Friday Caps Clips
by J.P. on Jun 18, 2010 6:45 AM EDT
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Your savory breakfast links:
- Be sure to check out Japers' Rink Radio tomorrow morning, as Stephen and Russell chat with very special guests Karl Alzner and TSN.ca's Scott Cullen (who will discuss this article, among other topics) and take your calls. Not. To. Be. Missed.
- George McPhee is still rather bullish about his team (as well he should be), and that Marcus Johansson is "ready to play." Interesting. [NHL]
- The Caps' preseason schedule is coming into focus with a pair of dates with each of the Blue Jackets and the Predators already announced and one more home-and-home to be revealed before Tuesday.
- A look ahead to the Caps' 2010 draft (which begins a week from today). [Hockey's Future]
- Speaking of the draft, Caps uber-scout Ross Mahoney reveals the pick of which pick he's most proud. [StarPhoenix]
- Zbynek Michalek and Henrik Tallinder are two names that could be on the Caps' radar as July 1 draws closer. (Want, Don't Want, for the record.) [RMNB]
- No matter how you slice and dice it, the Caps had some pretty impressive plus-minus stats this past season. [The Puck Stops Here]
- Will Alex Ovechkin three-peat as the Lindsay/Pearson winner? [Live in Red]
- A bit from Nicklas Backstrom's charity golf event back home. [FanShot]
- Speaking of phenomenal set-up men, is Adam Oates Hall-worthy? And will writing that get me Google traffic for people searching for Hall & Oates? [Greatest Hockey Legends]
- Some interesting notes from Chocolatetown as AHL free agency looms. [Patriot-News]
- One of those AHL free agents, Alexandre Giroux, went on quite the hirsute adventure this spring. [RtR]
- The Bears' three-headed monster in goal was huge this season. [Stack the Pads]
- Mathieu Perreault gets some love from back home... [La Tribune (via Google Translate)]
- ... as does Andrew Gordon. [Metro Halifax]
- Cody Eakin on the Calder Cup and next season. [Keen's Korner]
- Congrats to Patrick Wey on getting invited to USA Hockey’s National Junior Evaluation Camp. [KCRG]
- Poor Feds. Sorta literally. [Detroit News]
- When Ian Schultz got the call yesterday that he'd been traded to Montreal, big brother Jeff was there with him. Aww. [Future Considerations]
- Finally, happy 46th birthday to Bob Rouse.
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damn. japers’ rink radio continues its road to the big time. congrats on the guests, SP/freakinandpeakin.
I know, Scott Cullen is huge. Oh…
They're coming.
by Bald Pollack on Jun 18, 2010 7:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Scott Cullen or Edward Cullen? I mean if you want a bunch of crazed fangirls running around go with Edward…
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jun 18, 2010 9:17 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Kinda shocked Halak got traded to STL. But I guess they figure someone would have thrown an Offer Sheet his way.
Seems like a really dumb deal to make, but the more I think about it, someone’s going to really over pay him, without realizing that he’s played on (a) really really stellar defensive teams and (b) this year’s Stanley Cup goalies were Michael Leighton and Antti Niemi (the years before were Marc-Andre Fleury and Chris Osgood). I just don’t think you really should overpay like someone’s going to with Halak. Remember how Cristobal Huet was able to parlay a late-season surge into that ridiculous contract from Chicago?
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jun 18, 2010 7:14 AM EDT reply actions
I don’t hate the trade. They had to get rid of one of Halak and Price, given their cap situation, and Halak almost certainly brought the bigger return. Goalies are such a crapshoot, there’s every chance Halak recedes back into journeyman backup status. And he’s going to get paid on his next contract, even as an RFA.
On the flip side, there’s an equal chance Halak has a demonstrably better career than Price.
"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
My beef is that letting him get an RFA sheet probably brings a better return.
I waited all year for this?
by Rob Parker on Jun 18, 2010 8:05 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Maybe so. This way has the advantage of eliminating uncertainty and speeding up the process, though. Eller almost certainly contributes in the NHL next year. A first rounder might contribute, but might not; and certainly not next year.
