Wednesday Caps Clips
by J.P. on Sep 1, 2010 6:43 AM EDT
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Your savory breakfast links:
- Previewing the 2010-11 Caps. [NHL.com, which throws in a quick franchise history, for good measure]
- Alex Ovechkin shows up in a Capital One ad (but really, shouldn't it be Varly?)... [RMNB]
- ... and speaks. [Alex Ovetjkin]
- Nicklas Backstrom on the playoffs and more... [FanShot]
- ... and a look at 19's summer. [FanPost]
- Do the Caps rely too heavily on generating offense off the rush? [Red Line Station]
- A look at behind-the-bench experience and ultimate playoff success. [FanPost]
- 30 Caps in 30 Days: Karl Alzner. [Red Line Station]
- The Eastern Conference countdown continues with the Sabres predicted to finish sixth. [Masisak]
- Au revoir, Lisa Hillary. Here's hoping your new gig gives you plenty of drama and miserable failure to cover. (Jill Sorenson replaces Hillary as CSN's Caps reporter, by the way.) [D.C. Sports Bog, Capitals Outsider]
- Your top fantasy keeper league defensive prospect? Hint: he's a Real American Hero. [DobberHockey]
- Caps legend Mike Gartner is now confirmed for Caps Convention. It's shaping up to be one heck of an event. [Dump n' Chase]
- Speaking of fantasies, how should poolies value Alex Semin? [RMNB]
- Five thoughts on the Caps. [Puckheads Thoughts]
- Catching up with former Stingrays goaltender and coach and current Caps scout Jason Fitzsimmons. [YouTube]
- Ovi has some pretty impressive names in his sites. [Jumping the Glass]
- Making funnies at Mike Wise's expense. [Capitals Outsider]
- Get to know the Bears' new tough... [Flashy Glove Save]
- ... and a guy who will hope to see some time in Hershey, Dustin Stevenson. [Rink Rebel]
- Finally, happy 46th birthday to Brian Bellows and happy 50th to Alan Haworth.
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Anyone see if Lisa got all verklempt last night?
"#DCU is like senior prom. A bunch of people standing around waiting for a 17-year old to score."
anyone know whether the flyers have ever had a woman as their beat reporter/broadcaster? not to stereotype flyers fans as knuckledragging neanderthals (i.e a bunch of Dibbles), but it’s a tough town that loves its hockey tradition. wondering if there will be any resistance if she is the first. no doubt she will be able to handle it as she is used to seeing rats at the rink…
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
Their online (or Masisak) equivalent is Sarah Baicker.
"#DCU is like senior prom. A bunch of people standing around waiting for a 17-year old to score."
Ah, Sarah Baicker. She was the one I went back and forth with last year on Twitter after Carcillo sucker-punched Brads. She kept claiming Bradley high-sticked Carcillo first and that CSN Philly had a replay that proved it, blah blah blah.
Not that it would have forgiven what Carcillo did if it WAS true, of course, but I have it on pretty good authority that no such replay existed.
she’s also the one who declared the Prince of Wales trophy engraving error was a hoax. She was wrong.
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.
top lisa hillary moments to me:
- while doing a red carpet interview w/ ov at the vegas awards show a few years ago, ov mentioned how she was dancing on the tables at a club the night before
-when she told jenkins that she didnt want to be called the “c” word during a throwback to the studio…hillarious.
- the rat
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
She actually said "I don’t want to be called a “see-you-in-Toledo”?!
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
Just the letter, not the word. If I recall, it was the night Ovi was named Captain. Jenks suggested that she should also wear a big “C” – for Canadian. She replied something like “just don’t call me the other C-word”. Jenks and the other anchor guy (can’t recall who) burst out laughing, reminding her it’s a family show, but then came back saying that, of course, she was just referring to the term “Cougar”.
"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
I’m actually sad to see Lisa Hillary go. She always had great coverage. I’m also sad that Jill Sorensen will refill that spot. I’ve always found Jill to be a wet blanket, no matter what she’s covered.
You had me at no problem.
by capsfaninculpeper on Sep 1, 2010 6:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Don't forget....
Rookie camp opens Sunday, Sept. 12, and ends Thursday, Sept. 16, with a game against the Philadelphia Flyers’ rookies at Kettler Capitals Iceplex at 3 p.m. Free tickets will be available for fans who RSVP at WashingtonCaps.com starting Wednesday, Sept. 1 at 10a.m.
"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 Sep 1, 2010 7:36 AM EDT reply actions 3 recs
Thanks for the reminder! I had completely forgotten.
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 Sep 1, 2010 8:06 AM EDT up reply actions
speaking of which, I don’t see any links for it, so I’m assuming they’re keeping them hidden until 10?
"It's always good to have vikings."
Proud member of the Oxford dictionary police.
Ticket confirmation for the game have the wrong date and time. My Caps rep informed me that the game is indeed on the 16th @ 3 pm. be there early!
Country Gentlemen's Pig Fertilizer Gazette
Dunny-on-the-World
was your “request code” also blank?
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 Sep 1, 2010 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions
Mine was blank…I just came on here to see if anything else had the same issue. Whaddaya know.
by Kerry Fraser's Hairspray on Sep 1, 2010 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions
John Carlson getting the #1 seed is very cool. PK Suppan and McBain are very, very good players right now.
If Carlson’s projections come true, there will be lots of hand wringing when Greenlife 52 possibly isn’t resigned at $7M per year, or will there?
4th Floor, is next, swimvare, undervare, Eric Fehr...
If Carlson’s projections come through, Green shouldn’t be asking for that sort of money, since Carlson will be eating into Green’s TOI. Plus, kind of hard to ask for more money than Nicklas Backstrom. I bet Jeff Carter will send Backstrom his regards when he signs his next contract.
by red army line on Sep 1, 2010 8:33 AM EDT up reply actions
There are plenty of scoring defensemen that make more money than Backstrom. He will be a RFA however, so thats on our side but if he were a UFA, some team would pay him 7M+ per year for a number of years to QB their PP.
4th Floor, is next, swimvare, undervare, Eric Fehr...
