Wednesday Caps Clips
by J.P. on Jun 30, 2010 6:41 AM EDT
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PrintYour savory breakfast links:
- George McPhee talks about tomorrow and the weeks ahead - today's must read. [CI]
- Eric Belanger is the latest confirmed soon-to-be-former Cap (and soon-to-be Canuck?). [@CraigCustance]
- GMGM quote of the day: "I never know what to expect in free agency – will people blow their brains out, or be smart?" [G&M]
- The Caps "could but shouldn't" sign Ilya Kovalchuk, per Pierre LeBrun. Uh, yeah. [ESPN ($)]
- GMGM had kind words for Jose Theodore, but man is it gonna be tough for the latter to find a job (even if he is one of the ten UFA goalies you'd want on your team). [SportingNews, USA Today]
- Is Olli Jokinen the answer to the Caps' second-line center question? I'd say no, but the excuse to repeatedly use this and this keep my answer from being a "hell no." [RtR (and congrats to Marshall Pirate for the new gig over there)]
- If you're into manifestos, here's a Caps Free Agency Manifesto. [StC]
- Another variation on that theme. [Live In Red]
- And another (with automobile metaphors!). [OFB]
- The inaccuracies-to-paragraphs ratio here is somewhat staggering. [NHL]
- The Caps had a top-tier, A-minus draft, thanks to Evgeny Kuznetsov, who might be "one of the five best players in the draft class." [ESPN ($)]
- Also high on Kuznetsov? Our buddy Dobber. [THN]
- Caps' pick Philipp Grubauer is thrilled to have a new OHL home. Said Grubs, "It's a great trade for me. It just helps me to get closer to my goal of playing in the NHL." [Belleville Intelligencer]
- Stanislav Galiev "has to develop more upper-body strength and be more committed to the front of the net." Uh-huh. [Telegraph-Journal]
- Vogs puts a wrap on the draft. [Dump n' Chase]
- Alex Ovechkin is off in Latvia vacationing with Alex Semin and becoming a godfather. I wonder which pictures are going to be more interesting. [Alex Ovetjkin]
Ovi andMike Greenhad a little extra loot to play with when they were in Vegas last week. How much? Try $750,000 between 'em. [The Puck Report](Apparently the bonuses are only available to players on entry-level contracts, so the article is almost entirely wrong. Oops.)- We mentioned the Green burger three weeks ago. Without further ado, here it is (sounds revolting). [Bog]
- Eric Fehr will play in a charity game back home. Watch out for Tootoo, F16. [Toronto Sun]
- Felix Lefrancois has been invited to attend Caps Development Camp. Here's what he's done over the past four years. [@nhldraftvideo]
- A shady sports memorabilia dealer? No way. [Courthouse News Service]
- Former Cap Adam Oates has a new gig behind the Devils bench. [NHL]
- Former Cap Bengt Gustafsson turned down an offer to coach Omsk of the KHL. [Aftonbladet (Ice Warrior's translation in the comments)]
- Finally, CNN's Larry King is calling it quits, so it seems timely to remind you that he once worked Caps games... and was once the Caps' Celebrity Captain. See what the hell that means after the jump.
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Translation of the Gustafsson article, via Ice Warrior and Google
Bengt-Ake Gustafsson turned down Omsk in the KHL
Former coach Bengt-Ake Gustafsson, 52, declined to Russia and Omsk.
Although the contract was worth 10 million – net.
- I did not want to take a quick decision and therefore there was nothing in Omsk, "said Gustafsson.
In May, closed Bengt-Ake Gustafsson his stint as coach of the Three Crowns and the final victory meant that Team Sweden took the bronze in the World Cup in Germany.
Today, Gustafsson unemployed.
He does it quietly and wait. But he should at least remain as hockey coach – it is clear.
Now reveal Bengt-Ake Gustafsson that he turned down the KHL and a very lucrative contract with a large club Avangard Omsk, an immensely rich club in Siberia, which is partly financed by Gazprom Neft, but the majority of the club’s budget is financed by provincial tax dollars.
Did the issue for the Olympics
- It was for the Olympics that I received an inquiry from Omsk, through an agent. I had not written on what the contract contained, but it was around one million U.S. dollars plus bonuses. Perhaps it ended up around 1.5 million dollars to end, "said Gustafsson.
But Gustafsson got short reflection and chose to say no to the offer from the KHL – although it had made him financially independent for years to come.
- There were some circumstances that made me said no. First came the offer from an agent I did not have contracts with and then it was for the Olympics and when I wanted to have full focus on the Three Crowns and Vancouver, "said Gustafsson.
He says he does not repent – though he is now out of work and despite the incredible value of the contract with Omsk.
- I was not in the mood for a decision and then it became a no, "said Gustafsson.
Rest for the Winter
Now waiting for the summer holiday Gustafsson.
Then it will be to await the law that may soak up the sporting setbacks in the autumn.
- Yes, that’s the way I’ve been thinking. Is it any fun to live on others’ misfortunes, but are there any available job training in November and December, I am interested. Until then I’ll take it easy, "says Gustafsson, of which avtackats Hockey League with refreshments at the League’s office and a lunch with Secretary-General Jorgen Lindgren
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jun 30, 2010 6:43 AM EDT reply actions 3 recs
Conspiracy theory — Russian hockey authorities asked Omsk to make the offer so Sweden would lose their coach just before the Olympics
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 30, 2010 9:05 AM EDT up reply actions
Not buying it, as it would assume that the Russian cared about Olympic coaching at some level.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jun 30, 2010 9:13 AM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
I’ll rec a translated story on the guy who inspired my name
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory
by Rather Bengt on Jun 30, 2010 9:39 PM EDT up reply actions
[ESPN ($)]
A lot of hockey fans have little respect for ESPN’s coverage of the sport, yet they seem to hide most of their best hockey content behind the Insider curtain where folks who don’t have respect for EXPN coverage can’t/won’t get to it.
I’m guessing there is a logic to this.
If you've read this far...seek help.
I am an Insider, so if anyone has a link or rumor they want to get the full story about, I could grab it for them in the future
It's The Wait for Red October. Except rather than Sean Connery, Alex Baldwin, and Sam Neill, it's George McPhee, Bruce Boudreau, and Alex Ovechkin.
Not Tom Clancy, but Gary Bettman. Not the Soviet Kremlin, but. . .well. . . .yeah, the Soviet Kremlin
Alex Ovechkin is off in Latvia vacationing with Alex Semin and becoming a godfather
Loved this quote…
The wedding party began at five o’clock, went on late into the night, some guests left the restaurant about two o’clock at night. Everyone enjoyed it, the guests were leaving in complete ecstasy.
OK, so now I get it… “complete ecstacy” is what “completely sh*t faced” translates into in Russian.
If you've read this far...seek help.
TMZ is reporting the Semin showed up in a freshly pressed t-shirt at the wedding, then stole the cart the caterer used to deliver the wedding cake…
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jun 30, 2010 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Late add to Clips, but a must-read is now in the top bullet.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
*The Caps also are not close to re-signing RFAs Fleischmann, Fehr, Boyd Gordon and Schultz, according to McPhee. They have until July 15 to accept the offers and July 5 to file for arbitration. “I don’t think any deals are imminent,” he said.
Blah…
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jun 30, 2010 7:31 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, I was non-plussed by that. Odd, though, that GMGM “confirmed” Tarik’s ~$4.5m of cap space which “takes into account the 16 players currently on the roster and the estimated earnings of restricted free agents Fleischmann, Eric Fehr, Jeff Schultz and Boyd Gordon.” If nothing’s imminent on those guys, how could he confirm a dollar figure down to the tenth-of-a-million?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Is that just the estimate for if they all sign their Q offers?
