Monday Caps Clips
by EmilyB on Aug 2, 2010 7:33 AM EDT
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Your savory breakfast links:
- Bryan Helmer >>>>> Chris Pronger. Fact. [The Voice of Sport]
- Uncle Ted looks at the Canadian hockey press looking at the Caps in a favorable manner. No better time for this story than the first day of August, eh? [Toronto Sun]
- A better title for this article: "NBCSports misses the point entirely" [NBC]
- Bringing a little MMA flavor to Opening Night. [Kings of Leonsis]
- Alex Ovechkin: Statesman. Advice columnist. And the reason LifeSports.ru breaks out the long lenses at metric football matches. [Alex Ovetjkin]
- Nicklas Backstrom: Awesome 25 NHL collectible action figure, or Joe Sakic in drag? [Spawn.com]
- Cody Eakin heads to WJC camp in a few days. [Globe and Mail]
- In former Caps news, Olie Kolzig wants you to get out your sticks and your wallet. Young Carson nods in agreement. [American Chronicle]
- Finally, happy 49th birthday to Torrie Robertson.
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Yeah, that’s absolutely amazing.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
It’s a sound bite world we’re living in, folks.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Proud member of the Oxford dictionary police.
Talk about out of context.
I mean I can’t stop laughing at it.
There’s a part of me that understands, and I guess to an extent “respects”, that controversy sells, but I had always thought it was derived from the Prince song of the same name, not fabricated out of the ether.
By the way JP, your selection of beverages is daring and intriguing. I can’t help but think the last IPA you tried was made by the creators of Fruit Stripes gum. I half expect that IPA to be absolutely delicious for 3 sips then become Miller Lite afterwards.
That’s got to go right up there as Exhibit 1 for sloppy reporting, but think if you’re SDR. A national news organization ( and I use that term loosely) has just quoted the GM who drafted you as saying you’re useless. If I’m McPhee I’m making two phone calls this morning. The first is to NBC demanding a correction and the second is to SDR explaining how you never said that. Unfortunately, that headline is going to get spread around Canada and the correction is going to go unnoticed.
Reminds me of how one year at Harvard when the upperclassmen were running around handing out house assignments to underclassmen the local news thought it was a protest.
Wow, bad reporting.
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 2, 2010 10:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Abraham Lincoln had cold words for his countrymen and for his own speech — “But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate — we can not consecrate — we can not hallow — this ground…The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here…”
Martin Luther King came to Washington looking for a handout — “we’ve come to our nation’s capital to cash a check…But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. And so, we’ve come to cash this check, a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice.”
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Aug 2, 2010 8:06 AM EDT reply actions 6 recs
it ain’t hard to miss the point…
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Aug 2, 2010 8:06 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
And I’m pretty sure John F. Kennedy said “Ask…what your country can do for you.”
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Aug 2, 2010 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
I saw the Olie photo in today’s Clips and deep down, I was hoping to read “Caps are retiring #37!”
And I’ve already preordered my Baxter action figure, huzzah.
A Capital Wasteland - art & hockey from Washington, D.C.
AO should come bang a drum with the Barra at a DCU game. Gives you a workout and distracts you from the crap on-field product.
It takes...something? Anything?!?
Hey man, we’re only 1 win away from not-sole-possession-of-last-place!
A Capital Wasteland - art & hockey from Washington, D.C.
So what does everyone think of the grumbles in regards to Niemi to Washington?
Play armchair GM for a moment. What would you want to send Niemi and Sharp to Washington?
Makes no sense. Niemi’s too expensive and goaltending is pretty far down the list in terms of the team’s needs.
"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 2, 2010 9:06 AM EDT up reply actions
First, Washington doesn’t need Niemi. He’s a more expensive, and less talented than Varlamov or Neuvirth. Second, there’s no package that the Caps have that a) they’d want to give up for something they don’t need and b) would suit Chicago’s need for a salary dump.
This isn’t even counting the fact that they’re not trading Patrick Sharp.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Go take a few minutes on Capgeek and figure out how they keep Sharp and Seabrook. They can say they aren’t trading them all they want, but when push comes to shove are they going to forfeit a whole season because they can’t ice a team under the salary cap?
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I bet they trade Bolland before those two though.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Obviously. But he has way less trade value and I’m not even convinced that moving Bolland opens up enough cap space. They could squeeze it with all league minimum guys basically, and they may just try to do that, but saying “we aren’t trading Sharp” isn’t really a comment grounded in the reality of the situation. The second anyone gets hurt they are absolutely fucked, especially if it’s one of the 9-10 guys that is going to get 45 minutes of ice a night.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I completely agree, and I think they may have to trade Shooter – I’m just quoting what I’ve read. I’m not convinced, even with their core, they’ll be anywhere near as good as they were last year.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
They won’t be anywhere as near, that’s pretty obvious. I saw all the comments about Sharp but when they are all followed with “we don’t have a solution” then I’m not taking them too seriously. Stan Bowman is in some shit and he can say “I’m not going to do X” but the reality is he’s cut all the fat he could afford to cut, and now something important is going to have to go.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
The Central Division is going to be one helluva clusterfuck in 10-11, that’s for sure. St. Louis gets Halak, Detroit gets older, Chicago dumps their entire bottom six, and Nashville either stays status quo or improves a good bit depending on how you look at it.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
It’ll definitely be fun to watch. I could see it shaking out in any number of ways, all with CBJ finishing last.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Haha, that was a given. They’re the epitome of suck.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Great point, Chris.
My own take many of the Western Conference teams:
Detroit is getting older
Chicago has lost numerous people this off season
Vancouver has picked up players but can they win the big one>
Colorado was last year’s surprise team but can they repeat their success
Phoenix — also a surprise team but can they repeat their success
San Jose — getting older and now have new goalie so they could be on their way down
LA — seems to be improving
Nashville — agree with your assessment
St. Louis — unknown
Calgary — Iglina is getting older. They’ll probably need to rebuild soon.
Rocking the Red since 1975
This is what the “all league minimum guys” scenario looks like, taking only in-house players:
CAPGEEK.COM CAP CALCULATOR
FORWARDS
Patrick Kane ($6.300m) / Jonathan Toews ($6.300m) / Marian Hossa ($5.275m)
Patrick Sharp ($3.900m) / Dave Bolland ($3.375m) / Tomas Kopecky ($1.200m)
Troy Brouwer ($1.025m) / Viktor Stalberg ($0.850m) / Jack Skille ($0.600m)
Bryan Bickell ($0.541m) / Jake Dowell ($0.525m) / Mathis Olimb ($0.600m)
Hugh Jessiman ($0.500m)
DEFENSEMEN
Brian Campbell ($7.142m) / Duncan Keith ($5.538m)
Brent Seabrook ($3.500m) / Niklas Hjalmarsson ($3.500m)
John Scott ($0.512m) / Mike Brennan ($0.750m)
Jordan Hendry ($0.625m)
GOALTENDERS
Marty Turco ($1.750m) /Corey Crawford ($0.800m)
CARRY-OVER BONUS PENALTY: $4,157,753
CAPGEEK.COM TOTALS (follow @capgeek on Twitter)
(these totals are compiled using the bonus cushion)
SALARY CAP: $59,400,000; CAP PAYROLL: $59,268,257; BONUSES: $65,000
CAP SPACE (22-man roster): $196,743
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by winterion on Aug 2, 2010 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
The bottom half of that roster is fugly. Would Bowman really start the season with that kind of roster?
They get $4M in bonus penalty back next year, but they also have Stalberg and Seabrook needing new RFA contracts, and they’ll need to sign another starting G. Plus they have another 3-4, lower tier RFA types to deal with.
If they’re going to avoid plugging in ELC guys as above, something’s got to give.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
Skille was a first round pick and just couldn’t consistently break into that lineup. Hendry’s better than Scott or Brennan. Bickell’s not terrible.
I guess when they miss the playoffs people here in Chicago are going to bitch and moan, but winning the Stanley Cup will certainly help.
The thing is, if they HADN’T won it this past year, this dismantling would be much, much worse — they lose have their team and have nothing to show for it.
Bluntly – why would we spend the extra money? Is Niemi good? Yeah. Is he enough of an upgrade to be worth close to $3M? I don’t think so. Neuvirth doesn’t deserve to be buried in the minors. I don’t have any problem with giving the kids a shot.
Sharp’s good, but do we really need more wings? No, we need centers.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Sharp is a capable and accomplished center, but I agree completely.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
I’ll buy Sharp, though I don’t think the Caps go for it – why not give the kids a shot and go for a center later? We don’t need Niemi, though.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Sharp has a great contract for us that allows Mackan to figure out North American hockey. MP is not the 2nd line C. Flash at the moment is the best fit for 2C and that is not the ideal situation.
Mackan is not ready for the NHL.
4th Floor, is next, swimvare, undervare, Eric Fehr...
On what are you basing the assumption that MP85 cannot fill a role? I’m not necessarily disagreeing, but what makes you make a bald statement without backing it up?
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Because MP didn’t even stick at 3C. Look at how the Caps handle their youngsters. No one has just jumped into that type of role unless they were absolutely spectacular, which MP hasn’t.
4th Floor, is next, swimvare, undervare, Eric Fehr...
I think MP didn’t stick at 3C last year more because there were three guys ahead of him and less because he sucked or was awful.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
It was his job if he was spectacular. He was good at times and struggled at times.
4th Floor, is next, swimvare, undervare, Eric Fehr...
Struggled to put up points, sure. I don’t think there was any point where he looked like he shouldn’t be in the league.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
I agree and I never said he didn’t belong in the league. I think he can play 3C. All I meant was that if he was a world beater, the 3C job would’ve been his for more than a few weeks.
4th Floor, is next, swimvare, undervare, Eric Fehr...
Nobody’s saying he was a world beater.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
Well… who was the last guy that made Chris Clark look like a good player? Who was the only guy that has ever made TSlo look like a scoring threat?
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Besides, we’ve been talking about needing a 2C for over a year, and there hasn’t been a crowd uproar for MP to take the spot. Or am I missing something?
4th Floor, is next, swimvare, undervare, Eric Fehr...
What about MP to 1C, Backstrom to 2C? AO can score 50 with Zubrus and Clark, he can with MP and Knuble too, I bet.
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 2, 2010 10:35 PM EDT up reply actions
It’s not just about scoring or getting Ovie points, its also about defending. MP is not there yet, and may never be able to defend against 1st line C’s and play 20+ minutes on top of that.
I doubt anyone in the Caps organization is thinking MP 1st line.
4th Floor, is next, swimvare, undervare, Eric Fehr...
Didnt you just make a bold statement too saying that Sharp wasn’t a C? When he has taken over 1000 faceoffs in the past 3 years.
4th Floor, is next, swimvare, undervare, Eric Fehr...
I based that on looking up on NHL.com – he’s listed as a LW. shrug Honestly, I have more important things to worry about then arguing with you if you’re going to get all huffy because I asked you to back something god forbid.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
I based that on looking up on NHL.com – he’s listed as a LW.
Ah, makes enough sense, though that’s really not a reliable source. They have Viktor Kozlov in their database as a center, for example.
He did play as a center for a long time in Florida and on the Island, didn’t he? I just thought it was only here where he wasn’t used as a center.
He was used in DC as a center at times as well, in fact.
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 2, 2010 10:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Just odd that you’d ask me (call me out actually) to back why it is my opinion that neither MP or Mackan are capable of playing 2C at the moment. While you can’t do a little research on Sharp.
We’ve only been talking about Sharp for months.
And no one in here is comfortable with our current 2C situation. No one.
