so he gets 6 for his defense.
14 million per year!
I waited all year for this?
by Rob Parker on May 27, 2010 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
you know every agent looking to extract maximum money is going to point to “But Vinny makes 7.7 and he’s not even that good anymore!” They love it.
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First, there’s a difference between what he will sign for and what I’d offer him. I don’t want a guy who doesn’t pay much mind to the other end of the ice. If I want to overpay a high priced winger, it’d be Hossa, because he’s still busting ass when he’s not scoring. Obviously he’ll get paid more than that, but I don’t like it.
In a pinch, I’d go 7m, because 50 goals don’t grow on trees. Maybe I am crazy, but I’d rather pay Patrick Kane 6.3 for the next five years than an in his prime Kovalchuk 9M for the next five.
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by Chris Burton on May 27, 2010 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah but you can’t sign Kane because of RFA. It’s not apples to apples. Kovy is on his first UFA deal so it’s going to be higher priced. That’s just reality. Throw in that he’s the second best scorer since the lockout (and NSH has terrible offense and PP) and GMDP should be willing to offer more. Sure, he’s never been great in his own end but NSH could compensate for that (and really, that wasn’t a huge problem in his short time in NJD).
I waited all year for this?
In a theoretical world (obviously, because Nashville would never sign a Kovy-type), Poile doesn’t pay one player anywhere close to that much. As long as Trotz is the coach, we won’t be taking on those types of players, either. You can even see by the types of forwards we’re drafting – they’re all just as good, if not better, defensively. Granted, it hasn’t worked out for us all that well (second round? whats that?), but its how they roll.
Hossa is a Trotz player, Kovalchuk isn’t – and Poile still wouldn’t pony up for him. Thats why I’m so worried about the Hornqvist/Weber/Suter negotiations.
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by Chris Burton on May 27, 2010 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions
No, but as my examples that I just posted point out, its more about a willingness to pay one player so much more than the rest of the team.
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by Chris Burton on May 27, 2010 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Gotcha. Suter and Weber are core players. They won’t let them go. Hossa was different because he’s not your guy and he’s already at the tail end of his prime.
I waited all year for this?
I actually think we end up letting one of Suter or Weber go. I feel like its inevitable considering the plethora of the same type of talent in the system.
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by Chris Burton on May 27, 2010 2:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Don’t get me wrong, its the last thing in the world I want to happen. But when there’s Ellis, Franson, Blum, O-R, and Josi all coming up, why pay 6m for Suter when you can get someone like Franson for 2 for 3 years? I’ll hate it, but thats where I see it going.
Ugh.
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by Chris Burton on May 27, 2010 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Because that’s how you build a team that wins. Keep Suter and Weber, trade a prospect for scoring help and you immediately have a team that can win playoff rounds. A little more help and you’re a contender. You have pieces to work with, it’s just a matter of putting it together.
I waited all year for this?
Right! But we’ve had our chances to do that, and nothing’s happened. Those prospects are likely at the peak of their value right now, too.
I would kill for GMDP to trade for the last year of Semin’s deal, btw. We’ve got prospects to spare, too.
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by Chris Burton on May 27, 2010 2:24 PM EDT up reply actions
You have Suter to spare too, you said it yourself. Semin for Suter, do it!
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by Killer_Carlson on May 27, 2010 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
We’ve got prospects to spare
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by Chris Burton on May 27, 2010 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Did you watch the Memorial Cup?
Blum’s untouchable right now, I think. You can have Josi or Olivier-Roussel plus one of O’Reilly/Santorelli?
I think Semin is ideal for us making the 2nd round next year. I know he draws a lot of ire here, and justifiably so, but we need a scoring winger with a hard shot to put with Hornqvist, and we need an above average PKer – Semin’s both.
He takes too many penalties, yeah, but we were the least penalized team since the 80s so I think that can be overcome.
