Wednesday Caps Clips
by J.P. on Aug 18, 2010 6:41 AM EDT
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PrintYour savory breakfast links:
- Willie Mitchell paid a visit to Kettler yesterday. [CI, The Hockey Writers, McNally]
- More on blueline experience and the Caps' particular lack thereof. [Dump 'n Chase]
- Russian rap/rock/something outfit writes a predictably terrible ditty about, then meets, Alex Ovechkin. [Alex Ovetjkin, D.C. Sports Bog]
- Ovechkin vs. Kharlamov (and no, not the kid the Caps drafted in the first round back in 1994 - his dad). [Greatest Hockey Legends]
- A brief interview with a Caps-lid-rockin' Alexander Semin. [Life.ru via Google Translate]
- On young defensemen and expectations. [Blueshirt Banter]
- A look at the Thrash, from a Caps perspective. [Masisak]
- Trying to ditch that "SouthLeast" moniker. [Flashy Glove Save]
- Remembering the Caps' first Eastern Euro invasion, two decades ago. [Jumping the Glass]
- Finally, happy 48th birthday to Geoff Courtnall and happy 59th to Bruce Cowick.
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All due respect to Pelletier, I’m not sure if that discussion can be had. There’s no denying Kharlamov’s talent, and on loaded CSKA/National teams, he was the best of the players, but You figure Kharlamov had what, maybe a dozen games against non-amateur players. The lack of exposure he had in the Western world is going to be to his detriment in the discussion.
My $.02.
Hasta siempre Jaime.
To those who have downloaded it, what’s your opinion on the newly released NHL 11 demo? The physics engine looks great, although I found myself pulling off massive hits a bit too often. Maybe that was just for demo purposes. The toughest part for me was getting used to the new passing controls (holding RT longer for harder passes). EAUHL looks like I will put dozens of hours into it.
A Capital Wasteland - art & hockey from Washington, D.C.
I’m pretty much in total agreement with you. I didn’t have too many huge hits, although I think guys dropped their sticks a little more than they should have (must have enabled John Erskine mode). I hope they adjustments for that. And I agree holding down the pass button will take a bit to get used to. EAUHL will become a black hole for my free time.
The whole “value vs. potential,” as well as players having limited training slots, makes all the decisions a lot harder. Man, I will spend forever in that mode.
A Capital Wasteland - art & hockey from Washington, D.C.
by Jake Shapiro on Aug 18, 2010 8:34 AM EDT up reply actions
Is Steckel top-ten in value and potential in video games, too?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
We’ll find out when the full game is released! I’ve always wondered how EA decides to rank all the players. I don’t think they do it subjectively, because I don’t think the developers in Vancouver really have opinions on players for the Hannover Scorpions. I wonder how they weight all the different stats for their final player ratings.
A Capital Wasteland - art & hockey from Washington, D.C.
by Jake Shapiro on Aug 18, 2010 8:37 AM EDT up reply actions
Maybe they go by the “Ranking the Scorpions” series on Das Japers’ Eisbahn.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Aug 18, 2010 8:39 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I bet the Scorpions rock the other teams like a hurricane.
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 Aug 18, 2010 8:47 AM EDT up reply actions
I bet the Scorpions rock the other teams like an hurricane.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
Boo, grammar police I think you’re wrong here. “An” would be correct if it were a silent H, but it’s not. You’d never say “an hurricane” in spoken conversation.
/OT
A Capital Wasteland - art & hockey from Washington, D.C.
by Jake Shapiro on Aug 18, 2010 8:49 AM EDT up reply actions
The guy says it like that in the song at least once, which is hilarious.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
You’ll have to excuse Klaus, English isn’t his first language.
"The most important thing - to get to the playoffs and move on." Evgeny Kuznetsov
by Carl Putnam on Aug 18, 2010 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions
Awful. Whistling in songs should be banned.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Maybe you just don’t have enough patience? Just a little patieennneeeeeeccccceeeee.
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 Aug 18, 2010 9:00 AM EDT up reply actions
OT – Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard has an awesome whistling solo by Paul Simon. Just sayin’.
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory
by Rather Bengt on Aug 18, 2010 9:03 AM EDT up reply actions
Damn. Good point. And Dock of the Bay. Eff. I retract my statement.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
JP is off to whistle a happy tune.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
?
I was going to use Doc, but I figured I’d push this a bit!
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
It actually isn’t that far off.
Do you think Dopey can skate fast?
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
Dopey was always the least favourite dwarf on OFB
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory
by Rather Bengt on Aug 18, 2010 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I’ve always wondered how EA decides to rank all the players.
Puck Podcast had a great interview that answers that question here. Basically, they use real hockey scouts and train them to scout for the things important to the game (which may be different from what’s important to real hockey).
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Aug 18, 2010 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
And they do that for all the players in the game, even for the Euro leagues? That sounds like a mega task. Thanks for the link, I’ll definitely listen after work.
A Capital Wasteland - art & hockey from Washington, D.C.
by Jake Shapiro on Aug 18, 2010 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions
how did you find the shooting? are wrist shots actually effective, as they said it would be, this year? (was taking forever to dl so i gave up on it last night)
If you want to survive out here, you've got to know where your towel is.
by ns on Aug 18, 2010 8:46 AM EDT up reply actions
I still haven’t been able to score very easily, but that happens every year for me. The first couple weeks I have the game, I never score more than maybe a goal per period. I just have to learn the new mechanics.
A Capital Wasteland - art & hockey from Washington, D.C.
by Jake Shapiro on Aug 18, 2010 8:51 AM EDT up reply actions
I still haven’t been able to score very easily, but that happens every year for me.
Buy her flowers and dinner and she’ll be all yours.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
You’re on a roll today, JP. Then again, hockey is an incredibly Freudian sport.
A Capital Wasteland - art & hockey from Washington, D.C.
by Jake Shapiro on Aug 18, 2010 8:58 AM EDT up reply actions
Stickhandling…5 minutes in the box….huh?
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory
by Rather Bengt on Aug 18, 2010 9:04 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
If you can get it done in five minutes, nothanks.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Are you more a game misconduct kinda gal?
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory
by Rather Bengt on Aug 18, 2010 9:08 AM EDT up reply actions
Personally, I prefer 2-minute minors for high-sticking…
Oops.
A Capital Wasteland - art & hockey from Washington, D.C.
by Jake Shapiro on Aug 18, 2010 9:15 AM EDT up reply actions
If your stick is above your shoulders, you have bigger problems.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
I’ll try to work harder on my wrist-shots.
A Capital Wasteland - art & hockey from Washington, D.C.
by Jake Shapiro on Aug 18, 2010 9:20 AM EDT up reply actions
Just played for a little bit. I love the new faceoff mechanics, everything else seemed pretty much the same, aside from being able to lay out massive hip checks. Not sure about this EAUHL thing. Must play with it a bit.
"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 18, 2010 9:04 AM EDT up reply actions
The physics engine means the whole game is a bit slower and less arcadey.
A Capital Wasteland - art & hockey from Washington, D.C.
by Jake Shapiro on Aug 18, 2010 9:17 AM EDT up reply actions
Speaking of NHL 11, you know what’s exciting? It looks like they’ll have RFAs in the game this year.
Have they fixed the one and two way contracts thing?
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 Aug 18, 2010 9:21 AM EDT up reply actions
No idea. I hope so. Also that waiver exemption thing. I always found it irritating when teams would dump players in the AHL that I would have love to have claimed.
I’d also kill for the option to turn off CPU trading in Be A Pro so I could monitor it as needed to ensure no bizarre stuff happens (I once saw Ovechkin traded for Chara, for example).
Yeah that’s the one thing keeping me off Be A Pro. I can’t deal with the stupid trades.
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 Aug 18, 2010 9:27 AM EDT up reply actions
Yep. Quite excited for that.
Speaking of contracts in NHL 11, I’m torn on contracts in Be a Pro mode. On one hand, it would be nice to be able to pick what team you want to play for, but on the other hand, players in real life don’t get to pick who they’re drafted by.
