Sunday Caps Clips - The Draft Class of 2010
by EmilyB on Jun 27, 2010 5:19 AM EDT
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Your savory Sunday brunch links:
- By the numbers: The Capitals selected five players including three forwards (2 centers, 1 right wing), one defenseman, and one goaltender. By nationality, the Caps chose two Russians, one German, one Yank, and one Eastern Canadian.
- This nifty widget has the basics for each of the new prospects. [WaPo]
- Draft class overviews [Corey, Tim Leone, Ed Frankovic, WaPo]
- The Russian Factor [StationNation, BleacherReport, SB Nation DC]
- Better know:
- Evgeny Kuznetsov [Japers' Rink, Vogs, Alex Ovetjkin, MDProSports, CapsTV]
- Stanislav Galiev (his fans in St. John call him "Staz") [Japers' Rink, Vogs, WaPo, CapsTV] [And update: he's pretty excited to be a Cap!]
- Philipp Grubauer (his fans in Windsor call him "Gru") [Japers' Rink, Vogs, WaPo, Hockey Photography]
- Caleb Herbert [Japers' Rink]
- Samuel Carrier [Japers' Rink, CapsTV]
- Evgeny Kuznetsov [Japers' Rink, Vogs, Alex Ovetjkin, MDProSports, CapsTV]
- "Every draft a snowflake" [Peerless]
- Ten post-draft thoughts flow relatively smoothly until you get to this jaw-dropper: "Capitals trade Alexander Semin, next year’s first round pick and a prospect to Boston for center Marc Savard." The other nine thoughts are a bit less ludicrous. [CSN - Ryan O'Halloran]
- Speaking of Semin, he just may need a center, and Marshall Pirate brings teh knowledge. [A Capital Offense]
- MP also has a salute to Hall of Fame-elect Dino Ciccarelli. Boom goes the dynamite. [A Capital Offense]
- Here's another draft-related trip down memory lane - Video from Alex Ovechkin's draft and a look at the sweater he wore in the first period of his first game in The Show. [Third String Goalie]
- Make that two draft-related trips, as the Legend of Greg Joly is recounted. [WashCapsLegends]
- Congratulations are in order for the Capitals' top notch media relations staff. They have received their fourth straight Dick Dillman Award for the NHL’s Eastern Conference, given annually to the team judged to be the best in
tweetingtravel vlogsmedia relations by the members of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association. [Caps News]
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I’d like to thank Los Angeles for its hospitality…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Marshall’s great analysis leads me to the question: If having a play-making second line center would allow Semin to produce more consistently, then wouldn’t trading Semin for such a center defeat the purpose?
"It hit me on the pants. I had protection. It felt good. Why? I wanted to win."
Alex Semin ain’t no magus
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 27, 2010 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions
Excellent work by MP. And it brings to the forefront the never ending problem that has been hashed out here a ton… in the salary cap era, where do you make your sacrifices? We can’t improve our defense (other than a full season of Carlznerson) and also make an impact move for a 2nd line center. There just isn’t the money. You have to hope that somewhere in the organization one of those spots can be filled by an entry level contract, and that scenario seems more likely to happen for the center position, and that probably isn’t likely to happen until next year at the soonest, which means for all practicable purposes that Semin will likely never have a real quality center in his career in Washington.
by HateOffSeason on Jun 27, 2010 7:58 AM EDT up reply actions
Well, I think a lot of us would rather have Semin-esque offensive production at center rather than wing, since C > W by nature of responsibilities etc etc.
I think either B.P. or G.O.D. showed in the thread yesterday that there is just enough cap space to tack on a $5.5 million 2C and a $3 million 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
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by red army line on Jun 27, 2010 9:46 AM EDT up reply actions
yup. The problem is that, since the players voted to have the 5% escalator, that’s what it’s going to cost. The Hamhuis situation is only the first signs of that
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 27, 2010 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions
Wallin got 2.5, so what are we realistically going to get for 3? I don’t want a bottom pair D (Wallin) so 3 is all of a sudden not looking anywhere near adequate. Hamhuis is going to get 4.5 or more, and I bet Michalek and AV come in over 4 as well. Our best bet may be to offer Willie Mitchell a 2 year rehabilitation deal for 3.5ish.
I waited all year for this?
