Thursday Caps Clips: Development Camp Day Four
by J.P. on Jul 15, 2010 6:48 AM EDT
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Your savory breakfast links:
- Today's Development Camp features a second intrasquad scrimmage bright n' early at 9:00. Camp coverage from the past 24 hours:
- Evgeny Kuznetsov's two goals and a helper and Joe Finley's fight (after unceremoniously ending Zach Miskovic's Camp) were the two most noteworthy things about the week's first scrimmage, a 4-4 tie. [El-Bashir, McNally, Caps365 (video)]
- In case you haven't heard, there's a new Russian trio in town. [Masisak]
- Cody Eakin continues to impress. [McNally]
- Jake Hauswirth is a big rig, but wants to show that he can play, too. [NBC4 (video)]
- Another take on Marcus Johansson and the second-line center spot. [Hockey Independent]
- Garrett Mitchell "has been compared to Matt Bradley." Say no more - he's family now. [Caps Today]
- Back to Finley's fight for a moment, the gushing over it without the slightest recognition of trainers scurrying to attend to Big Joe's fallen teammate (yes, teammate) writhing on the ice is... something. [OFB]
- More Finley love. [OFB]
- Pictures! [mike.rannells' Flickr (Group A), dfndr13's Flickr, Caps In Pictures (Group A testing, Group B testing), Caps Snaps, OFB]
- Additional coverage. [Peerless, RMNB, Frankovic, FFODC (testing, scrimmage), RtR (and here, and with leftover Day 2 thoughts as well), Hoffman (with fab photos) 106.7 The Fan (audio)]
- Evgeny Kuznetsov's two goals and a helper and Joe Finley's fight (after unceremoniously ending Zach Miskovic's Camp) were the two most noteworthy things about the week's first scrimmage, a 4-4 tie. [El-Bashir, McNally, Caps365 (video)]
- George McPhee says he's done shopping, which means... well, nothing. [SB Nation DC]
- Five years ago yesterday, the Caps made a pretty significant hiring. (Epic piece, Vogs.) [Dump 'n Chase]
- Alex Ovechkin has been hanging out in "the undisputed Party Capital of the World" (while wearing a shirt with his name on it, natch). [Alex Ovetjkin]
- Real American Hero John Carlson wears a Britney Spears t-shirt. Because he can. [TinyPic]
- The Top 10 Offer Sheet Scandals features a Cap, fittingly, in the number three spot. [The Hockey News]
- Yesterday's (re-)acquisition of Brian Willsie has 'em happy in Hershey. [Patriot-News]
- Hershey also inked a goalie, RIT's Jared DeMichiel, who will likely see time in South Carolina. [The Hockey Chronicles]
- Former Cap Todd Nelson has a new gig behind the Oilers' AHL team's bench. [Copper & Blue]
- Former Caps draft pick Joel Broda has landed a three-year entry deal with the Wild. Good on him. [Wild Lighthouse]
- Finally, happy 38th birthday to Bryan Helmer, happy 55th to Mikko Leinonen, and happy 59th to Chuck Arnason.
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I dont believe McPhee is done shopping…but I do believe if he buys anything it will be a one year deal. He knows he has a team that can win the Southeast, and all added pieces will come mid-year and at the deadline.
He is not going long term on anyone this early in the campaign.
So that 71-year, front-loaded contract for Ilya Kovalchuk with an annual cap hit of $525,000 is a no-go?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
71-year contract?! Are we signing Bobby Bonilla?
Money don't make my world go round...i'm reaching out to a higher ground
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 15, 2010 7:40 AM EDT up reply actions
I want whoever negotiated his buyout from the Mets to be my lawyer. Immediately.
Money don't make my world go round...i'm reaching out to a higher ground
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 15, 2010 7:52 AM EDT up reply actions
He’s still getting nearly $2m every year through 2035 or something, no?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
SAN JUAN, P.R.—One year from today, the Mets will add to their payroll a 47-year-old, past-his-prime power hitter who has a reputation as a malcontent—a player who has been retired from professional baseball for nine years and won’t play another game again.
Nevertheless, starting on July 1, 2011, Bobby Bonilla will remain on the franchise’s payroll for 25 years, collecting an annual salary of $1,193,248.20. Those are the terms the Mets agreed to Jan. 3, 2000, when they bought out the final year of Mr. Bonilla’s contract.
“That beautiful thing,” he said here Monday.
Money don't make my world go round...i'm reaching out to a higher ground
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 15, 2010 8:01 AM EDT up reply actions
Right, this isn’t some crazy fuck-up by the Mets…they just converted the salary into an annuity. He’s not getting any kind of windfall.
I need a contract like that
#savethekittens!
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
at the time they agreed to this buyout annuity, they probably had all their money invested w/ Madoff and just figured this would be a great deal for them.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Jul 15, 2010 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions
If you paid him $10m per year for three years and $525,000 for the next 68 years, you’d still have a cap hit of $925,352.11 in each of those years. Damn.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
LOL, I’m pretty sure he’s looking for that $10M over at least 7 years. If you pay him that and then $525000 for the next 64 years you’ve got a $1,459,154.93 hit.
He’ll be a bargain all the way through his 80s!
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
A bigger bargain than Chelios?
In Lou We Trust: Now More productive than a New Jersey Devils Powerplay
"Pfft, Wii’s where it’s at. *Swings toy plastic racquet, separates shoulder"- RudyKelly
by Kevin Sellathamby on Jul 15, 2010 8:13 AM EDT up reply actions
Rick DiPietro will be impressed.
In Lou We Trust: Now More productive than a New Jersey Devils Powerplay
"Pfft, Wii’s where it’s at. *Swings toy plastic racquet, separates shoulder"- RudyKelly
by Kevin Sellathamby on Jul 15, 2010 7:55 AM EDT up reply actions
The other day when someone said on SCH they had taken Kane to contend for Ross for granted I posted there (basically all the stars have to align for Kane to win and Toews can’t win Hart if Kane is winning Ross) and a guy had a few long green’ed posts basically saying Kane is a standout offensive player, but not elite, but standout from elite Hossa. It was ridiculous since he was kind of agreeing with me but in an illogical way.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
матовая Клими, Михал нуивирт ваш папа теперь
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Saw that. I agree with you, FWIW, and I’d say that as the NHL looks right now neither Kane or Toews are winning the Hart or Art Ross. Toews probably should win the Hart, but he’s not a sexy pick and doesn’t put up gaudy numbers.
They’re both fantastic players, but I’m not sure why winning awards had to be used as an arguing platform over there. We get you have an awesome core, no need to exaggerate.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
by Chris Burton on Jul 15, 2010 7:53 AM EDT up reply actions
Toews has a better chance at a Selke than a Hart, imo. And I’d kill for him our red.
More norrissey, less morrissey
I think that he could’ve won the Selke this year.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
by Chris Burton on Jul 15, 2010 8:42 AM EDT up reply actions
Pavel Datsyuk brought that idea back down to Earth.
Joe Finley to the Russians: "Como estas?"
by Steck It Out on Jul 15, 2010 8:43 AM EDT up reply actions
He’s definitely a premier defensive center, but you wonder if he gets votes on reputation alone nowadays.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
by Chris Burton on Jul 15, 2010 8:45 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah…you’d like to see others win it, though Datsyuk is a great player. Awards shouldn’t be based on your name, but who really deserves it.
They’ll probably rename it the Pavel Datsyuk Trophy someday anyways.
Joe Finley to the Russians: "Como estas?"
by Steck It Out on Jul 15, 2010 8:49 AM EDT up reply actions
Right; I have no issue with him winning it. Multiple guys probably deserved it this year.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
by Chris Burton on Jul 15, 2010 8:50 AM EDT up reply actions
I think that’s exactly what happens. Same with “Norris” Lidstrom, eventually (although he may never have had a year when he didn’t also deserve it based on play, as well). Whenever you have media voting on an award they are going to do that. Even more than fans buying media hype is media personalities buying media hype, since they ostensibly help create it. “Oh, I’m going to be ahead of the curve and start some backlash against the Ovi v. Sid hype…” except that became en vogue rather quickly and, bam, you’ve get Henrik Sedin, Art Ross Hart Trophy winner.
Eat, drink, and be merry! And then drink some more.
(Gulf-Disaster related joke.)
Half-tempted to skip class.
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
When I woke up this morning I was tempted to rush out to watch the scrimmage. Then I decided I had too much to get done early today, so I passed. So I’m finishing up a job that needs to get out the door today, and pining away that I didn’t drive to Ketter. Boo hoo.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Proud member of the Oxford dictionary police.
Thoughts from yesterday
Because you can never have too many collections of thoughts from yesterday’s scrimmage…and because I’m incapable of creating an actual post recapping it…here are some of my impressions:
- I was really impressed by Johansson; I think a lot of people were expecting more from him in the scrimmage and so from their accounts he was "quiet" but there were tons of times that he made great passes that just couldn’t be finished by his linemate. And I saw what Bruce meant about him being like Backstrom but a better skater – he’s tough to push off the puck and sees the ice really well, like Backstrom, but is definitely faster than Nicky was at this point.
- Wey stood out early on and had a really good first, but I think as the nerves settled for everyone else they kind of rose to his level and he blended in a bit; thought he was good overall, though.
- Orlov’s really physically solid – you can tell he’s put on some muscle, and he wasn’t exactly tiny to begin with. He had really good moments and some iffy ones, but he was also paired up with Finley for most of the scrimmage so there’s that. At one point he had to come across the ice to make a pokecheck that Finley attempted and missed.
- I was marveling over how tiny Galiev was – especially when skating next to someone as big as Finley – at the exact moment he decided to check Finley into his bench. The kid’s small but doesn’t shy away from contact and seems content to try to go through people instead of around them, even if it doesn’t always work. He didn’t exactly stand out much, but he’s young, I expected that.
