Friday Caps Clips
by J.P. on Aug 27, 2010 6:48 AM EDT
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Your savory breakfast links:
- Be sure to check out this week's episode of Japers' Rink Radio (10:00 tomorrow morning, available for download thereafter, as Pepper and Russell welcome Caps center Mathieu Perreault and The Globe & Mail's James Mirtle to the show.
- Can the Caps can get over the hump? [The Hockey News]
- The Caps' cupboard is pretty stacked, with more impressive rightwingers than the entire Tea Party movement... but will that be the case a year from today? [Masisak]
- Mike Green on his summer so far (and predicts a Winter Classic win). [Caps365 (video)]
- Tomas Fleischmann is back in town, and Vogs snagged him for a Q&A. (And yes, I'm rock-solid on my prediction that he's the Caps' opening night second-line center.) [Dump 'n Chase]
- Flash's return also coincides with an interview from back home that contains a "caption this"-worthy picture. [deník.cz via Google Translate]
- John Erskine wants more ice time (and given Willie Mitchell's decision, he might just get it). [The Whig Standard]
- Let's let D.J. King handle the dirty work, eh, Nicklas Backstrom? [FanShot]
- Caps a-plenty (well, five) in Yahoo's Top 100 fantasy players. [Puck Daddy]
- No one does under-dressed like Ovi. [SovSport]
- AO and Ilya Kovalchuk will face off for charity in Moscow on September 5. [Alex Ovetjkin]
- Could Round 1 of the playoffs feature a battle of nation's capitals? [Masisak]
- "Coming Attractions" for Semyon Varlamov's blog. [Jumping the Glass]
- Braden Holtby's Wikipedia page could use some help. [Capitals Outsider]
- Cody Eakin is your new Swift Current Broncos captain. [The Southwest Booster]
- A look at where Jose Theodore might land. [RtR]
- Finally, happy 48th birthday to Adam Oates.
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Caption this!
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Trainer: “Flash, don’t get too excited. There will be no happy ending, just like your playoff performances.”
by Cluster on Aug 27, 2010 7:56 AM EDT up reply actions 14 recs
Jesus… a winner right out of the box?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Yep. Close the polls.
"I think he is just a joy to watch, he plays every game like there's not going to be one next week for him, like someone's going to take it away from him next game."
by Bald Pollack on Aug 27, 2010 7:59 AM EDT up reply actions
Was Jesus a ginger? Or maybe I read JP way, way too dirty.
by DrinkingPartner on Aug 27, 2010 8:43 AM EDT up reply actions
Oh my. Well done.
OtF: our captain can beat up your captain.
Bitter and Blue: if you can't beat 'em; buy 'em.
by Chris Burton on Aug 27, 2010 8:00 AM EDT up reply actions
Ahhh, when did you get here, Bruce?
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Aug 27, 2010 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions
/obligatory ‘Adam Oates for the Hall’ comment
"I think he is just a joy to watch, he plays every game like there's not going to be one next week for him, like someone's going to take it away from him next game."
/obligatory “Hall and Oates” pun
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Obligatory RB comment of "Hey guys, don't Adam Oates and Ray Liotta look alike!"
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory
by Rather Bengt on Aug 27, 2010 7:48 AM EDT up reply actions
Oui, Monsieur (as they say in France and Quebec).
Or Da (as they say in Russia)
or Ja (as they say in German).
Rocking the Red since 1975
Or “Whatchutalkinaboutwillis” (as they say in Different Strokes)
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory
by Rather Bengt on Aug 27, 2010 4:57 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Reading Corey Masisak’s review of right wings, I can’t help but think that Alexander Semin is about to undertake a season-long audition for his next team. If he pots 45-50 goals (and that is not out of the question), he is going to command a raise from someone. The Caps might find it difficult to afford to pay three forwards north of $7 million. San Jose is the only club, I believe, who is currently doing that (Thornton, Heatley, Marleau). If the Caps were to sign Semin for $7 million, those three (Backstrom, Ovechkin, and Semin) would have a cap hit more than $1.5M more than San Jose’s top forwards.
Unless, of course, Semin considers a hometown (so to speak) discount.
If you've read this far...seek help.
… and if he scores far short of 45-50, would the Caps want him back? Obviously it depends on the circumstances, but it would seem to me that there’s a good chance that he’ll price or play himself out of D.C. this season.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I was trying to avoid the mental image of that “far short” scenario, but you’re right. And that’s one of the reasons why this year might really be “the year.” This group isn’ tgoing to be around forever, perhaps not as we know it past this year.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Of course, we’d all gladly trade regular season goals at three- or four-to-one (or more) for playoff goals…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Would he trade a look-away wrister, a breakaway top-shelf job and a curl-and-drag finish, all in the regular season, for a deflection off his ass in the playoffs?
Kidding. I think.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Nah, guys hate performing when it matters most, because they also hate money.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
Fits the Semin priorities chart: play pretty > get paid > be on a team with Ovi > win games
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Aug 27, 2010 8:35 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Lot of negative nellying this morning.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
I thought it was Nancy?
OtF: our captain can beat up your captain.
Bitter and Blue: if you can't beat 'em; buy 'em.
by Chris Burton on Aug 27, 2010 8:38 AM EDT up reply actions
You don’t want to get in a Semin debate that goes all the way to the right rail?
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
Heh. So Social Security Reform is a “third rail” issue nationally and Alex Semin Debate is a “right rail” issue here?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Marleau just misses, though his $6.9m per number (not to mention Boyle’s) doth make the team accountant’s pucker tighten like a snare drum.
"I think he is just a joy to watch, he plays every game like there's not going to be one next week for him, like someone's going to take it away from him next game."
by Bald Pollack on Aug 27, 2010 7:37 AM EDT up reply actions
And Marleau’s at $6.9m, FWIW (not that it takes away from your point). SJS is the only team with three $6.9m cap hits (the Rangers have three $6.875m or above), and they have Dan Boyle at $6.667m to boot..
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Late addition to Clips: Ersky wants to play.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I am sure we can find him a home.
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory
by Rather Bengt on Aug 27, 2010 7:49 AM EDT up reply actions
Not so fast… until further notice, he’s still the #6 D on this squad.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I look forward to further notice day.
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory
by Rather Bengt on Aug 27, 2010 7:52 AM EDT up reply actions
Don’t we all (though I’d take him as my #7 over TSlo any day).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
C’mon man, he’s opened up his hips!
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
That’s how daughter Madison, 4, and 20-month-old son Paxton are here.