They might, if they had any cap space left by then (yes, I know there will be a new CBA by then). I think what’s happening this year, not only with the goalies, is showing that the supply of money for big contracts has become limited, and as more of them are signed, there will be even less available in future years.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Proud member of the Oxford dictionary police.
Ok, I take it back that there are plenty of defensemen making as much as Backstrom. There are only a few. Could’ve sworn there were more.
Duncan Keith’s contract is ridiculous.
4th Floor, is next, swimvare, undervare, Eric Fehr...
So is Duncan Keith.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
It seems like the contracts are gradually getting less pricey. I mean, look at the relatively inflated contracts of Gomez and Drury (and Vanek due to offer sheet, and Penner). I just think GMs have learned they can’t really afford any expensive screw-ups, or their team will have to “rebuild.”
by red army line on Sep 1, 2010 9:39 AM EDT up reply actions
Click on that one for the bigger version – makes a mighty fine desktop wallpaper.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Thanks for the posting and tip. Done and looks mighty sweet.
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory
Most all of the pics we use can be clicked upon and enlarged. FYI.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
....
So do I
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 Sep 1, 2010 8:42 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
awesome sauce.
With apologies to Feds, it’d be hard for me to say another trade deadline acquisition was more money than Brian Bellows in 1998.
is it cold yet?
that drive to the net, coupled with that sweet OT shot on the mast this AM, was a great reminder of those heady days.
is it cold yet?
Huet in ’07 was pretty spectacular.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Sep 1, 2010 9:37 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I was saying “Boo-et”
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 Sep 1, 2010 9:39 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
In the regs, he was, without a doubt. But while our 08 fate in the playoffs cannot be laid squarely at his feet, I would say he was fairly ordinary v. PHI.
is it cold yet?
Nah, he saved at least two of those games on his own.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
How so? The Caps only won 3 games. Game 1 was a combination of Green and Ovechkin, and Game 6 was Ovechkin and his clutch 3rd period goals. I thought Huet was pretty mediocre in the playoffs and while he may have played well in the wins he didn’t steal any games and he wasn’t good in the losses.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Sep 1, 2010 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Gave the team the opportunity to compete in each game. Not going to go to the rail in this discussion.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
I certainly didn’t go “that was weak, Cris” for any of the goals against, off the top of my head. Well, maybe the looking wrong way Lupul one.
by red army line on Sep 1, 2010 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions
There weren’t any really soft goals, although I don’t think he was doing the team any favors in Games 1 and 3. But outside of maybe one or two games I don’t think he was bailing the team out either. Sure the Caps didn’t play well in Game 2, but 2 goals in the first period sunk them. The shots were 10-9 in favor of the Caps in the first, then 32-14 in favor of Philly the next two periods. Huet comes up with a big save or two to keep the Caps in it in the first and who knows what happens.
Huet wasn’t giving up a lot of terrible goals, but he wasn’t making the big saves you need in the playoffs. Hence, my thought that he was mediocre.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Sep 1, 2010 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions
You don’t have a gif of the Bellows goal against Boston, do you?
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
I can try to make one. Give me a few minutes.
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 Sep 1, 2010 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions
....
Here you go
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 Sep 1, 2010 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
was that Kolzig’s wedding present?
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 Sep 1, 2010 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions
Looking at it closely though, does it look like that knucklehead Gill got a stick on the puck? If that’s the case, I can’t really fault Dafoe for it.
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 Sep 1, 2010 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions
Can’t tell on the clip, but my recollection is that it was a clean shot? I also recall that it went 5-hole, but can’t tell on the clip?
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
.....
Here’s a closer view
Doesn’t look like Gill got a piece of it
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 Sep 1, 2010 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions
Looks like G got a piece of it.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
It’s really hard for me to tell cause it’s going so quickly and it doesn’t look like there’s a discerning “skip” to the puck.
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 Sep 1, 2010 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions
Sweet. Looks like it knuckles a bit about 2/3rds of the way to Dafoe, so the D might have tipped it.
What a moment. That was great.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
I can’t tell if that’s from a deflection or the puck hitting Dafoe.
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 Sep 1, 2010 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions
I think it’s the puck hitting Dafoe.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
Look at the flight of the puck before it hits Dafoe. It looks like the front edge of the puck dips and the puck hops a little bit before it gets to Dafoe’s legs.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
btw, how badly do we need new hockey games to talk about?
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
Seriously. We’re dissecting 11 year old goals like the Zapruder Film.
Maybe I need to move the image back and to the left?
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 Sep 1, 2010 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions
IIRC, Bonzai clanged a long distance rocket off the crossbar right before the Bellows goal. I remember a theory at the time was that it must have rattled Dafoe.
So you’re saying there was a second shooter?
"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 Sep 1, 2010 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
It’s the Magic Puck theory
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 Sep 1, 2010 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions
Keith Hernandez concurs.
"Inglewood Jack! Inglewood Jack!" - Coach Jules
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Sep 1, 2010 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions
That preview by Dan Rosen was impressive, particularly since he’s the first national writer who didn’t feel the need to say the Caps are still looking for a goaltender.
That Capital One Ad
While Ovechkin cold heartedly checked that innocent viking through the boards, Sidney Crosby was restoring his families line of credit while feeding his dog, and teaching the Viking’s boy how to shoot a puck into a dryer….
/Damion Cox’d
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Sep 1, 2010 9:28 AM EDT reply actions 8 recs
Later, Ovechkin had to sit down with Backstrom and explain that he doesn’t REALLY hate Vikings and that it was all just a silly TV commercial.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
They’re barbarians who enjoy listening to Morrissey.
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 Sep 1, 2010 9:38 AM EDT up reply actions
Figures that Ovi would shill for a bank, since every decision he makes is based solely on his own monetary interests.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
He’s only in Washington to learn how to become President of the World.
by DrinkingPartner on Sep 1, 2010 9:34 AM EDT up reply actions
is that a Capital pin on his lapel? whoever staged that shoot is brilliant.
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.
.
It really is rather brilliant. Compare to this from last night:
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Both are overly generous for Chicago interests before leaving and letting others finish the work?