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jun 30, 2010 7:37 AM EDT up reply actions
No, I don’t believe so (don’t have a moment to run the numbers on Capgeek). More to the point, if George thinks all four of them are going to sign their QOs…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Yeah that’s a good point. I would think its a pretty safe bet that Fehr and Schultz will be going to Arb, as well as Fleischmann (if he’s not dealt first)
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jun 30, 2010 7:43 AM EDT up reply actions
Caps would have a lot more space if they all sign their QOs
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 30, 2010 9:07 AM EDT up reply actions
Right. So that number accounts for everyone re-signing and at a raise of some size.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Maybe the issue with them isn’t as much the dollars as it is the term? Just hazarding a guess.
The CI post is a good read. Maybe some of the rumor mongers should read it.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Well, to be honest, GMGM ALWAYS says they’re never going to do anything ;)
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jun 30, 2010 7:44 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
True. Well, he didn’t say he isn’t going to do anything. Just that he might not. But I was more addressing the goalie talk than center or defense.
"It's always good to have vikings."
June 30th of last year: “Don’t be surprised if we sit this one out.” – George McPhee
June 23rd, 2008: “[D]on’t get disappointed if you don’t see us being active in free agency. We are more focused on keeping our team together and we have big positional players to resign and get back under contract.” – Ted Leonsis
Oddly enough, they didn’t say anything like that in 2007, at least not in the sources I’m looking at. And they signed Kozlov, Nylander, and Poti. And McPhee did say that he would probably only look at doing something that made us better at forward last year, and he ended up signing two forwards. So I kind of take him at face value, here.
"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 kinda got the impression from Tarik’s interview on JRR this weekend that he doesn’t really like how “conservative” GMGM is.
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jun 30, 2010 7:57 AM EDT up reply actions
Translation:
TEB – It looks to me like the Caps have about 4.5 Million in cap space, after accounting for all the RFAs
GMGM — Sure, that’s about right
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 30, 2010 9:06 AM EDT up reply actions
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jun 30, 2010 8:28 AM EDT up reply actions 11 recs
McPhee also confirmed that he doesn’t plan to buy out the contract of Michael Nylander. The veteran center’s no-movement clause is set to expire and his contract drops to $3 million next season.
Why buy him out and let him play where he wants when we can keep paying him for one more year and make him play where we want? I hear the Artic Circle Ice Dogs need a center. No better place for a guy name circles…
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Jun 30, 2010 9:17 AM EDT up reply actions
Well, that’s not exactly the logic – I don’t think GMGM gives a toss where he plays. But buy him out and you carry a cap hit for the next two seasons. Stash him somewhere and you don’t.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
being facetious on the translation. no doubt GMGM wants him off the books as soon as possible. its also not out of the question that he could trade him given the lower salary and short term of his deal. you think GM puts him in hershey to show off to the other NHL teams or lets him play wherever his wife wants him to?
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Jun 30, 2010 9:42 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think he’s interested in having Nylander anywhere around his prospects.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
But buy him out and you carry a cap hit for the next two seasons. Stash him somewhere and you don’t.
How great it must be to be so rich like Ted that you can willingly give a guy $3 million to just go away and not come back. Conversely, how great is it to be Nylander and get paid $3 million to do nothing.
how great is it to be Nylander and get paid $3 million to do nothing
Oddly enough I don’t think Nylander shares your view on the greatness of his situation.
And yet, he’s not going to be returning the checks with Ted’s signature on them…
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jun 30, 2010 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Any day I can start off with a visit from the Jokiturtle is a good day.
John Carlson - Glory follows him.
One of our more skilled folks needs to create the Oviturtle.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
How about Ovi Ventura?
Found on the interwebs, wish I could take credit for it.
"If you close your eyes in the NHL, you'll take one upside the head." - Alexander Semin
by mercurialwinger on Jun 30, 2010 9:16 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
“We think we have centers that are ready to go,” McPhee said. "There’s Mathieu Perreault who’s fairly close, if not ready to go. We like what we’ve seen from [Marcus] Johansson. A year from now [first-round draft pick Evgeny] Kuznetsov might be ready to play. Cody Eakin might be ready to go in a year. So we want to be really careful not get drawn into any long-term deals at that position. The issue is, are they ready this year or next?
So, where exactly was all this confidence GMGM has in his young/Hershey centers last season? He doesn’t specify 2C here, but I think it’s pretty clear.
Oh well, much like Tarik, I expect a 1-2 year stopgap veteran center to be signed, similar to Theodore & the kids (wait, did we never make a chipmunks reference? No? Thank god). Shouldn’t be hard to convince. Cotender? Check. Winter Classic? Check. Decent money? Eh, maybe!
Indeed. I mean, I love MP, but he’s not there yet. Johansson seems like.. an option.. down the line. We’re already counting on Kuznetsov? Please.
Seems like he’s already establishing his talking points for defense if he doesn’t do anything “significant”
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jun 30, 2010 8:22 AM EDT up reply actions
He’s doing what he always does – saying he’s happy with what the Caps have so they don’t look like their in a position of desperation.
by David Getz on Jun 30, 2010 9:25 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Total puffery, agreed. He begins with “we have centers that are ready to go” and then ticks through the list saying how each one is not quite ready to go. Matty P’s a good fellow and all, a real scrapper, but most assuredly not an everyday 2C on a “contender”. I thought Belanger was going to be the stopgap. GMGM is probably going to shoot a bit higher and surprise us all.
I’d rather have Matty P at 2C next year than Belanger.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 30, 2010 9:11 AM EDT up reply actions
At least he didn’t talk about Flash at center.
by cuqui on Jun 30, 2010 9:31 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Well….
McPhee wouldn’t discuss specific players or potential targets. But he did say that before he makes an offer, he’ll ask himself, “If they’re not better than Perreault or [Tomas] Fleischmann, why do it?”
by grapejoos on Jun 30, 2010 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
McPhee needs to return the Kool-Aid to Bruce.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
by oldemystix on Jun 30, 2010 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
There was an if word in there, FWIW. Remember that McPhee has knocked us all out of our chairs before and will again if the price is right.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Maybe he just platoons Perreault and Flash until around the trading deadline, then actually gets the kind of player we need.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
Ugh, that makes me so nervous…I know a lot of people talk about holding off until the deadline to address problems, but I much prefer to bring guys in, whether it’s via free agency or trade, as early as possible.
The deadline is just so close to the playoffs, and this team is built on chemistry as much as anything else; they need time to mesh with new players and vice versa.
by Becca H on Jun 30, 2010 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Agreed, but there’s no reason you can’t make a trade earlier in the season, too. Obviously no one trades in October, but winter trades happen.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Agreed. Chimera worked out okay, I think.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Yup. Which is why I said “I much prefer to bring guys in, whether it’s via free agency or trade, as early as possible.”
Of all the personnel acquisition avenues available, free agency is the last one I’d want to use. The dynamics of the process all but guarantee you will overbid/overpay for players.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jun 30, 2010 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
That statement should be added to every posted story on free agency.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on Jun 30, 2010 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Agreed but when you have such underwhelming options at UFA it makes more sense to go to the trade deadline. You don’t know if Lombardi is actually going to be good, and it’s very likely that some player on a non-playoff team has a good year as a C. He may be expensive, but at least you know he’s playing well and is probably on a shorter deal.
I waited all year for this?
They both have pros and cons; I guess I just shy away from anything that potentially disrupts chemistry, and trade deadline deals feel like they do that more. I prefer trades earlier in the season to anything else, but those seem to be fewer and further between.