- Kuznetsov’s really good – had kind of a shaky start (like a lot of guys, really) but turned it on midway and basically stole the second half. Plus he does awesome goal celebrations.
- Eric Alexander’s late tying goal was pretty impressive. He undressed two defenders and then squeezed in a ridiculously sharp angle shot; my impression of him up until then was that he was a shit disturber, he and Delly were yapping at each other a lot and whenever he was on the ice w/ Finley it looked like he was purposefully trying to skate in circles around the big guy – just for fun.
- Delly’s awesome. The ultimate pest. He was yapping the whole game at anyone within earshot and if someone hit him, he remembered their number and went right back after them. Great along the boards, too, which isn’t surprising – he’s good at battling for the puck. Several times I saw guys take their time going into the corner after the puck, not realizing Delly was on the ice until he was on top of them.
- Eakin’s very obviously more comfortable out there, and he’s really fast – although he did have a tendency to get hit right when I was looking at him. I think he did that on purpose. My lasting impression of Eakin was seeing him get hit by Bruess, lose his stick and then have Bruess "accidentally" kick his stick out of reach while knocking his helmet off.
- I heart Trevor Bruess.
by Becca H on Jul 15, 2010 9:24 AM EDT reply actions 12 recs
Great stuff. Thanks. Getting different recollections and reactions is invaluable. Everyone brings a different perspective and knowledge base. You helped clarify my thoughts on Mackan. Yesterday he looked frustrated to me, especially with the passing. But he didn’t appear to be playing badly—he seemed to be putting himself in good positions but things weren’t quite connecting. And he seemed to be defensive minded. Galiev definitely appeared thin to me, not short, but thin, and I also thought that he didn’t seem to shy away from contact. Like everyone else I was very impressed by Kuznetsov.
Wish I was there right now.
"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 Jul 15, 2010 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions
Thank you.
I think I might be in love with Galiev. Can’t wait to watch the kids on Saturday.
by CapitalCentre on Jul 15, 2010 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions
Good stuff. I’ve been thinking a lot about Mackan since yesterday. I was disappointed, but not shocked that he wasn’t more of a standout player. At this point I’m a little more calm about it. Aside from the fact that Backstrom wasn’t a standout when he came to this camp, Mackan has never really been a flashy player. I watched him against poorer competition (the Canadian college exhibition games that YNC posted last year) and in the WJC and while he is an excellent skater he was never a flashy player. He is responsible defensively and a great passer. The guys that standout are the guys that are more assertive with the puck, like Kuznutz, and right now that’s not Mackan’s game. Is he ready to do the Backstrom and learn the entire North American game in one summer then come make the team? I don’t know, that’s a huge task. He’s not as good as Backstrom, and unlike the team Backstrom joined the Caps aren’t rebuilding and coming off a lottery pick year. They are (obviously) coming off a Presidents’ Trophy year; that means Mackan will have less of a grace period to develop (presumably), which in turn makes it harder for him to make the team this year. Ultimately this camp won’t tell us much about his chances, it will just get him ready for the real camp. After Rookie Camp and Training Camp we’ll know where he stands. But for now it’s enough to recognize his skill and potential, and be patient while he hones his skills. At most it’ll be one more year before we see him flying around in a Caps jersey.
Deo ac Fehritati.
Well put.
Because he’s not really a flashy player he’s the kind of guy you just have to watch, in isolation, to see the potential. I tried to take a few of his shifts and just focus on him separate from the action and was impressed – he works really hard, that’s the first thing I noticed, and he has a bit of snarl to him. He’s got that stealthy thing going where he can appear out of nowhere and take the puck away or turn it into a potentially good play.
Definitely not as good as Backstrom was at this point, that’s for sure, but we don’t really need him to be (although more talent is never a bad thing). Plus I think Mackan has the potential to add more flash to his game as his confidence grows, the way Backstrom has – again, at a lesser level and with a slightly different approach, but the raw talent is there.
Training Camp will be a really good indicator of where he is, it’s true. I almost felt like it was unfair of me to judge him based on that one scrimmage because he was so obviously better than a lot of guys on the ice but in a quiet way.
Y’mean it’s hard to keep an eye on the patient through Swede while the Russians are running around hootin’ and hollerin’? Who’da thunk it…
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
“So obviously better” is extremely good to hear, and just what we’re looking for.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
I agree with Becca. He quietly had a goal and a lot of other good shots, all while being very defensively responsible – always the first fwd back and always covered for pinching dmen
Another good report. He doesn’t have to be flashy, but he does have to be obviously better than the rest of the guys.
I know Becca’s watched a ton of hockey, and if her analysis is just that, it’s good enough to go on with for now.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
Does anybody know what the campers are going to be working on tomorrow?
"It's good to be compared to great players, great teams. But we're not Oilers, we're Capitals."
~Alex Ovechkin
Also thanks for the great clips—especially today’s. The content at Japers’ is fabulous, as are the posters. I read the commentary between RAL and some of the posters at SCH. There was a little too much chest beating and intolerance for different viewpoints for my taste. Reading it was a lot like CI actually. I get the pride behind the chest thumping—I’d feel the same—but not blind pride resistant to analysis.
"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."
Five #1's for Stevens
Why you have to go and piss all over a perfectly nice summer day, bro?
Choking since 1985.
JP, I noticed you omitted the ESPY award for best NHL’er, huh?
(Not that anyone cares, or should care. It’s utterly meaningless.)
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
Too funny. I just finished reading that. Broke a tie with Mario—huh. You’ve got some intense fans in Pittsburgh who like to follow through with online voting.
"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 Jul 15, 2010 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions
They’ve got nothing on MTLers, though.
by DrinkingPartner on Jul 15, 2010 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions
Hardcore indeed. Where else can we get Snowgate.
"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 Jul 15, 2010 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions
It is indeed, I never watch that travesty of a show.
Even you must be a tad embarrassed about the unconditional love Crosby gets from ESPN, eh?
Choking since 1985.
It is kind of ridiculous he won it the 2007-08 season when he was hurt for most of it. Definitely didn’t deserve it that year.
I mean, I guess the casual fan probably only knows like Crosby’s name, Ovechkin’s name and maybe now Ryan Miller’s name. And of the 3, only one is in Gatorade and Reebok commercials.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Jul 15, 2010 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions
In North America, that is.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
True, true. Which is probably where most ESPN.com voters come from.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Jul 15, 2010 10:36 AM EDT up reply actions
Here’s a classic example of how much ESPN knows/cares about hockey. I was listening to Colin Cowherd on Monday and he was defending the ridiculous hour-long show ESPN put on for the LeBron announcement. To justify the show he said (and I’m not kidding) “Alex Ovechkin is probably the best player in the NHL and when he becomes a free agent next year, we’ll probably do a show on his announcement of what team he’s going to sign with.” That about sums up the worth of an NHL award from ESPN.
I was listening to Colin Cowherd
Well there’s your problem right there…
by David Getz on Jul 15, 2010 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
You couldn’t find a single music station that’s better than Cowherd? I would listen to opera over him.
Every bursted bubble has a glory! Each abysmal failure makes a point! Every glowing path that goes astray,shows you how to find a better way. So every time you stumble never grumble. Next time you'll bumble even less!
Ain’t nothing wrong with Opera.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Jul 15, 2010 11:54 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t believe for a second that Colin Cowherd believed Ovechkin was going to be a free agent. Sounds more like snark to me, which is his entire show, nothing but stupid snark.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Jul 15, 2010 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m actually surprised that he knows that Ovechkin plays hockey. Not because I have any idea if he knows anything at all about hockey, but because I don’t believe he knows anything at all.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Proud member of the Oxford dictionary police.
Sometimes if I want to feel better about myself I listen to his show – it’s nothing but awful awful attempts at zingers and snarky one-liners. He knows a lot more than he wants to talk about, but he rose to the bottom of the middle of the radio scene by his stupid sense of humor.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Jul 15, 2010 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions
It’s because only Pittsburghers care enough to vote. Honestly, I took a look at the ballot, but it’s too cumbersome to page through it, and I believe (from trying to do this last year) that you have to vote in every category, including stuff 90% of the voters have no idea about.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Proud member of the Oxford dictionary police.
when he was hurt for most of it
Which pretty much tells us everything we need to know about ESPN and hockey (as if we didn’t already). If you miss half the season, how can you be the best player? Best player not on the ice? That’s not a knock against Sid, mind you.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Proud member of the Oxford dictionary police.
That award should be renamed “NHLer most familiar to sports fans whose knowledge of hockey is limited to the Mighty Ducks”…
But congrats, that’s 2 meaningless awards for Sid this year! ;)
by Becca H on Jul 15, 2010 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
That brings a great question: Which award is more valuable: an ESPY or the Mark Messier Leadership award?
Sadly, I would give a slight edge to the ESPY. At least a ton of people watch that show.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Jul 15, 2010 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions
An award for leadership given out by one of the game’s best players and a guy who epitomizes the term “captain” or an award given out by a sports entertainment company that, that the higher levels in concerned with entertainment and celebrity worship over sport, where the winner is selected via an online poll?
I don’t even think it’s close.
by David Getz on Jul 15, 2010 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Way to take a joke and ruin it with sound logic DMG.
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
I don’t share the hatred some do of ESPN, but any chance to crap on the ESPY’s and I’m taking it.
by David Getz on Jul 15, 2010 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I’m with you. Honestly, as soon as I stopped expecting ESPN to be a sporting news network and realized it was a sports entertainment network, I stopped hating ESPN.
That said, SportsCenter used to be on my TV all the time and I don’t remember the last time I went to ESPN to watch anything but live sports.
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
by Sct112 on Jul 15, 2010 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Rec’d.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on Jul 15, 2010 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Some of the behind the lines specials are good, and the 30 in 30 documentaries were good, but the espy’s the talk shows and increasingly sportscenter are just horrible.
Aim for the head baby Jesus
I’m halfway through the 30 in 30 on Len Bias. It’s moving. I’m only 2 years younger than him, so it impacted me quite a bit. Very well done.