"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
agreed totally. it’s not that i hate montreal’s decision to part ways with halak and his impending raise, it’s that i think the team should have been able to play the market a little better for a young goalie coming off a great playoff run. there are still GMs out there who prioritize goalies #1, and the return from st. louis seems like small change.
by Natty Bumppo on Jun 18, 2010 9:17 AM EDT up reply actions
But keep in mind that Halak’s not technically under contract for next year – he’s an RFA coming off an exceptional postseason, and doing so right before a flood of decent UFA goalies hit the open market.
My guess is a lot of GMs would rather sign a UFA guy who they know they could get fairly cheap rather than lose assets on merely acquiring the rights to a player with whom they’re not guaranteed to get a contract.
Plus it sounds like the Habs REALLY wanted this Eller kid and the Blues REALLY didn’t want to give him up, so actually it’s sounding like a decent deal. The Habs replenish their prospect pool and/or roster for relatively cheap, they don’t have to overpay Halak (which is what some team is going to end up doing) and they still have a guy in Price who can carry the #1 load – doesn’t mean he will, of course, but he has the ability.
I definitely thought this deal was a steal for St. Louis yesterday, but the more I think about it, the more even if it seems. I still give a slight edge to St. Louis, but it isn’t looking too bad for Montreal. I wonder who’’s going to share time with/back-up Price.
Rink Rabbit & newest member of TySlo's fan club.
I wonder who’’s going to share time with/back-up Price.
Biron’s a good bet, but I’m sure you-know-who has a “Brodeur to finish his career in his hometown” rumor teed up.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
It’s amazing how you can ignore an NTC when you can rumormonger while taking hallucinogens, isn’t it?
"It's always good to have vikings."
He technically can’t ignore something if he doesn’t know it exists because he hasn’t done any basic research…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 18, 2010 9:56 AM EDT up reply actions
Not unless Semin is traded to Montreal first, so he can then be traded and reunited with his fellow Russian in the ninth circle of Hell that is Dwayne’s brain.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jun 18, 2010 10:15 AM EDT up reply actions
Plus it sounds like the Habs REALLY wanted this Eller kid and the Blues REALLY didn’t want to give him up
You got a link for that assertion? I was in the STLGT thread yesterday and the folks over there made it sound like Eller wasn’t in their plans. They refused to bring him to the NHL full time last year, despite offensive woes, and were already talking about starting him in the AHL again this season. Obviously his a highly rated prospect so you don’t want to part with him, but I didn’t see anything that implied they REALLY didn’t want to give him up; not in the sense that we REALLY don’t want to give up Carlznerson.
I waited all year for this?
I believe it popped up on Twitter when people were posting quotes from the STL GM’s press conference…also, apparently Minnesota asked about him earlier this year in exchange for Harding and the Blues wouldn’t bite. That’s according to Russo from the MN Tribune.
I’ll look for the quotes.
Well I wouldn’t expect a classy organization like STL to rip on the kid on his way out the door, so I’m not sure I’d read too much into that (it also doesn’t look good for one GM to gloat over ripping off another GM immediately after a trade).
And there’s a slight difference between Halak and Harding.
I waited all year for this?
Well, right, there is – but if Eller isn’t a highly-rated prospect, they probably make that trade. An unproven prospect for a pretty decent backup isn’t out of the realm of possibility.
More on that attempted trade is here (although it’s pretty much what I just said).
From PD:
Armstrong said that Gauthier “honed in on a player we didn’t want to give up” in Eller, and that the Blues “gave up great value” to get Halak.
Of course, that can be blowing smoke, too.
"It's always good to have vikings."
I don’t remember him saying anything. Also, little to no mention of little Schultzie, so it’s not like they’re just saying “both these guys are great, but we had to give them up” – they’re only talking about Eller.
Kid’s a 13th overall pick. That just seems like a big deal to give up, especially for a team that’s still kind of rebuilding.
Well Schultz is a nobody, and that’s part of my problem with the compensation they got for Halak.
Yeah he was a 13, but the 2007 draft didn’t exactly set the world afire and the number 26 (Perron) is already established in the NHL. Factor in Oshie, Backes, Boyes, McDonald, and Berglund and Eller was pretty expendable.
I waited all year for this?
Hence the joke – so much better when explained.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I’m more interested in the STL side of this deal. Chris Mason was getting $3.0 million last year. Well, he’s out (Ty Conklin still has a year on his deal). Even if Halak triples his pay next year (to $2.325M), he’s a saving. STL has $27.7 million tied up in 11 roster players and a buyout obligation to Jay McKee. They are sitting mighty pretty, cap-wise.
