Thursday Caps Clips: Bears Regain Home Ice
by J.P. on Jun 10, 2010 6:33 AM EDT
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Your savory breakfast links:
- Patrick McNeill: the Caps' last hope at salvaging the 2005 Draft. [Masisak]
- Got a few thousand bucks burning a hole in your pocket? Want to help folks in Haiti and get a game-worn Alex Ovechkin or Alexander Semin Olympic jersey? Have I got a link for you. [NHLPA]
- Is Calgary a possible landing spot for Jose Theodore? Probably not. [Spector's Hockey]
- Speaking of goalies, why the Caps should go with the two kids in '10-'11. [RtR]
- The Caps are bringing hockey to Baltimore. [Baltimore Sun]
- Andrew Gordon checks in from Austin prior to his team's big Game 4 win. [RMNB]
- Speaking of that win, here are some recaps. [Vogs, Frankovic, CSN Washington (video), Flounders, RMNB, Hershey Bears Examiner, York Dispatch]
- Bears captain Bryan Helmer has a built-in fan club and a baby Bear ready to roar. [ABC 27]
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Great win for the Bears last night. Looks like Texas lost their cool a little bit at the end of the game there (Alzner got boarded, guy shot the puck at Neuvy long after the siren blew).
And good for Marian Hossa.
What a great picture this is
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jun 10, 2010 6:51 AM EDT reply actions
and congrats to christobal huet. so glad you have won the cup w/ the hawks cause that means you arent sucking up $5.5M of our salary cup for the next couple of years.
so who do we want to take from the hawks as they begin to dismantle? buff, seabrook, sharp, sopel? i think flash would look good w/ four feathers….
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Jun 10, 2010 8:24 AM EDT up reply actions
Nice. “Unfinished business” still unfinished.
by CapitalCentre on Jun 10, 2010 9:38 AM EDT up reply actions
Sounds like Timonen finished his business.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
’Twas a great night for USA Hockey, btw. The Calder Cup and Stanley Cup game-winners both came off American sticks.
And for London Knights alums.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Kane was great for Team USA in the Olympics too. If we were going to win the Gold Medal game, it was going to off the stick of either Kane or Parise.
"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 Jun 10, 2010 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions
What I noticed about this series was that the top 4 d-men on both the Flyers and Blackhawks are really, really good. The forwards for the Caps are better than either team, but they need to find something better on the blueline to get to the next level.
I’m not saying it’s Volchenkov and it may just be a matter of Alzner and Carlson maturing and becoming better NHL players, but Keith/Seabrook/Campbell/Hjarmlsson and Pronger/Timmonen/Carle/Coburn are a better group right now than Green/Poti/Schultz/Carlson.
Yeah, the top-4 D for each team are among the best in the league.
The Caps Top-4… are not.
And I might argue Chicago’s forwards are better (deeper), but I can accept otherwise.
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
The Caps Top-4… are not.
Right now, true, but let’s ask that again in Dec/Jan. I think Alzner and Carly will definitely step it up.
LET'S GO CAPS!!!
I think these teams had to ride their top-4 harder than most other Cup teams because their 3rd pairs weren’t as good, and it helped that their top-4 were all solid (though Hjarmalsson and Carle less so). I honestly don’t think it’s the way to go—without an RFA find (Hjammer, Coburn), it’s too expensive, and that cheap ELC top-4 D deal is kind of luck driven. I’d prefer going with 5 D like Detroit or Anaheim or Carolina IIRC.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
матовая Клими, Михал нуивирт ваш папа теперь
Red Line Station: for Capitals fans who can bear reading something less intelligent than a story at Japers' Rink
by red army line on Jun 10, 2010 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Chicago’s 5th defenseman was Sopel. He’s no All-Star, but serviceable. He still averaged around 16 minutes a game — which is what you want from that guy.
Their 6th during the playoffs was either Hendry or Boynton, each about 8 minutes per game.
I think that’s how you have to play it in the playoffs (regular season is different). Top guys get 25-28, next get 20-24, the fifth gets 15, and the last one gets 8-10.