"#DCU is like senior prom. A bunch of people standing around waiting for a 17-year old to score."
by Bald Pollack on Sep 1, 2010 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions
Both offered a lot of hope and have yet to deliver anything but more of the same?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Sep 1, 2010 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
Much better; it was like I was trying to hit a knuckleball for a second.
"#DCU is like senior prom. A bunch of people standing around waiting for a 17-year old to score."
by Bald Pollack on Sep 1, 2010 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions
The Ovechkin Administration is a lot more entertaining.
by b.orr4 on Sep 1, 2010 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I would totally watch that TV show. “Previously on ‘The Left Wing’…”
"Hockey is my life, wine is my passion." -- Igor Larionov
by Scott in Shaw on Sep 1, 2010 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
And Bruce as John Goodman’s SotH?
"Inglewood Jack! Inglewood Jack!" - Coach Jules
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Sep 1, 2010 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Also, they’d have to bring back Nylander so he could do the Josh/Sam circle-walk through the bullpen.
"Inglewood Jack! Inglewood Jack!" - Coach Jules
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Sep 1, 2010 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions
If you would have asked me what teams Brian Bellows had played for, I would not have remembered the Caps.
He had a nice, long career, though, and he was one of the best players in a really deep 1982 draft class (Stevens, Housely, Daneko, Andreychuck, Ron and Rich Sutter, etc.). In fact, was this the best class (along with 1990) ever?
reminds my again why I hated Kevin Stevens.
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
....
Kevin Stevens!
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 Sep 1, 2010 3:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Caps Rookie Game Tix are up now
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 Sep 1, 2010 10:15 AM EDT 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 Sep 1, 2010 10:17 AM EDT up reply actions
got mine!
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.
Semi-related – there’s chatter in the OTOT about meeting up for edibles / potables before the game. Discuss here.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Masisak
Looks like he’s picking the Flyers to finish 5th in the conference.
I disagree with that. The #1 seed, at least on paper, runs through Pitt and Philly. Philly’s got goaltending issues, but the rest of the lineup is strong.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
That was the case last year, and yet Philly barely made the playoffs.
"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 Sep 1, 2010 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions
Their team also underperformed massively. Along with them improving their third pair, I expect them to not underachieve as they did last year, and they should finish higher in the standings.
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 Sep 1, 2010 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions
They better hope and pray they have no significant injuries. About as capped out as a team can be.
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 Sep 1, 2010 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions
Right – but I’m not sure they underachieved enough to make it reasonable to project them higher than 4th/5th, which would still be higher than they finished last year. I’d say the East is probably going to be really tight again, maybe even tighter than last season.
They need to climb two spots in the standings. I don’t think Ottawa will do as well considering I think they overachieved (they had a nice little streak of their own) and I also see Buffalo slipping after losing two of their top 4 D and replacing them with ShaMo and Leopold, two definite downgrades. Myers needs to continue to impress, Miller needs to stay healthy, and all their F need to improve for them to stay where they are, and I don’t see that happening. Couple both of those with Philly improving on last year, and it’s not so ridiculous to seed them as 5th.
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 Sep 1, 2010 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions
I’d bet that Miller regresses next season; .919 sv% on the PK just doesn’t happen that often.
Even if Miller stays healthy and doesn’t regress too far, they’re going to have trouble because of that back-line. They also got more games out of Connolly than they’re used to and Ennis came in and played very well.
One thing they didn’t get was real production from Tomas Vanek, who averaged 40 goals a season from 06-08 (if last season was 09). If he can get back to that level, it’ll do a lot to help their standings points.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Sep 1, 2010 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions
that whole NE is a crapshot. Buffalo could regress and still win the division. I can’t even pretend to pick a winner this far out with any confidence. A lot is going to depend on which version of the bruins plays this season.
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.
Well, out of the teams (TOR, MTL, BUF, BOS, OTT), I think only BUF and BOS have legit shots. I’m definitely taking BOS if you’re giving me even odds.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Sep 1, 2010 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions
With you on Boston. They overperformed two years ago, and underperformed last year. This year they should rebound quite a bit.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
I think it hinges on Rask. If he slumps and they can’t keep Timmy Tummy from noshing on hundreds long enough to get in form, I see Boston having some trouble. What an awful contract.
is it cold yet?
Just going to point out, once again, that if Tuukka Rask sophomore slumps, then Tim Thomas is a decent starting goalie. And Boston has improved their offense significantly over last year, which was their big weak point.
Honestly, I think Boston is the team to beat in that division, and has a real shot at a cup this year, barring a magnificent choke job like last year.
Further to this point, Boston’s potential lines are:
Lucic-Savard-Recchi
Ryder-Krejci-Horton
Wheeler-Bergeron-Seguin
Paille-Campbell-Thornton
Chara-Seidenberg
Boychuk-Hunwick
Ference-Stuart
McQuaid/Bodnarchuk
Tuukka Rask
Tim Thomas
That defense isn’t great, but considering it put up one of the lowest goals-against totals in the NHL, I have a feeling they’re going to do just fine. And that offense is stacked.
When Sturm comes back, you can trade Ryder, stick him down in the minors, or trade Sturm (if he waives his NTC).
The fact that Recchi’s still a first-line winger is amazing to me. I assumed that guy’s career would’ve been over 5 years ago.
Not sure I’d call that offense “stacked”, nor would I say adding Horton and Campbell is a significant improvement for their offense. It’s a step in the right direction, sure, but they only had one way to go.
And consider that the 2 new guys combined for 74 points last year. The Bruins got rid of Wideman, Morris, Satan and Begin – a combined 84 points last year. Kind of a lateral move offensively (with a worse defense behind them).
Horton had shit to work with last year, though.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
Because skating with Ryder would be such an improvement? :P
I’ve never thought Horton was that great an offensive player. He’s okay, not bad, wouldn’t mind having him on my team – but let’s not get crazy and say he’s going to add 40 goals to the mighty Bruin offense.
Nah, but he might get 30 and he’s going to help their PP, more than likely.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
Careful saying “no chance” when you’ve got a guy going to a new team. No way of knowing what he’s capable of – did he stand out more on a crappier team or will he be better playing with someone like Krejci? Tough call.