So… how much will that offer for Kovalchuk be?
If you've read this far...seek help.
Halak will make much more than that and Perron is due a raise but they are definitely sitting pretty. Kovy makes that team a beast and I’m a little surprised nobody has fantasy-paired those two yet. All I’ve heard is Kovy to LAK.
I waited all year for this?
by Rob Parker on Jun 18, 2010 8:17 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I’m not sure Halak will get more than that, either in an offer, in arbitration, or in an offer sheet. This is a guy who has never played in more than 45 regular season games in an NHL season, has had one good year (and when he was bad in the playoffs, he was awful). He might be a fine goalie. He might also be Cristobal Huet.
If you've read this far...seek help.
And I don’t see how you let Halak go for only 2+. It’s not a cap killing number and the savings over Price won’t be all that much.
I waited all year for this?
by Rob Parker on Jun 18, 2010 9:01 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Montreal has 14 roster players encumbering $46 million in cap room (includes Georges Laraque’s buyout). Another nine roster spots for about $12 million in available cap, a good portion of which will be allocated to Price and, should they choose, Plekanec. Combined they might use up half of that cap room.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Right, but if Halak is 2.25 and Price is 1.75 I’ll take Halak. Especially in MON. Price may turn into a quality goalie yet, but it won’t be in MON.
I waited all year for this?
I’d agree that it’s a bold move to go all-in on Price, but even with the problems he’s had, I think he’s got more long term upside. And I suspect that the price (so to speak) for either would have been interchangeable. I don’t see either as getting Kari Lehtonen money (who has neither performed, not remained helathy, making his one of the more insane goalie contracts, in my opinion), but either could have fetched $2.5 million on an open market (I think folks are way overvaluing one playoff performance by Halak).
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jun 18, 2010 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions
I’d agree that it’s a bold move to go all-in on Price, but even with the problems he’s had, I think he’s got more long term upside.
I’ve seen great goalies come out of nowhere, and I’ve seen great goalies who were highly touted and had instant and consistent success, with maybe a few rocky patches along the way. But I’ve never seen a goalie as highly touted as Carey Price struggle the way he has and then become excellent. Good maybe, but not excellent.
Halak could be coming out of nowhere and developing into an excellent goalie before our eyes right now. I find that a lot easier to believe than that Carey Price is somehow going to become a fantastic goalie at this point. Price is the guy I’d sell high on right now.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 18, 2010 10:36 AM EDT up reply actions
Nice analysis, Peerless. Interesting on Kovalchuk.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
I’ve heard/read some Kovalchuk-to-STL commentary. STL is in a much more flexible cap position than are the Kings. They have $44.7 million tied up in 16 roster spots and a buyout obligation to Alyn McCauley. If Kovalchuk goes for $8.5 million, LAK might have only $5 million of so of cap room left to fill another six roster spots (assuming a $2 million or so bump in the cap). If they could squeeze past 2010-2011, though, Handzus and his $4 million comes off the books, as well as Justin Williams and his $3.5 million. They will, however, have to give raises to Jack Johnson and Drew Doughty, not to mention Jonathan Bernier coming onto the books with a likely raise of his own.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Is handzus someone the caps could be interested in as a short term 2C? I don’t know much about him really, remember him being pretty good a few years back.
Meh, just looked at his numbers, doesn’t really look like 2C production. Good size though, and still logs around 18 min per game. But overall, for $4M, doesn’t look like a good move.
The Halak trade only makes logical sense from Montreal’s perspective if two conditions are true:
- Montreal had chosen Price and absolutely wanted to trade Halak; and
- Halak would not have received an offer sheet above the $3,091,963 threshold for a 1st and a 3rd
If Montreal believed that Halak would not get an offer sheet above the threshold and they were interested in keeping him, then they would have just signed him for $3 Million or less.
On the other hand, if they wanted to be rid of him and they believed he would have gotten the rich offer sheet, then they should have just taken the 1st and 3rd in compensation, which is more than they got. (I believe this is F&B’s point).
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 18, 2010 9:05 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Rec’d for a fantastic post. This articulates what I was thinking but couldn’t quite wrap my brain around.