Every bursted bubble has a glory! Each abysmal failure makes a point! Every glowing path that goes astray,shows you how to find a better way. So every time you stumble never grumble. Next time you'll bumble even less!
Maybe. I can’t wait to see how many Heat games end up on ABC, ESPN and TNT combined.
Every bursted bubble has a glory! Each abysmal failure makes a point! Every glowing path that goes astray,shows you how to find a better way. So every time you stumble never grumble. Next time you'll bumble even less!
I’ve been really disappointed in 30 for 30.
Thought the OJ/Rangers/World Cup one and the Two Escobars were very good, the rest have ranged from mediocre to flat out unwatchable (Westhead, Rotisserie baseball).
Very amateurish at times and really inconsistent.
by bilspacecadet on Jul 15, 2010 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Speaking of which, they posted that on Deadspin late yesterday
Money don't make my world go round...i'm reaching out to a higher ground
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 15, 2010 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions
An award for leadership given out by one of the game’s best players and a guy who epitomizes the term "captain"
All negated by the fact it’s sponsored by a tire company, to me.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Jul 15, 2010 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions
I think there’s a difference between an event (like all the Bowl games) and an award. The Hart isn’t sponsored, it’s not the “NHLPA Presents the Ted Lindsay Award” or anything, so that cheapens it for me.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Jul 15, 2010 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions
Because I think the “Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award presented by Bridgestone” is a joke.
Not that the ESPY’s aren’t irrelevant (they are).
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Jul 15, 2010 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions
That’s not a reason, that’s just re-stating your objection.
I understand finding it unsavory, but I don’t understand why it automatically cheapens the award.
What’s unsavory to you cheapens it for me, I suppose.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Jul 15, 2010 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions
Not negated by the fact that Mark Messier is a total boob?
Deo ac Fehritati.
by Rob Parker on Jul 15, 2010 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I actually didn’t know the result. All I saw of the ESPY’s was this morning’s coverage fawning over Brooklyn Decker, Marissa Miller and Erin Andrews.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I didn’t know the result either until this morning. I might have watched 30 seconds of it. Sloan from Entourage and ESPN girl Michelle Beadle were pretty hot too, but I suppose this is off-topic.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Jul 15, 2010 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions
They can rename it the Crospy for all I care. Winning a hockey award from ESPN is like winning an Environmental Conservation award from BP.
Deo ac Fehritati.
by Rob Parker on Jul 15, 2010 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions 6 recs
Random hockey question.
What happens if a player has a multi year contract and halfway through they get a career-ending injury?
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by Whiter Mage on Jul 15, 2010 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions
Use the force GMGM!
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by zephyr on Jul 15, 2010 10:56 AM EDT reply actions 11 recs
I asked the question on Twitter, but will pose it to you all:
If I set the over/under for career NHL games played for Joe Finley at 1, what’re you taking? Is your answer different if the question is career games played as a Cap?
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Under, and under. But I’m willing to be proven wrong. I just don’t think he fits the mold anymore, especially not with this team. But, the recent signings by PHI and NYR tempt me to say he’s going to get a cup of coffee somewhere, I just really don’t think it’s here.
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Ooo that’s a good one. You actually have to think about that a little bit because there are so many odd factors that could lead to him playing one game.
For the Caps I’ll take the under and put a lot of money on it.
For career I’ll take the over and wouldn’t put much money on it.
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
I haven’t seen him as much as you, but I think he could end up with a Baumgartner or Nycholat type of career. Team to team with cups of coffee here and there. He’s a big body, and people will continue to see if he can be the 2nd coming of Gill or even Chara as a late bloomer.
Injuries will be the only way he gets to the Caps, at least from what I read now.
Every bursted bubble has a glory! Each abysmal failure makes a point! Every glowing path that goes astray,shows you how to find a better way. So every time you stumble never grumble. Next time you'll bumble even less!
As a Cap, under for sure. The only way I see him coming up is if the team decides it needs to exact revenge (a la Doug Doull’s two games with the club) but I don’t that’s very likely, or even that he’s necessarily the guy to turn to.
In the NHL at all? I’d still take the under. He’s a 23-year-old ECHLer and the odds on those guys are really long, even if he might be getting pushed down by the organization’s depth and Hershey’s emphasis on winning.
I was checking to see what percentage of first round picks eventually get a game in the NHL, and stumbled across this:
Of the 30 first round picks in the 2005 draft, all but four have played at least one NHL game. Two of the four that haven’t are Caps. Oof.
by bilspacecadet on Jul 15, 2010 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions
It’s not even the worst draft every by the Caps. When you have the #4 and #17 overall, and those two guys combine to play only 116 NHL games — and 3 of those are by the #17 guy — I count that as way worse than no games at all from 14 and 27. And 1996 was way deeper from #10 on than 2005 was.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 15, 2010 6:08 PM EDT up reply actions
‘96 hurts but drafting wasn’t as advanced at that point, and I completely disagree that ’96 was deeper. There are a few big names in ’96 but more quality players in 2005.
Deo ac Fehritati.
I stand by ’96 was deeper after #10. Only 16 guys have played 150 or more NHL games who were drafted after #10 in 2005. 28 guys from 1996 who were drafted after #10 have played in 500 or more games.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 15, 2010 7:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah but that’s a product of time not skill. There are quite a few quality players from the 2005 draft that are still under 150 but are better than their counterparts from 96.
Deo ac Fehritati.
Bah. I stand by it. I don’t think no 28 guys from 2005 who were drafted after #10 are going to make 500 games. For every late developer (TJ Oshie, I’m looking at you) there’s someone above 150 games who won’t make it to 500
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 15, 2010 11:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Ew. Volchkov.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
other way around—Yogi played most of those games, not Volchkov.
by bilspacecadet on Jul 15, 2010 6:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Right, which bolsters his point. Volchkov was terrible, and might be the single worst pick, but Pokie and Finley in the same round when so many legitimate players and better scouting was available just kills me.
Deo ac Fehritati.
sure—and, I believe Volchkov wasn’t a reach—there were questions about his heart, but not about his talent—he was a top five guy that year.
So it looks bad, but was a bit of bad luck. Pokie and Finley was both a little reach-y and unsuccessful.
by bilspacecadet on Jul 15, 2010 6:44 PM EDT up reply actions
sorry, meant to say “all but 3”
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 15, 2010 7:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Garret Stroshein got three games in the NHL with a club tanking to get the number one pick.
Hmm, tough one.
I’ll still say over, by a hair.
Other club? Over, by a bit.
Of course, I refused to bet on Rory McIlroy yesterday, so, apparently, I’m an idiot.
by bilspacecadet on Jul 15, 2010 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions
I would say under, under.
If Finley was a better fighter, I could see him maybe being a pure enforcer like a Boogaard, Bissonnette, Godard, Brashear, Koci, etc that plays 4 mins a night in the NHL.
The Bissonnette/Finley comparison was looking good — both originally defensemen, converted to F for fighting abilities, both guys spent time in ECHL, suffered serious hand injuries and seemed down and out. But even Biz Nasty was in the NHL by the time he was 22/23 years old, since he’s embraced the pure enforcer role and is pretty good at it.
Don’t think Finley is that good as a fighter and now that he’s back to playing D it kills that career comparison anyways. The clock’s ticking too, each year that goes by probably really limits his perception around the league, whether that’s fair or not.
There’s always the chance maybe the Caps need muscle for a game against Philly or something, but with their anti-fighting, “hurt them on the scoreboard” philosophy, it seems doubtful.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Jul 15, 2010 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions
If Finley was a better fighter
For some reason this all seems to get lost. People see his size and his physical style of play and think he’d be a good NHL fighter, and it doesn’t always work that way. The guy’s had four regular season pro fights, and the only I’ve seen he got his butt handed to him (by Bissonnette, incidentally). If you’re dressing an enforcer in today’s NHL, he better be a damn good one, and I kind of doubt Finley’s at that level.
Agreed. Here’s another possible Finley comp – John Scott. a 6’8, 260 pound defenseman who played NCAA, languished in the minors and cut into the NHL at a late age.
There are differences of course, Scott always played in the AHL as a pro, which may seem to indicate a better overall skill set than Finley.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Jul 15, 2010 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m the last guy who’s going to defend Schultz, but I think it’s fair to note that he played in the NCAAs, where there was no fighting (contra CHL guys), and still is learning how to fight. He’s also had injuries that have taken big chunks of time from his development.
If he can stay healthy, I’d expect his pugilistic skills to improve.
As for Hooks’ Scott comparison, dude’s gotten a relative ton of NHL games. No doubt he has (and probably at similar ages always had) better skills than Finley, but if Scott can get 70+ games in the NHL… I dunno. Tough question I’ve posed.
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GACK! That should read “last guy who’s going to defend Finley.”
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/On Freudian Blog’d
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by SmallZ827 on Jul 15, 2010 11:37 AM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
That’s okay, I get them confused, too.
by bilspacecadet on Jul 15, 2010 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions
JP — true Scott has played a lot of NHL games, but last season he only averaged 8:36 in 51 games (and I believe he plays as a defenseman too). So while he’s obviously good enough to get a sweater at the NHL level, it’s not as if he’s taking a regular shift out there.
I guess for the purposes of the bet you posed that doesn’t really matter though.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Jul 15, 2010 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions
Exactly. If the question was “Will Joe Finley be an NHL regular at any point?” my answer would’ve been hell-to-the-no.
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Absolutely, but I’m not completely confident that time missed learning to fight can be made up, or, if it is Finley will still be young enough for someone to take a chance on him and the NHL will still be employing as many enforcers as it is now (which obviously ain’t many).
As long as the Flyers and Rangers exist…
But I do think that guys get better at fighting as they get more experienced doing so.
