Sunday Caps Clips

by J.P. on Aug 22, 2010 8:45 AM EDT in Caps Clips

Your savory breakfast links:

On a light day for Clips, here's your must-read: Alex Ovechkin speaks his mind. [Puck Daddy]
A look at Caps pivots. [Live in Red]
Don Cherry has the Caps as a team to watch. [Toronto Sun]
Mike Green helps to beautify things. Always. But today it was a D.C. Public School. [Caps365 (video)]
Finally, happy 46th birthday to Caps' assistant bench boss (and former player) Dean Evason.

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FWIW, I just put up a Semin WOWY. I think Brendan Morrison is being underrated. He seems really good to be 2C if he can maintain consistency.

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by red army line on Aug 22, 2010 9:26 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs

BMo did great for the first half of the season, but fell apart after that. If he had maintained that same level, the Caps probably would have kept him. The reason people aren’t big on BMo is because he COULDN’T maintain that level, for whatever reason.

Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.

by timmyv38 on Aug 22, 2010 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions

But we also have the fact that this was his first 100% season, right?

by red army line on Aug 22, 2010 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions

It was his first season since recovering from his knee injuries, if that’s what you mean. The question is, does he still have his old speed and playmaking? He showed flashes of that in the first half of the season, but not the second. Maybe he hasn’t fully recovered from the injuries, or maybe he won’t get back to that level. Regardless, the Caps have young players who can take that spot and who could be important to the future of the organization, so it makes sense to give one of them a shot.

Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.

by timmyv38 on Aug 22, 2010 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions

the Caps have young players who can take that spot and who could be important to the future of the organization, so it makes sense to give one of them a shot.

2C? Worst case, without BMo, Caps don’t have a 2C and need to trade. Best case, they have 2 (I don’t think Marjo can do it this season) and can slot one at 3C or something, and trade, say, Steckel. If he’d be willing to do a 1 year deal, I don’t see the downside.

by red army line on Aug 22, 2010 2:03 PM EDT up reply actions

Downside is a repeat of last year, where we didn’t have a decent 2C when BMo stopped performing. Other downside is losing young prospects who are frustrated because they aren’t getting a shot. There is no real upside. Even when he was doing well last year, he was only decent, not good.

With the centers, I’m going on the assumption that the only slot that needs to be filled is 2C – that’s as long as Belanger is signed and takes 3C. Right now, we have 3 players who MIGHT be able to fill that slot – Flash, MP, and Mackan. I think the one who would most likely would be able to fill it adequately is MP. Otherwise, Belanger could fill that slot for a short time. I see no need for BMo, he would just take up a spot that could be better used.

Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.

by timmyv38 on Aug 22, 2010 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions

I think you’re overselling the care factor of those guys. Yeah, they might get frustrated, but they’re professional athletes. Just because Haynesworth is a whiny bitch doesn’t mean the entire city’s sports landscape is full of them.

"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."

by Whiter Mage on Aug 22, 2010 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions

Maybe, maybe not. I’d still rather give them a shot than re-sign BMo.

Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.

by timmyv38 on Aug 22, 2010 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree, but if a better 2C option came available by trade, I’d take it in a heartbeat.

"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."

by Whiter Mage on Aug 22, 2010 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions

Absolutely agreed. Only problem with that is cap space – but that would depend on the deal.

Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.

by timmyv38 on Aug 22, 2010 2:32 PM EDT up reply actions

Besides, B-Mo burned a few bridges (especially between him and BB) which would make it awkward (to say the least) for him to come back.

"HISTORY DOESN’T MATTER!!! .... Who cares if it’s never been done? We aren’t those teams who failed before. We are in control of our own destiny, and we will make it happen our own way.." - A Gordon, June 2010

by bagace on Aug 22, 2010 9:57 PM EDT up reply actions

I don’t think Mackan would be so frustrated as to leave, and MP the same. If they’re good enough, they’ll be on the team. There is an issue with the amount of forwards, but that isn’t anything a few trades can’t fix.

Even when he was doing well last year, he was only decent, not good.

Well, he and Semin together had a Corsi% that rivaled AO-Backstrom. I don’t really think he’d be any worse than last season, which was pretty good for him on the whole.

he would just take up a spot that could be better used.

I don’t think any of those guys would be a better 2C than Brendan Morrison, this season at least. GMGM looks like—and I think it’s smart, FWIW—to see if MP, Belanger, Mackan, Laich, or Flash, by longshot, can be a solid 2C, and if not, go and get one via trade. Morrison provides a fix right now and, like Brian Burke says about free agents, comes for free (in terms of not sending anyone out like with a trade). A good 2C could cost Semin or a Mackan type prospect; Morrison won’t.