"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 18, 2010 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions
Eller was a 1st, Schultz was a third. They’re both further along the development curve than draft picks this season would be. The book on Eller is that he’s a good two way player with some size; he’ll play for the Habs this season and produce on his ELC, which they desperately need. Schultz may or may not develop into an NHL roster guy, but that’s true of just about all third round choices.
The teams that could really use a bonafide number-one goalie were SJS, STL, PHI and TBL. San Jose is going to be good for the foreseeable future, so you’re looking at low draft picks even if you do get the 1st, 2nd and 3rd picks from a large K. They’re also facing salary cap problems and decisions on Marleau, with Jumbo Joe coming up right after that.
We’re all aware of Philly’s cap-related struggles to come, with Pronger’s over-35 contract and besides that, they don’t have the pieces to make an offer sheet available to Halak. They don’t have the scratch to entice a high caliber, free-agent goalie.
Both the Flyers and Sharks would need to send salary back to the Habs to make Halak’s presumed K fit under the cap, something the Habs aren’t in a position to take on. They have Markov coming up on free-agency next season, almost no forwards under contract and more than five million dollars committed to Gionta, Gomez, and Cammelleri over the next three years. All three teams are in desperate need of cheap contributions from players in the near term, so I can’t see either of them parting with those pieces to get Halak.
I doubt the Lightning were going to tender an offer sheet sufficient to get the Habs high picks in return for Halak – the kind that can jump right into the NHL and contribute this season. Yzerman has a rebuilding job on his hands; other than Hedman and Stamkos, the ‘Ning don’t look so hot on the young players and the farm.
St. Louis has prospects to burn, cap space to burn and an above average goaltending performance puts them into the serious contenders category. This may have been the best offer the Habs were going to get.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Jun 18, 2010 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions
I recognize that both Eller and Schultz are farther along, but that only works in favor of Eller, at most. Schultz is a third round pick that hasn’t shown any upside since then and looks more likely to not develop into an NHL roster guy, or a 4th line scrapper at best. I’d rather have a 3rd round pick than Schultz. That at least gives you a chance at a Cody Eakin or a guy that slips through the cracks. You know what Schultz is at this point, and that’s not a good thing.
For Eller it’s a little different. True, he’s closer to contributing, but you have to consider that maybe he hasn’t developed as STL had hoped or expected. According to STLGT they were probably going to play Eller in the AHL, yet again. Granted, STL has a lot of C depth, but they also aren’t a great offensive team and are a marginal playoff team at best. Eller will get a good look with MON this training camp and probably make the team, but I think they may have been able to get better immediate help if they had taken the picks from STL and flipped them for an established player.
I waited all year for this?
No guarantee those picks were on the table for STL, or that they don’t go out and sign another NHL ‘tender, while the Habs get nothing. Yeah, Halak is probably the pick of that litter, but the next tier back aren’t much worse and probably available for simple cap space, of which the Blues have ample amounts.
If he’s a 20 year old and the best player on their AHL squad, I don’t necessarily think a guy touted as a two-way player getting stuck behind Berglund and Backes is a damning indictment.
I don’t know if Schultz ever amounts to much in the NHL, or languishes in the AHL, but that’s at least a viable third round pick. Maybe the third would have been more ideal, but I don’t hate the idea of getting a potential 4th line grinder into the system, especially if one of the knocks on the Habs is that they’re too easy to play against.
Maybe MTL can flip STL’s 1st and 3rd, or some package of picks and players, for more immediate help, but the key is cheap help. The list of available guys that can play on their roster this season and available for the having who are also cheap is pretty small. If Gauthier is really high on Eller’s ability going forward, this may have made the most sense internally.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Jun 18, 2010 5:15 PM EDT up reply actions
As a heads up, we’ve got something that falls in between content and utter frivolity coming up at 11:00, so stay tuned.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I’m building up grassroots support, in the faint hope that you guys will be on my side before you even know why you’re on my side.
A vote for me is patriotic, folks. It saves babies and gives puppies good homes. It makes Penguins’ fans cry.
…what? I grew up in the DC area, you don’t think I know how to lobby? :)
With cocaine and hookers? Oh wait, that’s just for administrative agencies in charge of mining.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 18, 2010 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions
mining for votes….
