Tuesday Caps Clips
by J.P. on Aug 17, 2010 6:42 AM EDT
in Caps Clips
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PrintYour savory breakfast links:
- The Boss is all about business... [Ted's Take]
- ... and apparently that's news. [Vancouver Sun]
- Breaking down the Isles from a Caps perspective. [Masisak]
- A closer look at the Caps' (and everyone else's) schedule. [McKeen's]
- Willie Mitchell is believed to be paying the Caps a visit. Hope he likes it hot and humid. [Sportsnet]
- Mmm... waffles. [Jumping the Glass]
- Someone get Peerless some real hockey, stat. [Peerless]
- Dmitri Orlov was named MHL Playoff MVP. [RussianProspect]
- Mites on ice out at Kettler. Plus, the "Duck Tales" theme. [Caps365 (video)]
- It's a bit meta, but if you're into the whole "credentialing bloggers" issue, there are no better voices than those of Eric McErlain and Nate Ewell to listen to. [National Sports Journalism Center]
- Look for our first excerpt from "The Ovechkin Project" around lunch time today.
- Finally, happy (real) 53rd birthday to Pete Peeters.
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Are you expecting Niemi to be signed by the Caps, Peerless? The rest of your post I agreed with. At least Cristobal and Lord Stanley will always have Paris.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
No, I am not. Signing him is, in my opinion, bad on the merits (I do not see him as an upgrade to either Varlamov or Neuvirth). It also complicates the cap. If he was signed at his arbitration award number, then it is a certainty they can’t sign a defenseman, not unless they make another move (Fleischmann?). Folks forget, Niemi had a grand total of three — three — games of NHL experience coming into last season, none of them in the playoffs (he didn’t even have all that great a year in Rockford the previous year). And from my chair, he was along for the ride a lot more than he was leading the Blackhawks to success.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Heh. No, actually, though I contemplated a follow-up bullet linking to that with “Seriously.”
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Not especially germane to the clips, but...
…has Johnny Damon been getting hair care tips from Mike Green?
If you've read this far...seek help.
there’s actually a story behind that. During a rain delay, several of the Tigers players decided the best way to pass the time was to give each other mohawks. For a while, half the team was sporting the look. Damon’s been sculpting and refining his for about half the season now.
Watching the O’s try to use strategy is like watching Mike Green trying to figure out the difference between "your" and "you’re"--Terpgrrl
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
So they couldn’t play because they were afraid to get wet and instead decided to do each other’s hair?
Baseball is sooooo manly…
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by J.P. on Aug 17, 2010 8:40 AM EDT up reply actions 9 recs
J.P., I know you’re joking…
But anyone who’s ever played baseball knows that the game just doesn’t work in the rain. As a former player, I used to get a ticked when people would say, “why are baseball players such pansies? They play football in the rain…in the snow even!”. It’s not really about whether or not the players are “manly” enough to get a little bit wet (unless they’re wearing George Costanza’s cotton uniforms), but more about the fact that it just has way too much on an impact on the physics of the game. Yeah, there is definitely a safety factor involved, but let’s face it, if that’s all that it was, the leagues would have caved to us blood-thirsty American fans years ago and allowed the games to continue.
/end rant. Again, not directed at J.P., as I get the joke he was making…
"I am ready for his provocations"
by PaintDrinkingPete on Aug 17, 2010 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions
The equipment deteriorates rapidly in wet weather. Balls get wet and slippery (or waterlogged), bats are harder to grip (even with resin or pine tar), spikes get clogged with mud, gloves become waterlogged (even if treated).
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Aug 17, 2010 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions
While this is an extreme example, it would like asking hockey players to play in a building where the cooling system had malfunctioned and ice couldn’t be properly maintained. (and no, I’m not referring to the Verizon Center).
Obviously safety concerns arise, but above that, you simply couldn’t play the game as intended.
"I am ready for his provocations"
by PaintDrinkingPete on Aug 17, 2010 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Or even better, like trying an outdoor hockey game in the rain.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Aug 17, 2010 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions
punchline or not, I think we can all agree, the whole group mohawk’ing was quite odd. I hope the Caps don’t pick it up. The group red dye jobs were odd enough. (and I was mistaken. not a rain delay. Between double header games. One of the more amusing and irreverent Tigers blogs summed it up as: “Because this team is a bunch of idiot manchildren and they were stuck in the ballpark all day, during the break between games, something like half the team acquired mohawks. Yes, you read that correctly.”)