4th Floor, is next, swimvare, undervare, Eric Fehr...
by JSchon on Aug 2, 2010 9:47 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Patrick Sharp can play all the forward positions – with aplomb, FWIW.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
by Chris Burton on Aug 2, 2010 9:08 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Everyone else beat me to it. Sharp plays C pretty well and is good in the dot.
"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 2, 2010 9:09 AM EDT up reply actions
And awesome on the PK.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Aug 2, 2010 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Sharp can play center, and I assume Neuvirth would be part of the deal. But I dont think this deal should happen, just interested in what people think we would have to give up.
As far as Niemi being less talented then Varly, I agree…but he has a cup…thats big in my opinion.
I’m hearing Sharp can play center :)
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
But can he get to home?
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Have you seen him? I’m guessing he scores more often than n-…oh, you were going for a sports thing. I get it.
He’s like the Bugs Bunny of hockey, though, he can play at center or either wing.
Varly would have a Cup if he played behind Keith, Seabrook, Campbell, Hjalmarsson, Hossa, Toews, Sharp, and Bolland, too.
Basically, Niemi didn’t have much to do with their title.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Yeah, this year was not the year of the goaltender.
"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 2, 2010 9:11 AM EDT up reply actions
No NHL team allowed fewer shots in the regular season than did Chicago. The Blackhawks finished closer to the middle of the pack in that statistic in the playoffs, but then again, so did Niemi in GAA and save percentage. Think he’d fare well facing more rubber in DC?
I’m not seeing where he has more upside 3-4 years down the road than either of the kids.
If you've read this far...seek help.
"Hockey Experts" really should learn basic math.
Ultimately whether CHI signs Niemi, Turco or a $500k nobody, CHI will still be over the cap.
I can’t find evidence of a single team with 20 contracts (the minimum) that was able to function up against the Cap. Last year CAR had about that much but were below the Cap to handle call ups etc.
What I’m saying is… what team has had only 20 players not get injured or hurt and play in all 82GP on their roster? I can’t find a single one.
As it stands now, CHI has 17 players out of 23 on the roster and are $400k over the cap.
If you move Huet(+$5.625M), bring up Crawford (-$800k) and sign Niemi to this $2.75M deal, they are looking at a net of ($1.15M)
That would bring them to 18players on the roster.
Looking at their defense they would need at least 2x D- men (They have 5, you need 6 for a game and 1 back up for injuries lets say)
Best they could do is $1.065M for them with Cullimore($565k and Carlsson($500k)
And at least 2 more forwards, best case scenario is 2 of 4 guys @ $500k
$2.065M appears to be the minimum CHI would need to clear up. You take the $1.15M
and you are looking at $1.085M.
Even the rumored Turco Signing would have them just over the cap. What confuses me… is that if Turco was offered $2M to play in PHI, and turned it down, why would he take less to play in CHI? I see CHI having to make a move whatever they do, even if it’s signing a $500k goalie.
At this point it makes sense for them to sign Niemi and move one of the following, Sharp, Seabrook, Bolland. That would put them in a more competitive situation next year as they will still have these issues next year
by paid in full on Aug 2, 2010 9:16 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Oops evidently I can’t add. I lowered the cap benefit rather than increased it.
1.15 = 1.7M
1.085 = 0.365
Signing Niemi would require an additional $365k in cap space.
by paid in full on Aug 2, 2010 9:23 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I don’t know what cost-of-living is like in Chicago versus Philadelphia, but it may have been a personal quality of life issue. Maybe Turco felt more comfortable in one city versus another, or didn’t like Philly, or felt that he’d get a better offer later and turned it down.
Even losing all the talent they did this offseason, Chicago still has a formidable core in Keith, Campbell, Kane, Toews and Hossa. I guess you can add Hjalmersson as well now, since he’s locked up for four more years; they picked up a bunch of high draft picks this summer and I think they’re betting they can get significant contributions from players on ELCs. They may be right about that; I thought CHI did a lot of things to put themselves in good position for the future this summer, all things considered.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Aug 2, 2010 9:38 AM EDT up reply actions
I can see your point, but I have to think they recede quite a bit. Losing Byufglien, Versteeg, Ladd, Sopel, Burish, Eager, and Niemi is nothing to sneeze at and those guys basically were their entire bottom six.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
They’re not going to be the as good as they were this season; this was a special squad getting large contributions from guys on some serious value contracts. Kane, Hjalmersson, and Toews were on their ELCs, Keith was on a 3 million-ish deal, Hossa was pulling down less than 6 mil a year in cap hit, Ladd was underpriced, et cetera. Campbell sticks out like a sore thumb in that group, but he’s still a very good defenseman.
Losing those guys is definitely a blow, but you can put players around that core and make the playoffs and even make noise pretty consistently. Add in that Hossa is going to outproduce that contract for the next two-three years and that Keith will as well, in addition to all their high picks coming in on ELCs and I think they’re in pretty strong position going forward.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Aug 2, 2010 9:47 AM EDT up reply actions
While Bowman has done a commendable job of blowing up the team and getting value in return, he still hasn’t addressed the fact he will have the exact same issues that will arise next season. Who knows, maybe Seabrook is willing to take a 10% raise. Unlikely, but possible. Then what happens? They have bargaining and control over 10 signings, but even at 10% increases for qualifying offers they are going to be right up against the Cap again.
Moving one of the big named players, notably Sharp and Seabrook who have the most interest and value, is essentially their only options as far as I can tell, that will actually get them out of this salary cap hell-hole.
by paid in full on Aug 2, 2010 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions
True
Dollars are definitely not the only motivating factor in a signing. In fact I feel family and location play a big part in it. $5.4M down to $1.75M is a huge pill to swallow.
Even with all of the potential they have for rebuilding the length of a lot of these contracts is what hurts the team. They will need to look at what they can get for Sharp and Seabrook now, as opposed to what they can do later as they risk losing these players for nothing. Even if a draft pick or prospect comes in @ $700-900k those dollars have to come from somewhere. Moving one of those big names ultimately will position them better for the future and allow them to get better again faster.
Hanging on to this core as is… I just don’t see it happening.
Everyone I mentioned as part of the core is signed through at least 2014 and I don’t see them trading anyone in that group except possibly Hjalmersson, though I don’t know why they would do that with their defensive corps getting thin behind their top 4 (or 3 if Seabrook is the moved party). Toews is the Captain, Keith is signed for 13 years, Hossa is going to play the value years of his contract in CHI, maybe he gets moved later and who’s going to take Campbell’s contract?
I’m not sure how much leverage they have for solid returns right now; remember that Tampa just pulled Simon Gagne for Matt Walker and a 4th because Philly was so far over the cap and thus didn’t have any leverage. That’s waaaaay below what his market value is, even with his injury concerns; you just don’t get elite penalty-killing first-line goal scoring wings for that return unless there are mitigating circumstances. Those circumstances are starting to brew in CHI as the summer gets longer and teams have fewer and fewer roster spots left to fill.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Aug 2, 2010 9:52 AM EDT up reply actions
Well said.
Personally I see Seabrook as being the player that is moved.
I just don’t see how they can possibly keep him after this season.
by paid in full on Aug 2, 2010 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions
Well they do have 4.158M in cap penalties from last year which they shouldn’t have next year. So that will allow them spend a little more next offseason season. So I think they will be able to afford to keep Seabrook if they choose too.
This is all predicated on the concept that CHI will be able to function with 20 or 21 players up against the cap.
It’s almost impossible. How many players play all 82GP over the course of a season? CHI will have to function below the cap with that few players and the only way to do that is to give up more salary with out taking on more. Kopecky and Brouwer don’t have enough value or clear enough cap space
by paid in full on Aug 2, 2010 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions
CHI just needs a cheap guy that can play F or D in a pinch. TSlo would fit the bill, um, perfectly. Then they just need 21.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
TSlo makes about 200K more than Chicago can afford him at
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Aug 2, 2010 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Re: Living issues
I don’t think that’s the issue at all.
We would have loved to go to the Flyers, but it’s not happening," Turco texted CSNPhilly.com late Saturday from Scotland.
Via BSH.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
To be clear, that was just listed as one possible factor in his decision, not something he necessarily felt strongly about either way.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Aug 2, 2010 2:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Even the rumored Turco Signing would have them just over the cap. What confuses me… is that if Turco was offered $2M to play in PHI, and turned it down, why would he take less to play in CHI?
Because Turco misplayed the market. He turned down 2 mill thinking he’d get more, then PHI spent the money so 2 mill isn’t on the table for him so now he has to take what he can get if he wants a job.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Aug 2, 2010 9:30 AM EDT up reply actions
As a Caps Fan, I’d send away a top-end goaltending prospect (Varlamov or Neuvirth), a first-round pick, and John Erskine in order to make the salary work.
As a Hawks fan, I’d want Stan Bowman’s head for trading Sharp to a Cup contender.
As an impartial hockey observer, I’d want to know why the heck Chicago is trading away key pieces to Washington.
So what does everyone think of the grumbles in regards to Niemi to Washington?
JOURNALIST: interior monologue - Hmm, I read somewhere that someone else did a capgeek and Niemi’s award puts Chicago over the cap. I guess that means Chicago has to move him. But what team needs him? Let’s go down the list. Atlantic – New Jersey, they’ve got Brodeur and he’s still awesome. The Rangers have Lundquist. The Islanders have like eight goalies. Damn, this is hard work. Hey, check out this dog riding a lawnmower, that’s hilarious. OK, back to the salt mines. I can’t believe I have this deadline. OK, I need to focus here. Philly can’t take any more salary. Pittsburgh has Fleury so no dice there. Central — Detroit has that kid Howard.
* * *
OK, I’m down at the last teams the Southeast and I still haven’t found anyone who needs a goalie. Shoot, I really need to write something. Let’s see, Tampa signed that guy Nittysomething this offseason. Capitals. Hmmm, Capitals. Varlamov, that’s that kid who made that one save against Crosby. Mmmmmmm, Crosby. Wait, Varlamov’s only like 22. And the Caps haven’t resigned Jose Theodore. Wow, Theodore, that’s one good looking man. Well, I guess the Caps’ plan is to acquire a goalie from somewhere else. I’ll put them in my article as a potential landing spot for Niemi.
Shot of screen, as writer types “Teams that are potentially interested in Niemi include Washington…”
Self, you’ve done some damned fine work today.
aaaand scene
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Aug 2, 2010 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions 13 recs
Niittysomething is in San Jose, but it doesn’t detract from the point… too few nets for too many goalies.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Um, that’s just how lazy the hypothetical journalist is. right, that’s what I was going for.
(Dammit, the offseason goalie shuffle ended up with Ellis in TB)
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Aug 2, 2010 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions
Rangers traded Patrick Rissmiller and Donald Brashear to Atlanta for Todd White last night.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
That’s what I said, too.
Basically, he rearranged the chairs on the deck of the Titanic.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
lol @ Glen Sather.
"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 2, 2010 9:11 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m impressed he offloaded Brashear.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Yeah, I was mostly loling at ATL on this one. Why the F would you trade for Brashear?
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
To hit the floor? Even with a buyout.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Proud member of the Oxford dictionary police.
Blech. Maybe the league should move that team.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
Actually, looking at capgeek, it may be a wash.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Proud member of the Oxford dictionary police.
Right. Brash is 1.4, Rissmiller is 1.0 and White’s about 2.375. It’s essentially a wash.
The Thrashers probably picked up Brashear for the same reason the Capitals did – they have a lot of good, young players they want protected, and they’re willing to keep a guy in the lineup to do that.
they’re going to buy him out.
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.