Or Sean O’Donnell for 2+, if he wants to move
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 27, 2010 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah and if he’ll take a short term. He’s not exactly a top 4 but I think he’s a good 5 and he could help mentor/hold down the fort until Carlson/Alzner is ready to be top 4.
I waited all year for this?
Alzner-Green
O’Donnell-Carlson
Poti-Schultz
would make me very happy. Split the ES time evenly. Give Poti-Schultz 40% of the PK, and split the rest among the other two pairings. Green and Carlson carry the load on PP.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 27, 2010 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t love Schultz and Poti together at ES, but it could be worse, for sure. If we get O’Donnell that is probably the set up that makes the most sense. If we somehow get Willie Mitchell I’d put him with Schultz and then do Poti/Carlson and Alzner/Green.
I waited all year for this?
O’Donnell might be running on fumes. He finished poorly and while he was +17 against non-playoff teams, he was minus-3 against playoff teams and had his minutes severely cut back in the last three games of the playoff series against Vancouver. He’ll be 39 less than two weeks into the season. Want to give him a two-year deal?
If you've read this far...seek help.
Caps might be the ideal place for him. He can come and be our greybeard and our 6th defenseman. Folks aren’t worried about going into next year with Green-Schultz-Carlson-Alzner-Poti as the top 5 because of lack of talent — it’s because of lack of experience. O’Donnell at 16 or 17 minutes a night could be perfect.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 27, 2010 7:23 PM EDT up reply actions
No, not really. If you find an adequate 2C you can plug in our other wings and have a solid line. An adequate 2C and Semin would be a beastly line, but we wouldn’t be able to afford it very long and it still wouldn’t cure Semin’s inconsistency. The 2C is a red herring with Semin. Only Semin stops Semin.
I waited all year for this?
by Rob Parker on Jun 27, 2010 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
O’Halloran shouldn’t be allowed to talk/write Caps ever. He cover the REDSKINS for CSN. He was on Washington Post Live recently and basically said the same thing, along with other stupid ideas. His co-worker Corey needs to slap him down.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Maybe so, but this little gem
"You can say what you like about how our season ended, how Montreal played, officiating, anything but we were one for 34 on the power play and we went the whole series without making any adjustments. That’s just not going to work."strikes fear into all our hearts, doesn’t it? Haven’t we all suspected this about BB?
by HateOffSeason on Jun 27, 2010 7:54 AM EDT up reply actions
What’s that got to do with what O’Halloran thinks? And Morrison isn’t wrong, but he isn’t necessary right, either. Maybe he thought part of the solution was more time for himself on the power play? He needs a contract, so he needs to make himself look good/smart.
"It's always good to have vikings."
May not have anything to do with what O’Halloran thinks, but I haven’t seen anyone else reporting this, although I admittedly get all my caps info here, and don’t always scan through all the links.
We all have this deep feeling that BB doesn’t change his system, even when it isn’t working (for example any time in the past 3 years when we have faced a trapping team), so why isn’t anyone else talking about it or looking into it as an issue, especially after a disappointing exit to the post season?
by HateOffSeason on Jun 27, 2010 8:03 AM EDT up reply actions
And of course I just now see the “Morrison back home” fanshot.
by HateOffSeason on Jun 27, 2010 8:07 AM EDT up reply actions
Yes, I read that article last week through a Japers’ link, perhaps in one of the threads—love BMo, sorry to see him go, and even agree somewhat with many of his observations. However, I believe he overstates the “no PP adjustments” during the playoffs. I distinctly remember guys, especially Ovi, getting shuffled around in an effort to give it going. Adjustments made by BB, yes—major changes to the PP system, no.
"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 28, 2010 6:58 PM EDT up reply actions
A wise man on a podcast yesterday explained that Morrison has the facts wrong — BB really did change his power play, and more than once. There’s some truth in what BMo says, but not necessarily in that particular statement.
And for all you kids at home — Brendan Morrison is a professional athlete, so when you’re looking for a job yourself, don’t shit all over your last employer. It might work for him, but it’s not a very good way for the rest of us to get a job.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 27, 2010 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think he shit all over the Caps, to be fair. I didn’t hear the podcast but I’m not buying the adjustments. There were brief moments of AO coming off the point, but we still tried to carry the puck in the zone and pass the puck around the outside without very much movement. There may have been some tinkering, but I don’t think anything rose to the level of “adjustment.” He needed to change the entire approach from a skillful perimeter attack to a quick-shot-on-net-and-crash approach.