Watching the O’s try to use strategy is like watching Mike Green trying to figure out the difference between "your" and "you’re"--Terpgrrl
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
NHL11 demo also comes out today :)
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
матовая Клими, Михал нуивирт ваш папа теперь
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Both Xbox and PS3? Xbox is getting repaired, but I need something to keep me busy until Reach comes out, as Red Dead Redemption is crashing on my PS3 :(
"If you want money go to the bank, if you want bread go to the bakery if you want goals go to the net." - #21
by snakegriffin on Aug 17, 2010 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions
Yes both. I think I read somewhere that the Xbox should be available by 1, and the PS3 somewhere between 1-5.
I downloaded mine around 5pm local, which is 10 am EST.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
матовая Клими, Михал нуивирт ваш папа теперь
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by red army line on Aug 17, 2010 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions
question
Is it fair to say that Theodore ‘shared’ the starting job with Varlamov last year?
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Sure. It’s also fair to say that he got the majority of the starts over the course of the season (and also “shared” the job with Neuvirth at times, including during the streak).
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Okay. I’m polishing off a piece on free agent goalies, and I wasn’t entirely sure whether or not Theodore was a “starter” in the NHL last year. Yeah, he got the majority of the starts, but it seemed as if Varlamov was always (when healthy?) knocking at the door. That may well be wrong, though :p.
I’m wondering if he’s going to not like being a full-time backup somewhere, which is what its looking like since Antti Niemi came on the market.
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by Chris Burton on Aug 17, 2010 8:12 AM EDT up reply actions
I think it’s fair to say that Theo was the Caps’ #1 goalie for much of the season.
And no, he won’t like being a backup – what goalie does? Even if he signs somewhere that there’s an established #1, I’m sure he’ll tell himself and anyone who listens that he believes he can be the #1, that competition is good, etc.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I agree, and I’m not sure where the balance is between his competition making the #1 better and it disrupting things. There’s going to be a huge difference between his mindset and Manny Legace’s, for example.
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by Chris Burton on Aug 17, 2010 8:21 AM EDT up reply actions
In his two years here, Theo was more or less embarrassed by his coach (at the very least not given a second chance to prove himself when the games really mattered) not once but twice, and experienced a nearly unspeakable tragedy. And he never complained (publicly, at least).
He won’t be a disrupter.
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by J.P. on Aug 17, 2010 8:26 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
He really seems like the perfect fit, here. As long as he knows that barring injury he’s only going to play 20+/- games, then I’d break my hand on the fax machine were I GMDP. The need is for someone trustworthy in the event of injury, and I don’t see anyone on the market I’d trust more.
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by Chris Burton on Aug 17, 2010 8:31 AM EDT up reply actions
Theo started consecutive games 19 times by my quick count. Varly and Neuvi 7 times each. Obviously it wasn’t a clear #1/#2 situation, but Theo was the #1 guy, if you had to make that distinction.
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Okay, thank you. I’ll clarify that, then, because that’s also going to have bearing on his price tag.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
by Chris Burton on Aug 17, 2010 8:26 AM EDT up reply actions
You might want to double-check before using those numbers – that was a real quick glance.
And his price tag is determined more by supply (a lot) and demand (not much). He’s going to have to take a huge pay cut to find work in the NHL.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Understood, but he’s still worth more to a team than Legace/Dubielwicz/warm body.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
by Chris Burton on Aug 17, 2010 8:33 AM EDT up reply actions
Orlov
So, just wondering, what the plan is for Orlov. Will he be a Hershey Bear anytime soon? I want to see how this kid’s game translates to an NHL rink! When can we expect to see him in a Caps uniform?
Anyone else worry that Dmitri Orlov is what everyone around the league thinks of Mike Green?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Aug 17, 2010 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
The thing I worry about is that his defensive game will deteriorate the longer he’s in the K. He needs the N. American experience and time to transition to the NHL.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
Most definitely true – the sooner he’s here, the better.
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I think the KHL is a better league than the AHL, though, don’t you? Wouldn’t you rather him develop over in Russia against grown men before coming here?