A Capital Wasteland - art & hockey from Washington, D.C.
by Jake Shapiro on Aug 18, 2010 9:22 AM EDT up reply actions
In NHL 10 you could go either way, right? Or do you mean you have trouble deciding which route to take.
From what I recall in NHL 10, you could play for who you wanted if you chose to be an existing player. But if you created your own player, you had to be drafted.
A Capital Wasteland - art & hockey from Washington, D.C.
by Jake Shapiro on Aug 18, 2010 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions
Really? Huh, never noticed that. But then, I went the draft route because I wanted to see how high I could get drafted and lose some of the control. Seemed like a great idea before Columbus picked me…
Could you use a work-around by creating a player in the roster management screen and then choose to use an existing player and picking the player you created?
Seemed like a great idea before Columbus picked me…
shedding a single tear for chris clark.
….okay, back to my day.
by Natty Bumppo on Aug 18, 2010 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions
You could pick your team with a created player. I’m almost positive because I played for the Kings, Caps, and Preds, which are three of my favorite teams. Wouldn’t have happened by accident.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
Hmm. Well I didn’t play Be a Pro too much last year, because I find playing as one guy all the time made me worse at the main game as a whole, where you have to control a whole team. With the addition of the CHL making BAP mode deeper this year, I’ll probably play it a lot more.
A Capital Wasteland - art & hockey from Washington, D.C.
by Jake Shapiro on Aug 18, 2010 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions
I think the massive hits were really only when you played those junior teams in the beginning, but yeah it did seem like I was plowing through people. The game looks filthy though. I can’t wait.
The ice surface specifically looks much better than last year. A lot more cracks and detail.
A Capital Wasteland - art & hockey from Washington, D.C.
by Jake Shapiro on Aug 18, 2010 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions
I found myself pulling off massive hits a bit too often.
You need to enable Jeff Schultz Mode (enter code sargesuxgoflyerz) – that’ll take care of it.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Aug 18, 2010 7:54 AM EDT reply actions 6 recs
(Nice reply fail by me, btw.)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
There is a mafia joke or drug joke somewhere in your excerpt as well, I think.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
Hehe. I find it interesting that although we as Caps fans hate the Pens far more than any other team, when we’re referring to stupid fans of opposing teams, we always go to our #2 hate, the Flyers.
A Capital Wasteland - art & hockey from Washington, D.C.
by Jake Shapiro on Aug 18, 2010 8:36 AM EDT up reply actions
we always go to our #2 hate, the Flyers.
This may have been touched on in the QotD yesterday but I’d flip those two in terms of “dislike.” Maybe I’m old, I dunno.
Hasta siempre Jaime.
by Bald Pollack on Aug 18, 2010 8:39 AM EDT up reply actions
As far as team rivalry, Penguins are pretty clear #1 right now, but as far as “average chance I want to punch that douchebag in the face” is concerned, it’s far and away the Flyers and their fans.
Eat, drink, and be merry! And then drink some more.
As per The Glossary:
Go Flyers!!1: Stolen shamelessly from this post by SB Nation’s Pension Plan Puppets (PPP) Maples Leafs blog. The idea: You too get to be an anonymous, “functionally illiterate,” internet-empowered jackass, just as long as you tag a “Go Flyerz!” at the end of your comment so we know you’re joking (or to let us know you’re a Flyers fan and we can ignore you).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Haha, I know about Go Flyerz, I just think it’s interesting we keep it that way despite our nationally televised Pittsburgh rivalry. It’s nice to see we have multiple healthy hatreds.
A Capital Wasteland - art & hockey from Washington, D.C.
by Jake Shapiro on Aug 18, 2010 8:53 AM EDT up reply actions
That might have been my favourite post to write.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Like reading thoughts confined to 140 characters? I'm on Twitter too.
Bruce Cowick – definitely a new one for me, and I’ve prided myself on recognizing names from 1974-1975.
His stats are interesting. 8 games for the Flyers, all in the playoffs, in the year they won the Cup. Claimed by the Caps when they were formed, and then out of the league and hockey two years later. I wonder if he got hurt somehow.
I have to give him credit. Even on a bad team -42 is impressive.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
Rain. Was driving in a monsoon this morning (not Gorilla).
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 Aug 18, 2010 8:21 AM EDT up reply actions
Same post on two different threads. Nicely done.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
I totally thought I was in the OT thread. Yikes.
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 Aug 18, 2010 8:25 AM EDT up reply actions
Nah, that’s how anything Sasha-related usually works.
Hasta siempre Jaime.
by Bald Pollack on Aug 18, 2010 8:26 AM EDT up reply actions 7 recs
I can’t stand the rain
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 Aug 18, 2010 8:27 AM EDT up reply actions
So the Semin link works sometimes, but other times you can’t get anything out of it? Interesting.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
But the link always seems like it will work everytime you click on it, so you try and try again hoping for the result you should get.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
Almost forgot; it magically becomes the #3 search topic on Google.
Hasta siempre Jaime.
by Bald Pollack on Aug 18, 2010 8:33 AM EDT up reply actions
I really like the Blueshirt Banter article, especially the scatter chart that shows where defensemen end up. If you look closely, both Schultz and Green are in that top right quadrant, indicating positive Corsi/60 and positive QC. Interestingly, Schultz in ‘09 took a step back from Schultz in ’08 – slightly higher QC and rather lower Corsi (though still positive). Green’s way off on the far right hand side, indicating a crazy high Corsi against better opponents.
I wonder, though – Schultz and Green aren’t all that far apart on the QC axis – I’d love to see this same scatter chart done for all our D, just to see how much the QC changes from Dman to Dman and pairing to pairing.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
If you look at the related Copper n Blue article, Backstrom ends up being the best—far right with above average competition, along with Toews.
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 18, 2010 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m a sucker for scatter plot diagram myself. I’m a visual learner, so stuff like that is perfect for me.
I’m with you. I’d love to see a plot for last year for the Caps d-men. That is a bit above my expertise level otherwise I’d do it myself.
"The most important thing - to get to the playoffs and move on." Evgeny Kuznetsov
by Carl Putnam on Aug 18, 2010 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions
Oh, I see how to do it but I haven’t the time right now. I might try for doing it after lunch.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Sweet.
"The most important thing - to get to the playoffs and move on." Evgeny Kuznetsov
by Carl Putnam on Aug 18, 2010 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions
I have this poster in the trunk of my car.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
And I’m guessing Mike Ridley probably wouldn’t have been a 40+ goal scorer in the modern NHL. Just a hunch.
That is all sorts of awesome. I have never seen that poster before. It’s going as my PC wallpaper stat.
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory
by Rather Bengt on Aug 18, 2010 9:05 AM EDT up reply actions
I had that as my wallpaper on the computer forever.
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 Aug 18, 2010 8:47 AM EDT up reply actions
He has a whole Kid N’ Play thing going 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 Aug 18, 2010 9:10 AM EDT up reply actions
I keep thinking of Kid n Play when I look at it
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory
by Rather Bengt on Aug 18, 2010 9:10 AM EDT up reply actions
Ugh. How’d we do that YLM?
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory
by Rather Bengt on Aug 18, 2010 9:11 AM EDT up reply actions
Mind meld
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 Aug 18, 2010 9:14 AM EDT up reply actions
....
I mean, it’s pretty obvious
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 Aug 18, 2010 9:15 AM EDT up reply actions
you know its an old poster when its sponsored by companies that made cassette tapes (cue up the kids asking what a cassette tape was). what, geico wasnt insuring cars back then?
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Aug 18, 2010 9:17 AM EDT up reply actions
I used to make loads of mixtapes for friends using Maxell blank cassettes
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory
by Rather Bengt on Aug 18, 2010 9:19 AM EDT up reply actions
What do crazy kids do nowadays?
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
Meth
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory
by Rather Bengt on Aug 18, 2010 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions
It was, but not to the general public, only non-military Federal workers ( hence the name “Government Employees Insurance Company”)
"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
Picked this up from the nhl.com tweetmix. Is he reliable? Could kill Mitchell in DC, no?