"I think he is just a joy to watch, he plays every game like there's not going to be one next week for him, like someone's going to take it away from him next game."
by Bald Pollack on Aug 27, 2010 7:57 AM EDT up reply actions
And they call it lumberjack lovin’….
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory
by Rather Bengt on Aug 27, 2010 7:58 AM EDT up reply actions
Honestly I like Big John and all,but I just don’t really feel comfortable having him as 6D on this team come April or as part of a 6D tandem with Sloan. I would rather us sign Mottau cheap and have Oisk as insurance if someone goes down.
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory
by Rather Bengt on Aug 27, 2010 7:55 AM EDT up reply actions
John Erskine (and the rest of the Caps) and NCC/60
I am not a major stats guy but I did find this link provided by Verizon Center Concession Prospectus which calculates NCC/60 (Nacho Chip Consumption per 60 minutes) for last season and Erskine comes out quite favourably:
John Erskine: 35.63
Tyler Sloan: 32.41
Alexander Ovechkin: 30.45
Tomas Fleischmann: 27.68*
Scott Walker: 18.55
Matthew Perrault: 11.45
Quintin Laing: 8.52
Jay Beagle: 2.51
Stats Analysis: Oisk’s frame and physique allows him to consume more nachos obviously. His physical play in the press box corners also hels pad his totals in the nacho chip takeaway total. While his slowness on the ice is a disadvantage for the Caps, in the press box this is seen as “methodical” and works to his advantage in bribing teammates from their nachos.
Sloan’s NCC/60 is also impressive but his versatility means he is just as effective in nacho chip consumption as french fry consumption (FFC/60 total is 27.63) and will go back and forth between both. Not a specialist in either (Sloan is happy with just melted cheese and salsa) Sloan is solid enough to get the job done in the press box.
Ovechkin’s NCC/60 may come as surprise to many but one must remember our captain spent some time testing out the Verizon nachos with injury time and the suspensions. Clearly physique comes into play here but one can also not discount the guilt nacho consumption factor coming into play (especially after the Campbell incident). When asked about OV’s NCC/60, BB did say he found it “reckless” at times.
Fleischmann: Asterisked as Game 7 nachos count as triple the amount.
Scott Walker: Unfortunately but probably unsurprisingly higher than expected. Because of BB’s stubborness (translation: love of Flash) Walker consumed more nachos than he probably should have. A trade deadline addition to the Nacho eating corps, his NCC/60 is tempered by the fact that his NCC/60 totals with the Canes have not been released and have no bearing on his Caps stats.
Matty P: He’s a wee one Matty and doesn’t have the frame or physique of Erskine or OV to consume as many nachos. His quickness does mean he does steal a few when a teammate is not looking, improving his Nacho Takeaway total.
Quintin Laing: NCC/60 is much lower than expected due to the fact he had a broken jaw. Also stats are not calculated for pureed nachos.
Jay Beagle: Lack of playing time with the Caps = lower NCC/60. When asked to comment, Beagle simply said “I always liked the nachos in Hershey better anyway.”
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory
by Rather Bengt on Aug 27, 2010 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions 26 recs
Also stats are not calculated for pureed nachos.
This is why I’ve never found NCC/60 to be a particularly useful statistic.
by David Getz on Aug 27, 2010 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
You’re not looking at the big picture.
NCC/60 measures only individual performance. I think we have covered exhaustively that team performance is what matters. In that case, CORSI (Chips Over Refined Salsa Index) indicates nachos directed at teammates’ mouths while a player is in the press box.
Surprisingly, Lou Lamoriello’s other sustenance-directing skills fail to make the cut here.
"Inglewood Jack! Inglewood Jack!" - Coach Jules
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Aug 27, 2010 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions 7 recs
I won’t deny CORSI has some applicability here, but I will note that it has correlation/causation issues. For example, why are all those nachos being directed at teammates mouths? Are they chumming it up and making a night of it by gorging on junk food, or are teammates avoiding the player in question, sequestering themselves in a dark corner of the press box with only the nachos for solace? You can get similar results, but clearly one situation creates a much better overall nacho consumption environment.
And that doesn’t even factor in the issue of coaching (skewing Fehr’s numbers one way, and Flash’s the other), or arena impact (as you might expect, the quality of nachos is generally much better in Sun Belt cities than in, say, the Canadian arenas).
I guess when all is said and done, despite all the progress and innovations people have made, the field of nacho-consumption statistics is still very young.
by David Getz on Aug 27, 2010 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions 8 recs
All of this just underscores the Cap’s #1 need at the deadline — BCCF (Big Cheese Consuming Defenseman).
"Inglewood Jack! Inglewood Jack!" - Coach Jules
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Aug 27, 2010 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions 7 recs
In Canadian, F stands for defenseman now.
/Idiot
"Inglewood Jack! Inglewood Jack!" - Coach Jules
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Aug 27, 2010 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions
I was thinking the same thing, but Rather Bengt’s post really makes me think Erskine can fill that role – at least that he should get a legitimate chance at it this season.
The team can do better than Sloan, though.
You’re forgetting about quality of competition. It’s much easier to down plain cheese nachos. If you adjust for extra jalapenos, sour cream, and salsa, Eric Fehr jumps to the head of the list.
by Ginga on Aug 27, 2010 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I don’t know if you guys caught Ovi’s “Hot Chip” celebration last year, but it was ridiculous.
"Inglewood Jack! Inglewood Jack!" - Coach Jules
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Aug 27, 2010 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
(as you might expect, the quality of nachos is generally much better in Sun Belt cities than in, say, the Canadian arenas)
Once again, the Caps’ stats are boosted by playing in the SE division. They’d never get those totals in the Northeast division. Never.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Might be a different stat in the Northeast – in the Northeast it’s got to be PPG (Poutine Per Game) that really matters.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
I’d expect Matty P’s totals to be through the roof in that area. Forget 2C, he’s a 1C when it comes to PPG (Poutine per Game) in my eyes.
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory
by Rather Bengt on Aug 27, 2010 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Oooh, I just imagined trying to eat poutine in the intermission or on the bench, and then taking a hard shift on the ice. Ugh
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Aug 27, 2010 7:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Good thing I re-read that.
"I think he is just a joy to watch, he plays every game like there's not going to be one next week for him, like someone's going to take it away from him next game."
by Bald Pollack on Aug 27, 2010 8:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Regular season nacho consumption means Richard.
Talk to me about nachos in April.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
More importantly, around Cinco de Mayo.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
If this is the case than we need to re-evaluate Flash on the most valuable Cap. Barring unforeseen changes his NCC/60 may well skyrocket this post-season.