Practice on North American sized ice is really important for defensemen. The angles are quite different than what he’d be used to
↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → b a (select) start
There is a shelf life to that sort of idea. If he is going to play in the NHL, he needs to acclimate himself to the rink, the style, the travel, and the off-ice life of hockey in North America.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Aug 17, 2010 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions
The travel he’ll see in the AHL is a lot easier than what he sees in the KHL, especially playing in Siberia. And the off-ice stuff is a bit overrated nowadays.
It is, but coupled with the frequency of games (as many as three on consecutive nights), it can be a problem
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Aug 17, 2010 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Not when it comes to developing players, coaching, systems, and the rink size. There may be more pure talent in the KHL, but the Olympics showed you how much that matters.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I’d like Orlov in a developmental league.
I’d like Orlov with French and Mann.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Aug 17, 2010 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions
You know I agree on both counts.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
i’d like orlov with green eggs and ham!
by Natty Bumppo on Aug 17, 2010 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m spoiling my own Farm Report, which won’t be out today anyway, but in the three game friendly against France, Orlov’s best game came in the third game on a NHL-size rink. Against an exhausted, cranky, and overmatched opponent, he went 1-4-5 and Russia won 7-1.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
I think we all agree that he needs North American but I don’t understand this.
The thing I worry about is that his defensive game will deteriorate the longer he’s in the K.care to elaborate some? I don’t follow KHL that closely (I watch maybe 10 games a year) but I haven’t heard anything about Dmitri Parkhomenko ( a smallish d-man himself in his playing days) that makes me think he will destroy Orlov’s defensive game. Or is it because KHL is known to be particularly bad at playing/teaching defense? That’s not my impression but again I don’t watch a ton of games.
And yes I know Bykov, Kevin Dallman and so on.
Pft why play a small French guy when you have a Svensk viking.
Just know that you watching probably 100% more KHL games a year than anybody else that posts here.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
And you typing better than me, a native speaker.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
by jordanDC on Aug 17, 2010 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I watch the KHL when they do that stupid exhibition game against the NHL at the start of the season. That’s it. But between that and the Olympics I feel comfortable developing and infallible opinion that the KHL blows.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I’ll second that: the KHL blows.
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by Chris Burton on Aug 17, 2010 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions
I felt Orlov had taken a step back in development camp this year. More concern was raised by watching the KHL defensemen on the Russian national teams. Compared to the forward position, I don’t think defensive training is as good in the KHL/Russia.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
I felt Orlov had taken a step back in development camp this year
That’s too bad.
He had a pretty good year in KHL and for the national team. I haven’t watched him enough to have a strong opinion about where he stands in his development. And I never watched him play in person but hopefully I will get to do that in less then a month (in a tourney in Sweden).
The Russian national team had more skilled forwards then they had d-man in Vancouver so Bykov couldn’t screw that up quite as badly (regarding ice time). He totally mishandled his d-squad though. Playing his less talented d-man more then his best d-man. That’s a to small sample size for me to draw any conclusions about Russia/KHL defensive training as a whole.
Pft why play a small French guy when you have a Svensk viking.
One factor to remember is that in the previous year’s developmental camp, Orlov was paired the vast majority of the time with John Carlson, who really took him under his wing and was giving him orders on the ice. That probably helped cover what weakness Orlov had.
That’s a good point playing with a good player can certainly make someone look better then they are especially when it’s just for a couple of days. Maybe MJ90 had that in reverse this year with Burt making him look worse than he actually is.
Pft why play a small French guy when you have a Svensk viking.
I think it’s that the longer he stays in the KHL, the more difficult it will be to transition to the NHL. So while his defensive game may improve, I think his defensive upside will decrease if he’s there for too long.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
матовая Клими, Михал нуивирт ваш папа теперь
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by red army line on Aug 17, 2010 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions
That’s certainly a possibility.
However I think that it’s easy to put to much emphasis on the difficulty’s with doing the transition players do it all the time even if it’s merely for a tournament and not switching leagues completely. And when you listen to interviews with players they usually say that it takes a couple of days to adjust but then they are fine. And that includes goalies and d-man that have to think about the angles.
Pft why play a small French guy when you have a Svensk viking.
Yup. But with worse offense.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Aug 17, 2010 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Orlov is under contract for two more years with Metallurg Novokuznetsk. After that he’s going to need time in Hershey maybe he gets called up for a couple of games. He might be on the opening night roster for the13/14 season if he continues to develop at the same pace as he has done so far.