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jun 18, 2010 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions
A vote for Becca is a vote for the same tired, failed policies that have governed for too long in this town.
Vote JP. Change we can believe in.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jun 18, 2010 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I’m writing in that guy in South Carolina…
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jun 18, 2010 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions
Sure, if you want to throw away your vote…you could also vote for the Libertarian (Pepper) or the Green Party candidate (DMG).
A vote for JP is nothing more than cowering to the man, letting the establishment win and giving in to the Beltway Bandits who have diluted hockey analysis – or do you want to continue to live in 1984?
(This is fun, I should have made bumper stickers…)
Campaign slogan: “It’s what the ‘H’ stands for.”
"Do not be afraid to ask for credit, for our way of refusing is very polite."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jun 18, 2010 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions
The Commission on Blogidential Debates wants to schedule a joint debate.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jun 18, 2010 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions
they’re debating it…
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jun 18, 2010 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions
Do I really need to say anything more than “we gals have to stick together” to win your vote? Come on now…
Oh, and I’ll give you cookies! Or pictures of shirtless hockey players, whatevs.
by Becca H on Jun 18, 2010 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Shirtless hockey players? Okay, you’ve got my vote.
Rink Rabbit & newest member of TySlo's fan club.
I’d put up the “The Crosby Show” cover here but it’s too repulsive for me to search for it.
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
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by red army line on Jun 18, 2010 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions
If I ever posted that pic I’d be forced to drop out of the campaign and check into a mental institution.
by Becca H on Jun 18, 2010 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I’d lose my lunch and breakfast if I saw that.
In Lou We Trust: Now More productive than a New Jersey Devils Powerplay
"Pfft, Wii’s where it’s at. *Swings toy plastic racquet, separates shoulder"- RudyKelly
by Kevin Sellathamby on Jun 18, 2010 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions
My vote is up for bids.
My robovoter I used to vote a 10 for Alex Semin 5000 times is up for bids.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 18, 2010 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Or...
In Lou We Trust: Now More productive than a New Jersey Devils Powerplay
"Pfft, Wii’s where it’s at. *Swings toy plastic racquet, separates shoulder"- RudyKelly
by Kevin Sellathamby on Jun 18, 2010 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions
Yes (good memory):
On behalf of the player, the National Hockey League Players’ Association asked for $2.8-million and used Trevor Daley, Tim Gleason, Fedor Tyutin, Henrik Tallinder, Anton Volchenkov and Komisarek as comparisons.
Just say no to drugs, PA.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Those were the comparables for ShaMo? Weird. That group of players ranges from terrific (Volchenkov) to ugh (Tallinder).
You’re right, JP, there should be mandatory drug testing… for NHLPA officials and lawyers.
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jun 18, 2010 9:20 AM EDT up reply actions
Regarding Tallinder, this thread at HFBoards might be of some interest.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Well if I was to pay $3.5m per for Tallinder, I sure wouldn’t make it a 2+ year deal.
They're coming.
by Bald Pollack on Jun 18, 2010 9:26 AM EDT up reply actions
If I was to pay $3.5m per for Tallinder even for one year, I’d immediately fire myself.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 18, 2010 9:57 AM EDT up reply actions
Honestly, the defenseman weren’t not the problem in the series. I think we ended the playoffs with the lowest GAA. Neither of them stood out to be so Lydman must not have been that force you are talking about and Tallinder must not have been as bad as you think. I do remember Myers being awful though.
I watched some of the Buff/Bos series and I agree that Myers looked a little shaky in that series but he was a rookie in his first playoff games so it’s understandable. However, this makes me appreciate what JC did even more.
Lobbies: Green, Carlson, Orlov
GMGM has talked about not wanting to give roster spots away before training camp but he’s already basically doing that. Carlznerson is no shock but you’d think he wouldn’t tip his hat like that on MP and Mackan.
Can anyone picture a realistic scenario that has MP and Mackan making the team out of camp? I can’t. It would be nice but the only way I can see it is if Flash or Fehr leaves and one of the kids moves to wing.
I bet MP has to clearly out-perform Mackan in camp because Mackan goes back to Sweden if he doesn’t make the team and is thus lost for the season. MP can season in HER and come up as an injury replacement if he doesn’t make it right away.