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The Caps may need muscle against PHI, but at least this season it won’t be Finley. It’ll be Erskine. I don’t see how he jumps all the people ahead of him on the depth chart for the Caps.
Deo ac Fehritati.
I don’t see how he jumps all the people ahead of him on the depth chart
Well, as Wheeler pointed out yesterday, he could injure them all in scrimmage.
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by Laich It Or Lump It on Jul 15, 2010 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, that’s what I meant. Read closer: “I don’t see how he jumps all the people ahead of him…” Don’t you think at some point the rest of the guys are going to be weary and not let him get them? He’s already gotten Miskovic, how many more guys are going to let him take them out? 2? 3? At some point his competition will wise up.
Deo ac Fehritati.
The real question is: if he tries to jump all the people ahead of him, would he use a brick or a stick?
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by Laich It Or Lump It on Jul 15, 2010 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Rink continuity at it’s finest. Well played, sir.
Joe Finley is a brick guy all the way. He already has the reach and he’s all power, no finesse.
Deo ac Fehritati.
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by Steckel Me Elmo on Jul 15, 2010 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions
No, Brendan, Tugger, the Brain, and The Pin
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 15, 2010 6:10 PM EDT up reply actions
I think I’ve got over, under… but it’s a very tentative over. I’m fairly comfortable with a Caps “under,” though.
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If he thinks he’s going to get through camp and impress people by giving out two-handed slashes, I’ll take the under.
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by Bald Pollack on Jul 15, 2010 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Over, and under.
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by Whiter Mage on Jul 15, 2010 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions
I’ll go “over” on the career GP number. He’ll be big and strong enough to stick around in someone’s system and injuries/cap considerations will get him at least one callup.
Taking the under for the Caps. I doubt he lasts past his ELC with the club, departing either via trade (as filler) or due to non-renewal.
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Crap. Should have z’d through, as I see my thoughts on this are hardly original.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
Under for the Caps. Over for the league. If he learns to just get punchy someone will sign him.
Deo ac Fehritati.
Over. Helmer-esque call-up, I think.
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by red army line on Jul 15, 2010 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions
*not with the Caps though
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by red army line on Jul 15, 2010 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Watching Finley at the scrimmage today, he was dumber than the lawnmower he threw out the front door. On a short-handed faceoff, he let Bruess get under his skin. He followed that up not two seconds later with a two-hander across Bruess’s wrists, hard enough to knock a glove off, like the ref wasn’t going to be watching. He made dumb plays with the puck all game and was absolutely incapable of reading the play in the offensive zone – he was forever getting surprised by a puck coming by him on the blue line.
I’m taking the under on both; I don’t think Joe Finley has the brains for the NHL.
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by Knee high to a duck on Jul 15, 2010 11:22 PM EDT up reply actions
I like Gabby
I really do, but reading Vog’s post (which reprinted his Boudreau hiring piece from five years ago) made my blood run cold:
Boudreau’s 2004-05 Manchester Monarchs established a club record with 51 wins, but failed to reach the second round of the playoffs for a fifth straight season. His team’s postseason woes was cited as the reason for his dismissal from the Manchester job last month,
I mean, it;s just a coincidence, right?
But he did lead the Bears to the Calder Cup. Coincidental parallel only IMO.
"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 Jul 15, 2010 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions
Maybe, maybe not. As a whole, his playoff record hasn’t been that great, although he hasn’t had dominant teams like he has with the Caps.
1999-00 Lowell Lock Monsters AHL Head 80 33 36 7 4 0.481 Lost in round 2
2000-01 Lowell Lock Monsters AHL Head 80 35 35 5 5 0.500 Lost in round 1
2001-02 Manchester Monarchs AHL Head 80 38 28 11 3 0.563 Lost in round 1
2002-03 Manchester Monarchs AHL Head 80 40 23 11 6 0.606 Lost in round 1
2003-04 Manchester Monarchs AHL Head 80 40 28 7 5 0.575 Lost in round 1
2004-05 Manchester Monarchs AHL Head 80 51 21 0 8 0.688 Lost in round 1
2005-06 Hershey Bears AHL Head 80 44 21 0 15 0.644 Won Championship
2006-07 Hershey Bears AHL Head 80 51 17 0 12 0.713 Lost in Finals
2007-08 Hershey Bears AHL Head† 15 8 6 0 1 0.567
2007-08 Washington Capitals NHL Head‡ 61 37 17 0 7 0.664 Lost in round 1
2008-09 Washington Capitals NHL Head 82 50 24 0 8 0.659 Lost in round 2
2009-10 Washington Capitals NHL Head 82 54 15 0 13 0.738 Lost in round 1
The Lowell teams weren’t that great and were the lower seed each year, if I recall correctly. In Manchester he was the higher seed in each of the last three series, but in two of them it wasn’t by a whole lot.
Interesting. What is your take? I vaguely recall from BB’s book that he had issues with the Manchester GM, and that was also a factor in his firing.
I guess I hope that the Caps are built more like the Bears and that there are no personality conflicts within the organization, so playoff success is just around the corner, rather than it will take BB many many playoff losses before he learns how to adjust. I hope that he has already gone over how he could have adjusted his coaching for success in the NHL playoffs.
"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 Jul 15, 2010 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t know – I don’t really have much of a take on it, since I really don’t know that much about the teams Boudreau was coaching or playing or what specifically happened in each series. It’s sure not as comforting as one would hope, though.
I don’t think it’s a coincidence. The way the team has gone out the past 3 years hasn’t really varied. Nice guy, great story, and he’ll get another shot with someone else, but I expect more of the same this year, followed by a coaching change.
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Didn’t we discuss this in his Rink Wrap to an extent?
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by Steckel Me Elmo on Jul 15, 2010 11:19 AM EDT reply actions
I cannot believe Hockey Hero Brooks Laich is at Kettler right now…and I’m at work like a loser. Boo.
is he going to take the kiddies to lunch?
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by red army line on Jul 15, 2010 2:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Personally, in Wyshynski’s case I don’t understand how you can put Cam Ward on the list and not Marc-Andre Fleury since they’re pretty much the exact same guy.
Brodeur is ranked way too high on both lists. I just don’t think the guy is a Top 5 any longer.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 15, 2010 12:04 PM EDT reply actions
Brodeur is ranked way too high on both lists. I just don’t think the guy is a Top 5 any longer.
Depends. Are we talking January or April?
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Depends. Are we talking January or April?
I’m pretty sure at this point he’s wearing Depends all the time…not just January or April.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 15, 2010 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
He actually had another great regular season this past year – easily top 5.
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Dude was pretty terrible in the playoffs. Has to factor into it somehow, no?
He shouldn’t be playing 77 games a year at 37. That’s just insane.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 15, 2010 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Also, don’t know how much it should factor into NHL rankings, but he did also poop the bed in the Olympics.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 15, 2010 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions
No no, that was Team USA in 1998
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 15, 2010 6:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh, totally – I meant he easily had a top 5 regular season.
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Miller wasn’t very good in the playoffs either, and none of the goalies on those lists made it to the Conference Finals. There haven’t been many regular season and post season studs in goal recently, so Brodeur definitely deserves top spot. I think Lundqvist is ranked too low in both lists though.
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by Killer_Carlson on Jul 15, 2010 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Agreed, Luongo too high, Lundqvist too low. I’ll take Hank over Lu every single day, before even looking at the contract.
Deo ac Fehritati.
I’m not as bullish on Lundqvist. He had a great Olympics in ‘06 and he is a skilled goalie, but he doesn’t really do much for me.
His NHL playoff experience is far from impressive, whereas at least Luongo has heated up a couple times and deserved a better fate in year’s past (but definitely not this year).
Plus Lundqvist has a huge problem that most everyone now knows: shoot gloveside every time.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
If Lundqvist’s problem was so huge, why is he still putting up some of the best numbers and how does he have a gold medal? I know that’s how the Caps exploited him, but I think a lot of it was fatigue. I think the glove side problem is overblown. Every goalie has some kind of weakness and when you get to be elite people tend to focus on the flaw rather than the fact that you are awesome. We’ve all seen it, I don’t think examples are necessary (Cam Fowler!).
Luongo is awesome in the regular season but a) he relies on being huge and coming out of the net a lot, so if you get in his face he hates it and it takes him off his game; and b) I can’t ever remember seeing him step up in a big situation. Hank not only has the Gold, but I’ve seen him play great hockey even in losing playoff series (lets be honest, the skaters in front of him for NYR have never been that good).
Deo ac Fehritati.
Well obviously it’s easier said than done picking a top corner (and some teams don’t have the skill to do so) but you look at his last couple playoff series -against the Pens and Caps btw - and it’s clear that the elite players know how and what to do to beat him.
how does he have a gold medal?
I’m not going to take anything away from him, but their path to the gold was Switzerland, Czech, Finland. I think they had some good fortune not to run into a traditional power like Canada or Russia (even if those two disappointed that year).
So yeah, Lundqvist earned his gold medal, but it wasn’t as if they had to go through murder’s row or anything.
FWIW (not too much) the Swedes also won the gold at the WC’s in ’06 too, without Lundqvist.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
I don’t even really buy that the Caps won that series by going top glove. You look at the games the Caps won, and even the ones they didn’t, sure they shot high glove but that’s not where all the goals were going. I guess I’d have to go back through all the video to prove it, and I’m obviously not going to do that, but I remember a lot of goals that were the result of cross ice passes (especially the MSG wins), or just throwing pucks at the net (Bradley). Yeah, PIT and WAS are two of the most talented teams in the league, but basically every single NHL player can hit that top corner if they know it’s there. If the weakness was that pronounced Hank wouldn’t be as accomplished/productive as he is, and would probably not be an NHL starter. A weak glove is one of the easiest things for a shooter to exploit (especially a righty) and the guys with truly weak gloves get weeded out first. Even given that, I don’t think Hank’s glove is weak by NHL standards, either. It’s just not his strong suit.