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by Chris Burton on May 27, 2010 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions
I watched some of the Memorial Cup and I definitely know how skilled Ellis is. My concern is that with his size he’s going to basically be an offensive specialist in the NHL. We already have Green and Carlson. I think Blum projects to be a more well-rounded player long term.
Semin would be a great fit for you guys. I just think GMDP is going to be too KHL shy.
I waited all year for this?
Right, I agree on Ellis – he’s offense heavy. Plus Poile wouldn’t trade him yet.
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by Chris Burton on May 27, 2010 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions
...
C. O-R:
Roussel’s multi-faceted game attracts attention because he has the ability to fill whatever role is asked of him. Whether it is quarterbacking a power play and threading a pass, or shutting down the opposition’s top offensive weapons or even physically intimidating the opposing team, Roussel has the ability to accomplish the task without much difficulty.
Josi:
Josi is probably the most complete Swiss junior player for quite some time. He is very mature for someone of his age and he displays a high confidence level on the ice. As a result he’s hardly lost in traffic in the Swiss league.
He has a good shot that can become a weapon on the blue line. His passing game is also solid, often setting up break-aways with crisp passes from behind. He should continue to get bigger and become more dominant when going into the corners. At times he seems to shy off in battles.Josi is already quite experienced despite his age. He is rarely seen nervous on the ice and makes the right decisions on the ice no matter what pressure he’s under.
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by Chris Burton on May 27, 2010 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions
OR is intriguing, but if he’s all that why would GMDP move him? I’m inferring that he does a lot of things well but nothing spectacularly, otherwise he’d be talked about as a future 1D backbone of a D corps.
I waited all year for this?
he does a lot of things well but nothing spectacularly,
This is accurate. He’s basically a bit slicker Dan Hamhuis, who also does a lot of things but non spectacularly (save a hip check).
We just don’t really need the guy. I’d like our corps to go Weber/Suter/Franson/Ellis/Klein/Blum for a looong time, and Josi/O-R are the odd men out.
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by Chris Burton on May 27, 2010 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions
I prefer to focus on this
But when there’s Ellis, Franson, Blum, O-R, and Josi all coming up, why pay 6m for Suter when you can get someone like Franson for 2 for 3 years?
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on May 27, 2010 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions
heh
I know, but that was what I think is going to happen, not what I want to happen!
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by Chris Burton on May 27, 2010 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions
(for examples, see Hartnell, Scott, Timonen, Kimmo, and Vokoun, Tomas)
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by Chris Burton on May 27, 2010 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions
To be honest, Timmonen is the only one they should regret losing, and even then they have had plenty of talent to replace him.
I waited all year for this?
I agree, its just annoying that every good FA so far we’ve let go. Kariya being an even better example that I forgot.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Twitter/Cycle Like the Sedins
by Chris Burton on May 27, 2010 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions
I prefer the “Jagr wears a dress!” chant.
This Poti heckling is good too. (NSFW Language)
But grace can still be found within the gale. With fear and reverence, raise your ragged sail.
by Steckel Me Elmo on May 27, 2010 8:57 AM EDT up reply actions
So it's Texas and Hershey in the Finals
I’m a little disappointed because I was looking forward to the Carlson-Subban faceoff and the possibility of some revenge for the Montreal series. Still, it should be a great Final. Hopefully it goes at least six so I can get up there for at least one game.
please tell me the bears will be flying to texas for the game vs. taking a bus…
would love to go to austin to see a game. great town…
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on May 27, 2010 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions
If you’re calling the GC ticket office, be prepared for a long wait.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on May 27, 2010 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions
Keep trying GF. Took an hour and a half of “redial-hang up-redial”, but I finally got through (lower bowl, but already up to Row T).
Now I just have to get the feeling back in two of my fingers…
"It hit me on the pants. I had protection. It felt good. Why? I wanted to win."
Yeah, I just got through a couple of minutes ago. Let’s see how long I sit on hold. I don’t really care how far up, we decided we were actually too low last time. What section did you get?