Standing out on a crappy team because you’re a mediocre player being fed ice time is one thing, but the flip side is that the best center he’s ever played with is Stephen Weiss, and opposing teams could concentrate almost all their defensive efforts against him and Booth.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
And he was drafted to be a stud that you could build a team around; you can’t even build a line around him. Weiss may not be the best C ever, but he’s no slouch. If Horton was who everyone thought he was he’d have produced anyway. (And I imagine he got some ice with Jokinen.)
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Oh, Horton’s a bit of a disappointment, to be sure, but saying that his stats will decline in Boston is, to me, a bit of a stretch.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
Notice I didn’t actually say they WOULD decline – I’m just saying there’s a chance they could. We’re talking about a guy who isn’t exactly an offensive superpower, coming to a new team that isn’t exactly an offensive superpower either. He could very well hit the 25-30 goal mark, but he might not – that’s all I’m saying.
Horton’s gotten over 25 goals each season that he’s played 70+ games in, while on a crappy team. He is a better goal scorer than nearly any Boston forward. His 20 goals last season would have been 2nd best on Boston.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
Whether or not he’s a better goal scorer than most of the forwards is up for debate in my mind – but also keep in mind that those “high” goal totals came while playing on the top line of a crappy team. I’m not impressed by a top-line guy routinely hitting 20-25 goals, if you lead all forwards in ice time and you’re a really good goal scorer that number should be higher.
Agreed. I think of Horton as a 2nd liner, rather than 1st. He’s capable of 25 G and 30+ A, which would be a boost to Boston. It would also help them if they didn’t have key players get injured though. I’m just curious to see how Horton can do on a decent team.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
A full season of Savard, a healthy Lucic, and a non-sophomore slumping Krejci are likely to be additions on O without roster changes. I wouldn’t call the offense stacked since there isn’t a real dominant line, but the Cs are stacked and they have some good depth on the wing.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Sep 1, 2010 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions
That I can agree with. As much as they underachieved in the regular season and collapsed in the playoffs, they were also undone by losing a lot of key guys to big injuries.
Honestly I think they have some decent forwards, horrible D and question marks in net depending on whether Rask has a sophomore slump or Thomas overachieves again. Upper half of the East but I’d be nervous about calling them a contender.
…and again I say, good GOD the East sucks – because with that lineup they could win their division.
look at it this way: there’s almost no way the Caps are going to hit 121 points again. But, hey, the East sucks, so they’ve probably got a 50-50 chance to win it again.
see? instant silver lining!
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.
btw, did you watch the “Yellow Submarine” video last night?
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.
Geez, I hadn’t even looked at the D closely. That is pretty brutal. Hunwick-Boychuck is probably 3rd pair with Ference-Stuart 2nd, but either way that’s not a good situation. I like Seidenberg but I think even he is a bit over his head as the #2 guy.
The East really does suck. Hopefully BB realizes this and focuses way more on the process than the results.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Sep 1, 2010 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Remarkably, Boston was second in goals-against last year, even with a terrible defense like that. Combine a mediocre defense with solid goaltending, though, and you’ll see some good results with keeping the puck out of the net.
They were at or near the bottom of the league in Goals Against the year before as well, and they were in the bottom third the year before that. There hasn’t been much change in defensive personnel (Ward and Wideman are both gone, but have been replaced with Seidenberg Boychuk, and Hunwick). Oh, and in ‘08-’09, they led the Eastern Conference (2nd league-wide) in goals-for as well.
If their defensive system is masking the flaws of their defense, it is doing a damn good job of that, and apparently it still affords them the opportunity to generate a little offense.
Recchi spent most of his ES time with Bergeron and Sturm last season, no? I think Horton probably slots in on the top line and takes Savard feeds on the PP.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Sep 1, 2010 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t see any team, unless they are rebuilding, being willing to take on that contract. Especially after his concussion.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
The cap hit of 4M for what is a top line center on many teams, to me, is fine. He’s already come back from the concussion (and I have to really wonder what impact concussion history has on some GM’s minds, frankly). I know George won’t go for a 33 year old, at that price, with a prima donna streak and a melon story, but all that aside, he’d be absolutely magic as our 2C.
is it cold yet?
Couple both of those with Philly improving on last year, and it’s not so ridiculous to seed them as 5th.
Well, right, that’s my point – I could see them at 5th. Slight improvement over last year but still caught in the mediocre to upper-mediocre Eastern teams (despite their playoff performance last year). I’m not sure I see the argument for putting them higher than that, though, as f_d posits above. That’s all.
Here’s one potential set of Philly lines:
Zherdev-Richards-VanRiemsdyk
Hartnell-Carter-Briere
Carcillo-Giroux-Leino
Laperriere-Betts-Powe
Pronger-Carle
Timonen-Coburn
Mesjzaros-O’Donnell
GOALIES
That team is pretty friggin’ stacked.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Sep 1, 2010 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions
Eh. They’re probably the most well-balanced team in the East but in terms of actual ability (and with a lot of inconsistent, question mark guys like Briere, Carter and Zherdev) I’m not convinced they’re able to stack up as well as some of the other Eastern teams. Take out Zherdev and drop the bottom D pair and it’s the same team as last year. And their goaltending is easily the worst in the conference.
The East sucks, though, it’s such a crapshoot that I’m reluctant to say anything too certain about the final seedings. Just my gut feeling that the highest Philly goes is 4 or 5.
The main issues there are Zherdev and Van Riemsdyk. Will they get the 10-15 goal Zherdev, or the one who can put up 25? And can Van Riemsdyk improve to be a legit top 6 forward? If either of them does poorly, the Flyers will have trouble replacing them, due to lack of cap space and lack of any other top 6 forwards.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
ZherdevHeadcase-Richards-VanRiemsdyk
Hartnell-CarterInjured-BriereInjured
CarcilloSuspended-Giroux-Leino
LaperriereInjured-Betts-Powe
ProngerInjured-Carle
Timonen-Coburn
MesjzarosOverrated-O’Donnell
GOALIESBabytown Frolics
A different version.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
by D'ohboy on Sep 1, 2010 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
Zherdev is a headcase, no question, but he’s also young and undeniably talented.