Also, I’ll point out the irony of you disclaiming, if moderately, a goalie’s success because of a stacked team in the same thread you defend MAF and cite Luongo as a reliable big game performer.
Deo ac Fehritati.
by Rob Parker on Jul 15, 2010 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Also, I’ll point out the irony of you disclaiming, if moderately, a goalie’s success because of a stacked team in the same thread you defend MAF and cite Luongo as a reliable big game performer.
That’s not what I said RE: Luongo.
I said:
whereas at least Luongo has heated up a couple times and deserved a better fate in year’s past
I was referring specifically to Luongo’s 2007 playoffs where he had a so-so record of 5-7 but a sterling GAA (1.77) and save percentage (.941).
I never said, one way or another, anything about Luongo being a big game goalie, just that at times his team let him down.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
I’d say he’s let his teams down far more than they’ve let him down, at least since he left Florida.
Last year’s loss to CHI is all on him. Canada should have won the gold medal game 2-0, but shaky Luongo + 30 minutes of Lemaire running the team meant OT. He had a phenomenal series against DAL that one year, but Marty Turco put up 3 shutouts. Ridiculous. And then VAN lost to ANA and the better team just won. I’m not sure it’s fair to say that VAN let Luongo down.
Deo ac Fehritati.
I’m not sure it’s fair to say that VAN let Luongo down.
If a team gets shutout 3 times in a series, yeah I’d say they let their goalie down. An NHL team can’t take advantage of a turnover and score? Get a PP goal here or there?
Though, not to take anything away from Turco who was phenomenal in that one too.
But overall I agree that Luongo certainly is no money bigtime goalie.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
VAN won the series against DAL, so where’s the beef? They lost to a vastly superior ANA team in the second round, no shame there. DAL also finished with more points than VAN, so it’s not like anyone should have expected an easy VAN win. Turco played out of his mind, and VAN still won. Luongo was definitely good as well, but I don’t see how he was let down.
Deo ac Fehritati.
Plus Lundqvist has a huge problem that most everyone now knows: shoot gloveside every time.
Bingo
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 15, 2010 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Lundqvist has had more than just a great Olympics – he started his career as a Vezina finalist 3 straight years. I may be wrong but I don’t think any other goalie has done that. Plus he’s been easily the best Ranger 3 out of 4 times he’s been in the playoffs – the exception being when he was injured in the Olympic year. He’s been just about the only top goalie who has been consistently as good in the playoffs as in the regular season since the lockout, which is a major reason why I would rank him higher – he’s young and yet he has still proven you can rely on him in the playoffs.
And you want to talk about teams letting the goalie down, good lord look at the Rangers team in front of Lundqvist. He’s got no help. He’s been taking Rags teams to the playoffs that really aren’t any better than the FLA teams that Luongo was golfing with in the spring. Think Lundqvist didn’t deserve a better fate in the ‘07 playoffs when he put up a 2.07/.924 and lost in the second round to the then dominant Sabre’s offense?
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jul 15, 2010 4:32 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Only goalie to win 30 minimum in his first five seasons, too.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
матовая Клими, Михал нуивирт ваш папа теперь
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by red army line on Jul 15, 2010 4:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Plus Lundqvist has a huge problem that most everyone now knows…
… Wade Redden
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 15, 2010 6:15 PM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
Yeah, I can’t think of 5 guys I’d hands down take over Brodeur. I can think of 4 and Brodeur probably goes 5th.
Deo ac Fehritati.
Miller, Bryzgalov, Lundqvist, Vokoun?
Just guessing.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
MAF is mentally soff. Much soffer than Ward.
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
Career NHL playoff record:
Fleury: 31-18, 2.45 GAA, .916 sv %
Ward: 23-18, 2.38 GAA, .917 sv %
Virtually identical, biggest difference is the wins and head to head play.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Jul 15, 2010 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
On the other hand….
Playoff seasons with save percentage over .908: Fleury 1/4; Ward 2/2
Playoff seasons with save percentage below .900: Fleury 2/4; Ward 2/2
Play seasons with GAA below Fleury 1/4; Ward 2/2
Plus, the list is skewed towards/based on current ability. Ward’s been .916/2.44 and .916/2.69 the last two years and Fleury’s been .912/2.67 and .905/2.65.
I remember JP ran a list of goaltender stats from 06-10, and they looked virtually identical.
Money don't make my world go round...i'm reaching out to a higher ground
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 15, 2010 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions
I’d tend to discount his first playoff season, when the Pens played (if memory serves) the Sens when the Sens were a force. The Pens were completely overmatched, and although Fleury didn’t look great, the whole team looked bad.
In the other three playoffs, one great showing (07-08, .933/1.97) one with mediocre numbers (08-09, .908/2.61, and he did have a terrific last two games, although it could be as much luck as anything) and last year, which was bad.
We’ll see if extra rest and new high-end defenders allow him to bounce back at all.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
Also — can you really stop 48 of 50 shots against Detroit in a Game 6 and 7 elimination situation and still be mentally soft? I don’t think so.
Fleury is perhaps more easily rattled than Ward, especially by an early goal, but after what he showed in 2008 and 2009 playoffs I don’t think you can accurately say he’s soft. Dude won a Game 7 SCF on the road for crying out-loud.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Jul 15, 2010 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Also when it comes to criticizing a goalie for being soft because he has the tendency to open the gates after the first goal, Caps fans shouldn’t throw stones…
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 Jul 15, 2010 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions
We’re not above constructive criticism of our goalies either.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Jul 15, 2010 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah…I don’t think anyone legitimately thinks any of them should be in the Top 10.
Money don't make my world go round...i'm reaching out to a higher ground
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 15, 2010 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Though far more often people seem to say a particular Russian goalie is extremely mentally tough, and has ice water in his veins.
I’m just noting inconsistencies in criticisms.
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 Jul 15, 2010 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Well, unfortunately ice water in his veins seems to have contributed to his lack of conditioning (in my opinion).
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Jul 15, 2010 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh I completely agree, his conditioning isn’t great, and he’s not as mentally strong as it’s lauded to be (I don’t think).
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 Jul 15, 2010 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Plus, the “ice water” thing came from Varly’s first season, where he debuted in Montreal, performed excellently in his small number of starts, and then played great against the Rangers to help win that series.
He got worn down by the Pens the next series, and outside of his month-or-so run before he got injured last season, he hasn’t really lived up to that reputation.
The question is, was 2009 the anomaly or the norm?
He’s still got time to establish which is it.
Choking since 1985.
Aside from wins, Fleury’s ’08 playoff stats were even better than his ’09.
IMO (and as you’d expect) 2010 was the anomaly. There’s some good evidence too: the extreme amount of games he’s played since March 2008- May 2010 (over 200+), Probably more mentally than physically tiring too, especially when you factor in the Olympics and everything.
With a new and theoretically improved defense and a summer of rest, Fleury ought to be set up for a very good season. We’ll see how it goes, I def think he’s under a little bit of pressure for his poor performance in this past playoffs.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
I’ll take the long view and go with the long term trends versus short term success. Ward over MAF. Neither in top 10 right now regardless.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on Jul 15, 2010 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions
I would never have believed that Ward is actually older than MAF.
Money don't make my world go round...i'm reaching out to a higher ground
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 15, 2010 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions
I’ll take the practical view and look at their salaries, and then it’s MAF over Ward in a landslide.
Deo ac Fehritati.
If we are doing money wise then definitely MAF. Ward isn’t better enough to make up that difference.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
Right, and honestly that’s all that matters nowadays. We can talk about who is better in a vacuum, but unless you are talking about absolute studs you need to really consider salary.
Deo ac Fehritati.
Truth. I, of anyone, am the first to talk about the cap and its consequences. The list was just of the top 10 goalies from a talent perspective. A list that included salary and talent together could look very different.
For God & Fehr , eh?
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
Cristobal Huet’s cap hit is higher than Brodeur’s, Luongo’s, Fleury’s, Hiller’s, Bryzgalov’s, Halak, Lehtonen’s and Rinne’s, and its only 75K less than Tomas Vokoun’s.
Money don't make my world go round...i'm reaching out to a higher ground
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 15, 2010 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions
It’s not like he stole either game though. Especially in Game 7 the Pens got the lead and then just sat back and limited Detroit’s chances. Detroit was ridiculously sloppy in Game 7 as well, missing passes and going offside a ton. 50 shots in 2 games is not a lot. He made the big save at the end, which is something, but I wouldn’t say that Games 6 and 7 make Fleury a mental rock in net.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jul 15, 2010 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Consider that he gave up 5 goals in Game 5 and that’s how he bounced back. That’s the epitome of mental toughness; it’s the game’s brightest spotlight in the SCF, going up against the defending champions (with Game 7 in their barn) with no margin for error. 48 of 50. You could credit the D for holding it to 25 shots a game, but I think MAF deserves credit too.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
I was playing around and channeling Michel Therrien who called all the Pens sof. You would think a Pens fan would get the joke =]
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
I got the reference, but he was ranting the Pens defense, so I didn’t take it as a joke.
Great post-game rant though; “dey act like dey care, but I know dey don’t care”. Funny stuff.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
Just curious, where does the mentally soft stuff come from? I’ve never thought that about Fleury?
Going to be an interesting year for him. His numbers last year were not great, certainly not on par with his contract. The conventional wisdom is that his D let him down. On paper, they’ve gotten much better on D this year, so I’ll be real interested to see if his numbers bounce back.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
Its a Therrien reference. Apparently he had trouble with “T’s”
Money don't make my world go round...i'm reaching out to a higher ground
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 15, 2010 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Ahhh. Snark-meter malfunction on my part. Carry on.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
It’s ridiculous that he notes the system criticisms for Brodeur in a way that seems to say they are BS, but then uses those to drop Bryzgalov. Stay consistent.
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 Jul 15, 2010 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Patrick Sharp
Just looked on THN, they had an article saying that now that the ‘hawks have matched the offer sheet for that (defenseman who’s name I can’t spell), they have to trade away Sharp. Possible new 2C?