I waited all year for this?
by Rob Parker on Jun 18, 2010 8:03 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
you’d think he wouldn’t tip his hat like that on MP and Mackan.
I’m not sure he’s tipping his hat but rather telling other GM’s, “I’m not desperate for a 2C, no matter what you’ve heard, so don’t bring me any weak-ass Stoll-for-Alzner shit” (and probably also saying to these kids that he expects big things from them).
Agreed on expectations for next year from the two.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Agree re. McPhee’s target audience for the MP and Mackan quote. It’s an early negotiating stance.
I would be surprised if one of those two players did not break camp with the big club, barring injury. Both would be a surprise, as F&B notes.
"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
Further to the underlying point, it’s like when GMGM (pretty sure it was George… or was it Bruce?) said last summer that he was fine with Laich at 2C. Obviously he wasn’t.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I know the Stoll-for-Alzner was hyperbole, but I don’t think GMGM really needs to posture like that. The entire NHL (presumably) knows GMGM wouldn’t move Carlznerson for Pronger, so why would they think he’d get ripped off now? There is nothing in GMGM’s past trade history that suggests he’s easy to take advantage of. I think it’s more likely that he’s trying to spur the kids, but even then I think a “we expect them to compete and we’ll see what happens” is a better statement.
I waited all year for this?
I could see Mackan starting the year as the third line center between, say, Laich and someone from hershey. I could also see him splitting time in that role with someone like Eric Belanger or another free agent.
I could see MP playing wing, but I don’t see him starting the year on the Caps as a center. Wrong skillset for 3C, and they just have to acquire a good veteran 2C during the offseason.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 18, 2010 9:09 AM EDT up reply actions
I agree with most of that, but I don’t see why you sign Belanger if you think Mackan can play 3C. Are you going to healthy scratch Mackan/Belanger every game? That doesn’t seem to make sense. Ultimately if they sign Belanger and Mackan makes the team I bet Belanger gets bumped to 4C and Steckel gets to watch. Then when injuries necessitate you adjust the depth chart upward.
I waited all year for this?
Allocating the playing time is a good problem to have. A complete lack of depth at center is a bad problem to have.
I could see the Caps going into next year with seven centers on their roster (Backstrom, $4 Million 2C, Mackan, Belanger, MP, Steckel, and Boyd Gordon). You play Nick and $4M2C every night, and play Mackan, Belanger and Steckel as your 3C and 4C, with one of those latter three on the bench every night.
MP and Boyd slide into the RW rotation with MattBrads (Knuble and Fehr get sweaters every night; MP, Boyd and MattBrads rotate the two lower RW slots). On the left side, you have AO, Semin, Laich and Chimera every night.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 18, 2010 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions
If McPhee could dump Chris Clark, he can dump Flash. You think the Rangers, Bruins, or Blue Jackets couldn’t use a guy like Flash for less than $2 million? It might actually happen midseason, like it did with Clark, when some team freaks out that it can’t score.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 18, 2010 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions
The Hawks are so screwed, I don’t think they could even afford Flash at 1.2-1.5 M…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 18, 2010 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions
I think they’ll stash Huet in the AHL, and that will be a pretty big first step. They’ll still be screwed but they won’t be filling 8 roster spots with league minimum players.
I waited all year for this?
Poor Ian Schultz doesn’t even have a Wikipedia page. That family gets no respect.
"Do not be afraid to ask for credit, for our way of refusing is very polite."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jun 18, 2010 8:07 AM EDT reply actions
I bet Ian has more YouTube videos than Jeff.
I waited all year for this?
by Rob Parker on Jun 18, 2010 8:08 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Jeff has more Facebook pages though.
They're coming.
by Bald Pollack on Jun 18, 2010 8:09 AM EDT up reply actions
And NHL Plus/Minus titles.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jun 18, 2010 8:12 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
And better nicknames:
- Double Nickel
- Mr. Nasty
- Sarge
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jun 18, 2010 9:25 AM EDT up reply actions
At the Memorial Cup tournament this year, approximately everybody asked if Jay Fehr (from Brandon Wheat Kings) was related to Eric Fehr (who played for Brandon in junior.) So many people asked that Eric actually had to issue a statement on Twitter about it. (No, for the record.)