I waited all year for this?
BB made adjustments on the PP the same way he made even strength adjustments when things didn’t work during the season: shift players around but ignore any problems in the underlying strategy.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jun 28, 2010 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree with both of these observations so I guess the question is how do we define “adjustments.”
I saw this issue more as a matter of BB needing to re-strategize or change up his basic PP system.
Many posters have better hockey IQ than I, but to my eye the PP during the playoffs was too static, relied to often of the entry (only PP goal was on the entry IIRC), and didn’t have enough players at the net to collect the rebound from the original shot (I guess that would be part of what I found too static). But I did think adjustments were made by moving players around. Or perhaps it was just tinkering—to no avail.
I guess part of what I find frustrating is how highly the PP was ranked during the regular season and how badly it tanked during the playoffs. Was the basic system inadequate for the playoffs or against a team with a defensive style like the Habs? Did the high scoring abilities of the Caps during the regular season mask the inadequacies of BB’s PP system and gave it a falsely high ranking? I just hope that BB rethinks his system now, because I hope to see some changes come October in order to have some hope for next April.
"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 28, 2010 7:14 PM EDT up reply actions
to my eye the PP during the playoffs was too static, relied to often of the entry (only PP goal was on the entry IIRC), and didn’t have enough players at the net to collect the rebound from the original shot (I guess that would be part of what I found too static). But I did think adjustments were made by moving players around.
He moved people around in the sense that he put AO down to LW and switched the particular units a little bit, but that’s not what K_C is looking for. You’re right that they relied too much on carrying the puck on the zone and not enough on getting dirty. The Habs routinely stripped us as we tried to carry it in and we never really committed to chipping the puck deep and winning battles to gain possession. We also consistently looked to pass through the box instead firing pucks on net and using our skill to pursue the rebounds and then take advantage to defenders and goalies that may be out of position.
Our PP had a great % during the year, but it was also streaky. There were a few periods of time (maybe whenever we played the Panthers) where we went on streaks over 30% for several games. That’s just not going to happen in the playoffs, especially the way we went on those streaks (individual skill). There was still a lot of bad luck in that 1/34, but at some point you need to try something new.
I waited all year for this?
Really interesting analysis—thanks. I recall thinking during the playoffs that it would be dangerous to retool completely the PP system when it must have worked during the regular season. But now reading your post, I’m thinking the achilles heel of the Caps’ PP system all along was too much reliance on individual skill and not enough on the system that struggling players could rely upon to carry them through the PP.
Given that the Bears had such a strong PP record including during the playoffs, I wonder how different French’s system is and whether it would provide some answers.
I agree that BB needs to try something new. Here’s hoping that he will.
"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 28, 2010 9:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Even with their high Power Play percentage, there were times it seemed that it just wasn’t working. The guys would be making some good passes, and then a turnover would happen and they’d have to play dump and chase or worse, a breakaway and possible short handed goal would result.
Sometimes it seemed that if they didn’t score early in the PP, the other team would kill it off.
Rocking the Red since 1975
10. My dream trade scenario for this week: The Capitals trade Semin, next year’s first round pick and a prospect to Boston for center Marc Savard. A Backstrom-Savard combination as the top two centers. Scary great. But Boston won’t deal Savard within the conference and even it did, the Bruins would probably make any team take on goalie Tim Thomas.
Who’s his adviser, Jack Edwards? Semin I don’t doubt could net Savard by himself (given Boston’s depth).
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 27, 2010 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions
Agreed, I would not take Savard, and that contract, straight up for Semin in a million years and I am definitely not one of Semin’s supporters. But you have to take the emotion out of things. At this point, if Semin is moved, you have to get something good in return because the FA market looks real thin right now with Marleau and others resigned by their clubs. JP nailed it once again, it was a ludicrous statement.
by Ed F - WNST on Jun 27, 2010 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions
I also don’t see how they make another team accept Thomas. First, that would kill their return because it becomes a salary dump trade instead of a “need for need” trade. Second, TT has a NTC so they can’t just say “oh and you take TT also” because it’s not just up to them.
I waited all year for this?
Is it just me, or are all of these photos of the prospects from the draft a little… goofy?
Though that photo of Galiev just makes me think “heeeeeeeere’s STANNY!”