Even injured, Carter still put up ~35 goals and lead the team in scoring.
Gotta give you Briere, he’s a classic bandaid-boy. That said, he’s a very talented bandaid-boy.
Even Dan Carcillo is only going to spend ~10ish games on the suspension list, at the worst. I don’t see him going McSorely on someone and getting himself a 25 gamer.
Laperriere has had a grand total of one season since 1998 with fewer than 70 games played (62 in 2003). He caught a puck with his teeth, I don’t think that’s going to happen again.
Here’s Pronger’s GP list since 2004:
80, 80, 66, 72, 82, 82. I’m not much worried about his health.
Mesjzaros is overrated and overpaid, but as a 3rd pair defender? He’ll be fine.
The goalies, not so good. If anything is going to sink that team, it’ll be the goalies.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Sep 1, 2010 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions
They barely snuck into the playoffs last year with a lineup that was just slightly weaker on D – granted, they went through a goalie rotation that rivals some baseball teams’ bullpens but they haven’t improved so much that I think they can go beyond 5th.
Also, they lost Gagne to TB. That’s a lot of scoring. And Jeff Carter’s 08-09 season is looking more like a fluke than what you can expect out of him.
I say that a #4/#5 seed is where Philly’s going to end up this year.
Gagne only got 17 goals last year, due to time lost with injuries. The Russian guy replaces or exceeds that production.
Their bottom pair D got better.
Leighton is probably better than Emery, although of course he’s not ideal.
They spent the first part of the season getting Stephens fired, and then took some time to gel under Lavi. They had bad bad seasons from some core guys on offense.
I think Pitt is probably better, but Philly runs a close second. I’m not believing in the NJD, with or without Kovy. This would mean they’re looking at either a 1 or a 4 seed, of course, so 5th isn’t outrageous. But I do see them as demonstrably better than the rest of the teams in the East (with the exception of Pitt, as stated).
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
Leighton is most definitely not better than Emery. Emery is not exactly Ken Dryden out there, but there’s a reason Leighton has been a career AHL goalie with the exception of times when a team has been hit with about 37 goalie injuries in one season.
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 Sep 1, 2010 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions
Dunno, gonna have to disagree on this one. Emery was horrible last year. His GGVT was 0.4, so basically replacement level. Leighton had a 7.2 GGVT with Philly, I should note.
Given improvements in the third pair and more reliable team performance under Lavi, I have full confidence that Leighton puts up a better GGVT this season than Emery did last year.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
in Emery’s defense, he was essentially playing on one leg.
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 think mixed into that GGVT difference are a whole lotta small sample size and team effects. The Flyers in general played like crap the first half of the season. There is a reason they had to get so hot to squeak into the playoffs, and it wasn’t just goaltending that improved.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Sep 1, 2010 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions
as Peerless noted below, it wasn’t really a hot streak. Mostly, the East was just a giant clusterfuck of suckitude and the Flyers lucked out at they sucked a little bit less than a lot of other teams.
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.
Someone’s in a snarly mood this morning!
"Do you see my fist? It was fists like these that built quaint Canadian cities out of the harsh Canadian wilderness, etc. etc."
by SeattleCapsFan on Sep 1, 2010 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions
sorry, didn’t mean for it to come out snarly. (and, yes, a little snarly. knee problems tend to do that to 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
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
Not at all, the snarliness is justified. I’m still embarrassed that the Flyers were the East reps in the SCFs.
"Do you see my fist? It was fists like these that built quaint Canadian cities out of the harsh Canadian wilderness, etc. etc."
by SeattleCapsFan on Sep 1, 2010 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions
did you also hurl things in the general vicinity of your TV?
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.
Either way, the team as a whole played a lot better when Leighton was in net. I would be shocked if Leighton gives the team better goaltending than Emery could over the course of a full season.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Sep 1, 2010 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions
and this season they’ve settled on……..Leighton? Look, I know the days of big name star goalies being required for success are done and gone, but Micheal Leighton? No way that guy can backstop a team to a #1 seed over 82 games.
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.
Well, that’s why they keep signing defensemen – I think they’re planning to dress them all and just make them stand in a line in front of the net. You know, like soccer players, covering their crotch and all.
by Becca H on Sep 1, 2010 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
that’s quite the mental picture you’re painting 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 paint portraits with my words :) And of all the guys fearing injury to their…special place…I’d have to think Pronger would be the most afraid. Man, if I could take a slapshot I know who I’d be aiming for…
where’s @CupDestroyer52 when we need him?
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.
If they get reasonable production for the talent level at F (they emphatically did not last season), they’re going to be much, much better in the standings this year. Giroux has another year, JVR has another year, Zherdev is legitimately talented (even if he is a headcase), Richards dropped 20 assists from the prior season, Carter dropped a bunch as well.
That 3rd pairing was horrendous. They were, without exaggeration, a liability every time they touched the ice. That’s no longer true.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Sep 1, 2010 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions
I can’t see the #1 seed going through Philly. Pitt and Washington would be the two in top contention for it. Philly has serious questions at goaltender and their top 6 could easily have some issues. If Zherdev and Van Riemsdyk don’t perform up to expectations, they could be in trouble.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
I think everyone is leaving NJD out of discussion, and I know they never seem like a #1 on paper, but with Zajac, Parise, and perhaps Kovy upfront and a solid D corps, they always seem to find a way to frustrate other teams.
"Inglewood Jack! Inglewood Jack!" - Coach Jules
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Sep 1, 2010 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions
NJD either get Kovy, in which case they have serious cap issues, and will have to unload a productive player in order to get under the cap; or they don’t get Kovy, in which case they’re a little thin up front. Tallinder and Volch are not going to upgrade their D. Marty is a year older.
They’ll make the playoffs, but I don’t see them as elite.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
You know, I don’t think I’m writing in Volchenkov and Tallinder as an improvement over Martin and Oduya on paper.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Sep 1, 2010 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions
I’d probably say it’s a wash, with Martin being the best of those four, but Oduya being the worst (I’m less certain of this). I could be convinced otherwise.