Approximately nobody asked if Ian was related to Jeff (Jeff also played for Calgary), and it was never mentioned in the tens of article I read for Farm Report, or even once by the announcers on the Cup broadcasts.
And yet Jay and Eric Fehr are both from bumble-f Manitoba, both played for Brandon in the W… not surprised the question was asked.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I’m not surprised either, and I personally had that same question. It was just funny that the exact same question wasn’t asked of clan Schultz.
On the other hand, JoeB always makes sure that we know that Jeff and Nick Schultz are not related.
"Yes, but Rimmer Directive 271 states just as clearly, 'No chance you metal ba****d.'"
Along with any other player who has a similar last name to a Caps player, and also ShaMo and BMo.
"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 18, 2010 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions
Michalek would be great, in a vacuum anyway.
He’s going to cost, though, and cap room is at a bit of a premium. At $1.4M in cap space per roster vacancy, the Caps are in the 8th-worst position in the league by that metric (as a point of comparison, they are sandwiched between Philly and Pitt on that list).
I don’t see how to fit in a 2C and a Top-4 defense at this point. Having to choose, I’d go with a 2C.
"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
Disappointed to see PHX re-signed Aucoin. I liked him as a veteran influence on the backline.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
That’s the kind of guy that they might be able to squeeze in, and agree that he’d have been a nice way to round out the top 6.
Could you go for Nick Wallin?
"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
paaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaass
I waited all year for this?
by Rob Parker on Jun 18, 2010 8:33 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I added the estimated $2 million and got $1.7 million, which I guess is decent. I could see two of Flash/Fehr/Schultz going for less, as can Gordon, so it in my mind is closer to $2 million for really a 2C and a couple of 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
Follow me on Twitter!
by red army line on Jun 18, 2010 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions
Rouse...
One of two former Minnesota/Dallas captains to play for Washington in the 1980s and 1990s (Tinordi was the other). I forgot he wore number 8 until the card up there reminded me.
Anyone other significant players other than Dimitri Khristich wear that number for the Caps? I think Eminger did for a year, no?
</Friday snarkiness>
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
Forgot Emmy wore it. Best #8 evar!
And hey, good ol’ Larry “woop woop” Murphy…and Josh Green, remember Josh Green? Future superstar Josh Green? No? Anyone?
This, btw, is the best resource ever. Amazing.
I think the version on the Caps’ site is more accurate/complete, no?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Amazing how many players with numbers in the jersey graveyard of 60’s and 70’s played in the early 2000’s.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jun 18, 2010 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions
So want a game-worn Roman Tvrdon…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I’d rather have a Game Worn Milan Novy… #66 4-evar….
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jun 18, 2010 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions
The card up there reminded me that I still miss the old NHL logo.
by CapitalCentre on Jun 18, 2010 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Not to take away from all the fun Halak-to-Blues chatter, but…the final awards post is up at View from My Seats, the Hart Trophy.
Spoiler alert: Ovie didn’t win. Bastards. (And yes, I voted for him – did say nice things about Crosby, too, though, none of which made the cut :P)
I did that for your own good. Did you really want your nice comments about Crosby living on the interwebs FOREVER?
View From My Seats
Sarcasm: God's gift to smart people...
And for you Caps fans looking to trade up in your housing options, remember that the two properties under foreclosure notices in Bloomfield Hills, MI, are right next door to one another and are within a five iron of a golf course. Tear down the houses, build a bigger mansion, and reap the rewards of the good life in southeastern Michigan.
If you've read this far...seek help.
there’s good life in southeastern Michigan? damn place always makes me depressed.
#savethekittens!
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
Bäckström Fan Shot Updated with Video
What can I say I’m a JP fangirl. I will follow him into the darkest and filthiest of alleys, even the comment section at Puck Daddy.
Spitballing here…
Peter Forsberg as the Caps’ 2nd line center?
Kim Johnsson as their veteran defenseman acquisition?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 18, 2010 11:45 AM EDT reply actions
I would take Forsberg if we could get him for a BMO-like deal. Since he’d be injured half the time, paying him 1.5 million seems about right for ~40 games.
"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 18, 2010 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions
But we only really need the 2C for the playoffs. If Forsberg isn’t going to be able to go during the playoffs, which is likely, then what’s the point?