Pft why play a small French guy when you have a Svensk viking.
I think the Caps can buy him out earlier if they want.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Aug 17, 2010 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions
Somewhat related: how long are the draft rights of European prospects held? Do you get one year after their professional contract in the foreign league ends, or… what?
Four years, I’m fairly sure.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
матовая Клими, Михал нуивирт ваш папа теперь
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by red army line on Aug 17, 2010 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Thank you! That was my first post here and I thought nobody would respond. I had no clue we were that far away from seeing him in Hershey.
Welcome! (you might want to pick an avatar)
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Aug 17, 2010 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions
That was my first post here and I thought nobody would respond.
I know the feeling I was lurking for years before I wrote my first comment, well that’s not completely true I wrote replies but I never hit post. I was so relieved that someone responded to my first comment (I think it was Tyler btw) that I decided that whenever I see a name I don’t recognize I check their profile and if it’s a first comment I always try to answer even tough I’m still more of a reader then a commenter.
Pft why play a small French guy when you have a Svensk viking.
jump aboard. questions like that are helpful to everyone. i’d been wondering the same thing.
the “lurker’s guide” was a well-received fanpost, if you’re interested.
by Natty Bumppo on Aug 17, 2010 4:54 PM EDT up reply actions
LOL on the Jumping the Glass article. I’d like to see them pay homage to some of the old styles as well. As horrific as that barbershop-pole-on-crack jersey getup the Habs had were, Carey Price was rocking some pretty spiffy pads.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
RangerSmurf looks at young defensemen. Green, Staal, and Letang all did well, but were all also the older ones of the group.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
матовая Клими, Михал нуивирт ваш папа теперь
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I'm starting to think the trade will never happen....
by 8vechkin on Aug 17, 2010 8:55 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Not with that attitude it won’t.
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But with reverse psychology it will!
by 8vechkin on Aug 17, 2010 9:02 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
(Btw, feel free to not use the subject line and just post in the body of a comment – it’s what all the cool kids are doing, except when they’re posting images.)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
We'll forgive you
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory
by Rather Bengt on Aug 17, 2010 9:19 AM EDT up reply actions
RB, you are an honorary citizen.
"The most important thing - to get to the playoffs and move on." Evgeny Kuznetsov
Thanks CP. Does that mean I can maintain my home citizenship rights during events like the Olympics and the World Jrs? ;)
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory
by Rather Bengt on Aug 17, 2010 9:28 AM EDT up reply actions
Sure. But its your loss.
"The most important thing - to get to the playoffs and move on." Evgeny Kuznetsov
by Carl Putnam on Aug 17, 2010 9:31 AM EDT up reply actions 12 recs
Or is it?
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory
by Rather Bengt on Aug 17, 2010 9:55 AM EDT up reply actions
Flagged for indecency.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
by Chris Burton on Aug 17, 2010 9:56 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Cruel you are! This is one gif that I will not be staring at endlessly.
"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 Aug 17, 2010 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions
You have to admit that was a nice 2-man play between Iginla and Crosby. Cycle around the edge until one guy could break free and drive to the net.
Who was that defenseman who lost Crosby?
I just checked YouTube, and it was Rafalski and Suter, with Rafalski trying to check Crosby and missing, allowing him a clear path to Miller.
Phew.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
by Chris Burton on Aug 17, 2010 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Rafalski and Suter were dead by the end of the tournament. Gleason and Whitney were so worthless USA had to ride the top pair hard every game.
Martin sure would have been nice to have…
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Aug 17, 2010 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Its beating a dead horse, but had David Booth and Martin not gotten hurt…
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by Chris Burton on Aug 17, 2010 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions
That Canadian team was so loaded, taking them to OT was itself a victory of sorts.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
We should’ve won, dammit.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
by Chris Burton on Aug 17, 2010 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions
I really wanted them to win, too. But even Booth and Martin don’t make the difference in the end, no?
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
I think Martin does, yes. Booth probably not.
Can’t overstate how much it would’ve helped to have someone to take the load off of Suter and Rafalski. Komisarek/Martin probably means gold.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
by Chris Burton on Aug 17, 2010 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions
I wouldn’t discount Booth either. Having a guy with the shot he has could have made a difference against a shaky Luongo.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Aug 17, 2010 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Right, but who do you take off the team? Basically every single forward except for Kessel actually carried their weight and did what they were picked to do. Does Burke/Wilson take Kessel off for Booth? No chance. So then what gives? What’s the ripple?