"It's always good to have vikings."
126, which is right next to the main entrance. We were low last week too, but on the other side (114) so it should make for an eazy exit back to the car afterwards.
I think I was on hold for at least 5-10 min. Glad I have unlimited long distance (hello? 800 number??)
"It hit me on the pants. I had protection. It felt good. Why? I wanted to win."
My internet line got cut while I was waiting on hold (see OT). I ended up in 103. Last year, I got way better seats, and I think probably got through maybe a few minutes earlier than I did then. I was mildly disappointed that they weren’t offering the coded discount this go ‘round, but clearly they didn’t need to.
"It's always good to have vikings."
It took me over an hour just to get past the busy signal. Then there was a wait for an available agent.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on May 27, 2010 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions
I must say, though, as busy and as hectic as thing are up there, they are just about the nicest people to deal with.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on May 27, 2010 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions
Not really – they do often, when it’s in-season or something newsworthy happens.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I just registered for the SBNation meetup. I hope a lot of the Japers’ DC locals do too. Should be pretty cool, I think.
that address is so wrong its funny. We don’t do “East” any street in DC!
#savethekittens!
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
Gee. I didn’t look at the address. I already know where the IHTR is … stumbling distance from the VC!
Isn’t it next to the Chophouse? Or is there another one?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
The addy is correct on the ad on your main page, but when you click through to the event page at the link I posted, it is incorrect.
More than likely it is a case of sloppy template editing, where they just copy/pasted from a previous event. (UPDATE – yep – it’s the address of a sports bar in NYC)
I sent them an email about it.
It better be. If you do a google map search and a street view for the DC address, it’s a neighborhood. Just a lot of homes.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on May 27, 2010 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions
I got ‘em on the case as well. It’ll be cleared up.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I didn’t even know about this…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Lombardi or Prospal please
k thx bai.
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
Please, I’d love Prospal. Based on his age and last year’s salary, you could probably get him for a two year deal at around $2-2.5 million.
That would be pretty sweet. He’s never been the fastest guy but he’s always produced, and has pretty good playoff numbers IIRC.
"Now wait a minute. This is just purely a social call. You know, just two adults getting a stew on, man."
by The Ghost of Bebop on May 27, 2010 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions
I think it’s funny that pretty much every team’s fans target the same guys….I’d love to have guys like Hamhuis, Prospal and Z Michalek too.
So much disappointment on July 1. Except for the player’s and agent’s bank accounts.
Any chance the Pens look at Hamhuis, Hooks? I hadn’t really thought about it, but losing Gonchar and likely Leopold opens the spot?
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Twitter/Cycle Like the Sedins
by Chris Burton on May 27, 2010 9:57 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m sure they’d love to have Hamhuis, not so sure the dollars/term would work. I doubt anything moves past the “tire kicking” phase of negotiations.
I’d expect them to re-up Eaton and Leopold seems to be a decent return bet too, from what I understand those two seem managable. My dream is adding Michalek and they probably could if they wanted to spend the money for the amount of years. If that doesn’t work, perhaps Seidenberg’s an option.
But Gonchar’s the first domino to fall (and hasn’t officially fallen). Even though I suspect Shero already knows it’s going to be impossible to bring him back.
by Hooks Orpik on May 27, 2010 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions
Do you see Gonchar going to the KHL, or trying to land a 2 or 3 year deal here with a team with some cap room?
by Kerry Fraser's Hairspray on May 27, 2010 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions
I suspect he will stay in the NHL, if at all possible. Reading between the lines of all the reports, he’s seeking a 3-4 year deal from the Penguins at close to if not his same salary of $5 million. With the rationale that he can get that (if not better) on the open market.
IMO Gonchar’s going to try and hang on for 2014 in Sochi. If the market only dictates 2 years in NHL I think he’ll do that and then jump to KHL for the next two years.