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 Sep 1, 2010 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions
I can’t see NJ being in the running for the top spot, although I’m sure they will make the playoffs. Brodeur is not as good as he was, I think their defense got worse this offseason, and their offense isn’t good enough to make up for those.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
we seem to say that every year, and every year, the Devils are there, lurking at the top.
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.
perhaps Kovy upfront
There seems to be some rumbling that the league might spike the contract again. Anyone have an opinion on that? I am not surprised that it appears that they are waiting for 5pm today to issue the verdict. Payback for PA waiting until deadline to file for arbitration last time.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Proud member of the Oxford dictionary police.
My opinion on it is that I’m tired of hearing about it already.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
by jordanDC on Sep 1, 2010 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Look at the bright side — it’s filled up the entire summer. What else would there have been for the hockey world to talk about?
I’m just fascinated by the whole process because of the money manipulation. I don’t care that he’ll end up there, and I’m more looking forward to the NJ salary dump when it’s over.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Proud member of the Oxford dictionary police.
For me, it’s a lose-lose situation for NJ. If they get Kovy, they’re in cap hell and are going to have to dump a good player or two. Plus, Parise’s salary demands next season will be sky high based on what they paid Kovalchuk. If they don ‘t get him, they’ll be offensively-challenged again. I still don’t see NJ as a good fit for a guy like Kovalchuk. He should have gone to LA.
I don’t think any team in the league can afford to pay Kovalchuk what he’s asking for, right now. NJD’s still trying to put lipstick on the pig, but it’s still a pig.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Explain?
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
It was the pig comment, sorry.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
Oh, okay. That was just a reference to the old saw about “if you put lipstick on a pig, it’s still a pig” – that’s what NJD is trying to do with Kovy’s contract to get the NHL to accept it without killing their cap.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
The Kovalchuk Contract and 5pm eastern time today....
Curious to see what happens given the old and new (someone please correct me if any of the details are wrong):
I think this is accurate comparing old and new based on the reports.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news;_ylt=AuBnvjF.w8xMRefguwUe0lR7vLYF?slug=tsn-166692
I have to check to confirm I have all the old years correct, but I believe I do
Old/New
Yrs 17/15
Age at end 44/42
Cap Hit 6/6.666
Yr 1 2010-2011 6/6
Yr 2 2011-2012 6/6
Yr 3 2012-2013 11.5/11
Yr 4 2013-2014 11.5/11.3
Yr 5 2014-2015 11.5/11.3
Yr 6 2015-2016 11.5/11.6
Yr 7 2016-2017 11.5/11.8
Yr 8 2017-2018 10.5/10
Yr 9 2018-2019 8.5/7
Yr 10 2019-2020 6.5/4
Yr 11 2020-2021 3.5/1
Yr 12 2021-2022 .750/1
Yr 13 2022-2023 .550/1
Yr 14 2023-2024 .550/3
Yr 15 2024-2025 .550/4
Yr 16 2025-2026 .550/na
Yr 17 2026-2027 .550/na
I have to admit, I am shocked to see the details, if accurate, of the new contract compared to the first one. Talk about Lamoriello thumbing his nose at the League and daring them to reject it again. The other issue being the contracts the League has allowed to be filed in the past even if they claim they are under investigation. Curious to see what happens today, also interesting to see the NHL taking all of the allotted time before releasing a statement.
I could see the league accepting this, due to those last years. If Kovalchuk is slated to get $7M in the last 2 years (when he would be over 40), that seems not to have the escape clause effect the 1st one had. There are those 3 $1M years that start when Kovy would be 37 though. 10% of his contract money being from that point on is interesting.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
I expected the contract to be approved before I saw the details by year. I think the League may have to based on Bloch’s ruling and past contracts that have been approved, but given the details, a little more questionable than I thought it would be.
If it does get approved, it will be interesting to read the carefully worded release by the League; then again, the release will be interesting either way.
The number of years was reduced.
The cap hit increased.
The lowest annual salary never falls below 1M.
And the last 2 years have higher cap hits to help bring up the annual cap hit (although like I said above, that’s a bit of a comment by the Devils to the League.)
I think the last two years are going to be why the NHL can’t really turn it down. It is still a questionable contract, but those take it out of the range of being blatant circumvention.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
I actually see the last two years as greater evidence of circumvention. There is no rational basis for the salary to go up again at the very end. Those years were clearly done for the sole purpose of making the contract appear valid, even though the effect of the last five years is STILL to deflate the cap hit.
Not to mention, if the league were simply going to approve it, wouldn’t they have done it by now? I am thinking that their taking it to the wire is to a) give them time to build their case and b) make it less likely a replacement deal will be struck between NJ and Kov.
IMO, one can make the argument either way about waiting until the deadline to announce the decision.
As to the last 2 years increasing, see my other post with my flat 2m for 5 years proposal. The catch with all this is we don’t know what contract structures were rejected by the NHL in general terms during the meeting(s) since the Bloch decision was released regarding the first contract.
While one can argue those last 2 years are circumvention, the real world impact of those 2 years is a cap hit increase so in a way it helps the NJD argument rather than harming it, I imagine, especially with the 1M seasons not being all that different than Hossa’s contract structure.
Well those last two years don’t actually increase the cap hit. The cap hit still decreases, just not as much as it would if they were $1 million years.
It’s the same idea as when Congress says it is cutting spending, when really they are just increasing spending at a slower rate.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Sep 1, 2010 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions
While one can argue those last 2 years are circumvention, the real world impact of those 2 years is a cap hit increase so in a way it helps the NJD argument rather than harming it, I imagine, especially with the 1M seasons not being all that different than Hossa’s contract structure.
Yeah, my argument is not so much that the last two are circumvention by themselves, but evidence of the circumvention caused by the last 5 years. The last two are a ham-fisted attempt to disguise the otherwise obvious circumvention.
As for the comparison to Hossa…yes, I’ve heard others say the $1 million mark is some kind of guideline because it passed muster in other deals. I’m not so sure, since the NHL made it clear it considered those other deals suspect as well.