No, they just need to force the owners to settle their squabble so it can run like a legitimate franchise. The potential in ATL is pretty incredible if they can ever get their shit together. And now that the Thrashers have more black players than the Braves I think they’ve got a great line on local advertising straight from the Omar Minaya book.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I just find it hilarious that he signed Brashear to such a long deal in the first place only to trade him a year later. Good on him to kind of rectifying his mistake, I guess.
"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 2, 2010 9:17 AM EDT up reply actions
Well, he signed Boogaard to an enormous contract, so don’t give him too much credit.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
When he inevitably trades Boogard next off-season, which enforcer will he shell out close to 2 million a year for?
"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 2, 2010 9:25 AM EDT up reply actions
He already tried Jody Shelley, but Wade Belak’s deal expires next year!
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Tyler Sloan
or Tomas Fleischmann
or Alex Semin
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 2, 2010 10:43 PM EDT up reply actions
serviceable? Right now, White is no less than the Rangers’ #2 center.
If you've read this far...seek help.
I was going to say, White had himself a pretty decent couple of seasons. There was some rumbling about putting Dubinsky at wing and running with Erik Christensen at C over at Blueshirt Banter, this would definitely facilitate that.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Aug 2, 2010 9:28 AM EDT up reply actions
So if someone on the Caps runs a Thrasher, Brashear (fill in the blank)…
It takes...something? Anything?!?
…gets the stuffing beaten out of him by DJ KING!!!!!1
/OFB’d
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
by Chris Burton on Aug 2, 2010 9:15 AM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
will grimace from the press box.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
by jordanDC on Aug 2, 2010 9:15 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Will laugh as he cashes his buyout check…
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Aug 2, 2010 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions
spoke too soon
Atlanta waived Brash and will buy out the remainder of his deal, per @ajcthrashers.
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35+ contract, so all it saves it cash, not cap space. Which doesn’t matter, because they’re still under the floor.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Proud member of the Oxford dictionary police.
Yeah, but for a franchise like the Thrashers, saving cash relative to cap space has to be a valuable thing. Their cash flow statement can’t look too rosy after the last few years.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Aug 2, 2010 9:34 AM EDT up reply actions
So let’s recap…
Atlanta gives up Todd White and incurs a buyout liability
for
Patrick Rissmiller… a 31-year old with fewer than 200 total NHL games, none since October 2008.
Someone want to explain this from Atlanta’s side of the table? Yeah, White’s numbers fell through the floor last season compared to 2008-2009, but now they have less than $40 million in cap hit, and they have a guy who hasn’t played a full NHL season since 2007-2008.
If you've read this far...seek help.
It helps them reach the cap floor without spending the cash.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
I’d like to see that math.
They increase their cap space by $2.375 million in moving White (reducing their cash outlay in the process).
They reduce their cap space by adding Rissmiller (a $1.0M cash outlay)
They reduce their cap space further by adding Brashear (buying out the remainder of his contract)
Rismiller is $1.0M (one-way deal), Brashear’s has $1.3 M left on his deal ($1.4M cap hit).
The only benefit I see here is that cap space is encumbered by a player who will not occupy a roster spot (Brashear), meaning Atlanta now has a free spot to add payroll to get to the floor.
It’s early, and I’ve got to be missing something here, but that’s the only benefit I see to this. The thing is, in doing it, the Thrashers are worse off as a hockey team (that’s a brutal trade on the hockey merits), pending how it is they use that free roster spot.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Someone want to explain this from Atlanta’s side of the table?
It lets them add salary-cap dollars while subtracting actual cash dollars.
They buy him out and pay him $966K over two years while carrying a $1.4M cap hit this year (I think?), to help them get closer to the floor.
The AJC implied that the team wanted to buy out White, but couldn’t do it because of his injury last year – no idea if that’s accurate, though.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
Typo: $867K paid to Brash. Including the $1M paid to Rissmiller, the Thrash save about $730K versus what they’d have paid White.
BWA speculates that the Thrash now can put one of their youngsters on the roster and try him out in White’s slot, while at the same time bumping up their cap towards the floor.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
Patrick Rissmiller has more huge goals in his career than the entire ATL organization over the span of their existence.
It was a pretty sweet goal, too. Remember that one CB…
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
(all in good fun, of course./cough)
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Of course. I knew you’d remember exactly what goal I was referring to.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Re: earlier discussions on defenders effecting the save percentage of the goalies behind them:
There is a rather excellent discussion and commentary from some of the leading stat people in the blogosphere. Highly worth the read if you’ve any interest in this sort of thing.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Aug 2, 2010 9:26 AM EDT reply actions
The Kings have 6 guys invited to Hockey Canada’s WJC camp. Everyone knows Schenn, but to have 5 other guys invited to camp is impressive.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
speaking of
Trimmed to 28:
GOALTENDERS: Jack Campbell (Dallas), Zane Gothberg (Boston), Andy Iles (2011 Draft eligible).
DEFENSEMEN: Adam Clendening (2011 Draft eligible), Brian Dumoulin (Carolina), Justin Faulk (Carolina), Derek Forbort (Los Angeles), Stephen Johns (Chicago), Jonathon Merrill (New Jersey), John Ramage (Calgary), Philip Samuelsson (Pittsburgh), Patrick Wey (Washington).
FORWARDS: Beau Bennett (Pittsburgh), Nick Bjugstad (Florida), Ryan Bourque (N.Y. Rangers), Connor Brickley (Florida), Chris Brown (Phoenix), Zach Budish (Nashville), Charlie Coyle (San Jose), Jerry D’Amigo (Toronto), Emerson Etem (Anaheim), Chris Kreider (N.Y. Rangers), Jeremy Morin (Chicago), Brock Nelson (N.Y. Islanders), Kyle Palmieri (Anaheim), Brandon Saad (2011 Draft eligible), Austin Watson (Nashville), Jason Zucker (Minnesota)
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by Chris Burton on Aug 2, 2010 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions
aw, shit
The above is USA’s WJC camp roster, not Canada’s. Sorry, CP2.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
by Chris Burton on Aug 2, 2010 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions
Campbell kind of stuck out there.
I figured either it was a non sequitur post or you just knew what you were doing.
I guess it’s neither. Happy Monday.
Every bursted bubble has a glory! Each abysmal failure makes a point! Every glowing path that goes astray,shows you how to find a better way. So every time you stumble never grumble. Next time you'll bumble even less!
Heh; I should’ve left it alone. No one cares about Canada here anyway, right?!
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
by Chris Burton on Aug 2, 2010 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions
they’re not even a real country, anyway.
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
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They’re just our hat, or something. At any rate, screw ‘em. Can’t stand them.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
by Chris Burton on Aug 2, 2010 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions
No prob. Just add another King, Forbort (15th overall this year) to the list of guys in WJC camps. Damn!
I hope Wey is able to make the US squad after the rough year he had health wise last year.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
The above is DEFENDING GOLD MEDALIST, THANK YOU VERY MUCH RAHJC! USA’s WJC camp roster…
much better!
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.
This year’s hero will be Austin Watson. Book it.
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by Chris Burton on Aug 2, 2010 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m going with Ryan Smith.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
Is Etem NHL-ready? Several scouts are saying Watson is, but I don’t think I buy that.
Sort of related: Ryan Ellis is playing in his third WJC. Crazy.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
I don’t know if any of those guys are NHL ready at this point. I’m not sure if it’s a good sign or a bad sign that Ellis is playing in yet another WJC.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
He doesn’t have anything else to do, really. Can’t play in the AHL and wouldn’t make the Preds.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Yup. But after such dominance in Juniors you’d like to see him progress at some point. It is definitely an anomaly because of how deep NSH is at D.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I’d love to see Trotz give him the 6D spot instead of Ryan Parent, because as we all know Parent blows, but it’d mess up his contractual status. With our PP the way it is, though, might be worth it.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
I’m pulling for Teemu Laakso and his great hockey name, myself.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
I think his ship has sailed, but yeah.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Yeah, last I saw he was on a commercial on Finnish TV wearing a suit covered in question marks while climbing the steps of Finnish government buildings and trying to sell a book that describes government grants, calling it “free money from the government.”
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Aug 2, 2010 4:38 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
That guy lives in my neighborhood and his wife drives a orange Scion covered in green question marks.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
I think my dad saw that guy at Panera once
Like g-strings? Like f-holes? If so, orchestra may be right for you!
Allergy warning: fantasy baseball team may contain Peanut Butter.
Chowdah Chatter - an outlet for my random thoughts and such.
LOL @ BCCD
What happened to Tinordi! He’s a first round pick and a BCCD! Looks like three or four guys picked after Tinordi are still in the hunt…
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
BCCD?
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.
Big Crease Clearing Defenseman.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
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.
The Blackhawks have confirmed they are walking away from Antti Niemi and signing Marty Turco to a one year deal.
This paves the way for Theo to Nashville, huzzah!
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Wait – does that mean they are going with Huet and Turco to start the season?
Every bursted bubble has a glory! Each abysmal failure makes a point! Every glowing path that goes astray,shows you how to find a better way. So every time you stumble never grumble. Next time you'll bumble even less!
That would be a serious lolfest, but I doubt it. I think Huet gets buried in Rockford and they go with Corey Crawford.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
by Chris Burton on Aug 2, 2010 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions
I couldn’t remember Crawford’s name.
A complete changeover in goalies from a Cup winning team because the GM couldn’t manage his long term cap. Fabulous.
Every bursted bubble has a glory! Each abysmal failure makes a point! Every glowing path that goes astray,shows you how to find a better way. So every time you stumble never grumble. Next time you'll bumble even less!
Huet’s going the AHL, no?
"It's always good to have vikings."
Proud member of the Oxford dictionary police.
UGH. God, I just………it’s so much money to be burying in the AHL, isn’t it?? And for a team that is already having financial woes (oddly enough)?
Agreed
The idea that they are just going to eat almost $6M and still continue to lose money is absurd. That’s a great owner right there… one that doesn’t care about losing millions of dollars every year.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-0730-confidential-hawks-20100730,0,1613106.column
Some serious losses there: $191M from 97-07
by paid in full on Aug 2, 2010 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions
I guess I haven’t been paying that much attention, but please explain how this paves the way for Theo to Nashville. Theo’s a good guy, I hope he finds somewhere decent to play. The women of Tennessee will be happy!
Because a) the Predators have been in cursory talks with him and b) he is an absolutely perfect fit to play behind Pekka Rinne if he’s willing. He has starting experience, playoff experience, and can carry the load (more or less) in case of an injury. If he would take a 1 year deal, then David Poile should break his hand pushing the fax button.
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by Chris Burton on Aug 2, 2010 11:06 AM EDT up reply actions
I’d be very happy to see Theo in Nashville (or almost any where, really. But not in vegas gold or orange)
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
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by RedBirdie on Aug 2, 2010 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
So would I. I campaigned for Poile to pick Watson and sign Lombardi, so, uh…so yeah. That means nothing.
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by Chris Burton on Aug 2, 2010 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions
I think we could do 1 year, 1.5m.
I’ll defer to the more Theo-knowledgeable around here to discuss whether or not he’d be OK with that, ’cause I have no idea. But I think thats as high as GMDP could go.
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by Chris Burton on Aug 2, 2010 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions
Well it’s a big pay cut but it’s still playing in the NHL, and a team that made the playoffs last season. If it was me, I’d prefer to sign before the season started versus joining a team while the season was ongoing and they had goalie trouble/injuries.
From some of Theo’s quotes, I think he enjoyed being in DC and being able to go out with his family and not be recognized.
He’d be even less recognized here than in DC, thats for sure. Nashville leaves their celebrities alone, and most could probably only identify Jordin Tootoo off the ice.