Nick Kypreos 31 minutes ago
With up to 4 teams VAN/LA//SJ/Wsh expected to make offers on Mitchell early as today, don’t be surprised if a team gives him long term deal
"It's always good to have vikings."
Proud member of the Oxford dictionary police.
That seems less like information and more like speculation.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
Agreed. And if it’s multi-year… sorry folks, not here. Unless it’s two years, max.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
That was my impression of the tweeter, based on the knowledgeable folks here, but I thought I’d pass it along. Thanks.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Proud member of the Oxford dictionary police.
I’m sure it has no impact whatsoever, but I find it interesting from a historical perspective that the tweeter (Kypreos) and the player’s agent (Mike Liut) were teammates on one of the teams in discussion (the Caps… duh) for three seasons (1989-90 through 1991-92).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Aug 18, 2010 8:52 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Interesting.
I suppose in theory that could be one of those wishful thinking “leaks” from the agent to try to up the offers, knowing that none of the teams actually intend to offer more than two years.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Proud member of the Oxford dictionary police.
I’ve thought since I found out who the other teams in the mix were that WSH was a long shot to land him, and that it was going to take a sweeter deal than he’d get out West.
Not sure if I’d want GMGM to pull that trigger or not. Probably depends on how much it’s for and for how long a term. While it’d be nice to see that he’s willing to do what it takes to get what we need, the fact is that cap flexibility during the season is a good thing and that not all that glitters is gold. (See: Jagr, Jaromir; Nylander, Michael.)
So: What else is out there that goes UFA in 2011 that might fit our bill?
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Thanks. Should have looked myself.
Knowing that a lot of these players will be re-signed before 2011 – does anyone really and truly think it likely that Zdeno Chara won’t be re-signed by the Bruins? – and looking at this list…Hejda and Wisniewski might be available. Tom Poti would probably appreciate the nut-free goodness of Sami Salo (ba-dum ching) but would we?
I still like the idea of going after Mitchell if he’s not too rich for our blood.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
I really think he’ll end up being too expensive for either Vancouver or SJ (although watch, he’ll sign with one of them just to prove me wrong), and honestly I can’t see LA offering him a long-term deal. They, like us, have a lot of kids to worry about re-signing in the next few years. Plus there’s the whole concussion thing – it’s not likely anyone’s going to risk a long-term deal on someone with that history.
Of course I could be way off. And obviously there’s no guarantee that LA doesn’t offer him more than we could, since I believe they’ve got a ton of cap space to play with. If it comes down to them or us he’ll have to decide what’s more important, money or a chance to win a Cup sooner (hopefully dear god please oh please).
Are we in a position where we need to be begging god for friggin’ Willie Mitchell?
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
See what you’ve reduced us to, Sloan/Erskine?
by David Getz on Aug 18, 2010 10:15 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
I can’t see the organization or the player going to three. Even if McPhee thinks that this team really needs an upgrade on defense now, and could really use a veteran shutdown defender in three years, with the uncertainty of the upcoming CBA negotiations, a three year contract is pretty risky.
McPhee has to be looking at the potential buyers if he really wants Mitchell on this team. San Jose and Vancouver are both constrained by the salary cap in terms of what they can offer, but LA is less so. However, LA has a lot of RFAs who are going to require raises at the end of this year, so they probably can’t afford to go beyond a year.
The only way I think he ends up in Washington is if he’s somehow convinced a) that we’re the closest of these four organizations to a Cup and that a cup is a priority over moving his family, or b) that an east coast travel schedule will be nicer for him and his family and he doesn’t mind a two-year deal.
However, LA has a lot of RFAs who are going to require raises at the end of this year
Capitals 2011 RFA’s of note: Alzner, Varlamov, Neuvirth. And a bunch of kids in Hershey who’ll be competing for the spots opening up from the nine UFA’s currently on the roster (albeit at smaller salaries). None of these guys are going to get Drew Doughty money, but I wouldn’t ignore a comparable situation.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Proud member of the Oxford dictionary police.
I would be shocked – shocked, I tell you – if Varlamov & Neuvirth got much more than Quick did last year (3 years, 1.7 million per). Alzner, likewise, will probably also get a small raise, but nothing bank-breaking. L.A., however, has to extend Doughty, Jack Johnson, Wayne Simmonds, Brad Richardson, Oscar Moller, and goalie-of-the-future Jonathan Bernier. That’s a lot of moola right there.
I agree with you. And I imagine a ton of cap space gets opened up with some of the departing UFA’s; for instance, I’m assuming Poti is outta here and Semin is a real question mark. But there are a lot of slots that have to be filled next summer, so that’s got to have some affect on any deals made today.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Proud member of the Oxford dictionary police.
correct me if i’m wrong, but he is eligible for an incentive deal given games on LTIR, but only if it’s a one year deal? i also think from a previous post by JP, his contract would probably not be insurable due to the relatively short length and the fact that they probably wouldnt pay out if he suffered another head injury.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Aug 18, 2010 9:20 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah. You can give a cheap deal laden with performance bonuses and secretly hope that he doesn’t reach them.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
матовая Клими, Михал нуивирт ваш папа теперь
Red Line Station: for Capitals fans who can bear reading something less intelligent than a story at Japers' Rink
Follow me on Twitter!
by red army line on Aug 18, 2010 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions
“30 goals, 95 points…we’ll reward you with a couple mil Willie. Don’t listen to all that 6-Dman bafflegab Willie..it’s all hearsay, blogspeak, Rinkrabble…you know what I am saying? We are sticking you on the top line with Ovie. Hell it worked with Chris Clark. Knuble is getting older, Grandpa Slippers the kids call him. Know what I am saying? If Sloan can go back and forth between wing and the blue line, we know you can with your big stick. Whaddya say Willie..just sign on the dotted line….”
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory
by Rather Bengt on Aug 18, 2010 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions
The big stick actually means that he has no shot. But if he can take his shot-blocking abilities and translate them into setting up in front of the opposing team’s net and deflecting pucks in, well why not?
I remember the Bruins doing that with Chara a few times.
As for Mitchell to RW…hey, a Toronto media outlet suggested Kaberle to center or something.
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 18, 2010 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions
Every year we try to shed the “SouthLeast” moniker. Multiple Southeast teams have won the Stanley Cup, and the label remains. It’s an insult we’re just going to have to live with.
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The Southeast does kind of stink (or at least is has post-lockout).
Still, I have to admit I think part of it is people being cranky there are teams in the Sun Belt.
Perhaps we can shed the title for the most part if three SE teams make the playoffs. I wonder how far away that is.
A Capital Wasteland - art & hockey from Washington, D.C.
by Jake Shapiro on Aug 18, 2010 9:23 AM EDT up reply actions
I think that’s a biggie – the Division has to be deep and competitive outside the division. That hasn’t really happened yet.
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Do you think management tried to sell Mr. Mitchell on the idea of payback versus Malkin?? Played up the hated rivalry of the Penguins? Or did they leave that alone??
I tend to think that a chance at playing in the Winter Classic would be a bigger sell than that.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
“Mr. Mitchell, not only do you have four opportunities to get back at Mr. Malkin for his vicious hit, one of those opportunities is in the Winter Classic.”
by Wheeler on Aug 18, 2010 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Heh. Don’t think he’s going to be thinking about paybacks, but a shot at the WC would certainly be interesting to a lot of players. Would it be enough to sell it? Hard to say.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
I can’t imagine there’s a single NHLer who would factor that highly at all.
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Yes, I tend to agree with you JP. I think the novelty may have already wore off for the players ( even ones who have not played in it yet). I also think its only interesting to the fans of the teams playing….but I could be underestimating that slightly….
I would imagine it’s still a fairly big deal to get to play in the outdoor game for the players. Having said that I think it pales in comparison to the other factors like family issues, salary, team ability, role, term, etc, to the extent that it’s unlikely to make a difference.
My gut tells me more players would rather not participate than would want to (see stories about the Heritage Classic, Brian Campbell’s comments, etc.).