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Aug 27, 2010 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions
How did this thread get this long without a single mention of Kyle Wellwood, Martin Brodeur, or Mike Green?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Aug 27, 2010 7:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Diggin’ the HTS ads on the dashers, btw.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
READY TO PLAY!
Money don't make my world go round...i'm reaching out to a higher ground
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Aug 27, 2010 8:41 AM EDT up reply actions
He was the best.
Calbert Cheaney FTW
Money don't make my world go round...i'm reaching out to a higher ground
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Aug 27, 2010 9:56 AM EDT up reply actions
The channel you cheer for…
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Aug 27, 2010 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Mike Green on his summer so far (and predicts a Winter Classic win).
Take it easy Champ, why don’t you stop talking for awhile.
"I think he is just a joy to watch, he plays every game like there's not going to be one next week for him, like someone's going to take it away from him next game."
He can’t help himself. He oozes bravado.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I almost read that last word as avocado (not kidding).
"I think he is just a joy to watch, he plays every game like there's not going to be one next week for him, like someone's going to take it away from him next game."
by Bald Pollack on Aug 27, 2010 8:11 AM EDT up reply actions
That would fit with his last name being “Green” and all…
It’s not easy being Green, ya know…
(Gads, it’s Friday, make it stop!!!)
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Aug 27, 2010 10:17 AM EDT up reply actions
Meh. I just don’t have a lot of hope for or confidence in this season.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Aug 27, 2010 8:12 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah. I know. We’ll see what happens.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Chin up, kiddo! It’s August – time to dream big.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I was dreaming about what sort of oddball way to lose the Caps might use this year in the playoffs. They’ve done the phantom trip-in-OT-leads-to-PP-goal-when-goalie-is-looking-the-other-way thing. They’ve done the 1-for-33-by-the-best-power-play-in-the-league thing.
This year… locusts?
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Aug 27, 2010 8:42 AM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
I could speculate but if I do I WILL get jumped by the “don’t you dare even say that” crowd.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
I think we’ve had enough of your speculatin’ today, missy.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
Since the Bruins did the 3-0 thing, I don’t thing the Caps would do that. How about losing two 4-OT games in the same series?
Four 6 OT games.
Money don't make my world go round...i'm reaching out to a higher ground
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Aug 27, 2010 8:59 AM EDT up reply actions
They’d have to fly Bears in to shore up the lines as players went down with sudden-adult-onset-narcolepsy.
by DrinkingPartner on Aug 27, 2010 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions
Haha. With a two man advantage.
Money don't make my world go round...i'm reaching out to a higher ground
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Aug 27, 2010 9:00 AM EDT up reply actions
Getting shut out three times by Vesa Toskala
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory
by Rather Bengt on Aug 27, 2010 9:10 AM EDT up reply actions
....
On something like this
Money don't make my world go round...i'm reaching out to a higher ground
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Aug 27, 2010 9:10 AM EDT up reply actions
Happened to Theo in the shootout…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
...
Could be. What about something like this?
Money don't make my world go round...i'm reaching out to a higher ground
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Aug 27, 2010 9:23 AM EDT up reply actions
Backy’s still here ;)
Money don't make my world go round...i'm reaching out to a higher ground
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Aug 27, 2010 9:36 AM EDT up reply actions
Reminds me of AO’s first goal in “The Goal” game in Phoenix. He dumped it in, it bounced to the front of the net, and the PHX D tried to stuff it into his goalie for a whistle, but instead put it five hole.
by red army line on Aug 27, 2010 9:29 AM EDT up reply actions
Ugh! I remember that game…. I think this was in 1988…if so, the Caps go their revenge when they eliminated the Flyers in the opening round of the playoffs.
Nice cameo goal celebration by then-Flyer and future Cap Dave Poulin.
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Aug 27, 2010 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions
for Pete's sake
Rod Langway magically teaches Mike Green how to clear and check the opposition from his own defensive zone. Lets Go Caps !
by Mikko Leinonen's opposite on Aug 27, 2010 12:34 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
It’s a little OT here, but I wonder what was going through Ted’s mind last night when the top-seeded Mystics choked last night. Deja vu?
"It's always good to have vikings."
Proud member of the Oxford dictionary police.
Yeah. I mean, you only have two of the world’s three best players and earned 121 points last year. Those guys suck.
OtF: our captain can beat up your captain.
Bitter and Blue: if you can't beat 'em; buy 'em.
by Chris Burton on Aug 27, 2010 8:22 AM EDT up reply actions
But they lost an undependable back-up G, a bunch of spare-part D’s and a couple of inadequate 2C options. Clearly they’ll suffer.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
As I’ve said, we’ll see what happens.
But then – look at it this way. I thought things looked real rosy this time last year. Draw from that what conclusions you will?
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Your expectations don’t have any effect on the team.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
by jordanDC on Aug 27, 2010 8:34 AM EDT up reply actions 7 recs
Honestly, it doesn’t mean shit if April doesn’t happen, and don’t tell me that’s not true.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
So you think this team will miss the playoffs? Are you out of your mind?
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
by jordanDC on Aug 27, 2010 8:33 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
So… see you in April?
Look, we all know what matters most. But a bounce or a call and last season turns out differently. Either way, it was a building block for this year, so there’s reason to believe – or at the very least hope – that things will be better.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Sorry for delay, got pulled unexpectedly into troubleshooting a VoIP dial plan, which is a bit like untangling a ball of yarn after an hour with a cat.
Maybe I just need some damn hockey already. Enough with the speculation.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Unfortunately, it’s all speculation until April.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
#isitAprilyet
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
by EmilyB on Aug 27, 2010 9:07 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I’m not going to tell you its not true, but at the same time I have a helluva lot more confidence that Nick Backstrom and Alex fucking Ovechkin can put a team on their back and take them wherever they damn please than I do, say, Patric Hornqvist and Matt Lombardi.
Is it a do or die year for the Caps? You bet. But I’m leaning more towards ‘do’ than ‘die’. Playoff chokes aside, an excellent team in the regular season has at least a slightly better chance of being successful in the playoffs. Ask the Blackhawks. Or the Red Wings. Or the Penguins.
OtF: our captain can beat up your captain.
Bitter and Blue: if you can't beat 'em; buy 'em.
by Chris Burton on Aug 27, 2010 8:37 AM EDT up reply actions
Is it a do or die year for the Caps? You bet.
Disagree. I’d bet the ranch that this team could go 0-82-0 and still be invited to participate in the 2011-12 NHL season.