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I wasn’t crazy about Bobby Ryan either, but he probably doesn’t get bumped. But as well as I thought guys like Callahan and Drury played, I still think Booth is an improvement. I wasn’t crazy about Stastny’s Olympics either.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Aug 17, 2010 4:26 PM EDT up reply actions
True, Stastny had to be more of an impact player but would they put Booth at C? I guess they can shuffle and make it work, but like Kessel and Ryan, Stastny isn’t a guy that is going to get cut. Drury was not going to get cut no matter what, Burke made that clear. Callahan looks like the odd man out but I thought he had an excellent tournament and did everything he needed to do.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
If Burke wouldn’t have dropped Kessel because of the TML connection, then that’s a problem for me. He was easily the worst forward on the team.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
by Chris Burton on Aug 17, 2010 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions
It’s more than just the TOR connection. Burke traded a ton of value to get Kessel, that tells you how highly he values him as a player. He thinks he’s a legit stud and there was no way he was going to leave that high end talent off the team. I think Burke sees Kessel in the same class as Kane.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Kessel in the same class as Kane.
Hahahahaha. Yeah…no.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
by Chris Burton on Aug 17, 2010 6:20 PM EDT up reply actions
I'll keep beating it!
Fuck Mike Richards and Jacques Lemaire. No coincidence both were on Team Canada…
Backes should have caved Toews’ face in. Kidding… I think.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I wouldn’t have batted an eye if Backes had gone postal on someone. He’s capable of it, too.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
by Chris Burton on Aug 17, 2010 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions
I meant during his Inglorious Backes fighting rampage leading up to the Olympics. I think he got Toews, Nash, and maybe Perry. Not good enough it seems.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Oh, gotcha. Yeah, Perry was the third.
Dude. That was hilarious at the time.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
by Chris Burton on Aug 17, 2010 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions
“Four Seconds” — article in Toronto Star that broke down the play leading up to the goal. Great read (even while gritting my teeth).
(Referee Bill) McCREARY: “I just heard a voice hollering. They holler at each other – drop it here, push it there – you hear the players talking and the communication between them is just incredible. I heard somebody hollering – obviously it was Crosby – and Iginla’s battling with Suter, the defenceman, and (Iginla) gained position on him to make a pass. Then the check was finished on Iginla and he was knocked down. So I trailed the puck carrier, who was Crosby, to the net.”
I believe in JC.
I love Bill Bryson!
Watching the O’s try to use strategy is like watching Mike Green trying to figure out the difference between "your" and "you’re"--Terpgrrl
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
I’ve always liked Bryson myself. I enjoyed his book on words and language: The Mother Tongue.
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory
by Rather Bengt on Aug 17, 2010 8:23 PM EDT up reply actions
oh, yes! And have you read his Shakespeare book?
Watching the O’s try to use strategy is like watching Mike Green trying to figure out the difference between "your" and "you’re"--Terpgrrl
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
To be honest, I haven’t read it. But I am always up for any book recommendations. Thanks :)
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory
by Rather Bengt on Aug 18, 2010 7:36 AM EDT up reply actions
My theorybundle on the trade that hasn’t been…
1) The Kaberle shoe had to fall first. Burke, imo, has hamhanded this one, but at least his defense is deep! It’ll be interesting to see what TOR’s next move is to get some scoring up front.
2) Mitchell’s visit. With three west coast teams (including his home province ’Nucks) vying for his services, I see GMGM kicking the tires but ultimately passing when the bidding gets too far along for this high risk/high reward asset. (Prediction: the Big Stick gets a 2 year/5M deal in SJ)
3) Belanger (or his agent) forced a delay on the deal GMGM really wants to make. I’m sure the AC has been tapped up the last few days in the front office.
"Those things happen in sport," McPhee said. "It's not like it's anything chronic."
Flash for Beauchemin
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory
by Rather Bengt on Aug 17, 2010 9:53 AM EDT up reply actions
While I didn’t mean to imply that George may be doing business with BB, I’d make that deal happen in a minute.