One thing that’s strange—how the hell does Flash have a better Corsi% without Semin than with Semin? Did I do the math wrong?

by red army line on Aug 22, 2010 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions

Mackan wouldn’t – he knows he’ll get a shot in the future. I don’t think MP would, but he has been waiting for an opportunity. The only way either will make the team this season is if either the 2C or 3C slot is still open – which won’t happen in the Caps get both BMo and Belanger. I’d prefer Belanger out of the two, and give the other slot to MP or Mackan.

BMo did do well with Semin, but only for a few months. Then BMo fell apart, and that was when the 2nd line started getting changed constantly. The problems that BMo had are unlikely to get better. He is a small, skilled player who always relied on his speed. Now, he’s getting older and he doesn’t seem to have that speed anymore – likely due to the multiple knee injuries. It’s not worth taking the likely chance that he’ll be unable to fill the 2C slot again come the 2nd half of the season. MP is only going to get better if he’s given a shot, and he showed promise last season. Bring him up, put Mackan in Hershey to see how he does, and use Laich, Flash, or Belanger if nothing pans out. BMo would be a fine 2C for a team that is developing and needs a cheap veteran to fill a spot, but not on a team that is going to try to contend for the Cup.

Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.

by timmyv38 on Aug 22, 2010 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions

timeonice question:

What browser are you using for this? I havent been able to get meaningful output from firefox on OSX.5.

"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box

by Knee high to a duck on Aug 22, 2010 12:08 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

I’m having the same problem using Firefox, Chrome, and IE in Windows 7. Using just the first row of each block, I get Total Total 2210; With Semin Total 2210; Without Semin Total 0; and Semin without X Total 0.

Atta dinnin stick a who!

by Gould Old Days on Aug 22, 2010 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions

That's correct

I should remove that. It’s Semin’s totals on his own. Semin total = Semin total, Semin with Semin = Semin total, Semin without Semin = 0, Semin without X(Semin) = 0. I’ll change that.

by red army line on Aug 22, 2010 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions

By that, I mean that I get a list of integer numbers and nothing else. Is that what you’re working off of? If so, shoot me an email with your methodology if you have the chance, please.

Great work with that, by the way, I like that method as a way of evaluating potential chemistry between players.

"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box

by Knee high to a duck on Aug 22, 2010 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions

I find it fascinating to read the comments on Ovechkin in the Puck Daddy piece. It has long driven me crazy the way people judge Ovie based upon their bias, and not on actually watching him play. Personally, the only player in any sport that combined the talent, physical skills and enthusiasm for his game that Alex does was Michael Jordan. Those who call him dirty are obviously not watching him play on a regular basis. He is booed all around the league for the crime of being on the other team. It is sad that “fans” cannot back up and enjoy the way he plays, and not lock in on the negatives. How pathetic that they will attack the things he says in an interview.

I once spent a night on the couch for accepting a last minute ticket to see Gretzky play in DC on one of his rare visits. I would do the same for #8 if he didn’t play on my team. It was a small price to pay to see the best player of a generation in person.

by Boodgiesdad on Aug 22, 2010 9:59 AM EDT reply actions 2 recs

I once spent a night on the couch for accepting a last minute ticket to see Gretzky play in DC on one of his rare visits.

Wow, harsh, was it anniversary night or something?!

by DonCaps819 on Aug 22, 2010 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions

No, I just didn’t communicate my intentions in a timely or clear manner!

by Boodgiesdad on Aug 22, 2010 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions

These comments are G-rated, and actually quite tempered, compared to what usually is puked out by the Puck Daddy commentariat when our man is featured.

is it cold yet?

by bigonetimer on Aug 22, 2010 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions

I agree- better than most on balance, but it never ceases to amaze me that some people just have to pipe up. What is the purpose of attacking his appearance?

by Boodgiesdad on Aug 22, 2010 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions

Jealousy. Insecurity. Disbelief that a lot of people find him attractive. Their girlfriends wear his sweater.

(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)

by oldemystix on Aug 22, 2010 10:26 AM EDT up reply actions

do you believe that Michael Jordan was universally loved — especially early in his career?

Atta dinnin stick a who!

by Gould Old Days on Aug 22, 2010 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions

Not at all, but at least I could watch him play and appreciate that he was a special player who could, at any minute, make a play that would just astound me. Jordan didn’t always comport himself in an admirable way off the court, that is true, but I didn’t really care about that. I really only paid attention to him while the clock was running.

by Boodgiesdad on Aug 22, 2010 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions

I don’t think Ovi is taking much more abuse than Jordan did.

Atta dinnin stick a who!

by Gould Old Days on Aug 22, 2010 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions

That was a little brusque. All I’m trying to say is that to some extent this comes with the territory. It’s unfortunate, but that’s how the world works. I don’t think Ovi’s being singled out so much as it’s a sign of what a big star he’s becoming.

I suppose this year will have to be a “redemption story” for the press

Atta dinnin stick a who!

by Gould Old Days on Aug 22, 2010 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree. I guess my point was, whether it is Jordan, Ovie or Crosby, it would be nice if “fans” would enjoy the play and lay off the player. True to my philosophy, I know very little about Jordan and any abuse he may have taken. I simply don’t think about most players when they are not playing.