Anyway, if he signs here and if I’m on his introductory conference call… I’ll be sure not to ask that question so as not to be laughed at by everyone else on the line.
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by J.P. on Aug 18, 2010 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Actually Ovie seemed pretty excited about it according to Alyonka Larionov when she was in Moscow recently interviewing him for the NHL DVD. I think she said his eyes lit up when they talked about it. I can’t recall if this was on her twitter or her youtube videos but I can’t check either at work so sorry there’s no source or exact quote:(
Well, he’s a star. For the roleplayers, amybe a bit different.
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Ovie is excited about damn near everything.
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by RedBirdie on Aug 18, 2010 10:01 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
The four factors that mean something to a free agent:
1. Money
2. Duration of contract
3. Chance to win
4. Proximity to their home
Everything else, I think, is stuff the fans talk about, but really have little or no influence on where a guy signs.
Wait, you mean Semin’s not going to stay in DC at 60% of what he could make on the open market because Ovechkin’s his BFF?
I actually can’t see Semin anywhere else but in D.C. I think he would take a pay-cut to stay in D.C., or he’d just bolt to the KHL. I know you were snarking, but I’ve always felt this way about him
by reesem37 on Aug 18, 2010 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
He will not take a pay cut to stay in DC. Players in the primes of their careers would never, ever do that.
coughnicklasbackstromcough
coughhenrikzetterbergcough
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by red army line on Aug 18, 2010 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes, Zetterberg’s contract paying him $73 million means he really took less money to stay with Detroit….
I don’t really see how he could’ve made more money elsewhere. This is how the contract breaks down:
* 2009-10 $7.4 Million
* 10-11 $7.75 Million
* 11-12 $7.75 Million
* 12-13 $7.75 Million
* 13-14 $7.5 Million
* 14-15 $7.5 Million
* 15-16 $7.5 Million
* 16-17 $7.5 Million
* 17-18 $7.0 Million
* 18-19 $3.35 Million
* 19-20 $1.0 Million
* 20-21 $1.0 Million
I don’t see many teams that could offer him more than $7 million for 9 seasons.
I’m sure a team would have given him more, though over shorter term I guess.
Also, Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.
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by red army line on Aug 18, 2010 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions
I think we have established that Semin doesn’t think like 99.9% of other NHL players, so it’s hard to say he won’t ever do something (other than give a 3 hour interview in English) . I agree with you that he won’t take a large pay cut but he might take a smaller pay cut to stay with the Caps
by vtcapsfan99 on Aug 18, 2010 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I think that after a lot of drama next summer, the Caps are going to pay him and he’s going to stay
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Aug 18, 2010 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions
I think that’s a bit overly broad – different things matter to different players. But certainly those are four biggies.
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I think those factors are weighed differently for different players, but I’m not sure what else would be there.
There is some loyalty to a franchise, of course, but I’m never really sure why players do this. I mean, given the opportunity, a GM would trade most any player if it meant making their team better.
Honestly, I think fans consistently overrate “chance to win” as a factor. And I would add in “desirability of location.” Florida and Tampa Bay don’t have players demanding trades to leave, unlike, say, Edmonton.
and does mike liut as his agent make it an easier sell? despite mike having no current ties to the team…just curious about others thoughts….
Can’t imagine Liut makes it any easier to sell than another random agent… though probably easier than if it was Meehan.
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by DBake on Aug 18, 2010 11:14 AM EDT reply actions 6 recs
Welcome! The first order of business is to get yourself an avatar so we can identify you!
"Now wait a minute. This is just purely a social call. You know, just two adults getting a stew on, man."
by The Ghost of Bebop on Aug 18, 2010 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions
How about our favorite baker, Brooks Laich? (Would Laich in a chef’s hat be over the top?)
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Aug 18, 2010 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Welcome D. I assume the Nikki Sixx avatar is being uploaded as I write this.
"The most important thing - to get to the playoffs and move on." Evgeny Kuznetsov
by Carl Putnam on Aug 18, 2010 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions
Thanks JP, As for Mitchell, I may be in the minority but I hope he signs with us for more then 2 years,(I’ll take anything to be honest) Yes I know he has injury problems, However I do feel his presence on the blueline would help the guys already there the way Sergi helped with the forwards when he was here.
Another concern I have is this, I dont see anybody in the system on the blueline that is ready to come up, Poti will be off the books after this year and then I think we are left a giant hole. Mitchell here for 2-3 years I think would bridge that gap for somebody like McNeil If he keeps progressing,
by DBake on Aug 18, 2010 11:27 AM EDT reply actions 3 recs
My concern about more than a 2 year deal is cost. By the end of the contract he’d most likely be a 5/6 guy for the Caps potentially making 3/4 money. I’m not totally averse to a 3 year deal, but I’m wary, especially as he’s got multiple suitors which may drive up the price.
"The most important thing - to get to the playoffs and move on." Evgeny Kuznetsov
by Carl Putnam on Aug 18, 2010 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree, And I wouldnt get in a bidding war, Hopefully McPhee has the contract written up and its a take it or leave it. However I do hope that he’s not looking at just a 1 yr deal, If so then I think its better to make a trade. I think a 3 year deal would be good and you can make the money low and throw in incentives.
I dont see how Mitchell could be a 5/6 guy on the Caps After this season you will have.
Green
Donkey(My name for Schultz)
Alzner
Carlson
Sloan
Erskine would be off the books as well I think.
Sloan is also UFA at the end of this year. Hard to say which of him or Erskine gets kept, and if you ask most of the folks around here you’ll find that the preference is for neither.
Curious – why “Donkey”? Sarge is obvious and Mr. Nasty came up last year, but I want to hear the explanation behind this one.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Sloan’s got two years, not one, left.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Proud member of the Oxford dictionary police.
So he does. My bad.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Wishful thinking, perhaps?
"It's always good to have vikings."
Proud member of the Oxford dictionary police.
No, I’m one of the few around here that actually likes him. I was thinking his deal started last year.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
I like him, too, but I do understand that his relative value to the team is pretty low. Not that he has no value at all.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Proud member of the Oxford dictionary police.
Agreed, but I think the team values him more than the fans do, if that makes sense.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
I still say that signing a replacement-level player that you’re comfortable with and who knows your system for 40% above the minimum is no problem at all.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Aug 18, 2010 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions
I think Schultz kind of has that “Eeyore” look.
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by red army line on Aug 18, 2010 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions
I dont want to get into a Schultz bashing/topic. I just dont like the guy as a player, Im sure he’s a fine outstanding person. Semin gets the same love from me as well.
Uh oh. Prepare for initiation by fire.
By that I mean you should get ready to provide reasons why you don’t think Schultz is a good player.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
He just said he doesn’t like him as a player. You can do that while admitting he’s a good player. Just to head this off at the pass.
The guy is Peter Schumpmaker. Lord knows what a schump is, but you can bet your bippy his ancestors made them. What he's doing is far worse than crafting fine schumps.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Aug 18, 2010 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions
I would have to read “I just don’t like the guy as a player” as “I don’t think he’s a good player” in this case, especially with what he followed it with.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
I don’t like Chris Pronger as a player, but he’s pretty effective.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
by jordanDC on Aug 18, 2010 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I was specifically referring to how he phrased it, not how you would mean it.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
Right, but there’s more than one way to read it until it’s clarified by the author. It could go either way and I don’t know the poster well to enough to say with certainty either way (I mistake meanings even from relatively well-known posters, heh).
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Aug 18, 2010 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions
A rec for both you and DMG and another example; Scott Gomez. Hate him as a player, but he does get it done going both directions on the ice.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Aug 18, 2010 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Absolutely. I don’t like Nik Antropov’s game, but I think he’s a pretty good player.
by David Getz on Aug 18, 2010 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Sorry, I should have said I dont like Schultz’s game, I think he has the tools to be a better player than what he is. Also (Like many others on the team) is horrible come playoffs. I think he’s slow, unwilling to hit, and im not looking for him to be a Pronger and knock the snot out of somebody, but to me his checks are worthless,Seen way to many forwards go around him and Green. An old lady in Harlem getting mugged hits harder the Schultz. His shot from the blueline is horrible. I do love that he plays postional, but to me that’s all he can do b/c he lacks the other skills. Maybe he needs to be paired with somebody other than Green, I dont know, I want to the guy to do well but I just dont see it.