If it doesn’t work out this year, they make changes and make another run at it with some of the best players in the world leading the way. Ain’t no thing.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Heh. I overstated for the purposes of talking sparkly off the ledge, but I’m particularly referencing the current regime. There’s a reason(s) I’m not an executive, but I’d hope McPhee and Boudreau would find themselves in deep shit if you don’t see at least an ECF run with the players at hand. So ‘do or die’ for the coaching staff, perhaps.
OtF: our captain can beat up your captain.
Bitter and Blue: if you can't beat 'em; buy 'em.
by Chris Burton on Aug 27, 2010 8:44 AM EDT up reply actions
That’s how I feel. If they don’t at least make the ECF, some questions need to be axed.
Money don't make my world go round...i'm reaching out to a higher ground
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Aug 27, 2010 8:45 AM EDT up reply actions
Going to really depend on what the roster looks like come the playoffs.
As currently configured, no way we should expect them to make the ECF. But there’s still a lot of time between then and now.
Jordan’s got it right. This team will make the playoffs, which is good enough for now.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
Yup. Playoffs are a crapshoot.
Money don't make my world go round...i'm reaching out to a higher ground
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Aug 27, 2010 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions
To an extent they are, but there are also certain things this team could have done better. I’m obviously not throwing in the towel but I think it’s unfair to expect people to be thrilled with how the offseason went.
by Kolzilla on Aug 27, 2010 1:09 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I’m glad at least GMGM didn’t screw himself over in the future and put all his chips in for this upcoming season. Each playoffs is too uncertain.
by red army line on Aug 27, 2010 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions
A lot of people said that last year.
"Hockey is my life, wine is my passion." -- Igor Larionov
by Scott in Shaw on Aug 27, 2010 1:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Last year was a bit too early, IMO. They’ve had their Miracle on Manchester, and now is the time for real progress.
Money don't make my world go round...i'm reaching out to a higher ground
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Aug 27, 2010 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions
•The Caps’ cupboard is pretty stacked with more impressive rightwingers than the entire Tea Party movement…
that deserves a
by Brainumbc on Aug 27, 2010 8:17 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Only slightly related – is the Rink doing the fantasy hockey league this year?
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
I’d like to try it again as well. And if I’m allowed to be petty…I’d rather not use ESPN’s league. I have no idea if that’s possible and I swear I’m not trying to be snarky.
Am I the only one that gets confused at headlines like this:
NHLPA: Fehr has not accepted job offer
I believe in JC.
Definitely not. It’s the main reason I was hoping he wouldn’t/won’t get the job. That and the inevitable work stoppage if he does. But mostly the confusion over the surname he shares with F16.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
As much as I really dislike Cox, he’s done a good job documenting all that stuff with NHLPA and Fehr’s ties to the Lindros Lobby.
Money don't make my world go round...i'm reaching out to a higher ground
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Aug 27, 2010 9:37 AM EDT up reply actions
As much as I really dislike Cox
Isolate that
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
DAMN IT ALL!!
/shakes fist
Money don't make my world go round...i'm reaching out to a higher ground
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Aug 27, 2010 9:41 AM EDT up reply actions
Ah, hahahaha. Good work, JP.
OtF: our captain can beat up your captain.
Bitter and Blue: if you can't beat 'em; buy 'em.
by Chris Burton on Aug 27, 2010 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions
Does it help that they pronounce it differently?
"It's always good to have vikings."
Proud member of the Oxford dictionary police.
Doesn’t help much on my computer screen.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
http://www.blueshirtbanter.com/2010/8/27/1653324/our-follow-up-on-the-puck-daddy
A must-read.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
by EmilyB on Aug 27, 2010 9:51 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
The original PD piece is worth a read, too.
It appears that teams like, say, the Rangers have some apprehension that the bloggers, whom they refuse to credential in MSG, might just hop on 95 and shoot down to Chinatown, where they can get a credential and get into the visitor’s dressing room. Which would afford them the opportunity to ask uncomfortable questions: “Mr Drury, do you feel like your production has been commensurate with your compensation this year?”
It would be incredibly short-sighted of the NHL to adopt a measure along these lines. Which, of course, means the League will probably do it. However, more access, more exposure, more views into the sport are much, much, much better than less of those things. The NHL isn’t the NFL or MLB. Or even the NBA. The League needs to do everything it can to drive interest in it. And if that means exposing executives and players to uncomfortable questions, then do it. Life ain’t perfect. It won’t get better by pretending that hockey is football, and will get massive fan attention no matter what they do.
/climbs off soapbox.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
"The most important thing - to get to the playoffs and move on." Evgeny Kuznetsov
by Carl Putnam on Aug 27, 2010 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions
It’s an interesting issue. Clearly not all blogs act professionally, and the line needs to be drawn somewhere. But I would be weary of having this Rangers blog fight the battle for other bloggers. I was not aware of the Fire-Sather incident, but the blogger’s claim that all he did was “cover a newsworthy event” is disingenuous at best. Take a look at the actual article. It is hardly a neutral reporting of someone else’s event. He is clearly adopting the sentiment and promoting the event at the same time. I cannot blame the team at all for booting this guy from the building.
Obviously the Rangers are overreacting by saying no blogs of any kind should get access. But as we say in the law, great cases make bad law. I wouldn’t want someone who straddles the line between responsibility and sports-guy-at-a-bar to be your test case.
Yes, that piece you link to crosses into cheerleading and leaves reporting behind.
I’ll point out that because BSB doesn’t have a credential on the line, they have no incentive to stay within the lines of proper reporting etiquette. I suspect that better access would act to hold down diatribes.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
I'm not big on fantasy hockey, but...
Alex Semin is 33rd in Yahoo!‘s rankings? I’d be hard pressed to leave him out of the Top 15, especially in a contract year.
There’s no way you can convince me that Eric Staal is a better fantasy option than Semin, unless of course you’re banking on an injury.
To play devil’s advocate, Eric Staal is pretty much the entire offense in Carolina.
Money don't make my world go round...i'm reaching out to a higher ground
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Aug 27, 2010 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions
I’d still expect better stats out of Semin.
by DrinkingPartner on Aug 27, 2010 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions
If Yahoo segregates wingers from centers and Sasha is eligible at LW and RW… yeah, no. No way.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Considering where he was last season, and the fact he scored 40 goals, I can’t believe he fell so many spots.
Last I checked, Fantasy leagues were regular season only….
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Aug 27, 2010 10:26 AM EDT up reply actions
I refuse to acknowledge “Flash Drive” as a legitimate nickname for Flash until he actually drives to the net.
“Disconnected unsafely, data may have been lost or damaged”
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
In the playoffs, he was all thumbs.