The way I see it, though, there are no guarantees that the Caps sign a 2C and he’s successful – but there’s plenty of time to at least try and find a fit for him, and if it doesn’t work out, it doesn’t work out. If you blow it at the trade deadline there’s not much you can do to fix it.
Knee high to a duck wrote a great comment about why Lombardi is a bad fit for the 2C position yesterday. It would be a shame if people missed it because it was posted late in the day so here’s a link.
Are you happy now?
by Malin A on Jun 30, 2010 8:20 AM EDT reply actions 6 recs
One thing to mitigate things a bit—O’Sullivan had a PDO of 95.4%, so is due for a much better season.
A comment I saw on BSB relating to O’Sullivan (from RangerSmurf):
Speaking with Derek over at C&B, he tells me that O’Sullivan had some serious luck issues this year, with normal contributions from the shooting percentages (for and against) he’d have been a -8 instead of a -35. Since that’s both offensive and defensive, it’s not unreasonable to think he can go back to the 40-50 pt player he was.
(yes, without school I’m bored out of my mind and go places I generally wouldn’t)
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 30, 2010 8:26 AM EDT up reply actions
Thanks for posting the link. I’ve tried warning folks around here he’s not as great as everyone thinks. He caught lightning in a bottle playing with Upshall. He’s a decent 2C, but not worth the kind of money and term I’m guessing his agent will be asking for. His passing and shooting skills are average and he’s not a great defender.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
Speaking of LOobardi and the Yotes other big FA, here are comments from Maloney.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on Jun 30, 2010 10:02 AM EDT up reply actions
Apologize for spelling mistakes. I am on vacation and am using a keyboard meant for people with fingers the size of toothpicks.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on Jun 30, 2010 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions
LOLombardi! YES!
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jun 30, 2010 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Vesa Toskalol has a new friend now.
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 30, 2010 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions
As well as Cristo-LOL Huet.
If my answers frighten you then you should cease asking scary questions.
"It's not fair. He's just a pitcher." - Dave Jageler
Sprechen sie Englisch?
by Steck It Out on Jun 30, 2010 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions
Boooooo…don’t be mean.
I like Lombardi. A lot. I have for years. And I think he’d be really good with Semin – he’d be able to keep up with him, for one, which hasn’t always been the case with our 2Cs, he’s good along the boards and for a smaller guy is pretty decent at opening up space for his linemates.
Plus if he played well with someone like Upshall, think how he’d do with someone who is…well, good. I don’t think that’s lightning in a bottle, I think it’s a matter of chemistry and fit. We don’t know how he’ll do here because he’s never played for a team like this, but for my money I think he’d be a great fit.
Somewhat unrelated, but point of contention – Upshall is good. Quite obviously not Semin-good, but a great player in his own right.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Twitter/Cycle Like the Sedins
by Chris Burton on Jun 30, 2010 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions
Sorry, I let the snark take over a bit there – he’s not bad. I remember thinking after the Philly series in ‘08 that I would have loved to have him here, he’s got a bit of snarl to him that I enjoy. Plus he’s devilishly handsome.
But no, he’s not Semin-good – that was really my point, that if Lombo can play that well with someone of Upshall’s caliber, who is really a 2nd/3rd liner at best, think what he could do with someone with more talent?
Let’s get one thing straight – no one’s really good with Semin. Semin does what Semin does, regardless of his linemates.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jun 30, 2010 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
Come on, that’s not really fair – there are definitely guys with whom he plays better, guys that understand how to set him up.
Disagree.
He scored at a better rate with Flash and Laich than he did with Ovi and Backstrom this year. He does his thing and his linemates are left to do theirs.
Upgrading at 2C is important not because it will make Alex Semin better – I honestly don’t believe it will – but because it’ll make the other wing better and, of course, make the 2C position itself better.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jun 30, 2010 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Of course he does his thing – I’m not talking about other players specifically making him better, or him finding special chemistry with someone. I’m talking about guys who understand how to play with him so that when he does his thing it’s more productive.
He worked well with Backstrom and Laich, why? Because Backstrom can play center for anyone and could find him wherever he was, while Laich was good at creating space for him. It’s why I like Laich on that line (or someone like him). When you put Ovie out there with him, of course he’s not going to be as good – there’s only one puck and two players who want it.
What I’m advocating is a 2C who understands how to give him space, who lets him be the "star" of the line. If he has someone who can set him up and someone working the boards, he’s much better than just playing alongside two elite players. I can see Lombardi as being that guy.
It’s not hard to understand how to play with him – give him the puck and get the hell out of the way.
He worked well with 19 and 21, but only briefly (I’m thinking Flyers series in 08-09), and this past season he had just 2.35% of his ES points on that line, while skating with them 6.18% of the time. I’m not sure how much space 21 created or how often 19 found him, but it was hardly wildly successful. In fact, Backstrom only had one primary assist on a Semin ESG this year, and didn’t have a secondary on any Semin ESG that Laich assisted on.
I think Semin would be as productive at even strength with Mathieu Perreault as he would be with Matthew Lombardi.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I’d go as far as to say he might work better. MP is a better passer and actually works the boards. Lombradi is a more a north-south guy. At this point, unless a trade make sense, I’d be willing to start the year with the youngsters at 2C & 3C. Given the relatively mediocre production from those 2 spots last season I don’t see a big drop off if you go young. Not saying I love the idea, but FA choices don’t enamor me.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on Jun 30, 2010 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t buy that at all. Lombardi was pretty good along the boards in Calgary – not sure what they did to him in Phoenix, but my guess is he didn’t have a need to play that way when he skated alongside Upshall. Plus he’s got 4 inches and 20 pounds on little Matty, and we’ve talked about wanting to add size up the middle as well as skill.
I’m not saying he’s the best choice out there – I’d actually prefer Koivu, or barring that going after someone via the trade route – but for the right price I think he’s a better option than the kids. I don’t think any of them are ready to take on that 2C role just yet.
Ok, let’s say I was to stipulate that Lombardi’s a better option. What terms would be the max you’d give said option in terms of money and years to sign him versus going with MP/Mackan?
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on Jun 30, 2010 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions
I’d say $3.5 million, 3 years max – that’s the high end, I don’t know that Lombo’s worth that much but I think he’ll probably get it.
I was saying yesterday how the Caps might have to take on a slightly longer deal than they want if they go the UFA route, and doing so with a younger guy doesn’t scare me. After a year or 2 that contract is easier to move, and he’s good insurance just in case MP/Mackan still aren’t ready to go.
Sidney Crosby would make him better. He makes everyone better.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jun 30, 2010 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Except Chris Bourque
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 30, 2010 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
Yeah, I mean, he even made Rick Nash and Jarome Iginla better.
Wait, he didn’t? Oh.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Twitter/Cycle Like the Sedins
by Chris Burton on Jun 30, 2010 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions
Always had a knack for sucking in the playoffs before Sid start setting him up too.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
Hossa underwhelmed this year with the Hawks — 3 goals, 12 assists in 22 games.
Last year he also had 15 points in 23 games.
But with Crosby as his center in ’08, he went 12/14/26 in 20 games.
His numbers weren’t great but especially in the SCF there were several games where Hossa was the best Hawk on the ice. I know Hooks can’t deny that one, cuz I got the text message.
I waited all year for this?
Hossa had a strange playoffs. There were a few games where he was dominating offensively and defensively for 90% of his time on ice, and then he’d have a complete brain-fart and do something stupid to allow a great chance or a goal.