To me I dont know what he brings to the team, And I would love to hear if i’m missing something, but please dont bring up +/- . If any player on the Caps had a bad +/- then they shouldnt be on the team.
....
/sigh
Money don't make my world go round...i'm reaching out to a higher ground
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Aug 18, 2010 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions
I’d start here.
But, quick and dirty, no defenseman in the NHL had a better goals for/goals against per minute ratio last year, and only about a half dozen were on the ice for fewer goals per minute. He also had the second-highest ‘rating’ which is behindthenet.ca’s way of normalizing +/- across teams. So, not only did Schultz have the league’s highest plus-minus (not worth much), he also had the second highest when compared to the baseline set by his team(mates) (worth a little more).
by David Getz on Aug 18, 2010 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Schultz actually works well with Green because he IS so good positionally. Green needs that type of player to watch his back. Sure, Schultz isn’t physical, and he’s not going to score many goals, but he does his job.
And I do have to bring up Schultz’s +/-, for a few reasons. First, it was a +/- at a level that isn’t seen very often – I believe it had been 7 or 8 years since a player had +50. Second, he had a significantly higher +/- than any other Cap, except AO. Green was 3rd, at +39. Third, a few of the Caps had bad +/-. None of the 4th liners had over +6 (which isn’t terrible, but isn’t that good either).
What it comes down to is that Schultz plays an important role and does it well, and is ofter shortchanged for what he does.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
Green was close too—just so many SHGA (8, probably) and probably the only ENGA.
Only 1 ENG against? NHL best.
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by red army line on Aug 18, 2010 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m not a fan of having Schultz paired with Green. I don’t think they make each other much better (but they’re both good already, so that’s not a huge problem). I’d rather have Alzner there.
And I think a lot of what Bake says is true. He does have the tools to be better than he is. I happen to think that if he did develop more (and at 24, there’s no reason to think he won’t), he could go from very good to great. But the truth is, I do find Schultz frustrating to watch sometimes, because he could do more with plays and doesn’t. On the other hand, I absolutely love focusing on his positioning, and the way he just quietly erases certain forwards as though there was no offensive chance developing at all.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Aug 18, 2010 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Right now, I think it’s better to have Schultz with Green. In a season or two, Alzner very well might work better there – depends on how he develops.
Schultz can get better, and he is getting better. Last season, he started showing that he knew how to use that gangly body of his to pin guys against the boards. I think that Schultz will end up as a 3/4D within a couple years. I wouldn’t mind seeing him with Carlson, to see how they work.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
I’m not looking for Schultz to be a Pronger type, but maybe in the vain of Hal Gill, I dont think opposing players see Schultz and go “Man this is going to be tough” Ala I know alot of Caps fans say that when we play Gill, and Chara, They are two big bodies that arent as physical like Pronger but are a pain to play against b/c they defend thier own end well and make it a pain in the ass for any forward to playing in thier end. Why is that? Well to me its b/c they are both good skaters and Chara has improved on that, And they have taken the “Play Positional Defense” to another level. If Schultz can improve on that then im all for it. To me he’s a traffic cone that happens to get in the way on accident.
I hope his terrible luck continues if everything he does is an accident.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
by jordanDC on Aug 18, 2010 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
There’s good reason to hope. Schultz is better at 24 than either of those guys were at that age. Both of them took their time in developing.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Aug 18, 2010 3:12 PM EDT up reply actions
It’s very rarely on accident. He places himself well for shot-blocking and taking forwards out of the play. He does have a weakness against small, fast forwards though – which Gill and Chara both share to an extent.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
Gill drove the folks at Pensburgh crazy except basically when they were playing Washington.
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by red army line on Aug 18, 2010 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Again, Im not here to get into Schultz is this and that, I was asked why I dont like him as a player and responded. I do like that he works hard and to me I hope he improves, Alot of you have brought up some good things that I havent seen and this year from section 411 I will pay close attention during the season.
Could the Caps upgrade with somebody better then 55 of course, But that could be said for all of them with the exception of maybe 3 players.
Current way they could upgrade Schultz – Willie Mitchell. Maybe Alzner, if he shows the right skills. Good point there.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
Mitchell yes I think so, Alzner with a year or two yes. Would I kick 55 off the team? NO, But I would think he would be 5/6 on the depth chart.
Lets see. If the Caps land Mitchell or lets say trade for Beiska. The defense would be in my mind.
Green- Not sold on him being #1 but oh well
Mitchell/Beiska
Carlson
Alzner
Poti
Schultz
Erskine/Sloan. I would go with Sloan but take your pick.
Poti leaves after this year then Schultz is 5th.
Thoughts?
Green- Not sold on him being #1 but oh well
lol ok. Good to know what we’re dealing with.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
lol ok. Good to know what we’re dealing with
LOL. Trust me if there was 1 guy I could kick to the curb its this guy and BB for his love fest with Greener.
Yeah. Stupid jerk keeps getting nominated for the Norris. TO THE CURB!
Eat, drink, and be merry! And then drink some more.
Coach, professional hockey writers, knowledgeable fans, take your pick.
Eat, drink, and be merry! And then drink some more.
Not liking him is one thing, not recognizing that he’s one of the top defensemen in the league and even going so far as to say he’s not even the #1 defenseman on this team is laughable.
Eat, drink, and be merry! And then drink some more.
by SmallZ827 on Aug 18, 2010 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Lucci did finally win one though. :)
Green did come in second (again) in votes despite the entire Philly media group deliberately leaving him off their list in protest over Pronger not making the cut.
I’ll take Green voted as no. 2 across the league—that’s pretty damn good. A lot of teams would love to have our Greenie problem.
"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 18, 2010 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Green did come in second (again) in votes despite the entire Philly media group deliberately leaving him off their list in protest over Pronger not making the cut.
The voting is done before the “finalists” are announced; the “finalist” are just the guys with the three highest totals.
What was the story with the Philly media crew then?
Clearly I’m misremembering. All I recall is that there was some some kind of brouhaha about them collectively deciding not to vote for Green.
"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 18, 2010 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Anthony San Filippo I think is his name. He posts comments at BSH, fwiw, and does good coverage of the Flyers.
(shudder)
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by red army line on Aug 18, 2010 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions
He does – generally I respect his opinion, I follow him on Twitter…but yeah, that whole thing was laughable. And even worse than just saying something like “reporters should be embarrassed to have voted for Green” was his opinion that Ehrhoff would have been a better option.
I just read that (thought I could attempt to answer my own question).
It was bad. Very bad indeed.
There did seem to be a fair amount of anger at the perceived snub of Pronger, but I was surprised at the degree of hatred for Green among Philly blogs and posters.
"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 18, 2010 4:54 PM EDT up reply actions
I think most here would agree that his TOI has been a sore point and were hopeful of the potential relief Corvo would provide in this area before that crashed and burned.
That said, Green’s offensive skills are excellent among current D corps and they’re worth having out there at the top of the depth chart.
Hasta siempre Jaime.
by Bald Pollack on Aug 18, 2010 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions
If we were to get Mitchell, here is what I think would be the best pairs:
Green/Schultz
Mitchell/Carlson
Poti/Alzner
I would put each of the vets with one of the rookies because I think that would help them develop better. This isn’t in terms of skill, it’s just the pairings I would like to see.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
Agreed, Although Carlson and Alzner held thier own in game 7.
I really would like the Green/Schultz pairing to be broken up. Maybe Poti with Green?
Why break it up? Look how good it was last season. Schultz could work with Poti, but there’s no one else who the Caps have now who can work as well with Green.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
…actually there are quite a few people who would prefer to see Green skate with someone a bit faster. After some discussions with people like that I’ll admit, I’m not sold on Sarge as an automatic top pair guy.
Do you think someone better is immediately available, and someone who wouldn’t be being thrown into the fire, like Alzner?