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by Chris Burton on Aug 2, 2010 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions
Yes, I was imagining that he would be even more anonymous in Nashville. Theo and his wife also might like the chance to move on from the place where their son died. Less memories to deal with perhaps. Also, his wife might be happy that Paris Hilton types don’t hang out in Nashville.
she can hold her own against the Paris Hilton types. She’s stunning.
I think Theo also enjoyed being in a place where people can be passionate about hockey without being psychotic about it, and that extends to the media as well.
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
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I can imagine that being the Canadians goalie with all the public/media attention at first was very enjoyable for Theo but got old eventually. I would think with his different phase in life, he is happier not to be in that position.
I was always impressed how Theo was such a good teammate to Varly, despite being replaced by him.
not only that, But Theo was a local boy, grew up in the Montreal suburbs. He could never live up to those expectations, short of delivering a Cup every season. (and then there was all the family drama)
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.
The media was awful to him while he was there, I have to say. I’ve never seen anything like it before or since, this love they have of really kicking a guy when he’s down – or worse, making him out to be a scapegoat for team-wide problems so soon after they declared him the savior.
Becca, did your years in Montreal overlap with Theo’s time there?
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 bet Nashville is a better looking city than DC.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
speak of the devil
Moments ago:
@Jay_Gold
Talks between Jose Theodore & #Preds heat up. Still talking a 1-yr deal…around $1.5M
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by Chris Burton on Aug 2, 2010 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions
That would give me another reason to root for the Preds.
"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 2, 2010 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions
Good! :)
I really hope this gets done. I doubt it happens till after Hornqvist is signed, but its looking likely.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
by Chris Burton on Aug 2, 2010 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions
Me too. Theo’s as classy as they come and can handle a heavy workload.
"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 2, 2010 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Although I imagine with Rinne in the fold they’ll be splitting time or Theo will be backing up.
"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 2, 2010 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions
There’s no doubt Theo’d be the backup. What the Predators are looking for is an experienced goalie who can start for a significant number of games if called upon. Trotz and Poile are planning on Rinne getting 65+ games, because he’s the franchise goaltender. I think Theo fits the bill perfectly, and out of all the remaining FA goalies, I’d trust him the most.
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by Chris Burton on Aug 2, 2010 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions
yeah, if they’re looking for someone who can carry the load should Rinne get injured (which I hope doesn’t happen), Theo’s remarkably durable. Just a couple of minor injuries while here in DC.
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.
Speaking of 1.5m, that’s Turco’s cap hit.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
by Chris Burton on Aug 2, 2010 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions
TSN reporting $1.3M for Turco? Or is that wrong?
That’s really cheap, either way. Marty’s gotta be kicking himself that he didn’t sign with Philly.
I had penciled Turco in at $2M. If memory serves they ought to be able to get a roster put together with 21-22 warm bodies and stay just under the cap?
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
Erik Johnson re-ups with the Blues for 2 years, 5.2m. That’s a decent deal for the Blues.
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Very good deal. That’s the cost of Schultz, right?
Now – if he can just avoid getting drunk and stay out of golf carts . . . .
Every bursted bubble has a glory! Each abysmal failure makes a point! Every glowing path that goes astray,shows you how to find a better way. So every time you stumble never grumble. Next time you'll bumble even less!
'
That’s a great friggin’ deal for STL. E Johnson has loads of upside and made some serious steps last season after Golf-Cart-Gate.
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by Knee high to a duck on Aug 2, 2010 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, after further review I’d re-state my position to say its a fantastic deal for STL.
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by Chris Burton on Aug 2, 2010 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions
The Blues need to move away from Brewer and Jackman and get Johnson to step up. I’d like to see the “C” taken away from Brewer and given to Backes or Johnson.
Every bursted bubble has a glory! Each abysmal failure makes a point! Every glowing path that goes astray,shows you how to find a better way. So every time you stumble never grumble. Next time you'll bumble even less!
I’m assuming Backes gets it, but I agree with you. I doubt they can find a taker for Brewer, but he’s a bit of an anchor.
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by Chris Burton on Aug 2, 2010 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions
I think you always want to have guys like Jackman on your team, though. He’s still young-ish, his contract hit’s not terrible, and he can play the shut-down defender role (when he wants). Brewer, on the other hand, is a guy who hasn’t had a healthy season in forever and has really declined.
I can live with Jackman, but I think the Blues need to be realistic that he’s not a top-2 defenseman.
Johnson was tremendous at the end of the year. I was also impressed with Carlo (not bothering with his last name) and even Mike Weaver. Jackman just made too many mistakes to be out there in all critical situations.
Every bursted bubble has a glory! Each abysmal failure makes a point! Every glowing path that goes astray,shows you how to find a better way. So every time you stumble never grumble. Next time you'll bumble even less!
How would Jackman do on the Caps in a third pairing role?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Aug 2, 2010 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions
We have 52,55, 74, 27, and 3 as locks, one would assume.
So – is Jackman better than 4 and 89 or anyone else that might come up from Hershey? I think so.
Every bursted bubble has a glory! Each abysmal failure makes a point! Every glowing path that goes astray,shows you how to find a better way. So every time you stumble never grumble. Next time you'll bumble even less!
I’m not sure, but I know that we wouldn’t acquire Jackman to displace either.
Every bursted bubble has a glory! Each abysmal failure makes a point! Every glowing path that goes astray,shows you how to find a better way. So every time you stumble never grumble. Next time you'll bumble even less!
I’d take EJ at 2.6 instead of a certain Cap at 2.6.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
by Rob Parker on Aug 2, 2010 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Apparently Lambert agrees with me that the Bolts are going to make the playoffs. Not sure how I feel about that.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
If it makes you feel any better, I agree, too. I’m glad that team’s in the East.
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by Chris Burton on Aug 2, 2010 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions
Apparently Burton agrees with me that the Bolts are going to make the playoffs. Not sure how I feel about that.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on Aug 2, 2010 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
If they trade Lecavalier and get something in return, I think they make the playoffs. If he stays on the team, they’ll be 9th or 10th again.
The problem is getting something in return for Vinnie; Brewer’s contract is bad, Vinnie’s is worse.
He’s still got the physical tools to get it done, but the question is whether or not his shoulder has ever healed properly after Cooke’s hit. If he’s a point-per-game player who puts up 35 goals, they make the playoffs pretty easily, I think.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Aug 2, 2010 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions
His goal totals have gone from 52—>40—>29—>24 the past four seasons. While I can’t see him getting fewer than 24 this year, that’s not a good trend, especially for a guy who just turned 30.
To be fair, Lecavalier had two extremely good seasons preceded by a number of good-to-very-good ones. Before that 108 point season in 2005-2006, he’d never broken 80 points before.
Much like Chris Drury, he’s being overpaid for one or two good seasons. Unlike Chris Drury, his franchise had the good sense to jettison the GM who signed him to that deal.
But Huet’s only goes through the 11-12 season — Lecavalier gets $10M per year until 16-17 and is under contract until 19-20!!
You do have to take into account that Matt Cooke pretty much ruined Lecavalier when he injured his shoulder during 07-08.
It is still wayyy too much money for anyone. ..but had his game not been ruined by that bastard Cooke, it wouldnt look horrid
It's The Wait for Red October. Except rather than Sean Connery, Alex Baldwin, and Sam Neill, it's George McPhee, Bruce Boudreau, and Alex Ovechkin.
Not Tom Clancy, but Gary Bettman. Not the Soviet Kremlin, but. . .well. . . .yeah, the Soviet Kremlin
Aw, <3 you too.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
by Chris Burton on Aug 2, 2010 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions
We’ll see. As good as their top six could be, their bottom six is that weak. They’ve got a good chance to be in the hunt, but we’ve heard about how great Tampa’s going to be for the last two summers. I want to see how Stamkos does now that teams will start cheating to block his one-timer from the wing and whether Marty at 35 can duplicate what he did last year. They’ll defintely be better, but there are a lot of improved teams that will be fighting for those 6-12 spots in the east.
I’ll go with ‘no’.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
by Chris Burton on Aug 2, 2010 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions
I agree that the 6-12 will spots will be extremely competitive. I think Panthers & Leafs still have a ton of work to do. Isles may be the surprise team to jump into the top 12 if they stay healthy. I still think they are another year or two away from contending for a playoff spot.
I think those 2 goalies can get it done by sharing the load.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
The Isles hung around up there for a surprisingly long time last season, and they were a tough team to play against. And they actually have, y’know, a couple of defensemen beyond Mark Streit this year.
They were not a fun team for anyone to play against. I thought Gordon did a good job coaching that squad. They just need more seasoning and a bit more talent infused into their lineup.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
Yeah, I thought Eaton and Wisniewski were good pick-ups for them. And Jurcina will be a nice fit so long as they don’t try to put him in the top 4.
Speaking of that article, what do Caps fans think of that proposed trade at the end of the post?
I'm gonna pain you dearly Woodhouse, when I peel all your skin off with a flensing knife, sew it into Woodhouse pajamas, and then set those pajamas on fire.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Aug 2, 2010 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions
I laughed. And dismissed it. :P
Beauchemin is one of those “because of” defensemen. He looked good in Anaheim because of who he skated with, just like Komisarek and to a lesser extent Volchenkov. It helps when you have a good D partner to make up for your failures.
I’d be fine with it given it would relase the Flash. No one is sold on Gus either. Beauchemin is no great D-man, but if it gets Flash out of the lineup come April its probably worth it.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
That’s true, it’s not like we’d be giving up a TON – but a pick, a prospect and a roster player for one of TO’s castoffs? No thanks.
Totally agree that we’d be giving up a lot, probably too much. However, at this point I’m all for addition by subtraction.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
I think you guys are underselling Beauchemin. I’d do that trade in a heartbeat, given the particulars.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Aug 2, 2010 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions
You think Beauchemin plays on the second pairing in DC? Or the first? I haven’t seen him enough to really know; my sense of it was his first season in TOR was a little disappointing.
But he’d push Erskine to the press box at the very least.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
He really wouldn’t be in the top 4 on our team, no way – and yes, it was a really disappointing season for him. And it’s not like he was all that great before, he was kind of just there in Columbus. People really forget that he was “impressive” in Anaheim because he played beside a guy named Scott Niedermayer.
But he’d push Erskine to the press box at the very least.
Ha, so would a lot of people :P Not willing to pay a guy $3.8 million a year to be a slight upgrade over Erskine, though.
Man, so we’re talking about a pick, a (busted) prospect and a roster player for the privilege of paying a depth defender $3.8M?
No thanks.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
Even if we were talking about a depth defenseman, which I don’t think we are, the pick is likely a low 3rd, the prospect looks less and less likely to ever play in the NHL this year and the roster player is Tomas Fleischmann, who’ll now be paid 2.7 mil this season instead of 750k.
I’d take that deal and walk away smiling like I just ate the damn canary.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Aug 2, 2010 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions
So you see him as a top-4 guy on the Caps, which was originally what I was getting at.
My initial thought was that if he is a legit top-4 guy, I can live with that trade. If he’s not, then it’s too much.
I just don’t know enough to make the call at present.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
I do. He’s not as good as playing with Prongermayer made him look, but he handled a lot of tough minutes in TOR (24+) this season without a whole lot of backup. He could definitely play on the second pair, or even as a potential partner for Green – he’s a better skater than Schultz is with pretty good defensive sense.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Aug 2, 2010 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Yep. We go in the hole 1.1 the cap and get a top 4 D. It’s easily a win. Becca is definitely selling Beauch short. First off, how many D look good in front of Toskala? Second, he started the year pretty tough but had found his game by the end of the season when TOR was one of the better teams in the league (record-wise).