The last few games of the finals, Pronger (who was unbelievable early on) looked completely spent and was running on fumes. When you’re out there for 30+ minutes every night, that’s what kills you.
When you’re out there for 30+ minutes every night, that’s what kills you.
And when you’re 35-years old.
I guess I was wrong—I was almost certain CHI had been riding their top-4 harder than that. Must’ve gotten confused.
I’m still not liking their TOI distribution. They have great D, and moreover, great two-way forwards. If the Caps are to win they’ll need 12 mins from each of the 3rd pair D.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
матовая Клими, Михал нуивирт ваш папа теперь
Red Line Station: for Capitals fans who can bear reading something less intelligent than a story at Japers' Rink
by red army line on Jun 10, 2010 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Good thing John Walton was announcing the game like he would a radio broadcast, cause there were plenty of times last night where the cameraman totally lost track of where the puck was and just left the camera in one spot.
LET'S GO CAPS!!!
It was much better than Game 3’s disaster.
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jun 10, 2010 7:14 AM EDT up reply actions
Goaltenders
The Capitals are fine in net. They are lucky to have 2 very good and 1 close to being really good goalies in the system. They are also very lucky to have Varly and Neuvy both @ $821K next season giving them some maneuvering room with other players at other positions. The team in front of them will be better next season and more mature. This team should once again steamroll the SE and get a top 3 spot in the conference playoffs, even with a wooden indian in net let alone 2 very skilled young goaltenders. Its time to let the youngster grow and let them play vs the best in the world so we can see what we have them. Varlamov should get 50-55 starts barring injury and Neuvirth the rest.
No need to get another goaltender unless these two guys shit the bed during the season and at the deadline a veteran of some circumstance would be available, like Vokoun.
My thought would be after next season, you only keep 1 of Varlamov and Neuvirth. Trading the other for a something of need. Signing a cheap veteran to back-up Varlamov and hope that Holtby continues to progress as he is.
4th Floor, is next, swimvare, undervare, Eric Fehr...
I’m in pretty solid agreement.
More discussion on this topic, I’m sure, in today’s Varly Wrap.
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If Neuvirth were to win a 2nd Calder Trophy along with his MVP of the playoffs, come in next season as the #2 goaltender and put up nice stats, like 20-7-3 .916sv% and 2.28 gaa, he could really fetch us something nice in return. Or we could keep him.
4th Floor, is next, swimvare, undervare, Eric Fehr...
I’d be happy if someone could just teach him how to handle the puck.
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jun 10, 2010 7:48 AM EDT up reply actions
For one screw up? I worry way more when Varlamov is handling the puck, although he seems to have gotten better at it.
"It's always good to have vikings."
I worry more when Poti is handling the puck. Zing!
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by J.P. on Jun 10, 2010 7:56 AM EDT up reply actions 6 recs
He came thisclose to doing it again last night. In the same situation.
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jun 10, 2010 7:58 AM EDT up reply actions
I can live with his stickhandling as long as he doesn’t let the Cup winning goal slide five-hole from a near-impossible angle. The only thing better that waking up to a sunny day was knowing that Flyer fans will be seeing that goal in their nightmares for years to come.
I dunno….I think “terrible boner that leads to goal” beats “soft goal” every time. Besides, that game was pretty much a must win, and that happened very, very late in the contest.
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jun 10, 2010 8:37 AM EDT up reply actions
Besides, that game was pretty much a must win, and that happened very, very late in the contest.
As opposed to Leighton’s boner? I’m with b.orr4 on this. A soft goal is much more deflating than a goal off a bad puckhandling play. I didn’t see what Neuvirth did but I’ve seen plenty of goalies misplay pucks into goals against and it’s just not as deflating as a weak goal (needless to say, especially a Cup-loss-clinching soft goal).
I waited all year for this?
I’d feel better about this theory if there was some recent precedent in the Caps’ history. Here, I’ll set the stage: Varly and Neuvirth were taken in the first and second round of the same draft year. (2006) Holtby was taken two years later, in the 2008 draft.