And now that they are emboldened by the arb’s decision, I could see the NHL drawing the line (again) on this one even though it is not too different from Hossa’s or Pronger’s. This is especially true if there is a lessened chance of a second grievance if Kovy just b9olts for the KHL. Would the NHLPA even have standing to grieve the rejection if Kovy bolts? I don’t know the answer, but it could be a factor in the NHL’s decision.
It will be interesting for sure.
Oh yeah, and I agree that the timing of the decision is a weak indicator. It’s mostly relevant if it’s true that the NHLPA cannot grieve if Kovy signs a deal in Russia after a rejection.
The only reason I could argue for it passing muster has to do with the likelihood of him retiring at 37. That’s not so old, so if he wants to play, it would have to be for $1m. Can he go back and play in Russia if he “retires” from the NHL? There’s still no agreement between the NHL and KHL, so I imagine they’d let him ignore the NHL contract. Although that’s kind of far out to speculate.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Proud member of the Oxford dictionary police.
Honestly, they should spike it.
If the concern is cap circumvention, how is adding two years at an average of 3.5 million at the end of the contract going appease the NHL? Why would a team pay a player 3x and 4x more at age 40 and 41 than at age 37, 38, and 39. Those extra years are only there to drop the cap hit from 7.15 over 13 years to 6.66 over 15, but with little concern for the Devils that they’ll have to pay out a significant portion of that salary.
If the final years were constructed like this, there should be no argument.
2018-19: $7 million
2019-20: $4 million
2020-21: $4 million
2021-22: $3 million
2022-23: $1 million
2023-24: $1 million
2024-25: $1 million
The Devils want the 3 and 4 million dollar at the end to keep the average cap hit down, but give the impression that Kovy has an incentive to stick it out when one can reasonably assume he won’t be playing in 2023 or 2024.
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
I agree with your assessment, but that is something that can be pointed at to say “He’s not planning to retire!” I think it’s bull, but I could see that being the case.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
Yes, the structure was designed in part to counter the arguments as to why the first contract was rejected. And the additional dollars at the end raises the cap hit, rather than lowering it with the additional seasons.
Using Sombrero’s example, one version could have been with those last 5 years starting in 2020-21 having a flat salary of 2M. Same number of years and same dollars, therefore, the same cap hit. The salary/real dollars isn’t an outrageous amount if he was still playing in those seasons.
Exactly. The Devils can achieve the 6.66 cap hit over 15 years they seem to be aiming for, Kovy can average the 9 million per over 10 years he seems to be aiming for if the contract was structured like this.
2010-11: $6 million
2011-12: $6 million
2012-13: $11 million
2013-14: $11.3 million
2014-15: $11.3 million
2015-16: $11.6 million
2016-17: $11.8 million
2017-18: $10 million
2018-19: $7 million
2019-20: $4 million
2020-21: $2 million
2021-22: $2 million
2022-23: $2 million
2023-24: $2 million
2024-25: $2 million
I don’t see how the NHL could reject that contract, It’s identical right up to 2019-2020 but as far as I can tell would answer any issues the NHL had with the structure of the original
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
Injury prone roster reliant on older players (some of whom are already injured) and shaky goaltending. I think 5th might be generous.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
The goaltending is the biggest variable. If it’s not Toskala-bad, I have trouble seeing them finish worse than 5th.
It could be Toskala bad.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Sep 1, 2010 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions
Philly isn’t the best team in their division, let alone the best in the Eastern Conference. They were 13-11-1 before Peter Laviolette took over (54.0 percent of the available standings points), they were 27-24-5 after (52.7 percent). And if you’re thinking, “well, they got used to Laviolette’s system as they went on,” they finished March and April 9-10-3. They are the latest example of a team that rode a wave when they got in the playoffs, helped along by playing teams against which their weaknesses (speed, goaltending) could be masked in beating weak offensive teams in the first three rounds. They gave up 25 goals in six games in the finals. That ended up being a better reflection of the sort of team they are. Third in the Atlantic (maybe 7th or 8th in the East) looks about right.
If you've read this far...seek help.
this is the sort of stuff that caused me to throw things in the general direction of my TV and cry “That’s supposed to be me in the stands screaming and yelling! That’s supposed to be my team skating on Stanley Cup ice! [Mike Green] [Mike Green] [Mike Green]!!!!”
some days, I really detest the 8 teams per conference playoff format.
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.
You and me both. Every time I watched the Flyers skating in the playoffs after the Caps were eliminated I thought to myself, “they wouldn’t have lasted more than five games against the Caps,” even with the Caps proclivities for playing seven-game series.
If you've read this far...seek help.
that was a bloody depressing Cup series, wasn’t it? That was the so-called best of the NHL? Forgive me, but I would have taken yet another Wings-Pens series over that display of goaltending and defensive ineptitude.
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.
New content sure to please everyone and generate no discussion.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Sep 1, 2010 12:05 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
If we came down to the comments section, why would be want to discuss things?
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Sep 1, 2010 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions
NHL Center Ice
I’m amazed the price continues to go up considering fewer games are available on CI due to the additional coverage provided by NHL Network the last couple of seasons.
Still not a horrible deal if you do watch a lot of games and want to watch out-of-market games of your choosing, but silly me, I expect fewer games to not cost more money.
It would be easier to swallow if more games were HD.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Not to mention that you can get two months of the season free. They also did about thirty days free mid-season last year if I remember correctly.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Proud member of the Oxford dictionary police.
free preview #1 will be Oct. 7-24. no idea on the late winter/Spring dates yet.
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.
Thank you. This is a very helpful tidbit.
by mechanicsville on Sep 2, 2010 12:32 AM EDT up reply actions
Agreed with the notion that more HD would make it a no brainer. I have yet to buy Center Ice. With 82 caps games a year, and plenty of other time consuming things, I don’t know I’d watch more than 3 or 4 out of market games a month.
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
This is the first year in a long time that I may not have CI. If they did HD I would get it but for SD when I get every Caps game in HD already I think I may have to just pass on it. We’ll see how the next few months play out for me.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Three Words
Center. Ice. Online.