"Those things happen in sport," McPhee said. "It's not like it's anything chronic."
by bigonetimer on Aug 17, 2010 10:26 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m starting to wonder a couple of possibly unrelated things regarding the trade.
First, it might be more complicated than “Flash for [X]”. What’s Flash’s trade value? It can’t be all that high. He has a highly public disappearing act in the playoffs in his most recent play; he makes a pretty decent chunk of money now; he had a big shooting pct; and he played on an offensive juggernaut. The other GMs know this. So if the Caps are going to move Flash, it could well involve more assets, if they’re going to net a decent return – and that will take some haggling.
Second, what might those assets be? Taking a look at the Caps roster, their logjam is at LW. Who at LW has good trade value? Brooks Laich, that’s who. At least, if I’m the “typical” NHL GM, as I imagine them, Brooks Laich looks like a valuable commodity. Skates, forechecks, scores, intangibles dripping from his ears, reasonable salary, etc.
So maybe Brooks is on the block.
This is all the purest sort of baseless speculation, of course. Not one shred of evidence to support it.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
I agree on your first point—I’m not sure that Flash is ‘the piece’ that will move; I also agree that, in order to receive the kind of player who would be most useful upgrade (ie: a 2C or someone > Belly, or better than a 5D), McPhee is tacking on a prospect to any deal with Flash. I could see Brooks and his fairly attractive 2M cap hit getting moved, but I just have a hunch that Laich is playing his walk year with us.
"Those things happen in sport," McPhee said. "It's not like it's anything chronic."
by bigonetimer on Aug 17, 2010 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions
With Flash part of the LW logjam (despite the talk about him centering), I doubt that Laich is on the block because of that. If the Capitals trade Fleischmann, their LWs will be Ovechkin, Laich, Chimera, and probably a rotation of King and B. Gordon on the 4th line. Plus, there’s really nobody in the system who’s close.
Besides, I’m starting to get the impression that the organization is starting to view Laich as a core guy.
Negative on Laich as a core guy. The core is AO and Backstrom. I used to put Green in there, and he might return to core status, pending what Carlson does, and how Green acquits himself the next two years, particularly in the playoffs. But that’s it, I think.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
I am feeling pretty pessimistic about Willie Mitchell these days. I don’t think the Caps will necessarily get outbid for him as much as it might be a case of him needing more money to play on the east coast. So if a west coast team is willing to give him, say, 2mil, I don’t think the caps could subsequently land him by offering 2.3 mil. I think they would have to offer a fair bit more than Van/SJ/LA to entice him to play on this coast.
Then again, there’s that whole travel schedule benefit… :-)
We don’t know what he’s thinking. What I want to know is, out of all the teams on the East Coast, why the Caps? We’re not the only contender on the East Coast.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Yep, that’s where I’m at on Mitchell; I’d love to have him but I give it a <5% chance. Maybe the eastern travel will be a bigger deal than imagined for a concussed greybeard…
"Those things happen in sport," McPhee said. "It's not like it's anything chronic."
by bigonetimer on Aug 17, 2010 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions
I sure hope that GMGM doesn’t drop out of the bidding for Mitchell if it’s at 2 years/$5mil.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Aug 17, 2010 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions
I had an unbelievably terrible nightmare last night that we traded Alzner AND Bouchard AND cash to Calgary for Matt Pettinger. I’m not even joking. I’m gonna have trouble sleeping for a while.
Cash as in $$$ or Cash as in the goalie who signed elsewhere?
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
...
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Hey, it’s a good old, healthy Bromance.
"HISTORY DOESN’T MATTER!!! .... Who cares if it’s never been done? We aren’t those teams who failed before. We are in control of our own destiny, and we will make it happen our own way.." - A Gordon, June 2010
by bagace on Aug 17, 2010 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Ah, sweet mystery of life, at last I've found theeeeeeeeeeee
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Aug 17, 2010 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions
the amazing flying Matty P
Watching the O’s try to use strategy is like watching Mike Green trying to figure out the difference between "your" and "you’re"--Terpgrrl
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
EWELL: I think it’s been a real positive for us. In the early stages, shortly after the work stoppage, it helped us get coverage we weren’t getting in the mainstream media. Now, as the team and other coverage has improved, our fans’ appetite for news has grown, and I think our bloggers help meet that demand.
The piece on blogger credentials in National Sports Journalism Center is fascinating, and I agree with Nate’s quote. Just in the short time (three years plus) I’ve been a fan, the local growth in worthy information and analysis of the Caps and hockey has really grown.