So if someone was able to tell me (hypothetically, of course) that in the recent past (say, for the sake of argument, “1989”) the Caps drafted one goalie in the first round and another in the second round, and that two or three years later they drafted another goalie — to add flavor to the hypothetical let’s say this third goalie would have the same name as a famous comedic actor — and if two of those goalies won Vezinas and the third played 400+ games in the NHL, and the Caps got good value by trading two of them away but ultimately kept the best one for themselves, and overall things worked out pretty darned well…
… well, I’d feel some comfort about going into next season with three young goalies auditioning for the starting job.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 10, 2010 9:05 AM EDT up reply actions 6 recs
ok, I’m stumped (and semi-new to following the Caps), who the third goalie? I know Kolzig and Carey are two, but I don’t know who the other one is.
LET'S GO CAPS!!!
I dunno, in your crazy sounding scenario, if two of the goalies won Vezinas, I would be worried that they overcommitted to the first guy and possibly told another team to just “pick one” from the other two.
"Yes, but Rimmer Directive 271 states just as clearly, 'No chance you metal ba****d.'"
Wouldn’t it be something if the first two became close friends (like best-man-close) but also had an on-ice fight at some point in their careers? I know, that’s too wild to ever happen.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Please enlighten us newbie hockey fans about who the heck you are talking about.
by vtcapsfan99 on Jun 10, 2010 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions
thanks I’ll check it out at home tonight. Work blocks youtube:(
by vtcapsfan99 on Jun 10, 2010 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions
Did you post a pic? Work blocks most of those, too. As if we are supposed to only be doing real work. Silly them.
by vtcapsfan99 on Jun 10, 2010 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions
So did anyone get a screen cap of the Angry-Middle-Finger-Waving-Stars-Fan from after last night’s Bears game? It was on camera for a good 10 seconds.
"Do not be afraid to ask for credit, for our way of refusing is very polite."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jun 10, 2010 7:49 AM EDT reply actions
Saw that too. Hilarious.
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jun 10, 2010 7:52 AM EDT up reply actions
Also...
Time to break out the John Carlson Clutch Goal Alert Gif
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jun 10, 2010 8:07 AM EDT reply actions 10 recs
Unfortunately, this is the glory that is following him:
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 10, 2010 9:08 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
not sure what’s more amazing, that the stanley cup was won on philly ice or that the calder cup finals is being playing in austin, tx.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Jun 10, 2010 8:25 AM EDT up reply actions
Add to it that by virtue of the Flyers’ loss, the Pens are no longer champs.
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by J.P. on Jun 10, 2010 8:30 AM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
Fair enough (though we could quibble with the meaning of “are champs” – they “are former champs” or “were champs.” The Pittsburgh Penguins are not champs at this point in time.)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
...
or The Champs
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jun 10, 2010 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions
And that stupid image of Crosby lifting the cup is no longer shown in commercials and previews.
by vtcapsfan99 on Jun 10, 2010 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions
grrrrrrrrrrrrr. I watched the end of the Chicago game last night and actually thought to myself that I hope the image of Toews lifting the cup eradicates most traces of the Crosby image. Toews seems so much more likable than Crosby.
by vtcapsfan99 on Jun 10, 2010 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions
I think that pic is more offensive than then pic of Ovie in his speedos.
by vtcapsfan99 on Jun 10, 2010 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions
Timonen: “The strongest thought right now is ten months flushed down the toilet. All we’re left is shit in our hands”
Finnish papers. Kimonen doesn’t shy cursing heavily to them. here’s the source, doesn’t make much sense though, the “translation” http://translate.google.com/translate?js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=1&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iltasanomat.fi%2Furheilu%2Ft%2Fnhl%2F2191522&sl=fi&tl=en
No dude, please don’t provide a link to that visual. I’m sure we can all google it ourselves, and there’s probably plenty of examples on the internet.
Oh, a link to the quote. Never mind.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 10, 2010 9:10 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Oof. It was pretty interesting watching status updates of my friends from Philly. Last one was “Richards shit the bed and we need a new goalie.”