Being as how much he’s slowed down (I don’t think he’s skating fast or hard since tearing his knee last playoffs) I have my doubts if he’ll actually receive what he/his agent think is his value. I know one place he won’t get it….
by Hooks Orpik on May 27, 2010 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions
(Gulp) The Texas Stars are a little on the huge side. They claim not to have even a single player under 5’11". The goalies are 6’3" and 6’4".
MP and CB scoff.
"Now wait a minute. This is just purely a social call. You know, just two adults getting a stew on, man."
by The Ghost of Bebop on May 27, 2010 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Ever’thang’s beeg in Texas…
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on May 27, 2010 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions
this is where we bust out the “size matters not” right?
and cue “THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID!” in 3…..2…..1…..
#savethekittens!
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
by RedBirdie on May 27, 2010 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
How did Jamie Benn fall to the 5th round? Did he have a late growth spurt or skating development? A huge dude with good hands and skating should have gone a little earlier, I’d think.
I waited all year for this?
I don’t know, but that kid is all kinds of good.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Twitter/Cycle Like the Sedins
by Chris Burton on May 27, 2010 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions
He has more than twice as many playoff goals as the next player on Texas’ list of scorers. You can scheme a guy like that.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Texas should be worrying about Bourque. On a PPG basis, he’s the best playoff scorer in the league. A lot of guys on XM this morning were predicting a possible sweep for Hershey.
Sweep talk makes me seriously nervous. Don’t suppose anyone recalls “Washington in three”?
"It's always good to have vikings."
Well, CBo’s center sat out practice today with a “lower-body strain”. Coach says he’ll be fine, but considering they’ve been resting since Saturday, I might be alarmed concerned. They still have a full week before the puck drops for realz, but one never knows.
AGord (who is the key to CBo’s PP success, BTW) also still sitting out today. And though they sent a few players home for the season, the junior-eligibles are still hanging in there. CFR is torn. I’d love to see them play, but I’d really rather have a healthy AG and MP.
Right, wrong, or somewhere in between, I have become obsessed with Patrick Sharp as the Caps’ next 2C.
Don't celebration when you score goal
I figured you’d want PK Subban.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Twitter/Cycle Like the Sedins
by Chris Burton on May 27, 2010 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Tarik is getting into Wise territory here (“with all due respect”):
Working on a story on Chris Pronger. Then started thinking about Pronger skating alongside Mike Green. Nothing against Jeff Schultz, but…
"It's always good to have vikings."
He’s also getting into “hey, no shit” territory. And if he’s regretting the Caps passing on Pronger for Alzner, Carlson and Varly, well, I don’t know what to say about that.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I suspect that’s not the case. But one needs to think about how things look in print rather than how they sound. The internet is very unforgiving, as we all know.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Pronger for Alzner, Carlson and Varly
And based on the deal he got from Philly, it probably would have cost us six years of Backstrom and maybe no Green at all in two years, because they never would be able to have the cap room for Ovi/Backis/Pronger/Green’s new K.
Go Hawks.
If they win the Cup, I guess the trade was worth it. But if they don’t and then they struggle to make the playoffs again because Leighton and Boucher turn into pumpkins, they’ll be singing a different tune up in Flyerland. Let’s see what Philly thinks about the deal when they’re still paying Pronger $5 million a year when he’s 42.
What are the chances that Carlson isn’t a better player than Pronger before the end of Pronger’s contract?
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on May 27, 2010 5:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Carlson isn’t a better player
I think you mean 0%, and I think that’s pretty damn close.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on May 28, 2010 12:06 PM EDT reply actions
Whoops, reply fail. Meant to be a response to macvechkin.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on May 28, 2010 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions
before the end of Pronger’s contract
Pronger will be 42, and Carlson 26? In his prime vs an aging HOFer who’ll probably be two years out of hockey. I think there’s a good shot of that.
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 29, 2010 3:43 AM EDT up reply actions
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