Hossa’s always been a top 2-way player, so you can’t just define him by points. But his point totals in the playoffs were the best with Crosby and have been pretty consistent without.
While the offense wasn’t there, I do recall him being very good in some games without getting points (hey, if Dave Bolland gets extra lucky there’s a lot of unluckiness to be spread around), and he was always solid defensively.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
матовая Клими, Михал нуивирт ваш папа теперь
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by red army line on Jun 30, 2010 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Sucking is too strong. The year with Sid was easily his best but he did have two years of just under a point per game with OTT and has had two good years after Sid. I think he was much better for CHI, in particular, than his numbers show. Also, those OTT teams were chronic underachievers throughout the lineup, he was one of the better players for them. I’m not the biggest Hossa fan but to give all that credit to Sid isn’t really fair.
I waited all year for this?
Fair enough, didn’t mean to imply Crosby was the sole reason for Hossa’s success, but it is true that Hossa wasn’t a playoff performer until he went to Pittsburgh. Can’t say it didn’t help.
He also had fairly poor point production in the past 2 SCF’s for what it’s worth too…Wouldn’t knock him too much, since they’re all beat to hell by that point anyways, just sayin is all.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
Sid played Detroit twice, once on a torn up groin.
Hossa’s played Detroit, Pittsburgh (with a bum shoulder) and Philly.
Which would you rather have?
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
Obviously Sid is the better player, but don’t try to take a swipe at Hossa’s SCF and then disclaim that Sid got shutdown twice. Yeah, DET is good, but so is PHI. Sid got shutdown by Zetterberg and Lidstrom, but Hossa was still up against Pronger and Richards, not exactly a huge step back.
The one year where Hossa should have run wild was against PIT, but he had the bum shoulder.
I waited all year for this?
Hossa without Sid in playoffs: .65 points/games (65 p in 100 games)
Hossa with Crosby as center: 1.3 (26 points in 20 games)
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
Right, that was clearly his best year. But a) it’s a small sample size, and b) I already said I thought it was a Datsyuk type thing and c) the recent debate started from your swipe at his SCF production in response to claims that he was good for CHI.
Sid has been great for PIT, but if you want to start throwing stones at guys that got their names on the Cup but didn’t do much in the SCF, you can start with your own Captain, thank you very much.
I waited all year for this?
He was good for Chicago (and Detroit) but his PPG average for either, both is much less than in Pittsburgh. Makes me give a little credit is all.
Also, Crosby was involved on 2 of the GWG’s for the Pens that series and if you think he wasn’t a factor just because he didn’t show up on the scoresheet you know you’re out your damn mind.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
And I agree that Hossa had an underachieving reputation, and I have ripped on him for it. I just think it might be more of a Datsyuk type thing where he just had to grow out of it and not a “Sid changed him” type of thing.
I waited all year for this?
But the two years post-Crosby, he back to his old ways, which is a pretty good player but not otherworldly.
He had a bum shoulder last year, and he was much better than his numbers for CHI. When that Kane/Toews line disappeared against PHI it was the Hossa line keeping them afloat. He was a beast in the SCF even if his numbers didn’t show it.
I waited all year for this?
and Bill Guerin! Who is scoring at the same rate he was with the Islanders!
#savethekittens!
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Well, he had the same production as he did the previous season as a 38-year-old, so I think Crosby did make him better. You’d expect regression, but there hasn’t been any.
That’s a fairly shaky argument. Guerin has always been about finishing and not speed. I’m not sure how much regression you should expect from one extra year. You also have Fedotenko and Satan not improving at all from their previous years.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jun 30, 2010 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Neither of whom played with Crosby.
Guerin at this point is a finisher, and he needs to have the puck given to him in situations where he can score. He’s not agile or fast enough any more to create a lot of his own scoring chances. That’s why playing with someone like Crosby — who is an excellent passer — can give Guerin the chances to finish.
Gave Guerin a chance to finish…just as well as NYI’s centers.
Fedetenko and Satan may not have played with Crosby full time, but they certainly got their time there. Satan in particular was supposed to be the scoring winger to help out Crosby, but never worked out. The reason they never stuck on Crosby’s line is because he never developed chemistry with them despite the meme that he makes everyone on his line better.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jun 30, 2010 7:06 PM EDT up reply actions
oh man, I had forgotten about that disastrous Satan experiment.
#savethekittens!
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[Sea Dogs head coach ] Gallant said Galiev has to develop more upper-body strength and be more committed to the front of the net.
I like that he’s developing in the Q vs the KHL. They understand what’s needed to succeed over here, and can hopefully teach it to him.
"HISTORY DOESN’T MATTER!!! .... Who cares if it’s never been done? We aren’t those teams who failed before. We are in control of our own destiny, and we will make it happen our own way.." - A Gordon, June 2010
They have close to 10 million in cap space, and they are pretty much set, so they only need to add a few pieces, plus they’ve got a few prospects they can move.
I never travel far....without a little Big Star...
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jun 30, 2010 8:24 AM EDT up reply actions
plus, lovely city.
#savethekittens!
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by RedBirdie on Jun 30, 2010 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Absolutely true that.
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jun 30, 2010 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Great article by RtR on Jokinen. I know the hockey intelligencia looks down their nose at Jokinen as an underperforming, overpaid player who disappears under pressure. And while I’ll admit, he’s certainly lived up to that reputation, there are three major reasons why I think he could be the short term answer to the #2 center question.
1.Talent-Say what you will about Jokinen, but there’s no disputing that he’s a very talented hockey player. Top-tier talent. Plus, he’s got the size you dream about in a center and he can play with an edge when he has a mind to do so.
2.Motivation-Jokinen’s reputation has taken a major hit the last couple of seasons and he needs to prove to all the doubters that he can still be an elite player in this league. I could see him signing a one/two year deal at reduced money (around $3.5 million) to show the league that he deserves one last big-time contract.
3.Location-I think it’s pretty evident that Jokinen can’t be the leader or go-to guy on a team, which is why the Caps could be the perfect spot for him. On a team with Ovechkin, Backstrom and Green, he can easily fade into the background and just play hockey. He doesn’t have to be the #1 center here which is ideal for him. Also, he’ll be on a team that plays the wide-open type of game that he excels in. Then there’s also the fact that he’ll be back in the Southeast Division where he’s enjoyed his greatest success. Most importantly, he’ll be on a team with a real chance for a Cup and nothing rebuils a reputation faster than being part of a winning team.
I know a lot of people around here will scream and howl if McPhee signed Jokinen, but he could just be the best and most affordable short-term option for the #2 center spot.
I heard all 3 reasons after ge got traded to PHX. I’m sure so did the folks in Calgary and NYC. If you want him on your fantasy team feel free, but keep him the hell away from the Caps.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
You make as good an argument that can be made for him, but when his prior teams — all of whom needed offensive help much more than the Caps — seem to have viewed getting rid of him as addition by subtraction, that’s pretty much the biggest red flag there is. He’s a maddening player to watch. Him and Semin on the same line might make people’s heads explode.
Felix Lefrancois...
… is a 19-year-old center who was 8th in the QMJHL last year in scoring — two slots behind Dmitry Kugryshev. He’s listed at 5’10", 178 lbs, born July 7, 1990 (link). And it looks like he was the Rimouski Océanic team captain.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
Real breakout year last year as an over-ager – I wouldn’t get too excited (and I know you’re not).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
We have some guys playing in Hershey who were “discovered” in development camp, no? Not exactly blue chippers, but the farm team could benefit.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Pinner, Wilson, Beagle
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 30, 2010 9:31 AM EDT up reply actions
I’d be thinking along the lines of Michal Dubuc – ECHLer, maybe an AHL sniff.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I wouldn’t be terribly surprised to see him do Hershey some good.