If you want to survive out here, you've got to know where your towel is.
by ns on Jun 10, 2010 8:42 AM EDT up reply actions
I miss Roman Cechmanek.
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jun 10, 2010 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions
....
/evil laughter…
MUAHAHAHAHAHAHA
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jun 10, 2010 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah. I was thinking they might not go after anyone the way Leighton had been playing (emphasis on the past tense there) – he’d be a cheap option for a team w/ very little cap space, if he was any good. But he’s not so here we are.
My only hope is that Theo asks for more than they can afford. Come on, Jose, be greedy!!
Unfortunately, I have an established track record, with predicting Johnson to Pittsburgh last year. Hope I’m wrong on this one. There must be someone in the west who could use him, right?
"It's always good to have vikings."
Saw that one coming, too – only team in the league that needed a backup. Starters are a bit trickier, though…someone else must need a starting goalie and have money to pay him, right? Right??
this will likely be Theo’s last contract before he turns 35, which means his last shot to grab a big money long-ish term contract. No way Philly can afford him, not with their fucked-up cap situation.
#savethekittens!
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
God bless the Magical Spearing Midget and Chris Pronger for that.
(…I’m not going to get yelled at for using a player nickname, right? We’ve pretty much established that “Danny Briere” is actually French for Magical Spearing Midget, correct?)
correct! besides, it’s 100% correct. and it’s not like you’re degrading women with that nickname.
#savethekittens!
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
ooof…hope the hawks washed their hands after the handshake line…by all accounts it should have been 8 months flushed down the toilet, the flyers played with house money these last two.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Jun 10, 2010 8:43 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m sure that’s what all the Flyers players are thinking, though in reality they battled hard and went a lot further than they probably should have, especially given their goalie situation.
That was quite a brutal way to lose for the Flyers and especially for their fans to witness, after the comeback, the way they were buzzing the net at the end of regulation and in OT, and the way the winning goal went in. I love it.
And, by the way, what a save by Niemi on Carter at the end of the 3rd. Potential history-changer, right there.
Huh. Would’ve thought that would get a reaction of some sort. Then again, my Journey link in yesterday’s Clips went unnoticed, so I’m not sure what to make of you people.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Its getting some buzz in the OT thread
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jun 10, 2010 9:39 AM EDT up reply actions
Gotcha… I dare not venture over there often.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
You don’t feel safe in your own house? What has this world come to?
"Do not be afraid to ask for credit, for our way of refusing is very polite."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jun 10, 2010 9:47 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t even feel safe in my own safe room in my safe house.
Just because I’m paranoid doesn’t mean everyone isn’t out to get me.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
You may be paranoid, but not an android.
"Do not be afraid to ask for credit, for our way of refusing is very polite."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jun 10, 2010 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Any OKC reference is an automatic rec in my book.
"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 Jun 10, 2010 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions
i think stunned silence might be the reason. then reconciling the fact that your captain likes to dance in his speedo…also knowing that our C is dancing on a turkish yacht while another young captains is flying home with the stanley cup is kind of a bummer.
once again though, it is good to be ov…
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Jun 10, 2010 9:41 AM EDT up reply actions
While Ovi dances on a yacht, Sid the Kid is doing stomach crunches in his mom’s basement next to the dryer. That’s what makes him so much better. And Flyers Suck!
Or you could say there just aren’t many photos of Sid making an ass out of himself in his downtime.
They're coming.
by Bald Pollack on Jun 10, 2010 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions
I wish I could make an ass out of myself like that in my downtime…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I wish I could make an ass out of myself like that for a living.
"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 Jun 10, 2010 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions
I wish I couldmaketag an assout of myselflikethathers in my downtime…
They're coming.
by Bald Pollack on Jun 10, 2010 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions
Nah. I’m a happily married man. Hi, honey!
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
As am I. Related: when you give someone else insulin, how much is too much?
They're coming.
by Bald Pollack on Jun 10, 2010 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions
Bears Tickets
For anyone who’s interested, Ticketmaster is now selling tickets for Game Six in Hershey. Beats the busy signal at the Bears box office.