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
He’s a second pair guy playing first pair minutes in TOR and actually acquitting himself pretty well. He drew as many penalties as he took last season, rare for a defender. He played substantially more even-strength time than anyone else for the Leafs last season and while the offensive numbers weren’t great (mostly because TOR has bad forwards who weren’t scoring), his defensive ones look a lot better if Toskala isn’t behind him.
We’re talking about Flash. 2.7 million dollar a year Flash. Beauchemin’s underlying numbers are a lot stronger than Fleishmann’s have ever been, regardless of whether he was playing in Anaheim or not. I’d venture to say that he’s better than Poti, right now today, and he’s younger.
He was their #1 PK guy and handled that better than Poti did over here. He’s capable of skating the minutes the Caps need on the second pair and eating those PK minutes. I’m absolutely not buying him as out of the Caps top-4. He pushes at least one guy further down the depth chart in that group.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Aug 2, 2010 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I like it just because it gives us four veteran defenders as a top-4 and lets Carlson and Alzner work with some of that chemistry they developed in the A. Oh, and it allows for the rookies to get shielded minutes until they’re ready to step it up.
The shielded minutes part is always nice, too. If you have three of Alzner/Carlson/Erskin/Sloan, there are nights when all three need those easy minutes and only two are going to have them available.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Aug 2, 2010 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m a big fan of the Beauchemin idea
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Aug 2, 2010 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions
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 2, 2010 10:58 PM EDT up reply actions
So you just hate the jersey he’s wearing? Losing Flash and Angus to bolster our D? The third might be the most valuable thing we give up given GMGM’s recent track record in the third.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Oh, geez. I have no issue with the jersey he’s wearing (at least not in terms of this argument) – I don’t believe he’s as good as he’s made out to be, I don’t think he’s an upgrade on any of the top 5 but would make more than most of them, he’s almost certainly not as good as his paycheck dictates and he’s DEFINITELY not worth a roster player, a pick and a prospect – however we may value each of them.
And as much as we all hate Flash he’s worth at least a pick and a prospect on his own – he’s not going as a piece of a deal for a less talented, more expensive guy.
he’s DEFINITELY not worth a roster player, a pick and a prospect – however we may value each of them.
That’s essentially a meaningless statement. Would you take Beauch for TSlo, Dubuc, and a 7th? Of course. You have to count how you value the relative roster player, pick, and prospect. Flash is the only one of the three in that package that has any particular value, and his new salary makes that value much less, especially on the Caps. 3.8 really isn’t all that much given the way top 4 D get paid. He’s still young, and he’s a better all around D than all except for possibly 2 of our D at this point. I’d take Beauch on the ice over Poti in any situation, and as much as I love Carlznerson I don’t think either are at that level yet either. Beauch may be more expensive than Flash, but he’s also a much better hockey player.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Okay, fine – the last part of that statement I’ll give you. The value of the three does, to some extent, matter. But while you may think Flash’s value is less, to other teams (especially a team that can’t score like the Leafs) his value is higher and should garner a better return. And I stand by the rest. Never been all that impressed with the guy, was especially unimpressed watching him this year in a situation where you’d think someone good would shine – i.e. on a shitty team – and I just don’t think he’s worth that kind of return.
(You know, for all the crap you give me for being pro-Habs and for all the times you swear you’re not a Leafs fan anymore, you certainly jump to their defense pretty quickly when I pick on any of them…)
And as much as we all hate Flash he’s worth at least a pick and a prospect on his own – he’s not going as a piece of a deal for a less talented, more expensive guy
Talent doesn’t equal production.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
Well I’ve loved Komisarek since before he was even a Hab. I don’t love or hate Beauchemin, but he’s not a bottom pair D and I just can’t see what you are basing your conclusions on. He’s a solid D that can do a lot of things well, if not elite. I’m not sure why you’d think throwing a good D on a terrible team with a terrible goalie would be the kind of situation where you’d expect him to succeed. Normally when you are a D and you are surrounded by crap it’s pretty tough to distinguish yourself.
You want to hate on Leafs, there are plenty that I can get on board with. You just happen to rip on the guys they have that are actually good players.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I don’t think he’s a bottom pair D on every team – but I don’t think he’s a top 4 on our team, either. I think by mid-year Carlson and Alzner surpass him, I think Schultz has better positioning and Green has better breakout skills and offensive ability (by a mile, I doubt you’d argue that). And frankly if we’re going to spend almost $4 million on a guy I’d rather see Bieksa here than Beauchemin.
As for Komisarek, I rip on him because, like you, I’ve watched him for a long time and I say that even when he was my favorite Hab I knew that he looked better because Markov was always out there with him.
Beauchemin is a better partner for Green just because of his skating. That alone makes him a good bet to be a top pair D on our team. Carlznerson might pass him next year, but that’s a damn tall order and not something I’d bet on.
Bieksa over Beauchemin? That’s babytown frolics. Even with the extra 300K Beauchemin is the easy choice.
Schultz looks better because Green is on the ice. But Green also benefits from having a defensive conscience watching his back.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Add ‘babytown frolics’ to ‘strawman argument’ as phrases that are quickly starting to drive me insane…
And I don’t want either but I’d rather take Bieksa for a bit of snarl and a bit more speed. Regardless I stand by my opinion as I’m sure you stand by yours.
Obviously I stand by mine. I just don’t think Bieksa brings all that much more snarl. Beauch is more than willing to punch some faces when they need punching. I also think you are severely underrating Beauch’s skating.
Just get into Archer and accept the babytown frolics.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Bobby “babytown” Froliks.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
by fat_daddyo on Aug 2, 2010 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I’ve seen a lot of Kevin Bieksa, and he’s nowhere close to the player Beauchemin is. I’d trust Beauch to play on a top pair in an emergency. Bieksa…can’t.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
I don’t really have much interest in Beauchemin, given that his contract goes through the 2011-2012 season, but I wouldn’t be so quick to dismiss him relative to the guys the Caps already have. Calrson was awesome, but will be hold up over the course of a whole season, or is he going to hit roadblocks? Is Alzner ready to play every night? We don’t know that, but we do know Beauchemin’s a legitimate NHL defender and better than at least two of the guys the Caps have on their roster right now.
I don’t think the return’s all that much. I wouldn’t count on Fleischmann for anything in the playoffs, which makes his useless to the Capitals. AnGus looks like a bust, period. And a third’s, well, a third. I don’t think it’s the best way to use those resources, but I don’t think they’re resources to Caps would miss too much, either.
I’m in and it’s a steal.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I’m surprised it took so long for this sort of opinion to come about. I stepped away after I posted that query, but I will take that trade every day.
Are Flash and AnGus really that valuable to the Caps?
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 2, 2010 4:59 PM EDT up reply actions
One of my old coaches bet me that Tampa would make the playoffs next spring. This was shortly after Yzerman was announced as GM too, in June, so at the time seemed like a slam-dunk bet for me.
Have to admit I’m sweating a little since they got Gagne basically for nothing, and like Lambert points out almost all their moves are pretty good. I still question their non-skill depth and goalie issue, but on paper Tampa is much, much improved already.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
Their PP unit scares the hell out of me though. . .as if Stamkos needed anymore help.
I do wonder though . . .with the addition of Gagne, will Stamkos’ numbers go down because Gagne will take some of the scoring burden, or maybe go up because of the skills he brings to the table. Mind you, I am talking about the PP, because they wont be on the same line and most of Stamkos’ goals came off of the PP
It's The Wait for Red October. Except rather than Sean Connery, Alex Baldwin, and Sam Neill, it's George McPhee, Bruce Boudreau, and Alex Ovechkin.
Not Tom Clancy, but Gary Bettman. Not the Soviet Kremlin, but. . .well. . . .yeah, the Soviet Kremlin
Their PP last year — at least from the few games I saw, seemed to be the same thing over and over: St. Louis floating cross-ice passes to Stamkos for the one-timer.
You’d have to think with more skill might come more ideas, but I think they’re gonna keep feeding Stamkos as much as possible.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
It worked, though. They were top-10 in the league in terms of PP percentage.
We’ll see if they get a little more creative this year though.
For whatever reason, teams don’t seem to game-plan much in the regular season, so you can continue doing something that works. Witness Mike Green’s PP goal production last year.
I suspect hte same thing happens to Stamkos this year, as teams work to take away the one-timer from the left circle.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
You’d have to think with more skill might come more ideas, but I think they’re gonna keep feeding Stamkos as much as possible.
The opposition took that away from Ovi last season as much as possible. You’ve got to believe they’ll do the same for Stamkos. If he’s going to hit 50 again, he’s going to have to come up with some other moves.
Meh, he’s only been in the league 2 years so far.
His big move is the one-timer. . .something that is very hard to stop if TBL moves the puck well
It's The Wait for Red October. Except rather than Sean Connery, Alex Baldwin, and Sam Neill, it's George McPhee, Bruce Boudreau, and Alex Ovechkin.
Not Tom Clancy, but Gary Bettman. Not the Soviet Kremlin, but. . .well. . . .yeah, the Soviet Kremlin
I agree with king: identifying the problem and stopping it are separate issues. I remember Stamkos scored 1 PPG against the Pens and then hit a post/crossbar. Both times St. Louis fed him for the one-timer from the left side. Sick passes, amazing release from Stamkos.
Clearly teams will key in more on Stamkos, but it’s not like no one noticed him before he scored 50 to realize he was the key of the operation.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
Yeah, that’s pretty much what it was. . .and no one seemed to pick up on it. They had a pretty damn good PP% and that was after a really bad first half of the season when nobody was clicking at all.
The feeding Stamkos idea kinda works though lol. I guess if they ever hit a wall with that strategy, they now have enough tools (one would think) to try new things out
It's The Wait for Red October. Except rather than Sean Connery, Alex Baldwin, and Sam Neill, it's George McPhee, Bruce Boudreau, and Alex Ovechkin.
Not Tom Clancy, but Gary Bettman. Not the Soviet Kremlin, but. . .well. . . .yeah, the Soviet Kremlin
Tampa got 82 games each out of MSL and VLC last year. And 22 goals out of Steve Downie (based on a shooting pct of 19%). I see both those numbers as ripe for a regression.
Note also that Stamkos had a 17% spct – not ungodly good, but still pretty healthy.
They got better in their player personnel, but they also got some luck last year.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
Good points. Hard to think of them as too lucky, considering where they finished in the standings, but I get what you mean.
With a new coach, sharp new GM they definitely have a new feel, as if success isn’t too far behind. That air of confidence, that “it” factor Yzerman lends is definitely got me a little worried, for the purpose of this bet.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
There is a reason why the executive of the year isn’t named until the end of the year. The thing about punditry is, people usually forget your certainties nine months later. Yzerman the best GM in the league? “Ridiculously good at his job?” “unable to make a mistake?” “The Lightning are going to make the playoffs. Book it?”
The Lightning haven’t taken a faceoff in anger yet, and this guy pronounces them: a) a playoff team, and b) managed by perhaps the best GM in the NHL (one with a 0-0-0 lifetime record, it should be noted).
Ask youself, if the East sucks as much as last year, do the Lightning have nine points in them to crawl up to at least eighth place in the conference?
If they do, what team will the have to overhaul to get there?