Mon dieu! Il y a un hache dans ma tête!
by OvechKING on Jul 15, 2010 12:21 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Sharp’s a winger, no?
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Jul 15, 2010 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions
That’s the dream. Prying him away from Chicago and outbidding other interested teams might be difficult, though.
Hjalmarsson.
Frankly, if MarJo turns out to be as good as people keep saying he is, there’s your 2C right there.
Money don't make my world go round...i'm reaching out to a higher ground
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 15, 2010 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions
As of now that’s a pretty big if. Even if they do think Desu Ex Mackana can step in and be 2C I think you go get Sharp so you have a Top 3 (if you choose to position them as such) of Baxter-Mackan-Cheddar. As has been mentioned many times before pretty much all teams that have made it to the finals are deep down the middle.
This isn’t to say the Caps should make a move just for the sake of doing so, but Sharp is exactly the kind of player the Caps need on 2C, and isn’t (shouldn’t be) so expensive that he ruins the Caps in the future.
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 Jul 15, 2010 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions
That’s kinda how I feel. I really, really don’t want them to overpay for Sharp.
Money don't make my world go round...i'm reaching out to a higher ground
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 15, 2010 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Desu Ex Mackana
Amazing nickname, but only if you meant Deus.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Jul 15, 2010 11:31 PM EDT up reply actions
I’d gladly take 2 years of Sharp at a $3.9M hit. What is the downside? More good players?
Choking since 1985.
Just guessing here, but I would expect Sharp to command a roster player on a cheap ELC, a prospect and a high pick.
You start to look at what the Caps have, especially in that first department, and you’re talking about guys the club isn’t interested in parting with.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
Gotta give up something to get something. What if it were one of Varly, Neuvy or Holtby plus a non-1st round draft pick?
Choking since 1985.
If you trade Varly or Neuvirth, I think you’d have to sign a Turco or other veteran back-up, even Theo. Holtby needs full-time play to keep developing.
That scenario might also have Niemi walking, which saves the Blackhawks further.
Every bursted bubble has a glory! Each abysmal failure makes a point! Every glowing path that goes astray,shows you how to find a better way. So every time you stumble never grumble. Next time you'll bumble even less!
This is it. As far as young, cheap roster players, the Caps are now down to the goalies and Carlson. And handing Chicago a goalie allows them to walk away from Niemi, further helping them out.
I don’t see the Caps walking away from Carlson either.
I’d love to have Patrick Sharp, but I don’t really see how the Caps pull it off without a real gut punch.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
This “Lets them walk away” argument kind of pisses me off – If “helping Chicago out” improves our team significantly, I don’t care.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Jul 15, 2010 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Just pointing out the downside, is all.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
It’s not really a downside to us. I agree with not helping the Flyers out unless it dramatically improves our team – only because they’re a conference rival. Chicago’s already basically been gutted, so I don’t think it’d be a downside for us.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Jul 15, 2010 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Fair enough. And the flip side to the argumment is that a cheap goalie has that much more value to Chicago, and might put the Caps over the top in a Sharp sweepstakes.
I’m doubtful that GM would part with one of the young goalies, but you never know.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
The flip side is that even if Chicago sends Huet down to the AHL to remove his cap hit, they’ll have about $5.7 million in cap space and 14 players on the entire roster.
That’s 8 better-than-warm bodies they’ll have to find for that price. And if they let Niemi walk, they’ll have to acquire two goaltenders on the cheap.
They’re screwed. They also may be interested in taking back some low cost but decent NHL roleplayers in combination with some prospects/picks. It may not have to be as basic as Carlson or one of the goaltenders.
Yes, Chicago is in a world of trouble, and they’re going to have to get rid of Huet’s cap hit, and even then they’re looking at a tight squeeze to round out the roster.
I agree that they’d take back low cost role players – the Sloans, Steckels, Bradleys, et al – as part of a package. But they’ve done a great job getting value for their lower-tier guys, and I have to think that continues. And the best value these days is in established NHL guys on their ELC’s. I’m expecting that to continue.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
Slightly OT but interesting fact of the day
Playing around at capgeek – we could buy out Ovie this summer and only have a $1.6M cap hit for the next 22 years. :-)
Choking since 1985.
hey gang, back from scrimmage!
Delly pulled a Semin! Scored tow goals, and just could not get that third one. Couple of times he didn’t bring the puck with him. Delly also got sent to the box in the third and yelled “….take your head off next time, buddy!”
Orlov was slightly less enthusiastic about leading the rush today. Slightly.
Galiev may end up being an absolute third round steal. He had the shoot out winner, beautiful puck handling display to fake out Grubauer (who otherwise played very well). Galiev had another goal, too (maybe 2? should have written it down)
Holtby was great in the first, not so much in the second.
There were actual penalties today, but they only served one minute.
Joe Finley made some boneheaded, undisciplined penalties today. Slashing a guy when your teammate is already in the box?
Macken played with Burt again, but Galiev was on a different line. Macken had an absolutely gorgeous goal this morning.
any questions? I’ll try my best to answer.
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by RedBirdie on Jul 15, 2010 12:26 PM EDT reply actions 6 recs
Did Burt look like an anchor to Mackan again? And who was the third person on that line?
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 Jul 15, 2010 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions
I didn’t write down lines :( I really cannot remember. Cullen is jumping to mind, but that’s probably wrong. Burt is still kinda anchor-ish, but Makcen was more assertive today, particularly later in the game, about taking control and making things happen.
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He probably learned after yesterday that he’d have to do that – I really liked what I saw out of him yesterday, everything so close to being really good but just off because his linemates weren’t capable of finishing. He’s used to playing with pros, you know?
And sorry, I didn’t see your note about where you guys were yesterday until today or else I would have come by and said hi! I think I saw Ovechwin and WM as they were leaving but there were about 15 people between them and where I was so…I figured yelling Rink names out would scare everyone.
I believe it was Bruess that was on Mackan’s line.
Finley’s penalty was stupid (good work by Bruess to draw it), but otherwise I thought he played pretty well. Solid outlet passes.
by Eggseronius on Jul 15, 2010 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions
I think this was the line-up today…with some long shifts and not always taking notes, etc., sometimes the lines are hard to pick out and there did seem to be some switching and obviously with Miskovic out, a little mixing and matching with the D on white team.
The big change was Galiev to center and switching lines with Bruess…the MacLeod C Mitchell line was effective both days, with Bruess yesterday and Galiev today.
The lines for scrimmage 2:
Group A (Red)
DeSimone Kutnetsov de Kastrozza
Cullen Gustafsson SDR
Woods Eakin Wiles (also saw Forfar with Woods and Eakin IIRC)
Forfar Hauswirth Cherniwchan (also saw Cullen with these guys)
Finley Orlov
Yadlowski Flemming
Jank Carrier
Bond Ruel
Group B (White)
Burt Johansson Bruess
MacLeod Galiev Mitchell
Burke Herbert Pisano
Alexander Miele LeFrancois
Davis Wey
Spinell Sotnieks
Lowery Stevenson
Cullity (pretty sure he was out there with Davis a few times)
by sk84fun_dc on Jul 15, 2010 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
He seemed to either be making very good or very bad plays. I definately noticed him, but not always for the right reason.
Worth noting, he is one of the youngest, actually I believe he is the youngest, in camp and as far as I can tell he hasn’t played in NA before, based on hockeydb, eliteprospects, and eurohockey, and reading up on him.
Jul 6 1992 bday per hockeydb
There are a few other prospects with spring 92 birthdays, including Woods (Jun ‘92) and Carrier (Apr’ 92).
wow, I had no idea he was Czech or so young! For a kid who just turned 18, he’s been holding his own pretty well.
#savethekittens!
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A young pairing when Jank and Carrier are together; two of the youngest D in camp.
Not happy about Miskovic’s injury as others have noted the cheering about the fight, etc., while he was down in obvious pain, but of note:
Miskovic (May 8 1985) 1 full year of AHL experience, 4 years of college and 25yo.
Seven (7) years older than those 2.
For more reference, I might have missed someone but per hockeydb, these are the older guys in camp:
Miskovic May 8 1985
Bruess Jan 6 1986
Davis Aug 13 1986
de Kastrozza Oct 20 1986
MacLeod Jan 20 1987
Cullity Jan 26 1987
Sotnieks Jan 29 1987
Burt Feb 9 1987
DeSimone Mar 19 1987
Finley: Jun 29 1987
Wiles Jul 15 1987
there seems to be quite a few “older” guys in d-camp this year.
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There is typically an age range and some older guys with the FA invites and some guys that stayed in school.
For example, Collins attended a couple of years ago when Glass was also in attendance, which was almost 6 years age difference.
A bit more perhaps this year due to fewer Caps draft picks and some young prospects having graduated from development camp status.
I thought Delly looked good. There are better skaters and better shooters, but he holds his own, he’s not afraid to fight for the puck and get in those dirty areas. Liek I said, after the second goal, though, he had a bit of Alexander “OMG I might get a hat trick!!!! PANIC!!!!” Semin-itis.
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Like RB said, skating and stick-handling weren’t great, but he did some good work down low and put himself in good position for a couple of goals. I’d be interested to see how he does against tougher competition.
by Eggseronius on Jul 15, 2010 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Actually, thinking about it, I believe it was SDR that was coming in on a 2-on-1 and fumbled the puck for no apparent reason before crossing the blueline. Other than that I don’t recall him having the puck on his stick much.
do you remember who was skating backwards at center ice and got his feet all tangled up and landed flat on his ass? Bambi-on-ice moment there.
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freakinandpeakin put up footage from the shoot out. Watch Galiev’s wonderful stickhandling.
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I’ll do my best. Macken was to the goalie’s left, but a bit away. there was a battle for the puck to the goalie’s right, and for some reason, no one was covering Macken. Burt won the battle and made a very nice feed to Macken, who was beautifully position to collect the pass and then send it into the net before the goalie could get back over. It was like the whole game just slowed down at that moment.