"Hockey is my life, wine is my passion." -- Igor Larionov
by Scott in Shaw on Aug 27, 2010 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
I’m gonna give you a little somethin’ you can’t rec off.
"I think he is just a joy to watch, he plays every game like there's not going to be one next week for him, like someone's going to take it away from him next game."
by Bald Pollack on Aug 27, 2010 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Masisak
What kind of deadline pressure is that guy under? The lack of spell check and grammar/spelling review makes me think it’s got to be considerable.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
Maybe he really needed an editor, and now no longer has one.
Proud member of the Popsicle Division of the Cupcake Conference.
Nice to read that Erskine is working on his foot speed and Flash on gaining weight/strength.
(Just thougth a little optimism was needed here this morning).
"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
It’s the annual rite of fall: “I’m in the best shape of my career,” etc.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Mount Dirtymore...
In response to the Mount Puckmore going on at PuckDaddy, the guys at Pensblog came up with Mount Dirtymore for the Pens (link here, h/t Puck Daddy)
For the Caps, I’d submit the following:
- Dale Hunter
- Chris Simon
- John Kordic
- Randy Holt
Anyone want to post their choices?
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
1.) The player had to do dirty stuff while in a Penguin uniform
2.) Their first name couldn’t have a Z in it
3.) And we personally had to have seen them play
For me, this rule would lead to four choices:
- Matt Cooke
- Dale Hunter
- Chris Simon
- Alex Ovechkin
I don’t like including Ovechkin on that list, but I can’t really think of who else to put on there.
Maybe Brashear for the Blair Betts incident
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory
by Rather Bengt on Aug 27, 2010 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions
Teenagers who hit guys from behind into the boards in the waning seconds of a game that’s out of reach.
Bogosian
Money don't make my world go round...i'm reaching out to a higher ground
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Aug 27, 2010 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions
Money don't make my world go round...i'm reaching out to a higher ground
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Aug 27, 2010 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions
I was going to say that Cooke didn’t last long enough as a Cap to do real damage, but then I remembered Lecavalier.
That was nothing. A fluke, really.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Ovechkin shouldn’t be on there due to lack of dirty hits. At most, there’s been 2.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
Propose someone else then. That’s one more than I can think of for any Caps player (Mike Green had one).
Ah Killer… there was that great game he had vs. Edmonton one Superbowl Sunday. Gets in a fight, draws Louis DeBrusk into taking a penalty that put the Caps on a 4 minute power play, and then he left the game with a concussion…with 5 minutes to go in the first period.
Good times.
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Aug 27, 2010 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions
My favorite was Kaminski vs Messier.
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Aug 27, 2010 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Pretty sure he clocked zero ice time during that marathon pens playoff game. He has the best seat in the house.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Aug 27, 2010 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Bugsy Watson…
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Aug 27, 2010 11:26 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Bugsy bought a round at my bachelor party at his place in Old Town in 2002. He’s a great guy.
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Aug 27, 2010 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Yep, just don’t try and go to the net when he was playing defense.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Aug 27, 2010 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Berube
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Aug 27, 2010 11:27 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Simon
I don’t recall him playing that dirty until he Samsoned his hair. Yeah, he got in fights, but is that what they are looking for?
Other than racial slurs, I can’t think of anything specifically “dirty” he did whilst a Cap.
Money don't make my world go round...i'm reaching out to a higher ground
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Aug 27, 2010 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions
Nah, he only really went ’round the twist once he got to the Isle.
A guy who played for the Caps who snuck in plenty of shots after the whistle, could be relied on to lay on a two-hander to an ankle or wrist behind the play, and didn’t have very good balance while in the vicinity of the goalie after feeling contact? Adam Oates.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
Well, there was that hit that got him suspended for a game in the 2000 Playoffs….
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Aug 27, 2010 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Randy Holt… he was Dale Hunter with a mean(er) streak…
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Aug 27, 2010 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions
McPhee
/Uniform, suit, what’s the difference?
"Inglewood Jack! Inglewood Jack!" - Coach Jules
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Aug 27, 2010 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
McPhee would be on the Rangers Mount Dirtymore possibly. Back from when I started watching hockey, the Rangers usually didn’t have a dirty player. They had enforcers (Dale Rolfe, Nick Fotiu, etc.) but these guys were very up front on the ice…they weren’t dirty.
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Aug 27, 2010 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions
"Inglewood Jack! Inglewood Jack!" - Coach Jules
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Aug 27, 2010 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Um, two suspensions. And the slew foot in ATL. And the misconduct vs. Kaleta. And the Briere hit. And Gonchar.
Ovi has had a lot more than two bad hits in his career.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Heward hit. Technically legal, but definitely looking to blow a guy up when he was not prepared for it.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
Good call on that one (especially if you read Cox’s book – number of references to ending Jamie Heward’s career… many).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
The weirdest part about that hit is that it didn’t even really look that bad. Even in slow motion, it wasn’t a thunderous hit. Freak play- terrible outcome.
You gotta run to a window and say: "Hey, these floors are dirty as hell, and I'm not gonna take it anymore!"
If Pensblog was honest enough to put Crosby on theirs (and BTW, I loved that piece), then we’ve gotta be honest enough to put Ovie on ours. Though I don’t think Ovie’s “dirtiest” plays really rise to the same dirtbag level as Crosby – he might try to kill you with a check, but he won’t slash you away from the play and other bush league shit like that.
I don’t know much Caps history prior to 95 or so, but I’d probably go with Hunter and Ovie at the top, maybe Witt and Simon below? (though their antics were more “respectable dirty” while in DC).
Was Scott Stevens considered dirty in his Caps days? I remember him throwing hits, but I was only 9 or 10 when he left town.
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Aug 27, 2010 2:03 PM EDT up reply actions
No. Big hitter but not a dirty, spear you whenthe refs not looking kind of guy. Particularly for his era when dirty play was a bit more prevalent than today.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Aug 27, 2010 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions
hah, thanks. that was my recollection, but I was young then so I didn’t trust it.
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Aug 27, 2010 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Although there are certainly arguments that some of his big hits are dirty. Flyers fans will still tell you the hit on Lindros was dirty (I disagree) but he undoubtedly targeted very vulnerable players and took advantage of them. I’d say the most dirty thing about some of his hits is that he would absolutely drop the hammer on guys that were already engaged with one of his teammates. That’s generally considered poor form and yet if you look at his YouTube top 10 you’ll see at least 4 of the hits being executed on a guy that is battling his teammate (I think at least twice it is Niedermayer, once he almost kills Niedermayer trying to destroy the puck carrier).