"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 believe that’s exactly what the photographer was going for, “here’s your team’s new guy!”.
"Yes, but Rimmer Directive 271 states just as clearly, 'No chance you metal ba****d.'"
They remind me of the “climbing through the icicles” photos done for USA Hockey before the Olympics.
John Carlson - Glory follows him.
If you think that's goofy, you should see the file photo of Grubauer...
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 27, 2010 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions
Big fan of his Ovechkin medallion.
That is what that is, right?
"Ovechkin, what is good in life?"
"To crush your enemies. To see them driven before you. And to hear the lamentations of their captain."
The internet is a marvel — I actually found an answer for you from a Norwegian fansite.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 28, 2010 1:22 AM EDT up reply actions
Interesting tidbit in that ov draft video. Had he been born two days earlier he would have been eligible for the 03 draft. Who had the number 1 pick in that draft??? Take a guess.
Also the graphic listed him at 200 lbs…
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Jun 27, 2010 9:51 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
FLA tried to draft him late in 2003 but they were denied…argued leap years made him old enough or something.
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 27, 2010 9:52 AM EDT up reply actions
That’s what I read too. I never saw that TSN broadcast before; so much love from all of those Canadian broadcasters. There was no question that Ovi would be #1, just if the Capitals wanted to trade the pick for 2 or three established players. Good GMGM.
"It hit me on the pants. I had protection. It felt good. Why? I wanted to win."
3:10 mark: defensive awareness?
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 27, 2010 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions
So who did the pens trade for fla’s number one? I’m guessing pitsburgh got the better of that deal.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Jun 27, 2010 10:12 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I think FLA tried with like the last pick of the draft…pretty sure Pens got #1 legitly that year.
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 27, 2010 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions
Don’t think so. dcsportsfan1 is right, it was Florida’s, but FLA still had Luongo in net, so didn’t need Fleury. PIT would have lost a ping-pong ball in the Crosby sweepstakes if it had been theirs.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Wikipedia says you’re right.
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 27, 2010 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions
i think ovi was 2 days short of being eligible for the draft and FLA’s pick was 2 days after the draft started, so he would have been eligible had the draft started that day. They tried to pull a fast one, basically
by hockeyman33 on Jun 27, 2010 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions
Speaking of Byfuglien, who on the Capitals is going to move his 257 pounds from in front of the net?
Let’s have some fun…
who on theCapitalsPenguins is going to move his 257 pounds from in front of the net?
who on theCapitalsRed Wings is going to move his 257 pounds from in front of the net?
who on theCapitalsPredators is going to move his 257 pounds from in front of the net?
who on theCapitalsBlackhawks is going to move his 257 pounds from in front of the net?
who on theCapitalsDevils is going to move his 257 pounds from in front of the net?
It annoys me that people can’t understand that Prongers don’t grow on trees (and Greens, for that matter, but that’s a different discussion).
The best way to play defense against Byfuglien I think is by keeping the puck in his defensive zone. If it comes into his offensive zone, don’t allow anything into the middle, and have active sticks to sweep away rebounds quickly. Basically, defense 101. Nothing surprising there.
I wouldn’t bet against one of Schultz / Alzner being able to handle Byfuglien’s line in Atlanta.
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!
Another question about Byfuglien is whose coattails is he going to ride now that he won’t be paired with Kane and Toews? You won’t exactly find the same quality of linemates in Atlanta.
I'm gonna pain you dearly Woodhouse, when I peel all your skin off with a flensing knife, sew it into Woodhouse pajamas, and then set those pajamas on fire.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Jun 27, 2010 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions
You nailed it. Only thing that works in ATL from Buff’s perspective is that the fanbase/media is so apathetic that he’ll be able to coast with impunity.
Everyone ignored that in so many of his playoff goals he didn’t actually do any work. He floated in the slot while Kane and Toews won the puck below the goal-line (you know, the Captain and the player that’s about 5’ tall) and got it to Byfuglien off of terrible D. I don’t see anyone in ATL that can do that for him.
I'm gonna pain you dearly Woodhouse, when I peel all your skin off with a flensing knife, sew it into Woodhouse pajamas, and then set those pajamas on fire.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Jun 27, 2010 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions
Well, at least Bufyglien still has Kane. Kind of. And a Little guy.