I use to get frustrated as I tried to gather Caps’ related analysis and I hated to rely on local commentators such as Wise or Wilbon. I gave CI respect because at least they remained focused on the Caps, and I am a believer in the newspaper. But there was never enough information, and some really bad crap out there when I surfed.
I really didn’t start feeling satisfied until I came to Japers’ to read. Now I have a list of must stop blogs, which I can usually find by simply coming here first.
Many thanks Japers’—from an incorrigible information junkie.
"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 Aug 17, 2010 9:57 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Bolts trade Kari Ramo to Habs for Cedric Desjardins.
Suspect this is just an AHL depth move for both clubs, but it’s the closest thing to real news I’ve found lately, soooo…
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
Sort of. It’s also the Habs’ move to reassure Carey Price (on his birthday!) that he is THEIR GUY AND BTW PLEASE TO BE SIGNING YOUR EXTENSION, by stripping away his biggest farm competition. It’s a silly move on their part since it leaves their goalie cupboard largely bare.
The Habs have not made themselves much better this offseason, and Stevie Y has raided a lot of their organization as well.
I’d be almost fine with the goalie moves, ’cept it makes the TBL org deeper and they are certainly gearing up to compete with the Caps in a major way. If not now, then soon.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Kari Ramo would be a great goalie if he wasn’t a head case.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
You could take replace “Karri Ramo” with about 50% of the goalies out there and that sentence is still true.
Gah. I knew I was spelling something wrong.
Goalies have to be head cases to start with, or they’d never volunteer to let buys whang away at them with frozen rubber discs.
At a hockey camp once, I heard one of the goalie coaches telling the goalies, “you can’t be afraid of the puck”. My thought at the time was, if you’ve got any sense at all, how can you not be afraid of the puck? Even when it doesn’t hit you wrong, it still hurts.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
Interesting about the Habs gift wrapping some additional status for Price. I agree that that’s a dumb move.
The Bolts won’t press the Caps this year. But Stevie Y seems to have them moving in the right direction. Frankly, I think the Caps could use a little competition.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
I tend to think the same. Perhaps a bit more adversity would help them.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Robert L is freaking out that the Habs traded two quality goalies (one at the NHL, one a prospect) in the past few weeks.
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 Aug 17, 2010 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions
If they’re working out Willie Mitchell, wouldn’t that imply that the trade is not for a defenseman? If they know a D is coming here soon, why would they try to add another (and thus have 7 not erskine/sloan dmen). Mitchell probably wouldn’t consider here knowing he could end up the odd man out, or maybe this means the trade is falling through
I can’t see them adding two defense, either.
However, working out Mitchell gives GM some leverage with the potential trade partner: “Look, we can just sign Mitchell and keep our other guys, so you need to sweeten the pot.”
And there’s no guarantee the trade goes through, in the end, so Mitchell is another option.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
Yeah…I’m guessing that it’s more a case of the trade being put “on hold” until after they can get Mitchell in for a workout….but who really knows what the hell is going on?…I sure don’t.
"I am ready for his provocations"
by PaintDrinkingPete on Aug 17, 2010 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Corey M. tweet
UFA defenseman Willie Mitchell is at Kettler Capitals Iceplex today. #caps
"The most important thing - to get to the playoffs and move on." Evgeny Kuznetsov
Finally!
As of today I am now officially a proud full-season Caps season ticket holder! I had been sharing on another’s plan for years. Just wanted to share my joy with someone else.
"Hockey is my life, wine is my passion." -- Igor Larionov
by Scott in Shaw on Aug 17, 2010 12:56 PM EDT reply actions 5 recs
Congratulations!
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Aug 17, 2010 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Thank you both. I’m psyched. Also, I will make sure to post tickets I can’t use at the RRTE.
"Hockey is my life, wine is my passion." -- Igor Larionov
by Scott in Shaw on Aug 17, 2010 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Congrats! Hello from section 412.
The RRTE is great way to make the most of your unused tickets — I love helping fellow caps fans get to a game without getting raped by service charges and broker fees, and I get my money back for my unused tickets in the process (also without having to deal with a broker)…it’s win/win!
"I am ready for his provocations"
by PaintDrinkingPete on Aug 17, 2010 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions
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