As for question 1, I would say yes (but not a certainty), and to question 2, I would say “Montreal” or perhaps “Boston”
But the Lightning, for all the fine moves they made, aren’t going to be a playoff team unless Martin St. Louis and Vincent Lecavalier average, between them, a point a game (they averaged exactly that last year). There’s our little bit of certainty.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Does anyone else have the NHL Network? For the past few weeks, they’ve been playing the clinching Stanley Cup finals game — starting in the late 70s. Last week they got to the early 90s, and if there are any fans here who are too young for that era or weren’t fans then, let me tell you, you don’t know how lucky you are to be able to watch post-strike NHL.
Yes, there are problems with the current game, but as I was watching the Pens/North Stars, Pens/Blackhwarks, and Rangers/Canucks games last week, I couldn’t believe at the number of uncalled hooking, holding, and interference calls.
And I’m not talking about some of the ticky-tacky calls that refs make now (which can drive you nuts and take away from the flow of the game). These were players wrapping both arms around guys and tackling them to the ground or hooking everyone as they skated through the neutral zone.
I remember those years fondly because it was such a high-scoring era, but as I actually watch the games now, it looks like terrible hockey.
Makes you appreciate how good Peter Bondra must have been.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
Notice the small pads on the goalies.
Every bursted bubble has a glory! Each abysmal failure makes a point! Every glowing path that goes astray,shows you how to find a better way. So every time you stumble never grumble. Next time you'll bumble even less!
Someone doesn’t belong in that list of players you mentioned.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on Aug 2, 2010 11:49 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Exactly. Lemieux.
He was clearly naming European superstars.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
I tried to watch game 7 of EDM/PHI and just couldn’t. It really was pretty bad quality. You see the old Gretzky games, and, while taking nothing away from Gretzky, he used to be so wide open in the slot it was ridiculous; if he wasn’t, Kurri was. You would never see anyone, much less a marked star, that open in the slot these days.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I really think that the #3-#6 defensemen have improved more than anything in hockey over the last 25 years. Every team had a good top pair — it was the other two pairings where it was all clutching and grabbing and being out of position.
Gretzky could find space better than nearly anyone, but you’d think the other team would think, “Hey, somebody should keep an eye out for #99 when he’s on the ice.”
I agree. The depth of the league was what really has improved. There were always stars but the guys that filled out rosters would be beer leaguers now.
Of course Gretzky would find space, but it wouldn’t be right in the hashmarks. The way teams pay attention defensively and collapse towards the net there is rarely anyone finding open ice there without a horrid defensive breakdown.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I agree. The depth of the league was what really has improved. There were always stars but the guys that filled out rosters would be beer leaguers now.
Which is why I never understood the “The NHL has overexpanded and now there’s no enough talent to go around!” argument.
I think there will be a bit of a depth problem in the future, though, as more players stick to Europe. Eventually, a top draft pick is going to stay in Russia or Sweden, and NHL teams are going to have to re-evaluate everything, just as they did when the Eastern Bloc players first started getting drafted 30 years ago.
I think there’s a fundamental contradiction in that statement. The only reason quality players are staying in Europe is because there aren’t enough NHL jobs. If there were two more NHL teams, 46 more NHL roster spots, then maybe guys like Radulov, Nabokov, and Hudler would still be in the NHL.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
not enough NHL jobs, or not enough NHL jobs that pay the sort of money they’re looking for? Though, to be honest, if I’m going to go halfway around the world and have to learn an entirely new language and all that, I’m going to want more than $750,000 a year. (and in Nabby’s case, yeah, a few million per)
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
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not enough NHL jobs, or not enough NHL jobs that pay the sort of money they’re looking for?
Both. Two more teams means two more teams’ worth of spots for high-end players, and mid-end players, and grinders. So maybe Nabokov and Turco get the deals they want. And Hulder and Radulov fetch an offer sheet (doubtful), etc. etc.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
No, I think players are staying over there because of money, because of being closer to family, liking the play of the KHL or SEL game, maybe not so much traveling (not the KHL, mind you), and the relative ease of schedule.
There will always be spots available in the NHL for top notch talent.
Money comes down to roster spots in the NHL, though. If there are spots for 4 elite players per team, then 2 more teams adds 8 of those spots. Add another 8-10 for above average/very good players, 4 goalie spots, 18-20 average NHLer spots, and some bottom guys. It will have a ripple effect.
The guys staying in Europe for money are either young guys like Radulov, or old guys like Jagr. Both have a better shot of making the money they want in the NHL if there are more teams.
Looking at the guys still available, the guys that could play in the NHL but went to Europe, and the young prospects that are coming out of each successive draft, do you really think you couldn’t craft two more credible NHL teams? I’m positive we could.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
The only problem with that argument is, entry-level deals in the NHL are capped, so there is no player coming over here initially that’s going to make $10 million a year.
It’s the second contract where they’re going to go, and by the time the player has 3 NHL seasons under his belt, you can plan your contract and salaries accordingly.
Right, the entry contracts are set in stone for the most part, but those kids usually aren’t staying away for money. It’s the guys that get to the second contract and see what they could make in the KHL. The Swedes stay in the SEL to get ready and develop, not for money. I don’t think Orlov or Kuznetsov are getting paid a whole lot (but I don’t really know), with them I just think it’s a transfer agreement thing. If they re-sign in the KHL instead of coming over that will be about money, but the conflicts generally seem to arise with guys in the twilight of their career or guys that are in that RFA timespan and can’t get market value.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
We (myself included) have to be wary of making too grand assumptions about players and the KHL. It’s a really young league, the Russian money is new — and not very strong. Heck, the Red Army team went out of business.
I just think that the NHL used to be the place to go to play the best hockey in the world. I still think it is, but Sweden and Finland and Russia aren’t too far behind.
I think Sweden, Finland, and Russia are very far behind. Exactly which players are leaving the NHL, or refusing to come to the NHL, that are making you think any of those leagues is even within sniffing distance? Are you pining for the days of Alexei Yashin?
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Don’t you make fun of Alexei! He dated one of the original cougars!
I would say that the best teams in those leagues would measure up with the worst teams in the NHL. That may be damning with faint praise, however.
And the Hershey Bears could have lined up with EDM some nights. If the KHL is just a bit better than the AHL I’m not really worried. And I really don’t see any evidence that any of the players think the KHL is the same caliber of play as the NHL either.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
If there were two more NHL teams, 46 more NHL roster spots, then maybe guys like Radulov, Nabokov, and Hudler would still be in the NHL.
Forgive me if I missed your snark, but thats simply not true in the case of Radulov. I don’t see how its true in Hudler’s case, either. Perhaps Nabokov because he was priced out of SJ, but even still he got paid a shitload to go home.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Radulov is different because he was signed to a deal, so his situation probably doesn’t change. Hudler left as an RFA. Maybe that other team gives him an offer sheet. Or maybe they are willing to pay Hudler so they offer DET a trade. Point is that Hudler can play in the NHL, but he couldn’t find NHL pay. 2 more teams gives him a better shot at it.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
OK, I see what you’re getting at, now.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
It’s an easy argument to make for lazy minds. That’s all there is to it.
I firmly believe there is enough hockey talent for the NHL to expand to 32 teams. Where the NHL is lacking the talent is in good ownership. None of the teams that have uncertain futures have uncertain futures because they couldn’t get the talent in the door. They have problems because of some combination of terrible ownership and terrible arena deals.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I think finding a few more markets that could sustain a team is the biggest deterrent for expansion.
Disagree again. The difficulty comes down to ownership squabbles. A team could easily succeed in downtown Toronto, or in Hamilton. Kansas City has an arena and an ownership group that wants a team. Las Vegas could support a team. Then you have Winnipeg and Quebec City, both of which I am highly skeptical of, but they are making noise as well. You also have Portland or Seattle if you want to go Northwest to make D’ohboy happy. There are options enough to find homes for two teams. But again, who is going to own them? That’s the biggest problem.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I’d add Houston to the list as well. Largest metro area without an NHL team and a history of supporting AAA level hockey. Also, you have more corporate money in Houston than most of the other cities mentioned.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
I’m not saying it is, but larger population sure doesn’t hurt. It’s not like Houston has no hockey history. Aeros have been back for 16 years and last I saw drew pretty well for a minor league team in a major league town.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
Yeah, Houston isn’t a bad call and as well as Dallas has done people might not be so quick to write off Texas.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Dallas is in real financial trouble. I don’t know if it is because Hicks is a bad owner or it’s because the market there isn’t great, but adding another team to Texas isn’t a slam dunk.
The Stars – independent of Hicks – are doing fine. He made some bad deals unrelated to hockey and that’s why he has to divest, and has no money for new salaries right now.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Aug 2, 2010 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Dallas was the model for growing support in a non-traditional market. The way they invested in local hockey and grew a fanbase was very impressive. I don’t know enough about their current financial state to know why or what it means, but I think The Stars made a pretty good showing in that market.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
The problem is, that may be the lone exception.
Atlanta and Phoenix are not successful financially. Nashville has a really nice group of fans, but it’s still a niche sport. Florida and Tampa Bay are a distant 5th behind college football, baseball, basketball, and pro football.
I’m wary about expanding into the south any more.
Well hockey is a niche sport all over America, even in a lot of traditional markets. That’s just how it works in the Bettman era. ATL and PHX aren’t in bad spots because of the fans. ATL is riddled with ownership in-fighting and PHX has one of the worst arena deals this side of Shanghai. SJS took time but have a great fanbase. The Gretzky influence in LA is starting to show. TBL, CAR, and ANA have all had some moments of great fan participation, but admittedly are still a little fair-weathery. But they are young franchises, it’s to be expected. You don’t build die hard fans overnight and while everyone knows that logically they still get impatient with the non-traditional teams.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Tampa Bay is 20 years old — that’s not really a young franchise. Carolina and Anaheim are nearly as old.
And I think that overall, the NHL is as popular now as it has ever been in the US. I just don’t know if the next logical step has to be moving into non-traditional markets.
20 years is pretty young for a franchise. Basically the children that grew up watching are just becoming adults and they don’t have kids to pass the lore onto yet.
I don’t think the NHL has recovered to the point it was at before the ‘95 lockout. I didn’t say moving to a non-traditional market is the next logical step. The next logical step is fixing all the ownership/arena/financial instability problems. Then the next step is getting a list of cities that are feasible. Then the next step is making it happen. And the two places I led off with were Toronto and Hamilton. One of the new teams has to go there. It will be a financial flagship right away and the fans there deserve to have more access to hockey. I just don’t think it’s fair to be scared off from other US cities because they are “non-traditional.” At this point any US city that doesn’t have a team is basically by definition non-traditional, unless you want to stick a team in Madison or Milwaukee. I still think there more US cities that are viable NHL markets. And since I’m suggesting putting one team in Canada, all there really needs to be is one more viable US market.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
The problem with the post-95 lockout was that the game deteriorated in the decade between the two work stoppages.
The left-wing lock was brutal and made for a boring game that stifled the best talents on the ice and made the emphasis on the strategies of the guy behind the bench.
If I could add two teams, one would be in Toronto and the other would be somewhere in the US.
Also, there are non-traditional markets and NON-TRADITIONAL MARKETS. So another team in the sun belt, to me, is silly. Hell, I’d rather have a team in Minneapolis before going somewhere in the south.
So then where are the non-traditional markets in the US that you’re open to?
And the NJD style full trap was what really killed the game. DET was one of the most entertaining teams in the league during that period using the left wing lock. The left wing lock is significantly more aggressive than the trap and at least theoretically allows aggressive forechecking.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I meant the NJ trap — not the left-wing lock (although that was pretty boring, too).
I went to a Pens/Devils game in 95 or 96 in the Meadowlands, and the the Devils won 2-0 and gave up, I think, 6 shots all game. It was painful.