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by red army line on Aug 18, 2010 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions
No. I think for now Schultz is fine – if we land Mitchell I could see him up there, too. Not particularly fast in his own right but more of a veteran presence, a bit more seasoned and capable of covering for Greenie when necessary.
Eventually, though, yes – I could see Alzner up there.
I would agree with Alzner being up there eventually, but my post was dealing with the current situation.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
True. I actually skimmed over the second half of your comment – but my point was really just that Schultz isn’t automatically a top pair guy just because he’s had decent success in that role. And as you said, it was a role he took on out of necessity.
Most of the rest of the NHL would like to see Green/Schultz broken up too. Not for the same reasons you do though.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
by timmyv38 on Aug 18, 2010 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
In Game 7 this past postseason, Carlson made the horrible play that led directly to the GWG. Alzner did well, and Carlson did for the most part – but that’s a big screw-up.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
That was when Carlson and Green were both on the ice. Carlson clearly stopped hustling back and glided I guess since he thought Green would try and hold up the play a bit. ROokie mistake.
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by red army line on Aug 18, 2010 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions
I wouldn’t mind seeing Mitchell up there. I’d stick Schultz with Poti and let Alzner and Carlson develop together for the time being.
Alzner/Carlson at this point would be the weak link. The other two pairs would be good, but Carlson and Alzner aren’t going to get better unless they get playing time. Those two together could lead to some poor plays. Better to pair them with more experienced players – look at Carlson/Poti last season.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
I’m not sure I follow. It seems like you want them both to be protected and get pretty significant minutes?
I think it’s that if they play together with big minutes then they’ll make lots of rookie mistakes.
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by red army line on Aug 18, 2010 3:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Maybe – but if I were to play them together, they’d be on the third pair, getting limited minutes against mediocre competition. I think their familiarity with one another might help ease their transition in to the NHL game.
I’d rather have 3 pairs who can all get a good amount of minutes, to try to alleviate some of Green’s excessive TOI.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
I would at least like to see Carlson given :30 of each PP to help out Green’s TOI.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
I’d like to see him or Alzner get some PK time to help out Poti’s S/60 (suckage per 60 minutes).
by Becca H on Aug 18, 2010 4:17 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Poti would probably be a better penalty killer if the team relied on him a little less.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Aug 18, 2010 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions
I can see Mitchell on the top pair if he’s here. Bieksa takes a third pair role, though.
In general, Schultz at this point in his development would be a stud second pairing guy. He’s a bit over his head on the top pair. Particularly since BingeEater52 could use a partner with better wheels to cover for him.
I like Poti better than either Carlson or Alzner for the second pair right now, but hopefully not in, say, 4 months time.
So if the Caps add Mitchell, here’s how I would roll the pairs to start the season:
Green/Mitchell – Green has to get top pair minutes, and Mitchell is the best SAH D to cover for him.
Poti/Schultz – Schultz gets enough TOI and good opponents to have an impact, Poty is here by default.
Carlson/Alzner – let the rookies get sheltered minutes as they learn the NHL
If it’s Bieksa, move Shultz to the top pair, one of the kids moves to second pair, and the other kid gets partnered with Bieksa on the bottom pair.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
I like those pairings.
"The most important thing - to get to the playoffs and move on." Evgeny Kuznetsov
It’s not on a level with Philly’s D, but it’s pretty good. Particularly if Carly improves enough to take second pair minutes by the time the playoffs get here and Mitchell stays healthy. Then you’re maybe looking at a blueline that could legitimately challenge for a Cup. Maybe.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
No one has a D as good as Philly’s. If the Caps add Mitchell and eventually get a true 2C then they’ve got a shot. If not, they would need some serious luck match-up wise.
"The most important thing - to get to the playoffs and move on." Evgeny Kuznetsov
Or Michael Leighton?
They’ll have to run their top-4 really hard on the road in the playoffs. Not as hard, but hard.
If you want content, go to the Copper and Blue. If you want numbers, go to Behind the Net. If you want humor, go to Pension Plan Puppets. If you want discussion, go to Broad Street Hockey. If you want bravery, go to Five For Howling.
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by red army line on Aug 18, 2010 4:50 PM EDT up reply actions
ok why is it acceptable to call Mike Green BingeEater when it’s not ok to call Sidney Crosby Cindy? I view these insults as being on the same level. Mike Green didn’t gain a ton of weight last season and become a fatty, so it’s not really fair to call him binge eater. He was looking fit at the NHL awards too.
My understanding is that “Cindy” is not ok because you implying that there is something wrong with femininity by calling him by a girl’s name. There’s probably more to it than that, but that seems to be the gist of it from the posts I have read.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
If Schultz’s success at the NHL level is the result of circumstance rather than skill, he should quit the League and become a gambler for a living.
But Chara and Gill aren’t good skaters. Chara’s about average, and lacks agility, and Gill’s about as bad as you’ll find in the NHL (among non-enforcers at least). I don’t know that Schultz is hard to play against – although I always found guys like him hard to play against – but he’s been very effective.
How he thwarts Malkin is a thing of gangly beauty.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
by oldemystix on Aug 18, 2010 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
My problem is when people look at his size and assume he has to play just like Pronger. Not only do Schultz and Pronger play a different style of defense but very few NHL players could be said to be just like Pronger. Pronger is in an elite class of his own.
For me it’s a matter of realistic expectations. Schultz simply is not that kind of shutdown defenseman and if fans keep judging him those standards, they will continue to be disappointed by him. Really we should be judging him by how well he plays his positional stay-at-home type of defense, and whether he is effective for the Caps when playing his own game.
The other posts here can help you judge Schultz’s game on his own merits. Not Pronger’s.
"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 18, 2010 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions
if this were satire, it would be BRILLIANT.
by Natty Bumppo on Aug 18, 2010 7:58 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I like Schultz, but I think “Donkey” is a fantastic nickname for him.
But then again, I like donkeys
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Aug 18, 2010 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions
I also like donkeys. They’re hardworking, not fussy, and sometimes have a calming effect on nervous horses. All of which fits Double Nickel.
by miseenjeu on Aug 18, 2010 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
Plus they have giant ears and are lanky and uncomfortable moving backwards.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
by jordanDC on Aug 18, 2010 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
Also good at signaling when danger is near.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
by oldemystix on Aug 18, 2010 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
And famously difficult to move when they don’t want to
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Aug 18, 2010 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Plus, Schultz’s tail isn’t even REAL.
Eat, drink, and be merry! And then drink some more.
by SmallZ827 on Aug 18, 2010 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I rec’d this entire thread, including yours, which doesn’t even make any sense.
"Hockey is my life, wine is my passion." -- Igor Larionov
by Scott in Shaw on Aug 18, 2010 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions
I think the 4 young guys are ahead of him by. While I think he’d start of paired with Green here I think eventually Alzner takes that role and Carlson and Schultz are paired up. This assumes everyone, but Sloan getting re-signed over the next couple of years. 2 years from now Mitchell will be 35. Given his injury history and age I suspect he’ll slow down by then.
"The most important thing - to get to the playoffs and move on." Evgeny Kuznetsov
by Carl Putnam on Aug 18, 2010 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m pretty sure CP2 meant that at the end of a 3 year contract Mitchell would most likely be a 5/6 D. I agree with him, on the theory that he’s on the downward end of his development curve, and Schultz, Alzner, Carlson and Green (I hope) are on the upward plane of theirs.
In three years Mitchell will be worse, and the other 4 ought to be better than they are today. Hopefully better than Mitchell is now.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
Exactly what I meant. As usual, you said what I wanted to better than I could.
"The most important thing - to get to the playoffs and move on." Evgeny Kuznetsov
by Carl Putnam on Aug 18, 2010 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions
How does Schultzie rate the nickname “Donkey?”
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Besides, Adam Dunn already is the Donkey. Can’t be two.
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 Aug 18, 2010 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Who won't make the playoffs
Via PD, Sporting News has its list of non-playoff teams out.