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I didn’t say bad, I said dirty. Briere and Campbell would be the two possibles for that. Gonchar was accidental, Kaleta was barely a tap, and the slew foot (Peverly, I think) was an accident. Accidental hits can’t really be dirty.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
There are no accidents when it comes to hitting in hockey. Mistakes, but no accidents.
is it cold yet?
There was a distinction made between a dirty player and one who makes dirty plays. IMO, ov plays dirty sometimes but I don’t consider him a dirty players. Hunts on the other hand…
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Aug 27, 2010 12:05 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I APOLOGIZE FOR THE INTERRUPTION
But I created an ESPN fantasy league (H2H, total points). 18 roster spots open. Email me at my profile, and I’ll add them as I can.
by DrinkingPartner on Aug 27, 2010 11:42 AM EDT reply actions
wait, are we doing the JRHL again this year? not sure i have time for two.
by Natty Bumppo on Aug 27, 2010 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions
I think this is it, unofficially.
OtF: our captain can beat up your captain.
Bitter and Blue: if you can't beat 'em; buy 'em.
by Chris Burton on Aug 27, 2010 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Up to you guys. So far we’ve got:
DP
CB
Ovechwin
JDC
DebCaps
reesem
gotsparkly
capitalcentre
Boutros
STLSpidey
by DrinkingPartner on Aug 27, 2010 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Is it not showing up that i’m in?
Money don't make my world go round...i'm reaching out to a higher ground
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Aug 27, 2010 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions
My God….
Any chance the Edmonton media has to make Edmonton Oilers GM Steve Tambellini and team management look like bumbling morons is a chance they’re taking, so this morning’s news that he allegedly nixed a Sheldon Souray(notes) trade to the Philadelphia Flyers for Scott Hartnell(notes) last year is perfect fodder.
I don’t know who’s stupider. The Flyers for trying to make that deal or the Oilers for turning it down.
Money don't make my world go round...i'm reaching out to a higher ground
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Aug 27, 2010 1:17 PM EDT reply actions
“Steve Tambellini offered Sheldon Souray to the Flyers for Scott Hartnell. And Hartnell has a no-trade clause and Paul Holmgren went to Hartnell and said, ‘Listen, the Oilers are interested in you. Would you waive your no trade?’ And Hartnell said, ‘You know, I’d like to, I wouldn’t mind going to Edmonton and playing.’
“He’s a Lloydminster guy. He’s an Alberta guy. He likes it here. I think it would have been a kind of a homecoming for him. A power forward, kind of what the Oilers need. So he said, ‘Go ahead.’ So Paul Holmgren phoned Tamby back and said, ‘Here is the deal. It’s done if you want it,’ and Tamby pulled out.
Money don't make my world go round...i'm reaching out to a higher ground
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Aug 27, 2010 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions
I think its neither. Scott Hartnell for waiving his NMC to play in Edmonton.
OtF: our captain can beat up your captain.
Bitter and Blue: if you can't beat 'em; buy 'em.
by Chris Burton on Aug 27, 2010 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Holy shit. Think of the salary cap hell Philly would have with Souray on their roster.
Unbelievable.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
Well, if they have Souray, that probably means they don’t make the Meszaros deal or the Shelley deal, and probably not the Zherdev deal. If everything else stays the same regarding who else they signed (and factoring in Gagne’s salary), my rough (rough) calculations say they’d be about 3 million + over at the moment.
Money don't make my world go round...i'm reaching out to a higher ground
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Aug 27, 2010 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Geez, first Kaberle for Carter now Souray for Hartnell. Philly really is getting lucky that their dumb trades for overrated defensemen are getting denied.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Aug 27, 2010 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions
FWIW, probably not much, but depending on the timing of that trade discussion, Hartnell, with a 4.2M cap hit, struggled for much of the regular season last year and there were plenty of rumors that it in part related to off-ice distractions.
It’s not like Souray was playing lights out or even playing period. Tambellini is crazy if that story is true. I’d choose Hartnell over Souray straight up much less for 1.2 mil less. I realize he’s a FA after this season, but given his recent stats you could resign him for less than 4.2 mil and that even makes it a better deal since Souray has 2 years left on his deal.
"The most important thing - to get to the playoffs and move on." Evgeny Kuznetsov
Well first of all we have no idea if there were other parts going one way or the other. I’m simply pointing out Hartnell was not the Hartnell of the playoffs or the prior season and he does have a hefty contract; it goes through 2012-13 (3 seasons remaining) and includes an NTC.
You are right about his play. I’m just saying its not like the other guy in the deal was playing better. Not sure why I thought he was a UFA after this season. I still think he’s a good player. His playoff performance showed he’s got plenty left in the tank. At least his contract money goes down each year (4.2 to 3.7 to 3.2)
"The most important thing - to get to the playoffs and move on." Evgeny Kuznetsov
Well, these trade discussions would have been before that playoff performance. I agree he played well as did his line in the playoffs.
I’m not a fan of either player, but if forced to choose between the two, yes, I agree Hartnell has more value at the moment.
It’s only a rumor, nothing more, but there was a time when the two teams could have seen value in such a move as it’s not all about on-ice stuff all the time.
fat_daddyo, I thought Hartnell’s clause was of the NTC variety, but no difference in this case given the scenario.
I am considering CI’s story on how the southeast will be stronger next year open for comment here considering it is in the “what we’re reading” section and it will likely be in tomorrow’s clips. Correct me if there is a better place:
So Tampa Bay is clearly better, both personnel and another year in the league for stamkos and hedman. Still have pretty poor D outside of Hedman who is solid but still mostly upside. They worry me in 2012-2013, not now.
But: Atlanta lost Kovy and Afinigenov which to me makes them far worse than their additions of the bad 1/3rd of chicago’s cup team
Florida is still terrible, rebuilding, etc.
Carolina is tough to judge because they had such a putrid start to last year, but I see them staying about the same as they were in the 2nd half, decent but not great
On the whole it looks about the same. Aside from us, maybe a 50% chance of 1 other playoff team. Anyone see it different?
"Have you ever played?" "Yes, I was a goalie"
I think you are underselling ATL. They weren’t a worse team without Kovy (much less far worse) because the return package played so well. Afinagenov had a nice year but he’s nothing special and if his career to date is any indication he wouldn’t have put together another year like that anyway. Ladd and Buff aren’t the bad 1/3 of CHI’s Cup team. Their D is young and should be better. Kane should take a step forward and they’ll get solid if not spectacular goaltending. I don’t think we have any serious challengers but I think ATL and TBL will be tougher than you give them credit for.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
On Atl: I like Bergforce and Kane but their D is just so weak. I dont think Afinagenov is any good (and NHL GMs agree with me) but he played well for the first half of last year and got them a few wins. I also think you are underselling Kovy’s loss. He is the only player last year in the southeast I feared could beat us.