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jun 10, 2010 10:23 AM EDT up reply actions
You know, I don’t sports-hate Patrick Kane. I think he’s pretty talented, and he’s definitely a lot of fun to watch.
But I’m also pretty certain the guy is a
"Ovechkin, what is good in life?"
"To crush your enemies. To see them driven before you. And to hear the lamentations of their captain."
er, the guy is a World-Class Jerk
"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 saw that too. Total “BROOOOOOO” fest. Surprised he didn’t get “iced”
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jun 10, 2010 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m not a bro, but I can’t think of a more appropriate venue for icing someone than an on-rink, post-game interview.
"Do not be afraid to ask for credit, for our way of refusing is very polite."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jun 10, 2010 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions
OT, but Magary’s column on “icing” the other day on Deadspin was awesome.
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jun 10, 2010 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think I’ve ever been so depressed, so angry watching hockey as I was last night.
#savethekittens!
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
Gasp. You weren’t rooting for the Flyers, were you? The ’Hawks unis are way tight, too. I was very pleasantly surprised when they won it.
The Flyers went a long way with a bad goalie, but it did them in in the end. The second and the fourth goals were horrible.
OK, time for the big moves to unfurl. My wish list: trade Flash, extend Fehr ($2M or less per annum, please), extend Schultz (between $1.5M – $2.0M, please) and get Patrick Sharp into the fold as 2C. Let Belanger, Corvo, ShaMo, Juice and Walker, uh, walk.
Keep: Schultz, Green, Poti, Alzner, and Carlson. Add a cheap vet for 6th D. Sloan for 7th D. Erskine in Hershey for cap relief and depth.
Get a new PK system. Practice it A LOT.
We’ll see how it unfolds.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
by fat_daddyo on Jun 10, 2010 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I’m going to venture she was feeling like me (ie, “Look at them raise the cup…it should have been our guys!”)
"It hit me on the pants. I had protection. It felt good. Why? I wanted to win."
yep. Should have been our guys. Should be US with raging hangovers today!
the quality of play, imo, wasn’t all that great, either. I mean, game 1 I’m screaming at the TV “If I wanted to watch pond hockey I’d watch the Caps scrimmage!”
#savethekittens!
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
It should have been. I just keep thinking…we would have played Philly. And the even more frustrating part is we wouldn’t have had as “easy” a path as they did, either. Caps-Philly, Boston-Pitt, you have to think it’s us and the Pens out of those two. Another round w/ Pittsburgh > anything the Devils, Bruins or Habs threw at the Flyers. Blech.
the quality of play, imo, wasn’t all that great, either
This is what I’ve been saying the whole series. There have been a few good moments – Game 3 was great, and parts of last night were well-played. It was entertaining but not good, and for some reason in hindsight everyone’s going “OMG IT WAS SUCH A GREAT SERIES!” No, it wasn’t, you’re just blinded by the pretty shiny Cup at the end. When Chicago stepped up they dominated, but they didn’t do it enough and made Philly look a lot more competitive.
This is exactly how I feel about the series. It was hugely uneven, with one team or the other playing horribly at times. The Caps would have been a much greater challenge for the Hawks. For all the talk of how great both teams top four defensive pairings were, they played uneven, even at times terrible, defense on both sides. The Hawks were the better team, but goodness did they stink it up sometimes. Pronger was definitely a strong factor for the Flyers, but when he was bad, the team couldn’t overcome it.
I was much happier watching the Bears last night. I checked into that game—interesting how immediately different the two games were in terms of speed etc.—but stayed with our Bears. Loved seeing Carlson score. He seemed a little off maybe tired to me at times. Alzner looked rock solid. And I had lots of fun imagining who might make the Caps roster next season.
"I’m very happy to hear the news," Ovechkin said when he heard about Backstrom's longterm contract--"because he’s one of the top centers in the world, one of my best friends and we want to play together for a long time. He’s a guy who wants to stay in one place and be comfortable and win, just like me. We talk all the time about playing together, and we talked after the playoffs about how we can win in Washington."
by capsyoungguns on Jun 10, 2010 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions
The Caps would have been a much greater ghallenge for the Hawks.