So. Much. Better.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
Does it run pretty smoothly? What’s the cost like?
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
I’ve generally had good luck. Occasionally, the resolution or frame rate will drop, but it’s still damn good.
The thing I really love is the built-in DVR and the ability to replay games. Often, I’ll come home and want to watch a game midway through. So I’ll go back to the start and skip all the commercials and intermission. I can usually watch a game in about an hour and 15 that way.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
More games in HD and repeats in the middle of the night are the only CI improvements that I noticed last year.
One of the reasons I subscribed to CI along with watching late games in general was for the HNIC games/coverage. The HNIC games/coverage got moved from CI to NHLN 2 seasons ago, but then last year NHLN dropped the late game of the HNIC in coverage and it returned to CI.
A reason I may subscribe. Last time I compared the numbers I thought the online service was much more costly, is that not the case for this season?
It is awesome online. Online it’s NHL GameCenter. Runs smoothly, has a ton of tools at your disposal, good quality feeds. I think it’s $20-25 per month. I got it the last couple months of the season and I will keep it this year for sure. You can DVR games, watch any games after they are played, watch early round playoff games that might not be available locally on TV. I love it.
The one thing that does bother me about it is that if you want to cancel the subscription, you have to actually call them and do it, you can’t just sign into your online account and end it if you want. Minor quibble thought.
"Because the game is not just about fighting no more. " D.J. King
If/when I get a better computer that could handle streaming a full live game I think that’s the way I’ll go. Then I’ll just hook it up to my TV and have HD feeds for every game.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Computer processor speed is crucial, since it’s Flash-based.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
Oh… I was assuming service would continue in the post-season.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
by Rob Parker on Sep 1, 2010 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions 11 recs
my laptop has an HDMI out….I might try this. Is there an online trial period as well?
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
I see that yesterday’s salacious silliness has been posted elsewhere. Let’s make a deal – it doesn’t show up on this site (in link or quote form), k? K.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Sep 1, 2010 1:38 PM EDT reply actions 5 recs
What’s going on?
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 Sep 1, 2010 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Check the other main Caps-centric blogs, you’ll find it soon enough. Suffice to say, it’s even nuttier than initially teased.
does it have to do with a rumor about a player Alex Semin isn’t particularly fond of?
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.
Yes, although really it’s just about some fan who clearly needs professional help.
Hope I’m not treading too close to the line for JP’s tastes. I’ll stop here just in case.
Happy Half Century to Alan Haworth
One of those Caps who often seem to get forgotten about in the past. Even when he was playing here, I used to think of Craig Laughlin at the same time whenever Haworth’s name was mentioned. Many may best remember him as part of the deal to bring Dale Hunter here (Haworth and Gaetan Duchesne and 1st round pick (who became Joe Sakic ..argh) to the Nords for Dale Hunter and goalie Clint Malarchuk)
Truth is Haworth was a good 2nd-3rd line player for the Caps. In his 5 seasons here he never scored less than 21 goals (a high of 34 in 1985-1986) and scored more or close to 50 points each year (his 41 in 1986-1987 came in 50 games played). Possessed of great speed and a hard slap shot, Haworth was also a reliable defensive player for the team. After playing one season for the Nords, he finished his career playing in Switzerland.
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory
by Rather Bengt on Sep 1, 2010 3:17 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Poapst...
Steve Poapst, former Portland Pirate/Washington Capital, joins Chicago’s AHL affiliate, Rockford, as an assistant coach.
They have one hell of a smart coaching staff now.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
by Rob Parker on Sep 1, 2010 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Just saw this on Capitals Insider
I don’t think it will be a major issue, but…
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/capitalsinsider/after-a-breakout-2009-10-seaso.html#more
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
Don’t worry about it too much. My son had a very mild case of mono this summer. So mild that he didn’t think anything about being easily tired all the time until he got a sore throat that didn’t want to clear up. By then, he was almost over it, and the sore throat was strep, too.
Of course, he’s not an elite athlete, but he is athletic.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Proud member of the Oxford dictionary police.
Cripes, should have read the entire post first. Schultz was really sick.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Proud member of the Oxford dictionary police.
Yeah, he was. But apparently he is back up to full weight and strength. Only question to me is whether it will affect his long-term stamina.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
Yep…. it’s been extended to 5 pm on Friday.
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=536740
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
For Tomorrow:
Where were you when you heard the news that Jeff Schultz battled mono this offseason?
I was in my office…fighting back tears at the fact that he could have lost weight.
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Sep 1, 2010 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Didn’t see this one coming…
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=536740
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
OK…. it posted a link to the wrong story. Interesting….
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=536741
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
Makes a lot of sense to me. Maybe the Sharks realized their Nittymaki plan wasn’t exactly rock-solid. Cue half-hearted conspiracy theories that this was the Sharks’ plan all along when they signed Hjalmarsson to that offer sheet.
lol… like the one in the Fanhouse article on the sidebar?
http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2010/09/01/antti-niemi-reportedly-agrees-to-contract-with-sharks/ if you want to go read it without looking over there.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
Looking at capgeek.com, it doesn’t make much sense financially. The Sharks now have 12 F, 7 D, and 3 G with $1.137M left. If they send Greiss down to the AHL, that would bump them to $1.687M. They need at least 1, probably 2 forwards. They could pull them up from the AHL, but would have very little cap space left – barely enough to get a league minimum player, if that.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
Hjarlmarsson would have been helpful to te SJ defence, which is not as strong as it could/should be. So bringing on Antii Niemi smacks a bit of buying into residual SC hype to overcompensate for defensive soft-spots with a shiny new goalie,
The last mosquito that bit me had to check into the Betty Ford Clinic.
They did have a goalie issue, but I don’t think Niemi was the best answer. He is the 2nd goalie they’ve gotten this offseason, and their combined salary is $1M less than what Nabokov made last season. Niemi is an upgrade to what they have, and I wonder if the ideas about them making a trade to get more cap space might actually be true.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
Oh, agreed. I was kidding, I think the Sharks really did want Hammer. But it doesn’t shock me that they might think Niemi is better than what they had, since he did play the best hockey of his career in the WC finals this year.
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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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