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 27, 2010 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions
When exactly did Dustin Byfuglien became a player in the league that everyone is game planning for? Isn’t this a guy who scored 17 goals in the regular season? No doubt he is a nice asset to have, but fearing DB seems a bit over the top, especially now that he is going to be on a much less dynamic team than he was on before.
by freakinandpeakin on Jun 27, 2010 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
But he got hot against the Canucks and Sharks!
I'm gonna pain you dearly Woodhouse, when I peel all your skin off with a flensing knife, sew it into Woodhouse pajamas, and then set those pajamas on fire.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Jun 27, 2010 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions
And one game in the finals that he wasn’t invisible!
I'm gonna pain you dearly Woodhouse, when I peel all your skin off with a flensing knife, sew it into Woodhouse pajamas, and then set those pajamas on fire.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Jun 27, 2010 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions
Speaking of Byfuglien, who on the
CapitalsThrashers is going to move his 257 pounds from in front of thenetbuffet?
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jun 28, 2010 6:45 AM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
Peerless Piece
Really enjoyed that piece by Peerless on picks at the bottom of the 1st round, well done!
I was just about to write the same. Nice work Peerless. And Ed, your writeup is pretty good too.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 27, 2010 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions
Thanks Gould Old Days! I am really looking forward to develoment camp. I will be down there at least 3 days, including one with my 4 yr old daughter. Please stop over and say hello if you or anyone else happens to see me.
by Ed F - WNST on Jun 27, 2010 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions
thank you thank you… it just occurred to me that if things go the way the Caps designed them to, there will be a lot of 25-30 (hopefully more “30”) draft picks in the next decade.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jun 27, 2010 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions
From Marshall Pirate’s article on how Alex Semin could use a good center:
(Perhaps Fehr could use a regular center, too).
I’d like it to be the same guy. I love me some Brooks Laich, but in the playoffs I’d much rather have him on my 3rd line than my 2nd. Semin-Center-Fehr would be a pretty solid second line.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 27, 2010 10:35 AM EDT reply actions
If Semin isn’t traded, and each day it appears more so that he may not be moved given the lack of available return right now (but only GMGM knows the full story there), then I think the biggest thing that needs to happen in September is Ovechkin needs to sit 28 down and tell him he needs to start giving a more consistent effort on a night to night basis. The inconsistencies have got to stop and Semin needs to start making more of an effort to go to the net.
by Ed F - WNST on Jun 27, 2010 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions
I’d like ov to sit 28 down in April to reinforce the message…if 28 is still here then.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Jun 27, 2010 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions
why wait until September? How about now in Russia. Or in Germany after the World Championships. Ovie has plenty of chances to talk with Semin. Problem is I don’t know that he is really listening. If Ovie, his best friend, can’t get through to him, who can? Semin was playing well after Ovie was made captain. He ended the regular season well. Considering how important the playoffs were, and Ovie’s good example, and Semin’s resulting play, I don’t know that Semin is ever really going to get it. Although Semin was apparently one of the young guns that was inconsolable after the playoff loss, so maybe that had an impact on him.
by vtcapsfan99 on Jun 27, 2010 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t even think that will do it. If we have Semin we just have to accept what we are getting and hope he’s on his game and healthy for the playoffs. I agree that the trade return isn’t going to be there (and that the Savard swap is dumb) so I don’t see it happening. Also, based on GMGM not moving Flash at the draft I don’t think he wants to move away players that are part of the last couple rosters. I’m afraid we are going to see a lot of familiar problems with the Caps next year.
I waited all year for this?
Grubauer is a winner and despite the fact that he had a super strong team in front of him, he still made the big saves when he needed to, unlike say an Evgeni Nabokov
I definitely agree. Windsor had some laughable final scores in the Memorial Cup, but in at least two of the games I watched Grubauer made big saves in the first period that allowed Windsor to amass the huge lead. If those goals go in, then it’s a much closer game and the opposition has more confidence and momentum (and this especially goes for the final game against Brandon. If Brandon pops a couple early goals who knows how crazy the crowd gets and what impact that has.). We’ll see what he turns into, but he’s not going to be rushed and he’s shown the ability to win on a stacked team (Windsor) and an over-matched team (Germany). You have to like that combination, though hopefully the Windsor experience is more relevant for the Caps.
I waited all year for this?