You could say that about 5 teams in the east. The Flyers were not a great team, but a pretty good team that started to play great at the right time.
And I don’t remember the last time a Stanley Cup champion just steamrolled through all the series looking unbeatable.
probably others, but the 2002 Wings team defined “juggernaut”
#savethekittens!
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
I can’t agree that 5 teams in the East would have been a greater challenge for the Hawks. The Flyers played very well all postseason and became the team that many thought they were in the preseason. They played a good team game, and they have more forward depth than most teams, including the Caps. That’s one big reason why they didn’t struggle as much vs. Montreal – they have 3 lines that are legitimate scoring threats (even if none of them individually are as dangerous as the Caps’ and Pens’ best). What’s more amazing to me is that they struggled so mightily in the regular season, but the Pens did the same thing last year. You’re absolutely right that the Flyers were a “pretty good team that started to play great at the right time.” Playing great matters a lot more than being good (to the extent they are different).
Don’t get me wrong, I believe in the Caps’ talent, and I hate the Flyers with a passion. I especially hate Briere and Hartnell, two guys who had standout postseasons for them. I think the Caps would have beaten the Flyers in the playoffs if they had closed Montreal out. But they didn’t, and given the way the Caps crapped the bed, I don’t buy that they necessarily would have been in the Finals, much less winning them against an equally talented, better coached, and composed Hawks squad. It might have happened, but it’s far from a given.
You have misunderstood me. Greater challenge, not steamrolled. In fact I believe the Hawks are the more skilled overall, primarily because they are the best balanced in terms of elite defensemen and forwards as well as youngsters and veterans.
I always feared that they would be the team to beat in the West. However, I didn’t expect them to play so unevenly against the Flyers, and I give credit to the Flyers to exploiting their few weaknesses so incredibly well. I give Pronger a lot of credit for that toughness.
However, I disagree with you that there are 5 Eastern teams that would have presented a greater challenge. Perhaps I’m biased but in terms of skill level and offensive power, my list is just 2—the Caps and the Pens. But it goes without saying that both teams had to get there first. And that was not my point. It’ s more of a “damn, what a missed opportunity for the Caps.”
For me a lot of what makes the playoffs such a crapshoot is the matchups and the injuries and who is able to raise the level of their game, or adjust their game accordingly. The Flyers had easier matchups (note I am not saying the games were easy) for their style of play, and by the time they faced the Habs, Montreal was battered and perhaps a bit overwhelmed. Halak also stopped playing as well as he did, although I believe the Flyers were particularly effective at getting into his space and upsetting him. (Note this is one area that I wish the Caps had adjusted to or exploited better).
I did not find this SC series entertaining or the best ever. But I do think the better, more skilled team won in the end. And the losing team put up a damn good fight.
I’m also glad I watched the Bears win.
"I’m very happy to hear the news," Ovechkin said when he heard about Backstrom's longterm contract--"because he’s one of the top centers in the world, one of my best friends and we want to play together for a long time. He’s a guy who wants to stay in one place and be comfortable and win, just like me. We talk all the time about playing together, and we talked after the playoffs about how we can win in Washington."
by capsyoungguns on Jun 10, 2010 7:42 PM EDT up reply actions
From PTM:
Game #6 between the Blackhawks and Philadelphia Flyers, won by Chicago on a bizarre Overtime goal by Patrick Kane(notes), scored a hockey-massive 5.7/10 overnight rating, likely making it the highest rated National Hockey League game in 37 years, breaking a mark that last year’s Penguins/Red Wings Game 7 set.
This is perhaps the highest-rated game on record, and the first time I’ve ever seen a 10-share associated with an NHL game.