In the East:
15. Florida Panthers
14. New York Islanders
13. New York Rangers
12. Toronto Maple Leafs
11. Atlanta Thrashers
10. Ottawa Senators
9. Carolina Hurricanes
In the West:
15. Edmonton Oilers
14. Columbus Blue Jackets
13. Minnesota Wild
12. Dallas Stars
11. Anaheim Ducks
10. Nashville Predators
9. Colorado Avalanche
I have no particular problems with the East, although I think Atlanta sneaks in and I’m pretty sure Ottawa isn’t 10th.
In the West, I have Colorado pegged for a little regression, but 9th seems a bit extreme. And I’m with PD, picking against the Preds doesn’t make a lot of sense.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
At least they have two teams making it, so that’s something.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
Poor Columbus
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 Aug 18, 2010 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Carolina and Tampa Bay play each other in their respective final games this season. That game could be for the eighth spot in the East.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Aug 18, 2010 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions
By process of elimination, the playoff teams then would be:
WAS, TBL
PIT, PHI, NJD
MON, BOS, BUF
If I’m putting ATL in the playoffs, who do I bump from the list above? I’ll say Caps, Pens, Flyers, Devils and Sabres are locks.
From the also-rans, I’ll swap Atlanta for…um…Montreal. They came damned close to missing out last year, and they’re one Carey Price flameout from having no options in goal.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
No way Calgary makes the playoffs, as that there list implies.
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 Aug 18, 2010 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions
If I’m putting ATL in the playoffs, I’d have to say they would replace TB. I like what TB has done, but with a new GM (granted) I still think they need another year. If Downie can adjust or tweak his style (not change it), it will prove to be a huge step forward for him and maybe the team. I just don’t see the SE getting 3 teams in…yet.
You gotta run to a window and say: "Hey, these floors are dirty as hell, and I'm not gonna take it anymore!"
I would wonder about Philly. They barely made the playoffs last season, and I don’t think they improved overall. Their defense is better, but their forwards seem to be worse and their goaltending is still highly questionable. Add to that a total lack of cap space, and I don’t know if they’re good enough.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
Yeah, but they took half the season off.
Unless they totally underachieve, they should make the dance.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
You might be right, I just see a few question marks there. If Leighton and Boucher can’t cut it as starters, the Flyers are going to be in trouble. They have $837K in cap space according to capgeek, so they can’t really get another goalie. That seems to potentially be their main weakness – although their defense might be able to cover it.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
Their goaltending is definitely their major weakness.
Zherdev-Richards-JVR
Briere-Carter-Hartnell
Lapierre-Giroux-Leino
Carcillo-Betts-Powe
Pronger-Carle
Timonen-Coburn
Mesjzaros-O’Donnell
That F corps is ridiculous, especially at C. As ridiculous as it was with Gagne? No, but Zherdev is healthier, even if he’s less skilled. I still think they should move Carter for assets and play Briere at center, but that group is scary. The D last year went 4 deep; the top two pairs were outstanding and the 5-6 group was dominated every time they stepped onto the ice. They fixed that; O’Donnell-Mesjzaros is nothing to brag about as a second pair, but that’s a formidable 3rd pair. As long as their goalies don’t ruin their bedding every game, they’re going to be a tough out.
I think they badly underperformed last season and I’m not really sure why. The whole team shot uncharacteristically low percentages all year.
The presumptive favorites in the east, as far as I’m concerned, are the Pens and the Flyers. This is not to say that the Caps couldn’t win the East, but I see both of those teams as the class of the conference with their development and offseason acquisitions.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Aug 18, 2010 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions
The only potential problems I see with the Flyers is depth. They’ve doinked themselves so thoroughly against the cap that if they get a couple injuries to key guys, they could struggle.
But that lineup looks awfully good on paper.
Agree with you about the Pens and Philly being the presumptive favorites.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
Michael Leighton gets a who-o-o-o-o-o-ole season in Philly. He will not have many fans by the end of it.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Aug 18, 2010 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I’ll say Caps, Pens, Flyers, Devils and Sabres are locks.
I agree with the first four teams on this list, but I don’t think the Sabres are locks. If anything happens to Ryan Miller (even a relatively minor regression, which I bet we see), they’re fighting hard to win the division. They deal with more injuries on top of that and they’re fighting to make the playoffs.
Montreal is a 5-7 team with an entire season of Markov, but they’re in serious danger if he misses significant time again. Actually, I’m redacting that. MTL is going to have to get very good goaltending from Price and pray that Hamrlik and Gill don’t go downhill quickly and get significant contributions from the cheap contracts at the bottom of the depth-chart.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Aug 18, 2010 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions
I just don’t see who’s going to really challenge BUF? Boston?
Agree with your Montreal analysis as it regards Hamrlik/Gill and the bottom of the depth chart. I think they only need average goaltending from Price, but I also doubt they’re going to get it.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
I think Boston is better than they showed last season when they couldn’t score at all. Savard was out for long stretches and their wingers didn’t play all that well. I think they’ll see a step back from Rask and a step up in scoring for a net gain; this team isn’t as good as the 08-09 incarnation (but neither was the 08-09 incarnation, heh), but I think they can make 105 points.
As for Price, he’s got all the tools to be an above-average-to-very-good NHL goalie. Whether he can put it together in that fishbowl is the huge question for me.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Aug 18, 2010 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes, Boston. They could be scary-good this year in the same way they were two years ago.
They’ve still got a pretty good defense (Chara/Seidenberg Boychuk/Hunwick Ference/Stuart), a significantly-improved forward corps (adding Tyler Seguin and Nathan Horton) and they’ve got guys like Ryder, Sturm, Lucic, and Wheeler who significantly underperformed last year. Boston’s top-9 is composed of 8 guys who have all had 20 goals at least once in their careers (Savard, Recchi, Sturm, Krejci, Horton, Wheeler, Bergeron, Ryder) and three of those guys (Bergeron, Ryder, and Horton) have scored 30 goals in recent history (there’s no way Recchi will score 30 again, though you can slot him in for 20). It’s not likely that they’ll all score that much, but they have much more offensive depth this year than last year. And none of that takes into account any offensive contribution from Seguin.
Their defense is also still pretty decent, though not as good as it was in ‘08-’09. And if Tuukka Rask takes a huge step back, they’ve still got a decent goalie in Tim Thomas.
I’m counting on Recchi to take a step back and I’d bet on 15 before 20. I think the addition of Horton (a legit 1W) is huge for them; he’s their new triggerman to finish those bang-bang plays from Savard.
Big old asterisks: If Bergeron or Savard re-visit their concussion issues, Boston’s in for a ride as rough as a cob once the playoffs start.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Aug 18, 2010 2:32 PM EDT up reply actions
The problem with all those players contributing is that some of them won’t/can’t be there on opening day. The Bruins are more than $5 million over the cap with 22 players and both Savard and Thomas have contracts that few teams would want to take on. And Thomas has a no-movement clause so they can’t even bury him in the minors. There may be some Chicago-like fire sales taking place right before Opening Day.
And then there’s the trouble of who even has the space to take on those deals. Teams like CAR, DAL, ANA, and NSH will have budgets and the big market teams that can afford stashing guys in the minors are against the cap.
If you want content, go to the Copper and Blue. If you want numbers, go to Behind the Net. If you want humor, go to Pension Plan Puppets. If you want discussion, go to Broad Street Hockey. If you want bravery, go to Five For Howling.
If you want all of the above, go to Japers' Rink.
My blog (now featuring two Penguins fans as co-authors) and Twitter.
by red army line on Aug 18, 2010 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Capgeek has them at $3.1M over the cap if you use the bonus cushion, and $6.7M over if you don’t?
They could stick Seguin in the minors and get his $3.55M off the cap, which would get them under by a bit.
But if they’re going to carry more than 21 players, then they’re going to have to swap one of their mid-tier earners for an ELC minimum-salary type of guy.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
Doesn’t Seguin have to go to juniors if he doesn’t make the team?
"It's always good to have vikings."
Proud member of the Oxford dictionary police.