I can’t imagine ATL or FL making the playoffs. TB, yes, Carolina in a blue collar with great goaltending sort of way, yes.
"Have you ever played?" "Yes, I was a goalie"
I also think you are underselling Kovy’s loss. He is the only player last year in the southeast I feared could beat us.
I don’t think a single player can beat us unless they play in the crease. Why would you think that Kovy could singlehandedly beat us? Hasn’t history pretty much proven otherwise? ATL was as good, if not better, last season after Kovy left. Sure, they lost a great player, but Bergfors and Oduya really played well and they turned that first round pick into Buff. The depth they got will offset the loss at high end talent. Also, their D is simply better than you give them credit for, especially when you consider the age of Bogosian and Enstrom. Oduya is solid and if Hainsey can have another good year and/or progress they’ll be in decent shape.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Yeah, there’s only two guys in the SE that can beat the Caps IMO and they are Tomas Vokoun and Eric Staal. The first plays behind a D that gives up a ton of shots, the second can’t consistently reach that high level that he actually gets really good at.
ATL had a slightly better pts% without Kovalchuk than with him, if I’m remembering correctly.
by red army line on Aug 27, 2010 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah. Eric Staal singlehandedly wins games. He’s just an unstoppable force and everywhere he goes wins follow. Coincidence? Can’t be.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Obviously “singlehandedly” is a bit hyperbolic in the NHL for anyone, (yes, even god’s gift to Canada, Crosby or god’s gift to russian women, ovi) but I feared him more than any other player in the SE until he was gone. Outside of goalies, Stamkos is that guy now.
"Have you ever played?" "Yes, I was a goalie"
Staal’s still in the SE…and he was pretty good in their series against NJ. I think he’s had a couple of 5 pointers against the Caps and he had a 6 pointer last year or the year before that, but then he just goes through droughts. He’s like Malkin, but worse offensively and worse when cold. Actually, more like Semin, but not as good defensively.
by red army line on Aug 27, 2010 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions
On Atl: I like Bergforce and Kane but their D is just so weak.
Really? Their top seven should be:
Bogosian
Hainsey
Enstrom
Sopel
Oduya
Vlabik
Meyer
Which is really not bad. There’s depth, there’s guys who can move the puck, there’s guys who can play the point. It’s just like their forward corps – no superstars (…yet), but a well rounded group that should be pretty good.
Their defense is the best part of their team. And it’s really good.
Unfortunately, they just have shit forwards. But when your payroll is 43 million, that’s what you get.
Money don't make my world go round...i'm reaching out to a higher ground
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Aug 27, 2010 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions
I’d slap my momma for Tobias Enstrom.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
I’d like him here too.
And he’d become my all time favorite player if he would change his last name to Fünke.
Money don't make my world go round...i'm reaching out to a higher ground
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Aug 27, 2010 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
They don’t have high-end guys, but they’ve got decent F depth… basically a second line, two third lines and a fourth or so.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Other than Little, Antropov, Kane, and Peverley, is there anyone that makes you go more than “meh”?
Money don't make my world go round...i'm reaching out to a higher ground
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Aug 27, 2010 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Not really. Maybe Byf and Bergfors.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I Bergfor-got about Bergfors.
Haha….if Peter Berg’s daughter married Bergfors, she’d be Berg-Bergfors
Money don't make my world go round...i'm reaching out to a higher ground
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Aug 27, 2010 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions
And if Peter Berg married Peter Forsberg…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
And if Peter Berg married Bill Berg.
Money don't make my world go round...i'm reaching out to a higher ground
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Aug 27, 2010 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Exactly, so how does this make them better than last year or a playoff team? Even if they have average D, which I don’t think they do.
Bogosian was -18, worst on the team last year and is 21. He has a good skill set and upside but not for next year. Oduya is a bit above average, Enstrom is 5’11" which is average height… Beyond that my expertise on these guys is limited.
"Have you ever played?" "Yes, I was a goalie"
Enstrom is money.
Money don't make my world go round...i'm reaching out to a higher ground
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Aug 27, 2010 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions
…OH, I see what you did there.
OtF: our captain can beat up your captain.
Bitter and Blue: if you can't beat 'em; buy 'em.
by Chris Burton on Aug 27, 2010 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Exactly, so how does this make them better than last year or a playoff team? Even if they have average D, which I don’t think they do.
The forward group is more well-rounded. They traded some offense for defense and physicality, while getting deeper.
Their defense is significantly above average.
Bogosian was -18, worst on the team last year and is 21. He has a good skill set and upside but not for next year.
I wouldn’t rule it out. Look at how guys like Green and Doughty put it all together at a young age. Now, Bogosian doesn’t have their talent, but he still has a ton.
Enstrom is 5’11" which is average height…
Yeah. But he’s good, so what difference does it make?
Their strength on defense is the same as their strength up front – depth and versatility. They don’t have an elite number one defenseman, but they have guys who skate, guys who move the puck, guys who can shoot, and guys who can run the powerplay. They have five guys who could play top-four minutes and seven guys who could play top-six minutes.
the Enstrom comment was a joke, he is solidly above average.
Without top end D, you have 2nd pair guys always having to play against top end O. Was our problem against Phi and Pit 2 and 3 playoffs ago. (green aside, he is top pair D but if he wasn’t allowed to play offense he would be 2nd pair IMO)
"Have you ever played?" "Yes, I was a goalie"
Philly and DC were evenly matched if you ask me. Pittsburgh took advantage of the fact that the Caps’ D at the time was (is) not terribly proficient and getting the puck from behind the net and clearing it out of the zone against a fast and physical forecheck.
The Caps don’t have a top pair-level guy for defense. Schultz I would say is 2nd pair good but forced to be on the top pair (of course, this is all for a SCF type team).