The game peaked from 11-11:30PM with a terrific 7.1/13. The game finished in 2nd place overall in the ratings from 8-10PM, while the lowest rated half-hour was 8PM again, with a 4.3/8, topping almost every half-hour of Game 1. The game averaged a 6.6/11 in the 10PM hour, winning that particular timeslot, before coming up with the huge 7.1 rating after 11PM. The telecast ended at 11:30 PM. The game scored a total 5.5/9 in primetime.
Also got a 40 share in Chicago.
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jun 10, 2010 12:36 PM EDT reply actions
My new Avatar ......
how do you post pics that you made?
The Farm report is DA Bomb... read it, rec it, love it ....
by TheFuryUnleashed on Jun 10, 2010 1:25 PM EDT reply actions
I use photobucket.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 10, 2010 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Conflicting emotions watching Ted’s press conference about taking control of the Wizards. Must be liking watching your dad dancing with his new wife.
really? and, hey, no basketball question, Tarik! You’re the hockey guy! We’re all gonna get paranoid that the Post is moving him to basketball and reassigning Wise to the hockey beat.
#savethekittens!
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I can think of several people around here who’s heads would all collectively explode if Wise somehow became the Caps Beat Writer.
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jun 10, 2010 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions
I think I heard thousands of heads explode all over the grater DC area as soon as I typed that.
#savethekittens!
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
He’ll always love us better! We were here first! YOU’RE NOT MY REAL MOM!
… :D
by Becca H on Jun 10, 2010 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Well, at least he’s using Caps players as examples of what he’d like the Wizards to become. So there’s that.
God, I used to hate being compared to my older sister. In this case, though, I completely agree. Hey, Wiz, why can’t you be more like Brooks Laich?
so, ted’s gonna field a team of good look Canadian boys from the prairie? Well they be offering free roadside assistance as well? More importantly, does each tire changed count as a win?
#savethekittens!
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I’ll tell you this much – if he did, I might finally develop an interest in basketball.
A team of Brooks Laichs……..happy……….
a team of Brooks Laichs…the pregnancy rate would be astronomical!
#savethekittens!
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
I think it was Susan O’Malley. She’s looking for a job.
by b.orr4 on Jun 10, 2010 2:03 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I wonder whatever happened to La Sooz….
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jun 10, 2010 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions
From Ted himself:
I’m here to assure you that even if you hear me talking about the Wizards a lot, I haven’t – and never will – overlook the Capitals and our commitment to bring a Stanley Cup to Washington. I will continue to be focused on your well being and happiness.
N’aww. Thanks, Papa Ted.
He even used the loving one child more than the other analogy. Although the Wizards could surely use the advice of being more like their older brother.
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
New family surname: Monumental Sports & Entertainment
The Wizards will have a place in those interests, no bigger or smaller than the Caps – just as I don’t choose between my son and my daughter!
I hope the Wizards pay attention to their responsible older brother. By the time their team is rebuilt the Caps should be wise and experienced and with at least one Stanley Cup.
"I’m very happy to hear the news," Ovechkin said when he heard about Backstrom's longterm contract--"because he’s one of the top centers in the world, one of my best friends and we want to play together for a long time. He’s a guy who wants to stay in one place and be comfortable and win, just like me. We talk all the time about playing together, and we talked after the playoffs about how we can win in Washington."
by capsyoungguns on Jun 10, 2010 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Not much so far. I don’t expect much. Talking a little about end of the Stanley Cup, and happy team from PA didn’t win. Only PA team he wants to win is Hershey.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Got tickets?
@jwaltonhockey: Game 6 at Giant Center is officially a sellout. That’s almost 11,000 tickets sold in just under five hours. Incredible.
4 minutes ago via web
"It hit me on the pants. I had protection. It felt good. Why? I wanted to win."
no :( stupid convention I have to be at.
#savethekittens!
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
this.this.this.this.this.
Seriously, I’m thinking that a sellout in < 5 hours should alert TV 27 up there that they can get some good viewing numbers (and hopefully CSN will see it too).
"It hit me on the pants. I had protection. It felt good. Why? I wanted to win."
Devils are moving AHL franchise back to Albany
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jun 10, 2010 2:44 PM EDT reply actions
,,,,,,,,,,,
They better replace all the glass in that rickety arena before the Bears come a’calling next year.