He does. I think there’s a good chance they’d have been better served not signing him to an ELC, but rather holding his rights for another year. 18, 19, 20 in the NHL < 19, 20, 21 in the NHL on the ELC in terms of contribution. I’m pretty sure that Boston’s window (such as it currently is) isn’t closing after this season, not with the bounty of picks they pulled from the Leafs.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Aug 18, 2010 8:41 PM EDT up reply actions
lol wut
Seriously, though, while I’m an unabashed homer, the proposition that the Flames and Blues will make the playoffs over Nashville is a little ridiculous. Uninformed much?
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
by Chris Burton on Aug 18, 2010 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah I’m not digging the Blues on that list either. Too much love for Halak.
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 Aug 18, 2010 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions
I think the Blues will make a big push for the playoffs, but it’s not because of Halak. Their young guys stagnated a bit last year, but I think they take the next step this year. They are a good team.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Aug 18, 2010 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Not in that Division/Conference.
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 Aug 18, 2010 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Meh. Any team with Eric Brewer and Barret Jackman getting big minutes is going to have some issues.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
by Chris Burton on Aug 18, 2010 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Brewer sure looks like an issue
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 18, 2010 3:12 PM EDT up reply actions
I wouldn’t say no to Jackman as a 6th. But Jackman ain’t a 6th over there, is he?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Aug 18, 2010 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions
I have no problem with Jackman as a 6th. Was someone I was hoping we would inquire the Blues about last year in fact.
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory
by Rather Bengt on Aug 18, 2010 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Predators need offense and lost Arnott?
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 18, 2010 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions
But if that’s his rationale, that’s ridiculously uninformed.
While we did lose Arnott, replaced him with younger, faster Matt Lombardi, Sergei Kostitsyn, and Jonas Andersson. Even with Arnott, we were right in the middle of the league in 5-on-5 scoring, so the offense is not a problem like people think it is.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
by Chris Burton on Aug 18, 2010 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Also, the Predators were a full 10 points clear of ninth place, so even if they lost Arnott and he hadn’t been replaced by anyone, was he still worth five wins all by himself? I think not.
Eat, drink, and be merry! And then drink some more.
Yeah…no way.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
by Chris Burton on Aug 18, 2010 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions
DP pretty much has it down to a science, as far as making the playoffs on a limited budget goes. Hire a coach and provide him players to: play good defense, be difficult to play against, and outwork teams in the grind of the schedule, and you’ll get enough points to make the tournament.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
According to CB, NSH will have the investor issue sorted out soon, so he could be spending to the cap in a couple of years, or at least be allowed to.
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 18, 2010 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Pretty much. Now if it would just work in the playoffs…
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
by Chris Burton on Aug 18, 2010 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions
A big part of that is running into some buzzsaw squads in the West, which always seems to have a couple. Playing 12 games a year against DET and CHI doesn’t help, either.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Aug 18, 2010 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m not one for excuses, but we have had some really shitty draws every year. If we had gotten Vancouver or Phoenix this year I think we’d have gone through.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
by Chris Burton on Aug 18, 2010 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions
It’s amazing how your draws affect your fate in the playoffs – there really is a luck component to going all the way. Look at Philly: Buffalo, Boston, a tired Montreal team that had just been put through 2 7-game series by the Caps and the Pens.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
SportingThe Hockey News has its list of non-playoff teams out.
They’ve been counting down backwards, one East and one West team a day.
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 18, 2010 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions
So Olli Jokinen + Tanguay + Ivanans = playoffs?
….
……..
The sky is the same color wherever you go.
by Steck It Out on Aug 18, 2010 1:00 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I have Colorado pegged for a little regression, but 9th seems a bit extreme.
Colorado was 8th last year, I don’t see 9th as an extreme drop, especially in West. I actually think there is a good chance that they drop even further. They got a great season from Anderson and a ton of contributions from young guys. We’ll see how those hold up.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Aug 18, 2010 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions
All season long in terms of shots they stayed afloat only with good goaltending and above average shooting (and a good ability to get into high percentage areas). But they were a Corsi shipwreck.
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 18, 2010 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions
I really can’t see Edmonton coming in again at 15th, unless a handful of things happen:
1) Nikolai Khabibulin gets sent to jail, but Edmonton can’t get rid of his contract or his Cap hit. Martin Gerber comes in and is serviceable, but gets injured quickly. The team goes back to relying on Jeff Drouin-Deslauriers and Devan Dubnyk.
2) Ales Hemsky/Dustin Penner get injured and spends a significant amount of time on injured reserve.
3) Ladislav Smid and Sheldon Souray both get injured for half the season again.
They were bad last year, but they were bad because they had big injuries to key personnel. And they’d do really well to pretend that Khabibulin wasn’t coming back and to sign another goalie (there are a bunch of them out on the market, btw), or at least bring in a few goalies on tryout contracts.
Oh, the other reason I can’t see them as finishing at the bottom of the league is that the Blue Jackets are hands-down worse, top-to-bottom.
Corey on Boyd Gordon
Glad to read the back issue may finally be solved.
"The most important thing - to get to the playoffs and move on." Evgeny Kuznetsov
That’s great news about Gordo. I love how he remains nonspecific about his problem though—if just muscular though I’m guessing it’s some form of specific stretches and exercises.
"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 18, 2010 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Has anyone seen the EA Sports NHL game for the Wii?
http://nhlslapshot.easports.com/home.action
I don’t have a PS3 or XBox, but I’m also not that into video games any more (between work and family and other stuff, playing video games has pretty much been eliminated), but this looks halfway decent.
I played one of the Wii hockey games last year, and it sucked. The controls were absolutely horrible.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
I’m not sure which it was. Game was far too forgettable.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
2K was the one. I think there was something about AO losing to a 10 year old at Ballston mall.
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 18, 2010 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions
I thought there was 2 last season. I could be misremembering though – I don’t pay a lot of attention to sports games.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
I’m sure this is the first year for EA NHL on Wii.
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 18, 2010 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Ovi’s on the 2010 NHL game for the Wii. I know this because we own it. My son and his friends love it but then they are ten and the Wii is the only playing system we have.
"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 18, 2010 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, AO on NHL07 and NHL 2K10 (and some Russian covers) and Backstrom on Sweden’s NHL10 cover.
Next up: Carlson?
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
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by red army line on Aug 18, 2010 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Chris Burton
I noticed the discussion over at RC, but didn’t really do a lot of research into it. What’s all the hubbub over Dan Ellis right now?
The guy is Peter Schumpmaker. Lord knows what a schump is, but you can bet your bippy his ancestors made them. What he's doing is far worse than crafting fine schumps.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Aug 18, 2010 3:00 PM EDT reply actions
Start here, read all the way down for my take. Pretty sad situation.
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by Chris Burton on Aug 18, 2010 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Mitchell to make up his mind by the end of the week, per Sportsnet. Stick tap to Fear the Fin.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
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Yeah. Never mind, although
It is believed Mitchell will make up his mind on his future by the end of the week.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
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by red army line on Aug 18, 2010 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions
By whom? Not “We believe” or even “sources say.” I’m not buying it, not the way it’s phrased. (That’s not to say he won’t make up his mind this week, but that quote doesn’t assure me.)
Eat, drink, and be merry! And then drink some more.
Well, Sportsnet is a major media outlet…
But if the Kovy deal taught us anything (Kovalchuk was expected to make up his mind every day it seemed), it’s to not worry about this every day.
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 18, 2010 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Didn’t Liut say he’d be making up his mind at the end of the week? Thought I read that somewhere…that’s about as reliable a source as you’re going to get, the agent.
Unless he’s Jay Grossman saying Kovalchuk will make his decision today.
Katie reports it in Capitals Insider
“Nothing is imminent,” Liut said in an email, “but we will continue to work towards that end the rest of this week/weekend.”
I’m so glad it’s Liut. That guy is a pro’s pro and a class act. If I was a player, I’d want him as my agent.
I’d love to get his take on how to fix the league and the NHLPA, if he were willing to give an interview.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Aug 18, 2010 5:25 PM EDT up reply actions
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