I might do a team in Seattle or Portland, like someone mentioned earlier. I might try Hartford again. A second Chicago team, maybe.
But, I don’t really want to make a new team — I’d rather they move Atlanta to Toronto and be done with it.
For any Sun Belt team you can point at that has struggled, you can point at one that has been a success. On the one hand you have Phoenix or Anaheim, on the other hand San Jose and Dallas.
For the most part, Southern teams are like Northern teams – they get attention and draw fans when they’re good and don’t when they’re not, and bad ownership kills. It happened with Tampa, Atlanta, and Phoenix, but it also happened with Ottawa, Chicago, Boston, Long Island, and Pittsburgh.
by David Getz on Aug 2, 2010 5:22 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
People always point to Pittsburgh as a flagship traditional market, but fail to acknowledge that they almost moved when they weren’t winning 5 years ago, and had some serious financial issues. The best way to bring fans is to win, no matter where you are (there are few exceptions).
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 2, 2010 6:42 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I really think that the #3-#6 defensemen have improved more than anything in hockey over the last 25 years.
I gotta go with goaltending. Not to take away anything from your point — the depth is certainly much, much better. But the best defensemen of the 1980s would still be excellent defensemen today, even if they played exactly the way they did then. I’m not convinced that the Vezina winners of the 1980s could hold a roster spot today if they played now the way they did then. And if that’s true of the best, what can you say about the average and mediocre goalies of that time?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Aug 2, 2010 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Equipment upgrades and the butterfly have done a lot for goaltending. The former definitely informs the latter, in my opinion. A puck to the mask today probably doesn’t feel great, but it’s not a guaranteed trip to the emergency room, probable surgery and a possible career ender, either. Goalies can afford to drop their face closer to the impact zone as they take away the bottom of the net.
A long way of saying I agree with you, that the goaltending is the most dramatically improved position since the ’80’s.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
DJ King interview
Vogs interviews the newest Cap.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
Lacoste polo. He already has the Georgetown uniform.
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
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by RedBirdie on Aug 2, 2010 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I can’t tell (and actually didn’t even make it through the whole thing, it was painful), but it wouldn’t surprise me.
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
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he’s no Matt Bradley when it comes to interviews, I’m sad to report.
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
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There are very few folks who interview better than Brads. I suspect that a few years after he retires and when Craig Laughlin hangs up his microphone that Brads is the one to pick it up.
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Aug 2, 2010 1:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Okay. The roster is completely unchanged from now to opening day, with the single exception that Perreault gets called up to play 3C and King is the HS. (I think we’d generally agree that’s the most likely scenario going forward?)
Who are the eight penalty-killers? Semin, Laich, Gordon, Chimera? Schultz, Alzner, Carlson, Green?
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Missing Steckel and Knuble, as well as Flash probably.
All the king's horses and all the king's men
Couldn't put Humpty together again
Knuble is a highly underrated PKer, I feel like BB didn’t go to him until the end of the season (if not the playoffs) and I remember thinking I was surprised we hadn’t seen him out there before. Knuble could swap in for Laich or Chimera.
yeah I’d say our top PK line is Knuble/Semin or Backstrom/anyone at all. Just depends on if it is faceoff or changing after a clear.
All the king's horses and all the king's men
Couldn't put Humpty together again
The problem is, you’re eventually going to have to decide whether playing Backstrom and Semin on the PK so much is worth it. You want those guys out there for all the PP time and then have significant even strength icetime.
Would love to see AO, Green, Backstrom and Semin getting about 45 seconds to a minute on each PP…
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
I don’t think there is anything wrong with the PP. It’s been one of the best for 2 years. I would like to see Ovie double shifted less.
4th Floor, is next, swimvare, undervare, Eric Fehr...
You uh.. watch the playoffs much?
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
That was IMO, an issue with coaching moreso than the players playing it.
4th Floor, is next, swimvare, undervare, Eric Fehr...
Does it matter who was at fault if they end result is no goals?
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
So you’re saying its time to completely revamp the PP because BB was outcoached and we ran into a hot goalie in 1 7 game series? Even when our PP has been a top 5 PP in the league the past 2 years?
Our PP needed a little tweak during the playoffs, not an overhaul.
4th Floor, is next, swimvare, undervare, Eric Fehr...
It’s not like you can’t go back to the system they’ve been using for a good 2 years now. They just need to add-on different looks to the PP by rotating personnel and strategy
It's The Wait for Red October. Except rather than Sean Connery, Alex Baldwin, and Sam Neill, it's George McPhee, Bruce Boudreau, and Alex Ovechkin.
Not Tom Clancy, but Gary Bettman. Not the Soviet Kremlin, but. . .well. . . .yeah, the Soviet Kremlin
Get those words out of my mouth! I never said any of that.
All I said was an expression of doubt when you said “I don’t think there is anything wrong with the PP.” 7 games of futility when it mattered most shows me that there isn’t nothing wrong with the PP.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
The same PP would go out next season and be at a 24% clip IMO.
4th Floor, is next, swimvare, undervare, Eric Fehr...
And if it goes 1 for infinity in the post season, something will still be wrong with it.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
Right, I agree. BB needs to have to tweak the PP in the playoffs when you’re playing 1 team at least 4 games in a row. More game planning in the playoffs than in the regular season.
I think BB didn’t adapt and change.
4th Floor, is next, swimvare, undervare, Eric Fehr...
Idk, going 1-33 in the POs is unacceptable.
I hope they use the season to change up the strategy a few times, rotate personnel, and find a few different set-ups come play-off time.
IMO, they should have:
1) The ‘Feed Ovie’ overload.
2) The ‘Clear space in the middle of the ice for semin to work his magic and have knuble and Fehr pick up rebounds’
3) Knuble and Fehr pray while they screen the goalie and Green and Carlson throw bombs from the points
It's The Wait for Red October. Except rather than Sean Connery, Alex Baldwin, and Sam Neill, it's George McPhee, Bruce Boudreau, and Alex Ovechkin.
Not Tom Clancy, but Gary Bettman. Not the Soviet Kremlin, but. . .well. . . .yeah, the Soviet Kremlin
45 seconds is way too short. You’re saying there is someone you want playing more PP time than the young guns?
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I’d like to have an evenly balanced PP1 and PP2 unit, in terms of TOI. Or mostly balanced. It’s an easy way to lop a minute or two of Green and AO’s TOI totals, in the hope sthat they’d be fresher going into the playoffs.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
Well if the PP is working well it’s relatively easy minutes and the PP1 is a much bigger threat than PP2. I’d rather just stick with the traditional 1:15/:45 split.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
If Green and AO came off at 1:15 I’d be all over it.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
by fat_daddyo on Aug 2, 2010 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Knuble does a good job at lowering shot volume, but he doesn’t do a good job at lowering scoring chances and quality shots. I’d be much happier with Laich on the PK than Knuble – 22 doesn’t have the footspeed to get that done on the regular anymore.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Aug 2, 2010 1:29 PM EDT up reply actions
If the roster is set, I’m more concerned with who is the sixth everyday D. That just scares me.
Every bursted bubble has a glory! Each abysmal failure makes a point! Every glowing path that goes astray,shows you how to find a better way. So every time you stumble never grumble. Next time you'll bumble even less!
The way I see it, they have 1,2,3,4,5,7,7. That’s a much better situation, defensively, than most teams are in… but sure, it’d be great to have a PK specialist as that 6D.
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I see it as 2, 3, 5, 5, 5, 7, and 8. Green is a top pair guy, but needs a defensive defenseman who can skate to cover for him. Schultz is a very good second pairing defender, but slightly miscast in the top pair. Poti ought to be playing 3rd pairing minutes, and Alzner as well. JC is a rookie and for all his heroics, should be on a third pair/PP2 rotation at this stage in his career.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
Poti played more PK time than anyone else last year, so I suspect he’ll be there instead of Green (and probably one of Alzner or Carlson).
Why am I hearing echoes of stick in the lane?
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And didn’t play it well – I think he was there because no one else was going to step in and do a better job. I think Green stays on the PK because I don’t think he’s that bad at it and I think Alzner stays. Poti might be a second/third-wave PK guy in place of Carlson, hopefully w/ fewer minutes he won’t be as bad.
the Tom Poti Fan Club would be much happier if we didn’t have to watch him butcher the PK every night. Then we wouldn’t have to qualify our “Tom Poti is a bad ass” statements with “except on the power play.”
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
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by RedBirdie on Aug 2, 2010 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
He had a few glimmers of hope during the postseason. I hope that wasn’t just a temporary thing. He really commanded more ice time with the way he played against Montreal.
All the king's horses and all the king's men
Couldn't put Humpty together again
I think finally being healthy did him a world of good, too No major groin injuries, no shoulder surgeries. But he still needs to be off the PK.
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
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Agreed on all counts. And it was more than a few glimmers of hope, I thought he was tremendous in the playoffs before getting his eye pucked up. One of the best players on the ice for the Caps, period.
I thought he was tremendous in the playoffs before getting his eye pucked up. One of the best players on the ice for the Caps, period.
Talk about damned with faint praise!
But seriously, he did step it up during that series. If he can maintain that level of play, the Caps’ blueline is in much better shape than it was before.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Aug 2, 2010 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions
I think if he has options, yes. We pick on it as another of BB’s stubborn things but honestly, take Poti off the PK last year and who takes his spot? Morrisonn? Erskine?
SLOAN!
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
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I’m going to cite laziness as a big reason for this, but if memory serves, the PK in the playoffs saw a big leap in efficiency. Coincidentally Carlson saw the 2nd highest TOI/G during that time.
It takes...something? Anything?!?
I don’t have numbers (and cite the same laziness in not getting them) but I thought Carlson did really well on the PK during the playoffs. Furthers my point, really, that this year Bruce will have options and will use them. Before Carlson/Alzner he only really had Poti. You’d be hard-pressed to find another D who could have filled that spot.
If the PK was going to suck goats anyway he may as well had Carlznerson up and taking lumps. But that’s old hat at this point.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Right, but…not sure if you’re aware…the team doesn’t play all 60 minutes on the PK. Just having more options while down a man doesn’t justify bringing up guys from the AHL.
Right, but… not sure if you’re aware… the team thought both Carlznerson were better options than several other roster players when push came to shove. Also not sure if you’re aware, those guys would be able to take lumps at ES as well as at PK. And even in their very raw state, they seemed to have better PK instincts than most of the other guys we were trotting out there. So yeah, BB may as well have just given that PKTOI to the rookies.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I’m not disagreeing that the team might have been better served by having one or both of them up here longer. My point was that because they weren’t, Poti was the best option we had. The team had their reasons for not bringing them up, financial or otherwise, and Carlson/Alzner being better on the PK than Poti obviously wasn’t enough of a reason.
I forgot, Tom’s last name starts with F, for F-ing Poti.
So Neuvirth and Semin.
4th Floor, is next, swimvare, undervare, Eric Fehr...
Becca, you should pick your friends a little better, like E.Fehr for example.
4th Floor, is next, swimvare, undervare, Eric Fehr...
I love Eric Fehr. I actually like just about everyone on the team, and I think Poti gets a raw deal far too often. The guy’s a solid defender and one of the better ones at 5-on-5. Focus on his PK work and you start to think he sucks but I am of the opinion – and I believe the Poti lobby and the numbers will back me up on this – that Poti is very underrated overall.
so important it had to be said twice!
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
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Now that’s a pretty good argument, right there.
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Until you realize who is taking up a couple of spots on said roster.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
Let me rephrase. The Caps have a 50-contract limit. He isn’t worth one of them.