By the way, here are full stats from the Q. Lefrancois was only +4 on the season — not very good, but interestingly, Rimouski went 34-27 last year despite being outscored 265 GA to 246 GF. Weird.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 30, 2010 9:31 AM EDT up reply actions
Hmm… I seem to recall some other guy who was captain of Rimouski being the captain of an NHL team somewhere… anyone? Anyone? Bueller?
Er….Hooks, you know of anyone like that? ;-)
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jun 30, 2010 9:56 AM EDT up reply actions
Vinny FTW… unless he gets an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for claiming the linesmen are being intimidated by the elitists who hang out here… ;-)
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jun 30, 2010 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions
Mike not sure if you were trying to be slick or just trip me up there, but I’m pretty sure Sid was never the captain at Rimouski, btw.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Jun 30, 2010 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions
I thought Sid was captain his last season there, no? If not, he should have been.
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jun 30, 2010 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions
I thought he was “only” an alternate, but could be wrong.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
In all the pics I’ve seen Crosby’s got the A. He was pretty much the youngest player on the team, so the C probably went to someone like M.A. Pouliot or Dany Roussin, but I don’t recall either one of them being captain either so who knows.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Jun 30, 2010 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Celebrity Captains...
This was done as part of the NHL’s 75th anniversary in 1991. Each of the then 22 teams picked someone famous to be their “celebrity captain” and the Caps chose Mr. King. Go figure.
Some of the others range from good choices, to the silly, to who is that?
NY Islanders: Ralph “The Karate Kid” Macchio (presumably to was Al Arbour’s car)
Chicago: Jim Belushi
Hartford: Susan St. James
NY Rangers: Marv Albert (and you thought the commentary about Girardi and Staal was rough, Mr. Sather….)
Winnipeg: Burton Cummings (from the Guess Who)
Buffalo: Jim Kelly (explains why the Sabres have are 0-fer in their Stanley Cup finals appearances)
Minnesota: David Wheaton.
And of course…
Pittsburgh: Fred “Mr.” Rogers…actually one of the better choices.
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
Sweep the leg!
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on Jun 30, 2010 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions
via the shoebox next to your desk.
Look at this signature line. Notice the lack of spelling errors and self-whoring?
by Bald Pollack on Jun 30, 2010 10:17 AM EDT up reply actions
Nope – via the shoebox next to fellow JP Joe Pelletier’s desk.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
How did Belushi get a Winter Classic jersey 15 years in advance?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 30, 2010 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions
The Hawks wore those jerseys as part of the 75th anniversary as well. All of the original 6 had throwback jerseys that season that they wore occasionally. The Wings and Leafs both wore their throwbacks in games at the Cap Centre…
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jun 30, 2010 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Does that mean Justin Bieber is Celebrity Commissioner?
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jun 30, 2010 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions
hmm
McKenzie tweeting that Sheldon Souray may be heading to the Blues in return for Eric Brewer. Emphasis on ‘may’.
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But…but…but….Eklund didn’t say that (e17.3)
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jun 30, 2010 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions
Stupid Blues.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
by jordanDC on Jun 30, 2010 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Really stupid Blues.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Jun 30, 2010 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Incredibly stupid Blues, even.
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by Chris Burton on Jun 30, 2010 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions
I was sure the Blues were going for Kovalchuk. Adding salary like that ain’t going to help
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 30, 2010 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions
Every time I think there is no way anyone will take on a ridiculous contract for a past their prime player someone does. GMGM needs to give Tallon a call down in FLA.
Hooks – Love the sig.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on Jun 30, 2010 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions
Tallon has said he would rather trade to the Western Conference.
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by Chris Burton on Jun 30, 2010 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions
I know. I higgly doubt he;d trade in division. I was going with his apparent affinity for a certain Caps center who technically remains on the market.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on Jun 30, 2010 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions
Aha.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
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by Chris Burton on Jun 30, 2010 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions
Not sure how well Kovy would work in STL, for a litany of reasons.
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by Chris Burton on Jun 30, 2010 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions
The first being you don’t want him in the division. Hmmm… plethora of Centers with size and a physical edge, cap space, I don’t see what doesn’t work.
I waited all year for this?
Uh, how so? I’ve never said that, pretty sure. I could care less if he’s in the division or not. I’m less afraid of him than Rick Nash, Pavel Datsyuk, or Jonathan Toews. He’s a special player, sure, but he can be stopped.
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by Chris Burton on Jun 30, 2010 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions
I was busting balls. I know a NSH fan wouldn’t really want him in the division, and I don’t see the litany of reasons as being facially apparent.
I waited all year for this?
Well, yeah – do I want him in the division? Not really. The fewer 40 goal scorers we have to play, the better. Just saying that he’s not a Crosby/Ovechkin or Toews/Datsyuk type who is going to kill you even without scoring.
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by Chris Burton on Jun 30, 2010 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions
So aging defenseman for aging defenseman? Hm.
If my answers frighten you then you should cease asking scary questions.
"It's not fair. He's just a pitcher." - Dave Jageler
Sprechen sie Englisch?
by Steck It Out on Jun 30, 2010 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions
Its the ‘hurry up and name David Backes captain’ trade.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
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by Chris Burton on Jun 30, 2010 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions
It doesn’t necessarily mean they HAVE to trade Brewer, though. Look at what Carolina did. Brind’Amour gave up his captaincy and F&B’s best friend Eric Staal got it.
Kinda weird to see them take on a bad contract when they’ve been mentioned in the Kovalchuk sweepstakes, like GOD mentioned above.
If my answers frighten you then you should cease asking scary questions.
"It's not fair. He's just a pitcher." - Dave Jageler
Sprechen sie Englisch?
by Steck It Out on Jun 30, 2010 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions
Speaking of Rod the Bod, sounds like he might be announcing his retirement today – press conference at 2:30 per the Hurricanes’ Twitter feed.
He looked horrible last season (and not just facially). It’s as if he just fell of a cliff.
I’m surprised that he lasted as long as he did — I certainly didn’t think he was destined for a 20-year career or end up with 1,100+ points.
Tearing up your knee when you’re 38 will probably do that to you. By all accounts he didn’t lose just one step after the surgery, he lost 3 or 4.
The only thing he didn’t lose was his ability on the dot, but that doesn’t require speed in the legs…just speed in the hands.
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jun 30, 2010 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions
And he cheats. CHEATER.
I forget which of our centers said that a few years ago but I’m pretty sure it’s true, made me laugh :) not that I blame him. If you’re not cheating, you’re not trying, right? Stecks cheats a fair amount, too.
Craig MacTavish last season during one of the TSN intermissions did a good quick concise how-to on cheating in the faceoff circle. They showed his important faceoff win in Game 7 vs the Nucks in the 94 Cup Finals. It was good stuff
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory
by Rather Bengt on Jun 30, 2010 8:19 PM EDT up reply actions
The funny part is (at least from McKenzie) they’ve got to buy him out (last year of a deal paying him $3.6m).
Look at this signature line. Notice the lack of spelling errors and self-whoring?
by Bald Pollack on Jun 30, 2010 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah…easier to do that when you’re not scraping the cap in any way, shape or form, so I guess there’s that. I forgot that they were going to be a salary cap floor team this year.
Yeah, but spending what I think is over $2m on buyouts for Brind’Amour and Kaberle (to say nothing for the Staal and Ward deals) and you’d think the new owner coming in may be Rachel Phelps.