This blog brings the players on my team closer to me than any active pro athletes I have followed, and it does add a measure of depth to my support for the Caps. Maybe it has made me a little thin-skinned as well…

by Boodgiesdad on Aug 22, 2010 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions

I boo Crosby, call him a little girl, criticize the NHL for giving him and his team star treatment, where Crosby is a douche t-shirts and boycott Reebok Zig Techs because of his stupid commercial. I think the reason why I do all of this is because deep down I think he’s the best player in the NHL. Wow, talk about coming out of the closet. Don’t hate me fellow Caps fans.

by bob.haildc.com on Aug 22, 2010 6:57 PM EDT up reply actions

I love to hate Crosby too but that’s because Ovi’s our guy. Otherwise I think they are equally amazing players and fans are lucky to have such a great rivalry within the same conference.

For me Ovi and Crosby are the yin and yang of the NHL—their public personas could not be more different whereas their personal dedication to hockey and phenomenal but individual skill sets makes them so much alike.

And for me the best, most satisfying wins (thus far) are when the Caps beat the Pens.

BTW Ovi’s also doing Reebock zig tech shoe commercials—in Russia though.

"I’m very happy to hear the news," Ovechkin said when he heard about Backstrom's longterm contract--"because he’s one of the top centers in the world, one of my best friends and we want to play together for a long time. He’s a guy who wants to stay in one place and be comfortable and win, just like me. We talk all the time about playing together, and we talked after the playoffs about how we can win in Washington."

by capsyoungguns on Aug 22, 2010 7:41 PM EDT up reply actions

Ovie also has a HUGE zigtech ad in Georgetown. Several stories tall.

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.

by RedBirdie on Aug 22, 2010 9:54 PM EDT up reply actions

You’re right. Forgot about that mega poster. I wonder what other NHLers are promoting zigs?

by capsyoungguns on Aug 22, 2010 10:11 PM EDT up reply actions

I think they’re the only two.

if anyone hasn’t seen it, Steinberg has photos up on Ovie’s mega ad, although the search features is being difficult and I can’t find it. In person, it’s on the 3100 block of M Street, between 30th and Wisconsin.

by RedBirdie on Aug 22, 2010 10:22 PM EDT up reply actions

And this with Dats:

http://alexovetjkin.blogspot.com/2010/08/team-ovechkin-beats-team-datsyuk.html

(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)

by oldemystix on Aug 23, 2010 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Wow! Thanks ‘RedBirdie’ for the info. I just moved out to San Diego so I haven’t been around G-town lately. I guess I’ll have to get a customized red white and blue pair and stay away from the yellow and black ones.

Want more DC sports? Check out haildc.com where we cover all D.C. sports. We also have a comedy section for immature sports fans who love vulgar humor!!

by bob.haildc.com on Aug 23, 2010 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions

alas, the ad still has the ugly black and yellow shoes.

by RedBirdie on Aug 23, 2010 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions

That is MEGA alright! When we were in the Manhattan NHL store a few weeks ago I was glad to see Ovi’s full-length, ceiling-high image still gracing the entrance to the store.

by capsyoungguns on Aug 23, 2010 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions

I’m not sure about the “best player in the NHL” part, but if he’s not, he’s second best. This is the engine that drives a lot of the hate against both Sid and Ovie (and other talents in other sports, just think of all the LeBrons, Kobes, A-Rods, etc that people love to hate). It’s true for Caps and Pens fans alike. And the way the NHL shoves the rivalry between them down everyone’s throats, pretty much any hockey fan has an opinion on each guy.

If you come into it with a hostile perspective (they play for your team’s rival/you resent the constant coverage and “storylines” focusing on them), the fact that they are so damned good makes whatever flaws each of them has all the more irritating. It’s the only justification to dislike them or dismiss them as a fan.

by grapejoos on Aug 22, 2010 8:12 PM EDT up reply actions

It was great seeing so many Caps fans come out to clean up Powell School. Some tasks seemed impossible to complete in the time we had, but they got done. I couldn’t believe it when someone said they had Greenie cleaning the bathrooms and now we have video proof! The murals one of the teams painted on the walls are darling. I had a lot of fun and the teachers were very appreciative.

(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)

by oldemystix on Aug 22, 2010 10:31 AM EDT reply actions

He mustve gotten tips from Ted.

by DonCaps819 on Aug 22, 2010 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions

There is an interesting but simple OT rule change that the NHL is contemplating. All it consists of is having the teams change sides between the 3rd period and OT. This would lead to players having to go further to do line changes, thereby possibly creating more scoring chances. IMO, that combined with a 10 minute OT would make OT much better.

Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.

by timmyv38 on Aug 22, 2010 3:23 PM EDT reply actions