17 goals, 17 assists, 189 NHL games. He doesn’t put up enough points to center our second line or even our third, and we already have two fourth-line centers. We’re already stacked with wings on both sides – even ones that play the defensive side of the game.
We could sign him to a two-way contract, and then he could fight for ice time in Hershey with Keith Aucoin, Anton Gustafsson, Andrew Joudrey, Jay Beagle, and Trevor Bruess. Put him on the right wing, and he fights with Gordon, Bouchard, Pinizzotto, Kugryshev, and Willsie for ice time.
I really don’t see where he fits or who he replaces.
Random question
Next year we’ll definitely lower a “SE DIVISION CHAMPS” banner, but what about a banner to commemorate the presidents trophy? Think we’ll put one up for that or is it too painful
by 8vechkin on Aug 2, 2010 1:16 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
most teams do hang a President’s Trophy banner. i think the Caps should as well. That’s one hell of an accomplishment and deserves to be acknowledged.
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
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Yes. See here.
"Hockey is my life, wine is my passion." -- Igor Larionov
by Scott in Shaw on Aug 2, 2010 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Per Kevin Allen at USA Today:
Peter Forsberg is practicing with MoDo and is telling Swedish press he feels good and wants to play again.
My inline team will offer him 500k over the next 250k years.
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With payments of a penny a year over the last 50 years, right? Gotta watch that cap…
But seriously, I have visions of him being invited to camp for a tryout….blending in effortlessly….accepting a $2-3 million, one-year deal for one more chance….:sigh:
If Forsberg can get a 3 million dollar contract, kudos to him.
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If he can prove he can still skate I’d sooner pay him that much than some of the losers who got more than that on the open market this past month.
Hey, if his feet can hold out for half a season I’ll gladly bring him in to play from Feb/March to the end of the playoffs…
For. Serious.
It’s a gamble, but one the Caps have the space to take. Watching the Olympics, he’s still got it. I’m amazed by how great his vision is every time I get to watch him play.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Aug 2, 2010 1:32 PM EDT up reply actions
No.
Perrault/majo/mackan deserve a chance. Their play could end up better than what forsbergs is next year. Their potentials eclipse forsbergs- I’d rather have the capability to add another piece at the deadline than a known quantity who might not be better than what we already have
by 8vechkin on Aug 2, 2010 1:38 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
But we’re talking deadline here. Give the kids a chance to show what they can do but leave room for the possibility of a deadline deal. Forsberg could be that deal – I can’t imagine the bidding war for him getting rabid and I highly doubt he’s gone by the time the season starts. You just never know, kids.
Were only doing 1 deadline deal: Brad Richards.
Huzzah!
It's The Wait for Red October. Except rather than Sean Connery, Alex Baldwin, and Sam Neill, it's George McPhee, Bruce Boudreau, and Alex Ovechkin.
Not Tom Clancy, but Gary Bettman. Not the Soviet Kremlin, but. . .well. . . .yeah, the Soviet Kremlin
Hamlet i see. well done
and it could definitely happen.. .we just need to wait and see
It's The Wait for Red October. Except rather than Sean Connery, Alex Baldwin, and Sam Neill, it's George McPhee, Bruce Boudreau, and Alex Ovechkin.
Not Tom Clancy, but Gary Bettman. Not the Soviet Kremlin, but. . .well. . . .yeah, the Soviet Kremlin
You can get Forsberg without making any of those factors an issue, provided you get him at a decent price (which, of course, is the only circumstance you consider him).
Right now the Caps are at about $4.5M under the cap. Give him $2M, you have $2.5M left over and that $2.5M is enough to add anyone you want at the deadline.
Give the kids a chance, sure, but give it to them on the third line. If someone excels and is good enough to play on line two, move Forsberg down to line three.
well, if we replace all his bones with titanium rods now, he should be recovered by, say, February
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
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Didn’t they do something similar with a prospect from Canada? I heard he started killing bad guys, or something.
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by winterion on Aug 2, 2010 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
whoops! meant to type “if we replace all his foot bones…..”
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
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I like Kevin Allen normally but that tweet is just not correct. Forsberg said to MODO’s site (and it’s from that “interview” the Swedish media have gotten the Forsberg quotes as far as I can tell) that he feels fine and that he’s very excited to play tomorrow in a charity game he haven’t said anything about if he’s going to play next year or not.
Hopefully his body can handle some charity games because I have tickets to one of the icebreaker games and I would love to see Bäckström and Forsberg play together.
Pft why play a small French guy when you have a Svensk viking.
Lucky you!
Nice signature, btw.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
The local news-paper in Örnsköldsvik talked to him.
I will give it one last try and want to make a decision as fast as possible, but it’s impossible to tell now if it will work or not. I’m giving myself this week to try and see if it feels like I can still play. The foot feels ok but my expectations is quite low. But it would be stupid of me to not give it a final try and see if the last surgery did the trick.
Pft why play a small French guy when you have a Svensk viking.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but Huet isn’t ACTUALLY gone from Chicago, right? People just keep saying that’s what the Hawks will do but people wandering around saying “the Hawks are fine because Huet is gone” are…delusional? Is that the word? :P
They either have to bury him in Rockford or send him to Europe a la Nylander. Otherwise they’re getting rid of two more roster players with significant salary to make the cap numbers work. I’d say the odds of him playing this year in CHI approach zero.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Aug 2, 2010 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions
I just wanted to fangirl on Bryan Helmer a little bit. The story of the Captain protecting the puck in the last dying seconds of a championship shutout makes me feel all kinds of happy.
And apparently Ray Smith had some good advice for him, advice that helped the Bears buckle down and win out.
With former captain Nycholat coming back it’s unlikely the Bears re-sign Bryan, but I hope he finds another hockey home soon and gets to reach his milestones.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
I’ll miss him too. A great leader (even with that squeaky-high voice). I remember hearing about that “players-only” meeting held in Austin before game 3. They made a big deal about not saying who called it. I could just imagine Helmer not wanting to take credit, since he got the idea from someone else.
Wonder how many AHL teams get one-on-one advise from HHoF-ers (nepotism aside)?
"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
Tim Kennedy waived, buyout coming per TSN. Kinda related, but doing this days after Kennedy wins his arb case is a little of a schrutebag move on the surface, IMHO.
It takes...something? Anything?!?
Wow. Is cash that tight in Buffalo? They’ve got plenty of cap space, the award was only $1M, and they’ll now pay out $667K over two years, which will be dead money on the cap.
All in order to save $333K?
Don’t really get that one.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
Opens up a roster spot?
"It's always good to have vikings."
Proud member of the Oxford dictionary police.
It is a schrutebag move, and kind of hilarious. The team would rather lose him for nothing and/or take on a buyout cap hit than keep him at his arbitration price. What did he get, exactly? Seems pretty retaliatory and this is the kind of stuff that makes players not want to go to arbitration.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I guess they QO’d him on the outside chance that someone would offer sheet him, and they’d get a pick out of the deal? Or that he’d accept his QO?
I guess they figured the tradeoff was the risk of losing him on a waiver claim. They had to know he’d get more than they wanted to pay, once it went to arb.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
Did some poking around on this one.
It seems Kennedy wanted $850K, and the Sabres didn’t want to give him that much. So they QO’d him, and I’m going to guess they did this just on the off chance they could get a pick out of an offer sheet.
Would guess that the Sabres were always going to walk away from him once he elected arb, but they couldn’t do it because without signing him.
Would further guess that they’re counting on the waiver process to get him off their books entirely, because if he’s not picked up it’s a complete fail on their part, in that they’ll be paying him for nothing in return.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
Willy Mitchell feeling great after 18 days of training/skating. He’s narrowed 12 interested teams to 4 and suprise! Van may still be in mix
from Dan Murphy’s twitter feed.
Pft why play a small French guy when you have a Svensk viking.
VAN is going to move Bieksa for peanuts if they do that.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
CI’s KC (just doesn’t have quite the same distinctiveness as TEB) caught up with DJ King today. The guy is much better in print than in the Vogel interview.
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.
How about KEC? (for Kate E. Carrera)
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Aug 2, 2010 4:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Winter Classic info just dropped into my mailbox!
Lousy part — have to buy them by the 23rd. Oh, and on top of the ridiculous price, they’re adding a $20/ticket “processing fee”.
Good part — I get to spend a ridiculous price.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Proud member of the Oxford dictionary police.
524, Row T.
FAQ says you can’t re-sell your tickets. Are they going to ask for ID at the gate?
"It's always good to have vikings."
Proud member of the Oxford dictionary police.
Isn’t that illegal?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Aug 2, 2010 7:04 PM EDT up reply actions
It’s a bit of a rhetorical question. Unless they print your name on the ticket.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Proud member of the Oxford dictionary police.
Likewise. We have corner uppers at Verizon.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Proud member of the Oxford dictionary police.
Good freaking god, I just checked ours (the emails go to my friend, didn’t occur to me to just – duh – look at our account online). It’s the same for us, $150/person. Wowza. I don’t like that we have to pay all at once but I do like that the tickets are just there, we don’t have to worry about getting them right now RIGHT NOW…
And we’re right above you, gfcapsfan, 524 row S…mwaha ;)
Cool.
Yeah, I was hoping I didn’t have to pay for them until October. Oh well.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Proud member of the Oxford dictionary police.
And for those wondering...
…yes, those seats are probably nosebleed-y :P My guess is they stuck all the Caps season ticket holders in one area, which is fine with me.
Nice work with the link there.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Proud member of the Oxford dictionary police.
With the wind blowing in off the river the whole game.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
The sightlines are going to be hooooooooooooooooorrible.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Any idea which end the caps will shoot at twice. I got 138 which should be on the goal line. Hope it’s the end the caps shoot at twice.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Aug 2, 2010 7:40 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Anaheim signs Andy Sutton to a 2yr deal worth 4.25m.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
If they can get one more decent veteran D they might end up with a decent corps. I think they are expecting Sbisa to step in for sure and they are probably expecting Fowler to join as well but he’ll have to show he’s ready in camp.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Mirtle on Niemi/Turco
Mirtle reports that the Turco deal with the Hawks has been in the works for a month or so, and that Turco was willing to take a big pay cut in order to play in Chicago; so much so that Turco turned down the Flyers at $2M per…
I don’t understand that reasoning. Chicago has dumped a bunch of talent. Even with their core intact, they won’t repeat, imo.
However, Turco at $1.3M means they can keep Sharp. This was Bowman’s ace in the hole when he stated he was going to keep Sharp, I guess.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
I’m assuming most of you have seen by now Puck Daddy’s new project, Mt. Puckmore. Looks pretty interesting – wonder who gets the Caps?
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Is Ovechkin eligible? It’s easy for me either way. Langway Hunter Kolzig Ovechkin or Langway Hunter Kolzig Bondra
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Aug 2, 2010 7:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, AO’s eligible, it doesn’t matter when they played:
“Mount Puckmore” which will feature fans, bloggers and various media personalities of all 30 teams choosing the four defining faces of their franchise. These four people are who you remember most when you think of these teams — whether they be players, coaches or executives.
My question spoke more to who was going to write the piece, but I was wondering about the four names, too :).
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
How about a Capitals’ Mount Blogmore:
Eric McErlain, JP, Peerless in his hockey mask, and of course Ted Leonsis
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Aug 2, 2010 7:38 PM EDT up reply actions
I think Joe Finley gets on there.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
So who does he injure to make the team?
Proud member of the Popsicle Division of the Cupcake Conference.
by Bman21212 on Aug 2, 2010 10:06 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Marcus Johansson hit the ice with Färjestad today but he is already a Caps player at heart all of his equipment were in caps colors.
Pft why play a small French guy when you have a Svensk viking.
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