Look at this signature line. Notice the lack of spelling errors and self-whoring?
by Bald Pollack on Jun 30, 2010 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Also, they’ve got a ton of space under the cap even if this trade goes through, and Brewer’s contract is only about a million less than Souray’s – granted, Souray’s got 2 years left while Brewer’s in his last year but it’s not like they’re taking on a 7-year, $100 million deal in return.
They are taking a player that hasn’t done much in the last couple seasons, though.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
In return for a player that hasn’t done much in the last couple seasons. Kind of a wash, really.
I like Brewer a lot more than Souray but Brewer’s not exactly a top-tier defenseman – and at least Souray has some offensive value, quarterbacks the power play, etc.
Right, but it definitely helps. I think the Arnott trade was made partially for that reason.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
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by Chris Burton on Jun 30, 2010 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions
Hey, look – new content.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jun 30, 2010 11:34 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Ooooh…shiny!
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jun 30, 2010 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions
By the way, perhaps lost in the 2C buzz, I was most alarmed by this part of Tarik’s piece:
*When I asked if he planned to shop for a defenseman, McPhee said, “We probably won’t make any changes to our defense. We’ve got seven guys ready to go.”
I took that to mean Shaone Morrisonn is out and John Carlson and Karl Alzner will be stepping into full-time roles along with Mike Green, Schultz, Tom Poti, John Erskine and Tyler Sloan.
Do not want Erskine/Sloan in the top 6. I think GMGM’s main FA target will be a defenseman, despite what he says (that or he plans on keeping Juice/ShaMo).
As with anything, I assume that if the right move is there, George will make it. It’s all just Georgespeak.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I’ve certainly noticed an uptick in the “Mitchell-to-the-Caps” talk lately. I don’t know if it’s Matheson saying that he’d be a good fit here and people taking that as a rumor, or if there’s some substance to it, but it’s coming up more often in a number of the articles I’m reading.
"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 take that kind of thing with a grain of salt. One hockey writer/blogger says it, it gets linked and quoted by other hockey writers. It has a certain echo chamber quality to it.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jun 30, 2010 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Very true. And the fact is that generally among non-Caps media/blogger types, they still see our biggest needs as being on defense and in net. Throw a name out there that would fit under the cap and fill one of those needs, you’ll see people associating them with the Caps.
That or a Russian.
I take the echo chamber effect with a grain of salt and a whole margarita, but at the same time the same thing happened last year with Knuble.
"Ovechkin, what is good in life?"
"To crush your enemies. To see them driven before you. And to hear the lamentations of their captain."
Yup – sometimes they’re right, and sometimes the rumors get started because someone is legitimately a good fit. I think that’s the case with Mitchell, like it was with Knuble last year.
Hopefully GMGM agrees, because the more I talk about it the more I want him :)
F&B will tell ya, just don’t let Malkin catch him into the boards after the play.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Jun 30, 2010 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions
I’d emphasize after the play, in Hook’s previous statement.
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 30, 2010 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions
You think he learned it from Crosby, too? I swear, it’s like one mind today, Hooks… ;)
by Becca H on Jun 30, 2010 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Mitchell’s got an interesting history. He never played major junior hockey, and went to Clarkson (a pretty good hockey school, but probably not what you’d expect from a guy from British Columbia). He was drafted in the 8th round by the Devils and slowly made his way up to the NHL and developed into a pretty decent defenseman.
I don’t know why the Caps would want him, though — at 33, he’s no spring chicken, and is coming off a concussion-shortened season — unless they see him as a replacement for a traded Poti or if they think that Alzner isn’t ready for a full season.
Even with Alzner ready, your everyday NHL defensemen are Green, Schultz, Poti, Alzner, and Carlson. They need another top six guy.
I totally agree, but do you want to pay that 7th guy as much as Mitchell will probably get?
The Pens signed McKee and Skoula to fill that 6th/7th spot, and both were making under $1M. The Flyers signed Krajicek for $700k. The Lightning signed Kurtis Foster for $600k (which ended up being a great deal). And so on.
The Caps need to sign a guy like that — someone in his late 20s/early 30s, who won’t look out of place playing 18 minutes a game if needed and who you’d expect to only dress for 30-40 games. Shane Hnidy wouldn’t be terrible. Andreas Lilja from the Red Wings would fit well.
Yeah, but they don’t need another 6th/7th D. If they’re going to upgrade the defense it’s not going to be a McKee/Foster/Krajicek type player – they’re going to get a guy to fill the top pair, meaning the 6th/7th guy would be Sloan or Erskine.
If you’re going to do that, why not just sign Milan Jurcina?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jun 30, 2010 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions
I’d prefer to see 52-55 / 3 – ? / 74-27.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
The boys have actually convinced me that we probably want to see 52 – ? / 3 – 55 / 74 – 27, instead. Another reason for Mitchell, I think he’d be good w/ Greenie.
How come we’re not anticipating 52 – 27 / 74 – 55 / 3 – right-handed S@H? Just a question of experience for Alzner and Carlson?
by CapitalCentre on Jun 30, 2010 1:47 PM EDT up reply actions
I think so. It’s funny, for the last few months I’ve been assuming they’d be our second D pair but there’s just really no rush to get them into that role just yet – and they’re still young, still making mistakes. If they earn more ice time we can move them up but for now I think I’d like to see them on 3rd pair duty.
Plus I don’t really think Poti is a 3rd pair guy – not only is that a lot of money to devote to someone getting < 15 minutes a night, but I think he’s better than that role. If that’s where he ends up they’re better off trading him than paying him too much for a role for which he’s overqualified.
You’re right about pushing Poti down that far, I think. However, I like the idea of splitting up Alzner and Carlson, at least for a while — despite their existing chemistry, I suspect they could each benefit from being paired with a more experienced partner. And maybe that would force Mike Green not to stay on the ice the whole time.
by CapitalCentre on Jun 30, 2010 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, I like the idea of splitting them up, too, and it could still work with another top-pair guy – I could maybe see Schultzie with Carlson, Poti with Alzner.
And frankly if they did that I could see them having not so much a third pair as a 2a and 2b, like they (attempt to) do with the scoring lines. Go with 25 minutes for the top pair, 17.5 and 17.5 for the other two? I like.
J.P., do you link to OFB just to piss me off? I’m sure there is discussion above, and I’ll get to it, but for now suffice it to say…. Crap.
OFB needs to go with Lou and Bobby Clarke back to 1995. See, today we have this thing called a “salary cap.” In the whole car metaphor, Jeff Schultz is duct tape? How do these ass clowns have any credibility among any hockey fans? I guess they do their job… making Caps fans look terrible by waging an aggressive misinformation campaign guaranteed to turn our new bandwagon fans into mindless hockey idiots. Well done guys, Caps fans honor your (dis)service.
I waited all year for this?
by Rob Parker on Jun 30, 2010 2:01 PM EDT reply actions 4 recs
they’re the sort of fans that make you cringe during Q&A sessions.
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They’re the kind of kids in school that both didn’t do their homework and didn’t get good grades. Sometimes you’re smart enough to get away with it, and then sometimes you say things like:
Given the Capitals’ glaring need at the top of their blueline, given the relatively little wear on Volchenkov’s tires, were the Capitals not to pursue him, whom exactly would they ever go after in free agency?
…so you guys never bothered to check his injury history?