I hadn’t heard much about the KHL player buyout option, but it does make me a little more optimistic about Kuznetsov. I doubt he buys out this year, but I would love it. He should be playing North American hockey as soon as possible, and he should be playing top line minutes and top unit PP to hone his skills. I’m sure the AHL would be a significant pay cut so I don’t know if he’d want to do that. I just hope he gets over here sooner than later and gets acquainted with the system and style. Galiev talked a bit about the difference in playing and training in North America, and I hope Kuznetsov gets that transition going. Hopefully Galiev and Kuznetsov develop a nice rapport at Rookie Camp and that helps accelerate the process. If we get both of those Russians, and Mackan, and Orlov at Rookie Camp, we should dominate the Flyers in the prospect game. I don’t think they have anyone that is in that class of skill right now.
I waited all year for this?
Crop We May Be Talking About Most In Five Years: Washington Capitals
If George McPhee’s rep for mining gems from the deep substrata of the first isn’t already set, it could be soon. The Caps’ GM, who already hit it big with Mike Green (29th overall, 2004) and John Carlson (27th, 2008), looks like he could have added another jewel to his system with Evgeny Kuznetsov at 26. The 18-year-old winger isn’t big (6-0, 172), but he possesses an offensive explosiveness similar to current Cap Alexander Semin. If not for the Russian passport, his skill level likely would have led someone to call his name sooner. “That could be a real value pick,” a Western Conference scout told SI.com. “They’ve got the people in place there [Alex Ovechkin, Semin and others] that should help with [his] transition and a system that he should be comfortable with. [McPhee’s scouting staff] have done a good job loading up that system.” The Caps also may have found value in third-rounder Stanislav Galiev (86th), a skilled right winger from the Saint John Sea Dogs who some experts predicted could go in the first round, and Phil Grubauer (112th), the German-born goaltender who led the Windsor Spitfires to the Memorial Cup last month. A scout noted that neither player projects as a sure thing, but both have elements that make you think “there might be something special there.” “These are both talented kids,” he said. “There’s no rush on either of them. They’ve got time and that may be all they need.”
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It’s hard not to like the draft GMGM had, especially given how few picks he had, and no second round pick. The first three picks were all excellent value, and you can’t ask for much more.
I also think people aren’t talking enough about the flexibility of the crop. We talk about it as 2 Cs and a RW, but Kuznetsov can play LW I believe, and the Caps think Galiev can/should play C. That means we have two potential Cs and two potential Ws with our first two picks; and both project to be top 6 talent if they pan out. That is so valuable because, as we all know, we are going to need to have ELC players contributing offense but we don’t know where we need the help yet. If Mackan and MP pan out as Cs but none of our wings pan out then it will be real nice that Kuznetsov and Galiev can play wing. Vice versa if our Cs don’t pan out but our wings do.
I waited all year for this?
I was real pleased that the Caps’ draft went unremarked-on by just about everybody. Not the best, not the worst, just good solid picks for quality people and they can continue developing quietly, until it’s time for Hershey to win another Calder Cup and the first real pain of free agency hits the Caps’ roster.
Yeah. It’s nice that we don’t have to worry about rushing these guys. Kuznetsov has 2 years on his KHL deal and even if he can get out of it it’s still nice to know we won’t need to rush him out of it. Galiev will go back to the Q and hopefully get to play C and put up huge numbers then maybe get a look for the Calder Cup playoffs next season. I’m very curious to see where Gru ends up, because playing in Windsor is probably a terrible place for him to be as far as development.
I waited all year for this?
O'halloran
That O’halloran piece is why I politely requested that all of Corey’s articles on CSN be noted by name.
I can’t believe he got paid to write that. Hell, I can’t believe an unpaid intern would be ALLOWED to write that. Truly awful.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
I just went to look at the comments, as I had a fleeting thought to either post something, or send an e-mail to CSN. Comment # 1:
You’re an idiot.
Posted by Tim at 3:21 pm Jun 27, 2010
"It's always good to have vikings."
Hell, I still like the Canes and I can come up with better shit than that.
The last mosquito that bit me had to check into the Betty Ford Clinic!
Honestly, I don’t know what the fuck Rutherford is thinking.
[I’ve written and re-written the sentence to follow that, but nothing adequately captures the epic irritation that Canes’ management engenders at this point. It’s been building for quite a bit.]