I waited all year for this?
It’s hard to predict whether he’ll be ready to go for the playoffs or not. I think a small one-year deal would be an acceptable risk for the chance of having Forsberg as our 2C in the playoffs. I wouldn’t want him to be our only option, though.
"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 18, 2010 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Sounds like Dan Ellis is on the market:
Gonna miss Nashville. All the guys…the city and the fans. It was a great place to break in but time to reach another level.
about 2 hours ago via UberTwitter
Really looking fwd to July 1 it can’t come soon enough. Exciting to think of the possibilities! I just want to win!
about 2 hours ago via UberTwitter
"It hit me on the pants. I had protection. It felt good. Why? I wanted to win."
Guys/gals, which site is the one that lists % of shifts taken with a teammate (I want to see the % of time Green was on the ice with AO/Backstrom)?
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
Follow me on Twitter!
DobberHockey.com (look for fantasy tools on the left)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Thanks a bunch! (I almost voted for your team)
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
Follow me on Twitter!
by red army line on Jun 18, 2010 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions
There isn’t a word to describe the fraction of a second in which I’d gladly welcome that deal.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Nanosecond? Picosecond? Femtosecond? I kind of run out of scientific terms around 10 to the -15.
"Ovechkin, what is good in life?"
"To crush your enemies. To see them driven before you. And to hear the lamentations of their captain."
Attosecond
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
Follow me on Twitter!
by red army line on Jun 18, 2010 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions
hello hello hello, greetings from hell 2010 nursing convention! seems I’ve missed some interesting developments (Halak for Mini Schultz?! okaayyyyyyyyyy; Ovie and JR hosting a party together? hmmmmm, would mom be upset if I ditched her for Vegas?). can’t wait for awards, the draft, d-camp, all of it. Summer is way too damn long!
#savethekittens!
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
Ouch!
Poll up today at Hersheybears.com:
Q: Which team will have more wins in 2010-11?
Hershey Bears
Washington Capitals
"It hit me on the pants. I had protection. It felt good. Why? I wanted to win."
With graduations to the Caps, Hershey isn’t going to be nearly as good next year. The biggest thing is the two big holes on defense (and the one in goal) to fill. Who’s due up from juniors next year?
"It's always good to have vikings."
SDR for sure. I’m not sure the rest of the guys who just finished their Junior eligibility. Mestery!
I waited all year for this?
Looking at capgeek, options for Caps callups for defensive depth in Hershey include Joe Finley, Josh Godfrey, Dustin Stevenson, Jake Hauswirth, and Zach Miskovic. I don’t think anyone’s coming in from the CHL, though, and unless they sign Orlov to an entry level deal, they probably won’t have anyone from Europe, either.
"Ovechkin, what is good in life?"
"To crush your enemies. To see them driven before you. And to hear the lamentations of their captain."
I’m pretty sure Orlov is under contract in Russia for another year. I’d love for him to come over but I don’t think it happens.
I waited all year for this?
Kugryshev could help them
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 18, 2010 4:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Especially if A. Gordon ends up on the Caps next year.
"Ovechkin, what is good in life?"
"To crush your enemies. To see them driven before you. And to hear the lamentations of their captain."
Just sat down and re-listened to the Alzner interview. 20 minutes of goodness.
by freakinandpeakin on Jun 18, 2010 7:48 PM EDT reply actions
I guess I should add that I can’t wait for Pepper and I to play it for everyone tomorrow morning. It is going to be right at the top of the show and Cullen is scheduled for 10:30.
by freakinandpeakin on Jun 18, 2010 7:49 PM EDT up reply actions
lol , BoB Rouse ! .. the Rich version of likes of Johnnie Erskine ! lol
Bob Rouse and Greg Smith , that was an ok trade at the time …Go Caps !
by Mikko Leinonen's opposite on Jun 18, 2010 10:14 PM EDT reply actions
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Florida
|
54 | 26 | 17 | 11 | 63 |
|
Washington
|
54 | 28 | 21 | 5 | 61 |
|
Winnipeg
|
57 | 26 | 25 | 6 | 58 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
54 | 24 | 24 | 6 | 54 |
|
Carolina
|
56 | 20 | 25 | 11 | 51 |
(updated 2.12.2012 at 8:46 AM EST)
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