I waited all year for this?
by Rob Parker on Jun 30, 2010 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Then there is this…
The Caps have $43,540,129 of cap space encumbered in 14 roster spots (according to capgeek.com, except I replaced Sloan with Neuvirth), leaving $15,981,538 in cap room for nine more spots. OK, so add in…
Karl Alzner ($1,675,000)
Mathieu Perreault ($716,667)
Steve Pinizzotto ($537,500…let’s just say)
That makes 17 players under contract likely to mke the roster, leaving $13,052,371 in cap room for six spots. Now, let’s add in the qualifiers…
…oh, let’s just scratch that, since for the players likely to get a roster spot qualifying is mostly procedural. Let’s assume that of the qualifiers likely to make the roster, they get an average raise of 25 percent…
For Eric Fehr, Boyd Gordon, Tomas Fleischmann, and Jeff Schultz, that means another $3,750,000, leaving $9,302,371 for three spots.
Ah, but (there’s always a “but”)… Schultz and Fleischmann could get substantially larger raises than a mere 25 percent. If they split an additional $2M, now we’re at $7,302,371 for three spots. If Volchenkov is signed for $5 million, you now only start bumping up against this year’s cap, but you are encumbering room you will need for signings down the road (Carlson, Green, etc.).
There is this year’s cap, which could accommodate a Volchenkov signing only if you take some conservative estimates on how RFAs are resigned, and there there are future years that have to be part of any signing deliberation.
If you've read this far...seek help.
There is this year’s cap, which could accommodate a Volchenkov signing only if you take some conservative estimates on how RFAs are resigned, and there there are future years that have to be part of any signing deliberation.
That’s the killer. Without that foresight you end up in a Chicago situation where they have to trade away a top 6 player just to make QO’s to the guys like Niemi, Hjarlemsssonnnn and Ladd that helped them win a Cup.
Their Volchenkov was Brian Campbell. And Huet.
Sure it helped for one year (and paid off with the prize), but if it puts you in a bind for 3-4 years down the line, it’s probably not wise. GM’s really have to think 3 steps ahead like a chess player.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
My issue with Chicago is that these signings actually didn’t help; I think it’s fair to say that they won in spite of Campbell and Huet, not because of them. Their only big risk, big money signing that paid off was Hossa – doing one of those is fine, you have to bet big to win big, but to do 3 within a 2 year span is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard of.
And what if they hadn’t won? As terrifying as it is, Philly could very easily have won that series. There but for the grace of a fluky Kane goal go the Hawks, you know?
I think you could argue that Campbell helped – he played a lot of minutes for them (but he is clearly hideously overpaid). Huet obviously didn’t.
The point really is that you can shoot the moon like Chicago did and if it works, it’s totally worth it. I would have no problem with the Caps mortgaging their future to win this year if it were somehow assured that they would. But it usually doesn’t work like that and then you’re left with a team that couldn’t win with ringers that has to be partially dismantled (and made worse) just to stay under the cap.
If a Marleau were on the market, I would hope that GMGM might go all-in like macvechkin suggested in his Fanpost. But it’s hard to see any of the UFAs this year, even guys like Kovy, being the can’t-miss final piece for the Caps.
I think it’s fair to say that they won in spite of Campbell and Huet, not because of them.
Obviously Huet didn’t play, but I think Campbell was an important part of their team. He played top 4 minutes in the playoffs, lead their team in +/- (which whether you like that stat or not, he still was seeing a lot more pucks go in the right net).
If you don’t look at his salary — and hey, no one gets paid during the playoffs anyways — I’d say Campbell was fine, and definitely a helpful force. Would they have won it without him? Good chance. Did he make all the difference? No. But he was a productive member of the team.
Is he worth $7+ million when he’s, at best, 3rd best defenseman on the team? Helll no.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
I don’t think they win without Campbell. That moves Sopel solidly into the top 4 and has them pulling up whatever 7th D scrub they had to actually play. PHI had no 3rd pair, and that’s a big reason they lost.
I waited all year for this?
That would have been great. What would the MSM have done when one of their favorite storylines was stolen?
I waited all year for this?
There was an article on PuckProspectus that showed that Campbell was the 4th best defenseman in the league right before he broke his collarbone.
It depends on what metrics you value. I think it’s the same way Alan Ryder had Joe Corvo was a top D in 2008-09.
I waited all year for this?
…wow. Yeah, I’d say whatever metrics he used are not ones I’d used.
A lot of the stuff on Puck Prospectus does a bit too much fooling around with stats for my liking. There are some things that come across in numbers that just aren’t on the ice. I watch the games – I know Campbell isn’t the 4th best defenseman in the League, and I’d have to think even people who think he’s good would agree that’s kind of silly.
I agree. The thing with Ryder is that he heavily values TOI without being scored against. So guys like Campbell and Corvo that play lots of minutes will look a lot better if they aren’t sporting a terrible GA/60. That’s not necessarily the same as being very good defensively.
I waited all year for this?
No metric is perfect or even close to it, but I guess you take it with a grain of salt—Campbell is very good and plays a very particular role in Chicago.
Also, if they’re allowing 22 shots a game, then every defenseman there will look good when it’s system more than players. Or they’re just super duper awesome.
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by red army line on Jun 30, 2010 4:07 PM EDT up reply actions
My take on it is that Campbell is a decent, but not great defenseman – same as he was in Buffalo and SJ. He’s offensive-minded but not nearly in the same stratosphere as Green offensively, but has just as many brain farts (if not more) in his own zone.
He’s out of position a lot and sometimes tries to do too much (see: spin-o-rama) but isn’t an AWFUL defenseman. And he plays behind forwards who are pretty sound defensively, which doesn’t hurt.
in Campbell’s defense, no one is even close to being in stratosphere as Green when it come to offense.
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…true. But if you’re not going to be as good offensively you need to be better defensively. Right, Mr. Keith and Mr. Doughty?
And Doughty isn’t far behind offensively. He could very well catch up in the next two years.
I waited all year for this?
He could. I’ve bashed the kid all year (mostly just for fun) but I know he’s really pretty dynamic offensively and is only going to get better. If Green picks up the D side of his game at the same pace, it’s going to be fun to watch them battle it out for the Norris over the next few years.
I just don’t see Green picking his D to Doughty’s level any time soon and Doughty is damn close to getting in Green’s league offensively.
I waited all year for this?
See, I’m not sure he’ll ever quite be quite as good – I haven’t seen someone like Green in a long time, and I don’t see the same explosiveness and creativity in Doughty. He’ll get better, but I think Green will probably be more dominant offensively.
As for his D, you never know. He gets better every year and has only really had 2 1/2 seasons in this type of system. I’m not an expert in developing defensemen but I think Green’s got more promise than people give him credit for. You know, in the regular season where it matters.
Well I have stuck up for Green and I think he can be very good defensively, but he needs a come to God moment. Doughty just gets it naturally. He doesn’t need that moment so he’s starting way ahead of Green. Watch more Doughty and you’ll see the explosiveness and creativity.
I waited all year for this?
Eh…I’m sticking with my statement. I do need to watch more Western games this year but Green’s offensive talent seems more natural, just as Doughty’s defensive talent is natural – and even that needs work, at least based on what I have seen.
I’m not saying Green will ultimately be heads-and-shoulders above Doughty when it comes to all-around defensemen, but i’m not ready to give that crown to Doughty yet, either.
And yes, Green needs a come to God moment. If he fixes the stuff in his head I think it’ll go a long way toward making him an even better player.
If the Caps win a Cup with Green as their #1 D, that’ll change. The Olympics did a lot to cement that “winner” label on Keith and Doughty that goes a long way (and he still finished in 2nd for the Norris).
But the voting was before the playoffs. I’m referring to the meme that took hold after the Caps lost. Hopefully, I was also snarking, but I can’t be sure of that.