Also, Enstrom is really really good. On Atlanta.
by red army line on Aug 27, 2010 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree about PHI and WAS, and it’s also important that it was 2 years ago. A lot of developing has happened. I think PHI took more advantage of the Caps’ youth early in the series to get that 3-1 lead than anything else.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I’m quite frankly not sure how much of an excuse that really is, since Richards, Carter, Coburn, and a couple of others I think were pretty young too. They had more veterans on their teams, but some key guys were (are) young.
by red army line on Aug 27, 2010 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Nick was a rookie, Green had one full season, Schultz was basically a rookie. AO had the same experience as Carter and Richards but PHI got a lot of big goals from Knuble, Briere, and Lupol. They also had Hatcher and Timmonen solidifying the back end with a lot more experience than we had to counter with. Hatcher was old and slow but he was still able to play effectively against us and had a goal himself. Timmonen was the main reason AO had as many quiet games as he did.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
If you took both teams players from that year, as they are now (so getting Hatcher out of retirement), and played them against each other again, I wonder who wins. The caps would have to play Huet, Kolzig or Johnson…
"Have you ever played?" "Yes, I was a goalie"
There are 3 more ESPN fantasy hockey invites for those interested.
by DrinkingPartner on Aug 27, 2010 2:26 PM EDT reply actions
I guess we’ll have a post here in the coming days on SBN NHL’s mock expansion draft, but here are the rules for protecting players (s/t Lighthouse Hockey)
Protected List Rules
* Teams can protect either “1 goalie, 5 defensemen and 9 forwards” OR “2 goalies, 3 defensemen and 7 forwards.”
* If you go the two goalie route, at least one goalie left unprotected must have played in at least 10 games last season OR 25 games in the last two seasons combined. One game = at least 31 minutes.
* Each team must leave unprotected at least one defenseman who appeared in 40 games last season OR 70 games in the last two seasons combined.
* Each team must leave unprotected at least two forwards who appeared in 40 games last season OR 70 games in the last two seasons combined.
* Players who have played in 49 or fewer games are automatically exempt and do not need to be protected. [Note: This last rule was a bit arbitrary, but it was a way of including important young players (like John Tavares) while protecting those still in development.]
So I guess at least 1G, 3D, and 7F, so that’s Varly/Neuvirth, Green-Carlson-Alzner, and Ovechkin-Backstrom-Fehr-Knuble-Semin-Bradley-Gordon-Chimera if you ask me. I’d just go with Neuvirth then and let it be.
Didn’t check the numbers, but aren’t Carlson and Alzner exempt by virtue of playing fewer than 49 games? I think both goalies as well.
"Inglewood Jack! Inglewood Jack!" - Coach Jules
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Aug 27, 2010 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Don’t expect a post on it. Here’s our list:
G – N/A (the three kids are exempt, and I ain’t protecting Sabourin)
D – Green, Schultz, Alzner, Poti (Sloan fulfills the “40 GP unprotected” requirement)
F – Ovechkin, Backstrom, Semin, Laich, Fehr, Knuble, Fleischmann, Bradley, Chimera (see ya, Stecks and/or Gordo… King and Nylander, too)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
So are the rules changed for the Caps (a special case)?
Also looks like you can have a 5th D in there, so I guess that’s Erskine.
by red army line on Aug 27, 2010 3:58 PM EDT up reply actions
More Kovy
Per Daren Dreger, NJD have offered Kovy 15 years, around $100M. NHL is reviewing.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
cap hit of 6.6 for those 40 goals. Looking at you, Alexander Semin.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Would you take him at a $6.6 million cap hit, and over what term? I would at one year, but after that I’d really have to think harder and longer than I am now to say yes or no.
by red army line on Aug 27, 2010 5:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Considering how the Caps already have allocated certain resources, no.
If I were a team that wasn’t already paying 2 offensive players north of $6 million, maybe.
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 27, 2010 5:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Brings us back to the discussion of a few weeks ago – they’d be about $3M over the cap, with 21 players signed. The extra player is on D, I should note.
Not sure what they do to get back under the cap and fill out the roster.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
The Chicago special. Dump the secondary players and bring in league minimum.
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 27, 2010 6:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Zubrus, Salvador, Clarkson being the candidates?
Can’t see anyone else that they can live without and that makes enough money to make a difference…
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
I don’t see them dumping Clarkson, but I’d expect Zubrus and Salvador to be shopped. Rolston if they could find a taker and he’d waive his NTC. I think I recall somewhere that Elias might be a candidate to be moved. But that would really surprise me.
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 27, 2010 6:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Elias has a NMC, but we’ve seen what that’s worth.
Rolston has a big cap hit, although only two more years. Still, 35+ contract makes that one a tough sell.
Seems like Lou Lam probably has a plan in place, as he seems like he knows what he’s doing.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
Elias also carries $6 mil with him for the next three years. There aren’t a lot of teams that can afford that, either because of cap restraints or payroll restrictions. Oddly enough the players NJ would (probably) most want to move are also the ones they’re probably least able to move.
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 27, 2010 6:49 PM EDT up reply actions
They’re really limited in who they can move, between the no-trade clauses and the guys they’d probably like to move who no one should be stupid enough to take. Or who might be attractive, but won’t give enough cap relief.
That $1 million hit from buyouts is looking pretty useless, too.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Proud member of the Oxford dictionary police.
That’s my question, because I have no idea. But they’re going to need to dump more than just his contract to get under the cap with Kovalchuk coming in at somewhere around $6.7m now.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Proud member of the Oxford dictionary police.
If they lose Salvador and don’t add any salary in the process they’d end up a smidge over the cap, so they’d have to do something else…like trade Zubie for a couple of young, cheap guys.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
On Ovechkins "Under-dressed" Photo
Now, I ask you all, because I’m often mystified by this: looking at Ovechkin, does that look like the body of an athlete in prime condition?
The Way is riddled with deep, dark holes.
by The Jade Donkey on Aug 27, 2010 6:27 PM EDT reply actions
Well, it’s hard to tell without seeing his shoulders. It looks like he has a belly, but his body is just weird like that – I’ve noticed what looks like a paunch in many pictures over the years, but I think it’s just some crazy ab muscles with a little cushion over top. Russian Machine’s drivetrain is mysterious.
Well the guy does drink a lot. Also, no doubt he has some strong abs but any time your stomach is out farther than your pectorals though there is some trimming up to do. He usually looks pretty slim during the season though.
He could also be a little bloated. Anyone that skates and lifts as much as he does probably drinks at least a gallon of water a day. If you drink about 1-2 gallons of day you don’t look like abs of steel unless you dry out a bit.
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
Looks pretty damn diesel to me...
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
it’s impossible to tell much of anything in that photo, except that Ovie uses blue towels.
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.
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Florida
|
50 | 24 | 15 | 11 | 59 |
|
Washington
|
50 | 26 | 20 | 4 | 56 |
|
Winnipeg
|
53 | 24 | 23 | 6 | 54 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
50 | 22 | 23 | 5 | 49 |
|
Carolina
|
53 | 19 | 25 | 9 | 47 |
(updated 2.4.2012 at 8:30 AM EST)
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