Not a sexy wrist shot, just a very calm, mature play. There was just something about the way the puck moved coming off his stick that spoke of confidence.
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I have such a hard time with defensemen! I think he looked good. Strong skater. but other than that, I’m afraid I don’t have much to add, because I’m not good a spotting these things.
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Decent skater, responsible, wasn’t obviously burned that I noticed.
I really like Dustin Stevenson’s game, he could end up an NHL player, IMO. Needs to work on his foot-turnover, but he’s got really fluid hips and surprisingly good hands to go along with a good positioning sense.
Tyler pointed out that he’s still fairly slow with his puck decisions and that’s absolutely spot-on, but without the puck, he was pretty impressive. Especially for someone playing Junior A last season.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Jul 15, 2010 11:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, he’s a defensive guy and has a pretty big competition jump. I’m not shocked he looked slow. I could see him passing Joe Finley in the near future.
Deo ac Fehritati.
From CI, quoting Bruce Boudreau…
“I think we’ll have a word with Kuznetsov. Because in North America you can’t taunt or make funny moves. When he did that, he was having fun maybe, but he gave a little taunt to Holtby. After [the goal], he sort of went, ‘Ooooh’ and laughed him. That’s not going to go well with North American people. …And I’m going to have a little chat with Holtby.”
Detention for those two!
If you've read this far...seek help.
ooooh, they’re in trouble!
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“Evgeny, here’s the deal: can’t do that here, or someone’s going to take your head off. Seriously.”
“Braden, that’s our first rounder out there. Don’t take his head off. I know you want to. Don’t do it.”
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
by fat_daddyo on Jul 15, 2010 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
That makes more sense. I saw Holtby give Kuznetsov a pretty good wack or trip after the goal, but assumed it was because they tripped each other up just before the goal when Holtby played the puck. Looked like it stung Kuznetsov a bit too.
Was this today or yesterday? I saw Kuz give Holtby a tap after he scored the cross-crease goal yesterday but I assumed it was just a “don’t worry, your D let you down” kind of thing.
Deo ac Fehritati.
today Holtby unleashed the fury. Or his inner Kolzig. Holtby was definitely pissed off about Kuznetsov tripping him up.
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tim thomas? whats not to like?
Live every week like its Matt Bradley week.
by CarltonBanks on Jul 15, 2010 4:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Is that a North American thing? It strikes me as basic professionalism. Does that really fly in Russia? (Wait, I remember the Vityaz/Avangard brawl. Never mind.)
by CapitalCentre on Jul 15, 2010 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions
“North American” is hockey code for “the opposite of what those pansy Eurotrash do – which is everything that is antithetical to properly played hockey. Having a good time, smiling, not hitting, talking too much, that sort of thing.”
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
oh, and I’m happy to see that I’m not the only one impressed by MacLeod. He scored a goal today, and he’s speedy. Think a smaller version of Chimera, with somewhat better hands (although it’s a wee bit hard to tell if that’s true because of the talent level). Sounds like the camp staff is liking what they see, too.
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No prob – I put plenty of “tomorrow’s Clips” in the What We’re Reading sidebar throughout any given day.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
...
No Backstrom? Did they forget this?
Money don't make my world go round...i'm reaching out to a higher ground
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 15, 2010 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions 7 recs
If I could make it longer (huddlah huddlah) i’d include the first half where he makes a terrible turnover and steals the puck back.
Money don't make my world go round...i'm reaching out to a higher ground
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 15, 2010 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions
I was watching that game the other night – I ended up just fast-forwarding to that part and watching it over and over and over…
Its legitimately one of the five best hockey plays ive ever seen. Ever.
Money don't make my world go round...i'm reaching out to a higher ground
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 15, 2010 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions
it’s so beautiful, it brings tears to be eyes
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I have game 2 against the Habs on DVR and keep rewinding back and forth from Carlson’s tying goal through the 19’s winner.
Every bursted bubble has a glory! Each abysmal failure makes a point! Every glowing path that goes astray,shows you how to find a better way. So every time you stumble never grumble. Next time you'll bumble even less!
My favorite part of that game is that at the tail end of the 5 on 3, I was complaining how they couldn’t score on a full two minute (iirc) 5-3. Then they scored. It was during the Baltimore game watch party. Great one to watch with everyone!
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Reppin' Team Tyler yo.
Didn’t read the article, but I’m guessing they focus on guys that explode on the rush and dangle their way through guys?
Backstrom’s stick skills are sublime, but he doesn’t do that.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
Ice Warrior has posted her Mackan Manifesto. Enjoy!
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
by EmilyB on Jul 15, 2010 12:35 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
“vänsterforward” could be the best word ever.
Money don't make my world go round...i'm reaching out to a higher ground
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 15, 2010 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Most def. Vänsterforward makes me think of my old hamster Theodore (RIP) running down the left wing.
Money don't make my world go round...i'm reaching out to a higher ground
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 15, 2010 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions
What are the words for right wing and center?
And I don’t know what the word is for defenseman, but Googletrans resolves to “crate” “hill” or “run”.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
I’m sure this is going to be another example of tomorrow’s Clips today. Peerless on Day 4.
Peerless isn’t the only one smiling at the thought below.
Frankly, we smile at the thought of a Della Rovere and a Bruess playing on the same team. They sure would be a pain in the ass to play against.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
A Bruess is certainly a pain in the something, but I think its on the other side of the body…
Eat, drink, and be merry! And then drink some more.
by SmallZ827 on Jul 15, 2010 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Reading Peerless’ report, was the rink really 3/4 full this morning? May have to get there at 8am on Saturday, especially as there’s an open skate on the other rink then, so a lot of families may show up early.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Proud member of the Oxford dictionary police.
It was quite packed yesterday (though the start time was 3:15, so that may have helped).
I bet it’s gonna be a zoo Saturday.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
Oy….i’m going to do my best to be out of the haus by 7.
Money don't make my world go round...i'm reaching out to a higher ground
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 15, 2010 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Oy is right. At least there’s no traffic on Route 7 or I-66 that early on a Saturday.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Proud member of the Oxford dictionary police.
I’m coming from the BMore area, but i’m driving to CP and taking ye olde Metro.
Money don't make my world go round...i'm reaching out to a higher ground
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jul 15, 2010 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m going to have to disagree with Peerless here. Didn’t seem 3/4 full to me. Maybe it filled in behind me after I got there a little before 9.
Saturday is going to be jammed. we’re going to have to stake out seats the moment the doors open.
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A couple observations from today:
Orlov made some good plays, but also was scrambling around at times too. Looked like he was trying to do too much, and seemed kind of frustrated later in the game (lots of shaking his head and talking to himself.
Cherniwchan made a couple real nice open ice hits.
Didn’t watch Kuznetsov as much as others, but when I noticed him it was for good reasons. At one point he smoothly stickhandled around everyone on the ice. Unfortunately he lost the handle on the puck before being able to shoot.
Finley seemed solid – not as bad as I was expecting.
Galiev looked really good. very smooth stickhandler.
Bruess – did lots of good work down low and made things happen for his line.
Well since everyone else is doing them..
It looks like (from last year’s camp to this) that Orlov is aware that he has to be a little more defensively sound and has been working towards it. His shot and speed definitely still there.
Johansson is like a mor dynamic Backstrom; he does more to get involved in play. Not to say that Backstrom doesn’t, but Johansson involves more movement perhaps because he has to.
Still liking Hauswirth as a slightly more agile and softer-handed version of Steckel.
And fuck Joe Finley.
Look at this signature line. Notice the lack of spelling errors and self-whoring?
Orlov really, really needs to work on not losing his man after he makes a check, especially inside the blueline. I think that’s his biggest issue going forward.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Jul 15, 2010 11:40 PM EDT up reply actions
eh, doesnt look like much unless kuz said something to holtby on his way through the crease. does not appear that kuz went out of his way to cut through the paint. the contact before the play seemed pretty benign.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Jul 15, 2010 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions
I dunno. Cutting through the crease behind the goalie right after a goal as been scored, all the while yapping at him? I’d’ve probably given him a little love-tap, too. A man’s gotta get to his water bottle, ya know?
Eat, drink, and be merry! And then drink some more.
yeah, if he was yapping at him i can see that. the cutting through the crease doesnt seem like a big deal as he was heading that way anyway.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Jul 15, 2010 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions
It looked like he turned his head and had something to say. Still don’t like the slash under the circumstances.
Deo ac Fehritati.
Yeah, I was being a little tongue-in-cheek. I don’t care how much of a dick Kuznetsov was being, Holtby’s response was uncalled for. Especially because, in this situation, he’s the mature vet. He’s going to be starting for the Bears no matter what, so what does he have to gain? (Plus the same “But he’s your TEAMMATE!” outrage applies here as it did to Finley, I guess.)
Eat, drink, and be merry! And then drink some more.
I have more “he’s your TEAMMATE!” outrage over what Holtby did. At least Finley was doing something that he’ll have to do if he’s going to be successful. Holtby’s move was totally extraneous.
Deo ac Fehritati.
by Rob Parker on Jul 15, 2010 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
True, but the result isn’t relevant when you are talking about the nature of the act. The injury is unfortunate, but I don’t give Holtby points for not-injuring Kuz. Finley’s in a tough spot because he actually has to hit to make even Hershey. Holby just has to stop pucks, slashing isn’t a job requirement for him.
Deo ac Fehritati.
Colin Campbell, is that you?
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 Jul 15, 2010 5:22 PM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
I’m saying in this case, it’s not really a big deal. Not in general.
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Reppin' Team Tyler yo.