"It's always good to have vikings."
I hear you, and I think that meme (or as some might call it, “factual observation”) will dog him when it comes to next year’s Norris. What I meant more is that Keith and Doughty, in addition to being very good, seemed to get a bump from winning gold in the Olympics (at least as opposed to Green, who was left off the team). Could be wrong, though.
If Keith played the regular season like he did the playoffs (when I got to watch him), and the stats indicate he did, he deserved to win. Great, great player. He has a little extra composure that Green could really use.
I think Green’s two straight horrific playoffs will have much more of an impact on Norris voting in the near future than will the gold medals Doughty and Keith won.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jul 1, 2010 12:40 AM EDT up reply actions
Keith was damn near anointed the Norris favorite before the season ever started.
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He was okay…not great. I was never impressed with him in the playoffs, and I thought he was awful at the beginning of the Finals.
For him to have earned his money (in my eyes) and be worth the hell they’re going through now he should have been the best defenseman on the ice, for either team, and been named as a potential Conn Smythe candidate. I just don’t like guys making that much if they’re not truly worth it, it bugs the crap out of me.
Ovechkin? Yes. Crosby? Absolutely? Brian freaking Campbell? No. Not even close.
I found the article. He wasn’t 4th, but 7th.
http://www.puckprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=498
Campbell’s a very good defenseman, just one who is very overpaid.
Can’t believe PP puts him ahead of Chara and Myers. I don’t really care what the numbers he crunches say, you can’t tell me he’s better than either of those two.
(Not snarking at you, btw :P)
I’ll grant Chara, but I’m selling Tyler Myers being better last season than Brian Campbell. Going forward? Sure. But Campbell had a pretty great year.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Jun 30, 2010 7:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Responses like this that make me hope you get a job so said responses occur much earlier in the thread.
Look at this signature line. Notice the lack of spelling errors and self-whoring?
by Bald Pollack on Jun 30, 2010 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions
So I guess there was no discussion about it…
What a ridiculous piece. So they use an HF board comment as more evidence against Schultz, but as far as I know they’ve never once addressed the myriad of statistically based arguments that have been made in Schultz’s defense on The Rink? Fucking jokers. Now, I never read them unless they are linked here so maybe they did address the Rink arguments, but I doubt it. For one, that doesn’t seem to be their game, and for two, I imagine the post would be linked here for our digestion and discussion.
I get it, they like red meat and tough bruisers. But you don’t have to consistently slam Schultz to make that point, and it is completely blinding them and making it impossible for them to objectively and rationally evaluate Schultz. Everyone wants Chris Pronger, but there is only one of those guys. You think AV is Chris Pronger? You’ll be sorely disappointed. Chris Pronger is like that last Dinosaur that somehow turned into a bird and managed to survive the great mass extinction. Hatcher died, and Rathje died. Witt and Foote stumbled around like dead men walking, but their time has gone.
And anyway, notwithstanding their claim that AV won’t get Pronger money, I could easily see AV coming in with a higher cap hit than Pronger (though he’s not an over 35 and it won’t be cap-lowering manipulation).
Man, I wish OFB would swing through here to defend their crap.
I waited all year for this?
by Rob Parker on Jun 30, 2010 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
I think those guys just like to hear themselves talk (or see themselves write, as it were). I honestly don’t recall ever reading anything on there other than name drops and verbose rambling- no “news” per se, and certainly nothing even remotely resembling analysis. Don’t those jokers get press passes, too?
by Kerry Fraser's Hairspray on Jun 30, 2010 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions
If anyone’s compelled, there’s kind of an interesting Q&A with Jokinen in the Star Tribune today…figured it was more Clip-y but it also applies to the UFA discussion DMG posted earlier.
And this quote is what I was talking about in my original post above:
Do you think because of the year you had and because frankly some people may think you’re a risk that you may have to sign a short-term deal to get your career back on track? "Well, I’m open for anything, you know? I just got to see what’s out there. You never know what’s out there to be honest. But for me, I don’t have a problem to sign short-term.
If the Caps go big money on a defenseman and then are looking for a veteran #2 center who won’t cost the moon and is willing to take a one-year deal, Jokinen could be the guy.
I’m intrigued by the photo in the Ovi link. The women all have their heads covered? Is this a church requirement or a general custom?
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Off the top of my head (haven’t checked yet) I’d say a church requirement, as it is in the Georgian Orthodox Church. Let me check.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
матовая Клими, Михал нуивирт ваш папа теперь
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by red army line on Jun 30, 2010 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Hasn’t been mentioned yet – Michael Leighton re-signs with the Flyers for two years. 1.5 the first year, 1.6 the second.
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Hughes thinks that they’ll still chase a FA.
Kinda doubt it, myself, but I’m not close to the situation.
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by Chris Burton on Jun 30, 2010 4:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Let’s hope the real Michael Leighton (the one who started the year in Carolina) shows up.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
Forget the one who started the year in Carolina, the one who finished the year in Philly will do just as well. Some of the goals he allowed in the Finals…eek.
I’d rather him not play as well as he did for PHI, even given the bad goals. He was still way better than at any point of his career and got them within 2 wins of the SCF. Too close for my comfort. Time for the clock to hit midnight on that pumpkin (more like a Jack o’ Lantern with those teeth).
I waited all year for this?
by Rob Parker on Jun 30, 2010 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
CBJ claimed Ethan Moreau off waivers? How many broken down, overpaid, ex-Captains do they need? CBJ is sure pushing hard to get into that “worst run franchise” discussion.
I waited all year for this?
No idea what Howson was thinking there.
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by Chris Burton on Jun 30, 2010 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Leadership for a young team!
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 30, 2010 6:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Some other small stories
O’Sullivan to Phoenix, Vandermeer to Edmonton
Caps 11th in ESPN’s Ultimate Rankings
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
матовая Клими, Михал нуивирт ваш папа теперь
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Washington Capitals
Cap Space – $15.9 million
UFAs – Eric Belanger, C; Joe Corvo, D; Alexandre Giroux, RW; Milan Jurcina, D; Boyd Kane, LW; Quintin Laing, LW; Brendan Morrison, C; Shaone Morrisonn, D; Jose Theodore, G; Scott Walker, RW
RFAs – Jay Beagle, C; Chris Bourque, LW; Eric Fehr, RW; Tomas Fleischmann, LW; Boyd Gordon, C; Jeff Schultz, D
Needs – The Caps are starting to draw some comparisons to the San Jose Sharks in their inability to put it together in the playoffs. GM George McPhee added some veteran edge at the trade deadline last season, but as a few bodies line up for unrestricted free agency, the Caps will need to look for more gritty depth. Also, if the team isn’t comfortable with a pair of 22-year-old goalies as its tandem, that position will also need to be addressed.
Ready for the big time – Michal Neuvirth will give Semyon Varlamov a run for his money between the pipes. Neuvirth was great in the AHL with Hershey last season and led the Bears to two consecutive Calder Cup championships. Also, as the team fills out its defense corps and tries to get all the cap room it can, look for John Carlson and Karl Alzner to stick with the big club on their entry-level deals.
Looks a wee bit better than NHL.com’s…
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
матовая Клими, Михал нуивирт ваш папа теперь
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But still full of holes and cliches. It wouldn’t take too much to be better than NHL.com.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Generally the stuff on NHL.com seems to be pretty good—not very in depth, not very knowledgeable, but not simply scratching the surface either, and factually accurate. Needless to say, I was highly disappointed in that SE FA preview. This one seems to be pretty good for a short couple of paragraphs.
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 30, 2010 5:25 PM EDT up 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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