I am surprised that they didn’t go for Fowler, as their current defensive group is aging and/or wearing out (some more rapidly than others), they’ve budgeted the team into shopping for FAs at TJ Maxx, and there’s not much depth coming out of the Rats. They did get Dmen later in the draft (second and third rounds, IIRC, though one of them isn’t even done with undergrad for 2 years), so we’ll see. A meteor could wipe out most of the non-SE division teams, in which case they are set for playoff contention. I don’t know. I’d be a crappy GM.
So, I’m sure Skinner is a very nice boy.
The last mosquito that bit me had to check into the Betty Ford Clinic!
Ha. I basically agree. I don’t know how you pass Fowler right there. You don’t have any stud D and you already have Staal at that 1C. Add in that Skinner has skating issues and it doesn’t make a ton of sense. I know Rutherford doesn’t like using first round picks on D ever since Jack Johnson, but Fowler probably would have played for the Canes next year. I have to say, I was screaming happy when GMJR passed over Fowler.
As far as Fowler and Gormley falling, I think a lot of teams do their draft board and assume certain players won’t be there when they pick. Then they convince themselves that the guy they expect to pick is really the best option for them. When a guy like Fowler falls, you’ve already looked at other players so much and you’ve convinced yourselves that they are a better fit for you than the player who is falling. So NYR ends up taking McIlrath because they’ve already thought about how he fits in, and CAR takes a guy like Skinner because they want younger scoring. I think both teams will regret their picks.
I waited all year for this?
Quick scan and I didn’t see this in the thread.
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/sports/crook+Kabanov/3207528/story.html
The Washington Capitals can’t afford Anton Volchenkov at $4 million to $5 million as a free-agent blue-liner but they would love the Vancouver Canucks’ Willie Mitchell on the open market if his health is good. He has had concussion problems. They badly need a heart-and-soul guy back there who can match up against Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin.
by freakinandpeakin on Jun 27, 2010 5:00 PM EDT reply actions
Want him if he’s fully recovered but the “want go on ice until middle of July thing” makes me a bit hesitant.
I like Jim Matheson Sunday column it’s kind of the light version of Elliotte Friedman’s 30 thoughts.
obviously not as good but what is.
Great show this week, as always. You wanted to know about listeners from other countries; you have at least one from Sweden.
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.
Cool. You are now our second step towards world domination! :)
by freakinandpeakin on Jun 27, 2010 8:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Listened to it today, and I agree it was a great show. I’ve never heard Tarik be so open with his opinions about the team and the players.
"It hit me on the pants. I had protection. It felt good. Why? I wanted to win."
Thanks. I thought Tarik was awesome. I was surprised with what he said about the organizations feelings towards Neuvy. I wasn’t really looking for the commentary on Osala but it was interesting and kinda supports my feeling that GMGM doesn’t trade assets he feels still has any value to the organization and by doing so sorta undercuts the assets value in the trade market. It is just a theory though. :)
by freakinandpeakin on Jun 27, 2010 9:40 PM EDT up reply actions
You mean Tarik’s observation that McPhee is a pack rat with his prospects. I loved the image that statement conjured up in my addled brain—McPhee’s pockets stuffed with prospects, his breast pocket filled with his blue chip ones, some such as Alzner’s dogeared from constant shuffling between Hershey and DC.
It was a great show. Your guests are great, all with such different perspectives. And I was desperate for draft information as I drove the family home from an unplugged beach weekend (not even my iphone would load—geez).
"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 28, 2010 8:44 PM EDT up reply actions
(his fans in Windsor call him “Gru”)
It is pitch black. You’re likely to be stoned by a Gru.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Jun 27, 2010 11:21 PM EDT reply actions 3 recs
I love the draft by the Caps this year. Though I like the selection of Herbert (I love his abilities, but still believe the Caps have bad luck with NCAA directed players) I would have prefered to see the Caps take Kitsyn (who went to the Kings in the 6th). I assume this means the Caps believe more in Herbert’s skill level over Kitsyn.
Now that Kitsyn is coming (or one would assume it is a higher possibility) to the OHL (he was just drafted by Mississauga in the OHL import draft (http://chl.ca/importDraft.php)), I would have preferred his selection eve more. I am looking forward to getting to see Kitsyn play as he will be in the neighborhood.
by CapsFanSince1979 on Jun 29, 2010 2:32 PM EDT reply actions
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