This is pretty sweet:
Toews gets a 1.3 million bonus for winning Conn. Because Chi was at cap, it will count against next year, so add that to their cap issues.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jun 10, 2010 3:46 PM EDT reply actions 3 recs
If this makes it even easier to get Sharp then I will be overjoyed. Flash and a pick for Sharp to help against cap space please.
"Ovechkin is as subtle as a shot of vodka."
Does anyone know how often players that win a Stanley Cup one year win it with a different team the next? I’m just wondering how effective or motivated players like Sharp would be with a new team after what he has gone through this year.
Lobbies: Green, Carlson, Orlov
I don’t know how often it happens specifically but Cory Stillman did it in ‘04 with Tampa and ’06 with Carolina, if I’m remembering correctly…
I also have heard some guys say winning it once makes you want to win it even more because you know how amazing it feels. I don’t think it really matters to them what team they’re on, they play to win and only to win. I’d have to think Sharp’s focus wouldn’t falter if he became a Cap.
I laugh! ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha HA! Their cap management is atrocious.
#savethekittens!
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
Wow. Without factoring in the bonus owed to Toews, they’re at $57.58 million with only 9 forwards, 4 d and 1 G.
If the Blackhawks get anything close to good value for the guys they have to dump off I’ll be shocked. You have to assume they want to move some guys before Free Agency kicks in, and other teams know the Hawks can’t be patient and wait for the best offer.
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 Jun 10, 2010 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Versteeg and Sharp I think there will be bidding wars of sorts for. Aside from them, I can’t see much market. Maybe Sopel.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
матовая Клими, Михал нуивирт ваш папа теперь
Red Line Station: for Capitals fans who can bear reading something less intelligent than a story at Japers' Rink
by red army line on Jun 10, 2010 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions
and that 1 G is not named Niemi….
you gotta figure their untouchables are toews, kane and keith. the unmovables are hossa, huet and campbell. the top guys with value are buff, sharp, versteeg and seabrook. i think those are the guys who are going to need to be moved to make room. niemi is an RFA and is going to be looking at a significant raise.
they are probably going to have two entirely new forward lines, three new d and maybe huet as their starter…
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Jun 10, 2010 4:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Right now, I’m sure not a single person in that organization gives a crap.
In a few days, they’ll be pissing their pants, but for now, they’ve just won the Stanley Cup.
by RCheli on Jun 10, 2010 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
And that’s the whole point. If I could trade spots with them, I’d do it in a heartbeat.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Jun 10, 2010 6:00 PM EDT up reply actions
If we do move Flash and a pick for Sharp who do you guys think will be filling in for the LW position on the 3rd line?
by CarltonBanks on Jun 10, 2010 4:32 PM EDT up reply actions
he’s already a 3rd line guy.
#savethekittens!
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
Brooks Laich
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 10, 2010 7:25 PM EDT up reply actions
(and before you ask, Alex Semin)
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 10, 2010 7:26 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
(And yes, that means what you think it means for Eric Fehr)
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 10, 2010 7:26 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
(look, I don’t know, Andrew Gordon or someone else from Hershey. Or you sign someone. I mean, third line right wing shouldn’t be that hard a spot to fill)
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 10, 2010 7:30 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
So they basically have like $500k or so to sign 9 players. I hate one year teams.
All the king's horses and all the king's men
Couldn't put Humpty together again
They have Kane, Toews, Keith and Hossa locked up for at least the next four or five years on fairly reasonable deals. They’ll be solid, if not dominating, for as long as that lasts. This isn’t the classic one year team.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Jun 10, 2010 6:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Jewels from the Crown agrees with you.
Congratulations Black Hawks. Anaheim, Carolina and Tampa welcome you to the club of one-and-done cup-winners. Set the counter at $13MM, because that’s how much cap space you need to clear. Let the dismantling begin. Yeah, yeah, I know. “They’ll figure out a way.” (Wanna bet?)
Lobbies: Green, Carlson, Orlov
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