I agree with you, except, at least in my eyes, the injury Finley caused was just double-plus-unfortunate coming on the heels of all the Beach and “As long as he doesn’t hurt anybody” discussion. Just shitty timing. (Plus I don’t want nto the whole punish-the-act-or-the-resultant-injury-suspension-Campbell-is-a-boob debate again, because I agree that the nature of the act is what should usually be considered, not the resultant injury.)
Eat, drink, and be merry! And then drink some more.
Was standing right there when it happened…not a lot of composure from Hotlby…cant believe he wont hear more of that on the A. He also was completely thrown off after that and let Red back in the game. A love tap is one thing, but if he hurts Kuz there…just not smart. Kuz showed some grit skating to the bench but then continuing on the next shift.
Look out at paintball tonight.
by Direction 87 on Jul 15, 2010 5:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Just grabbed a quick lunch and now we’re all in the lobby waiting to head to paintball. Time to bring the pain.-Dan Dunn
Twitter!!!1
Reppin' Team Tyler yo.
Oh, excellent…missed that one. There had better be video, and dammit if no one borrowed Ovie and Sasha’s special custom-made paintball outfits I’m going to be very disappointed!!1
On the bus back from paintball. Turns out by ‘bring the pain’ what I should have said was time to ‘feel the pain’.-Dan
Was brutally hot out there but all in all I think everyone had a good time. -Dan Dunn
Twitter!!!1
Reppin' Team Tyler yo.
YES!
I just love that he comes into town a few days early and hangs out with the kids, I think it’s awesome. He’s like their big brother or something.
People sound excited that Brooks joined us. He looked like Rambo out there. -Dan Dunn
Twitter!!!1
Reppin' Team Tyler yo.
See…now I’m starting to really like Dan Dunn, he’s hilarious. We should start a movement to get him on Twitter full time after camp.
And Nate said there will be video so HOORAY :)
please tel me that Brooksie didn’t take anything off the ice this time
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Ryan Kesler is on Twitter for those that are into following NHL players.
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 Jul 15, 2010 3:43 PM EDT reply actions
H/T to missy.
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 Jul 15, 2010 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Was the female sitting to my right, towards the left of the bleachers, one of the rabbits here? She has a cameo in one of my videos.
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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Who are the top-5 passers in hockey today?
I’d say, in no particular order, Thornton, Crosby, Backstrom, Sedin, Savard as top-5, with Malkin, Brad Richards, Semin coming up behind.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
матовая Клими, Михал нуивирт ваш папа теперь
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If I had to pick ten:
Thornton, Crosby, Backstrom, Sedin, Savard as top five, Hemsky, St. Louis, Richards, Lidstrom, Datsyuk as next five.
Winterion Game Studios
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Gagne
According to Puck Daddy, there’s plenty of interest out there for Gagne, including the Rags, Bolts, Leafs.
Shame.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
If the Rags are the team to help the Flyers out of their cap situation (especially if it’s a G sent back PHI’s way), there won’t be a facepalm in the world big enough.
Eat, drink, and be merry! And then drink some more.
The Rags don’t currently have quite enough cap space for Gagne, but they could get it pretty quick by waiving Brashear. As far as sending something back to Philly, it would have to be a cheap goalie, which means Biron, and I don’t think the Flyers want Leighton 2.0 in trade.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
I don’t think the Flyers want
Leighton 2.0Marty Biron 3.0? in trade
Eat, drink, and be merry! And then drink some more.
That, too. Lol.
Philly has plenty of forwards, so I would not be surprised to see them try to deal Gagne for picks and prospects. They could then sign Marty Turco and turn Leighton into the backup.
Or something.
Their roster is all kinds of screwy right now, so who knows how it turns out.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
If the Bolts were to pick up Gagne, they’re top two lines would be pretty impressive:
Simon Gagne-Vinny Lecavalier-Marty St. Louis
Ryan Malone-Steven Stamkos-Steve Downie
The move would definitely balance out their top two lines.
I have trouble seeing Gagne agreeing to waive his NTC to go to Tampa, of course.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
I don’t know, January in Tampa is a lot nicer than January in Philly and it’s probably only for a year.
Justin Pogge Signs
You know it’s slow when Justin Pogge signing a 2-way deal with Carolina is worth a post.
Per @JeffMarek btw
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
Rob Schremp signs with NYI
1 year, by accepting his QO.
Bleh, the hot stove is slow.
Also per @JeffMarek
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
Re. Schremp.
FWIW, with the QO deadline being 5pm, there are going to be a whole series of announcements across the League about players signing QOs. IMO, the bigger news will be the shorter list, the players that don’t sign their QOs, but aren’t headed for arbitration.
For the Caps, there are 6 RFAs that were extended QOs, but have not signed yet.
Beagle, A Gordon, P McNeill, Miskovic, and Bourque
Fleischmann filed for Arb. The biggest question mark in terms of a player possibly not signing his QO is Bourque out of the other 5, IMO.
So a question about these kids — leaving the Bourque discussion aside, they’re Hershey boys, a couple of whom have had a cup or two of coffee in DC. Is not accepting the QO more a matter of what they get paid in Hershey, rather than their NHL salary?
"It's always good to have vikings."
Proud member of the Oxford dictionary police.
It varies, of course. For many, if they don’t accept a QO, it is because they are looking for a one way contract so in that regard yes it’s about the money in the AHL. Sometimes they work out a deal for less NHL money, lower than the QO would be but more money in the AHL (and therefore guaranteed money), but still a two-way contract – typically those deals happen before or by the time QOs have to be accepted, but not always. There is also a process involving paperwork where the team can agree to extend the QO offer for longer, but if that doesn’t happen the offer is off the table.
Sometimes it is simply about wanting to know they are going to be given a real shot at an NHL roster spot, given the European offers often on the table for these players.
As an example, Fleischmann and Klepis didn’t sign their QOs a few years ago and eventually Klepis went back home without a contract after starting the year on a PTO in Hershey while Fleischmann earned a 1 year contract (two-way) in training camp but had a roster spot on the NHL team.
Per Corey on Twitter:
A team spokesman said Chris Bourque has told the #Caps he will play in the KHL next year. Team retains his NHL rights.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
It wasn’t denied that he had an offer, just that he hadn’t accepted it yet. I get the impression he’d rather have stayed, but there wasn’t any promise of an NHL job or a trade to a team that might have a slot for him.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Proud member of the Oxford dictionary police.
Au Revoir, Chris
Does Chris know any Russian yet? I would not be surprised if he knew some French since his dad was French Canadian. Assume he grew up speaking English, for obvious reasons. But would not be surprised if he had picked up some French along the way or studied French in HS. Seems that a lot of kids in HS sign up for the foreign language spoken by their forebears, with kids with German last names signing up for German and kids with French last names signing up for French.
Rocking the Red since 1975
I think Chris studied hockey and anatomy in high school. He doesn’t seem bookish by any means.
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You’re right on that account. I believe he flunked out of Boston U which is why he turned pro.
Still, I assume everyone takes at least 2-3 years of a foreign language in HS since it’s required for graduation by the laws of most states.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Yea, but taking a language in HS and learning are two totally different things. I and many people I know took a language in highschool but now couldn’t say anything in it, and I’m younger than Chris.
Proud member of the Popsicle Division of the Cupcake Conference.
And even if someone did learn a language in school, that’s not necessarily a practical knowledge of it. I recalled enough of my high school French to follow guided tours in Quebec many years later, but my practical knowledge came from spending time there talking to people, watching TV, listening to the radio, going to the grocery store and so forth.
It seems like we probably all need immersion in a language to learn it right. I don’t think I could converse in either French (which I took 3 years of in HS) or German (which I took 2 years in college).
My elder daughter (who’s a few months older than Bourque) took 5 years of German, starting with 8th grade and a semester in college. She went to Germany (and several other European countries) after a summer study abroad trip to England. Said she was the resident interpreter of her youth hostel (which was primarily Brits and Aussies). By the end of her time in Germany, she started dreaming in German.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Per Vogs, Beagle, Gordon, McNeil, and Miskovic accepted theirs and Joudrey signed as well. Bourque likely going to KHL.
hmmm, so if Bourque goes to Russia, can he still become and NHL free agent when he turns 27?
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Why does Ovi wearing a shirt with his name on it not surprise me at all? Oh yeah, and judging by the pics he DEFinitely had fun that night.
~~~ R0cK D@ R3D ~~~
by Chaz-Capapalooza on Jul 15, 2010 4:51 PM EDT reply actions
MInnesota Wild sign Mikko Koivu to 7-year contract extension.
(sic)
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
матовая Клими, Михал нуивирт ваш папа теперь
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damn, 7 years
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by RedBirdie on Jul 15, 2010 5:52 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Per Capgeek’s RT of Russotrib, it’s a 7-year deal for $47.25m, 6.75m AAV. With a NTC and signing bonuses. That Backstrom extension is looking better and better every day (though Koivu is a damn good player).
but Koivu is no where near the play Backstrom is.
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@washcaps We were graced with the presence of Brooks Laich. He’s one hell of a paintball player. -Dan Dunn
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Reppin' Team Tyler yo.
Given the differing treatment, I would love to know if anyone at OFB thinks Finley will ever be as good a hockey player as Jeff Schultz is right now. If yes, will there ever be a point in time where Finley is better than Schultz?
Deo ac Fehritati.
Finley had some pretty sad attempts at hitting people much smaller than him…I think Mitchell stood him up once.
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 Jul 15, 2010 6:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, Finley probably doubled the number of hits Schultz has in the NHL just this week at camp.
After reading the above, please remember that I am pretending to know anything about hockey.
by Laich Button on Jul 16, 2010 3:53 AM EDT up reply actions
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Florida
|
51 | 24 | 16 | 11 | 59 |
|
Washington
|
52 | 27 | 21 | 4 | 58 |
|
Winnipeg
|
54 | 24 | 24 | 6 | 54 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
51 | 23 | 23 | 5 | 51 |
|
Carolina
|
54 | 20 | 25 | 9 | 49 |
(updated 2.7.2012 at 3:17 AM EST)
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