Thursday Caps Clips: Goose Egg'd
by EmilyB on Jan 27, 2011 6:46 AM EST
in Caps Clips
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PrintYour savory breakfast links:
- Recaps and other assorted musings on last night's game from Vogs, NHL.com, WaPo (Carrera: blog, gamer), CSN Washington (Beninati), Caps365 video (Boudreau, players), RMNB, SB Nation DC, Caps 'Round the Clock, and WC2010.
- Ouch. Are you okay, Alex? Please be okay. [YouTube]
- And a Swede shall lead them. But which Swede? [Turner Sports Desk]
- Drafting and developing centermen: a history lesson. [Box Seats (El-Alaily)]
- Drafting and developing everyone else: more history. [Box Seats (Weissman)]
- If what you need is grit, grease, and sweet, sweet dekes, Matt Hendricks is your man. [RMNB]
- "One of the most honest athletes when answering journalists' questions." Which athlete? Braden Holtby, of course. [OFB TV]
- Hey, how bout that D? [DC Examiner (Loverro)]
- We'll always have
Paristhe 2010-2011 penalty kill. [CI] - And we'll always have Ozzy Osbourne ... in a Caps sweater. [SteinBog]
- From the Dept. of Questions Best Left Unasked: Whatever happened to the Capstronaut? [Ibid]
- Fortunately we have only to turn on the telly to see @TheHornGuy. [OFB]
- Congratulations are in order for Stingrays D-man Josh Godfrey, who fired a 102.7 mph slapper to set the all-time record for hardest shot at the ECHL All-Star Skills competition. [ECHL News]
- Programming notes:
- Caps Red Line returns for its third season Feb. 5 on Comcast SportsNet... [WashCaps]
- ...the Feb. 20 Caps @ Sabres game has been moved from 3pm to 12:30pm... [NHL.com]
- ...and the Caps-to-open-the-season-in-Russia rumo(u)rs just might be true. [Alex Ovetjkin]
- Finally, yesterday the Caps wished Wayne Gretzky a happy 50th birthday... [CSNWashington (Raby)]
- ...
and today they'll wish D.J. King a happy 27th birthday (c'mon,Hockey-Reference)and we will all wish Brian Engblom a very happy 57th.
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The d-men that logs the most ice time on Orlov’s team just left the team and are suppose to play for Jagr’s club Omsk for the rest of the season. So it’s a god bet that Orlov will get a lot of ice time in the next couple of weeks.
For me Peter Forsberg is not just my favorite hockey player he is the reason I fell in love with hockey.
by Malin A on Jan 27, 2011 7:36 AM EST reply actions 5 recs
This loss is bringing back memories of last April, especially game 6. I feel like I’m seeing the issues that surfaced in the playoff series come back to haunt us, and that has been the most disturbing thing about this season. Specifically, the people we expect to score not scoring, the fruitless effort, the ineffective power play and the other teams’ goalies playing great.
Don’t make fun of my obsession over ketchup dispensers ever again! ;) Ted Leonsis
Of the 13 forwards, only two (Backstrom and AO) are legit top-6 players. They are either injured, awaiting the playoffs, having bad years, or some combination thereof.
The rest of the F are third-liners at best, or maybe guys that can tag along on a second line if things are going well. At worst they’re AHL guys playing over their heads.
That’s a pretty sure recipe for a bad season, so maybe we should all stop being surprised?
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Guess that means that Laich and Semin are third liners at best. Or do they fall into your category of “tag along on a second line if things are going well”?
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
I’m sure he was referring to the guys who were available last night. Obviously Semin is a legit top-sixer, but I wouldn’t be uncomfortable with Knuble and Laich falling in that “tag along” category.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
That’s really funny snark! Because Semin is one of the most skilled guys in the league, see? Describing him as a third line player would be ridiculously stupid, so by putting those words in my mouth you got off a zinger!
Patron saint of quality footwear.
I’m sure you just forgot Semin? And the argument could be made for Knuble also…though at his age you’re probably right about him.
I think you’re selling Fehr and Laich a bit short. Second-liners at best. I can’t help but think that our perception of what a good top-6 looks like is a bit too high based on the talent on this team.
My blog and Twitter, featuring coverage of the most frustrating team in the NHL
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"Numbers don't lie, they just don't agree with you"--George E. Ays
by red army line on Jan 27, 2011 11:10 AM EST up reply actions
Josh Godfrey winning the hardest shot in the ECHL wouldn’t surprise anyone who saw him last summer during the rookie game. Too bad we can’t give him DJ King’s 4-5 game minutes just to put him on the point during power plays.
"I would feed them lefts until I was pretty much tired of doing it." - Alan May, JRR, 10.16.2010
John Walton says Godfrey’s been getting some notice up in Hershey.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
I guess that’s good, but it’s still disappointing that he hasn’t fully made that team yet. He must be absolutely horrid in his own end.
Drunk Guy: "Alex Ovechkin is playing more like Magic Johnson than Michael Jordan this year."
Laichitor: "He has AIDS?"
On the Caps playing the Rangers in Russia:
Funny that the Rangers and Caps are the only teams they’re interested in. Gee whiz, never thought the KHL was that interested in defensive, low scoring hockey where the final score would likely be 1-0. It will be a great game for anyone interested in watching highlight reels of Lundqvist saves or insomniacs. Or, if we’re extra special lucky, highlight reels of the next great Capitals goalie.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
We’re wishing DJ King a happy birthday 5 months early. His birthday is actually in June.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Weird – hockeyreference has it as today.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
That’s where I would’ve checked.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
Wikipedia has it as June 27.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
Yeah, it’s not today. Not the first time HR has been wrong on a b-day.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Damn. I wanted cake.
"Alex Ovechkin! Do you know how much that Russian would pay you to be picked first? And think of the afterparties! C’mon James you have to use some forethought here!" - TSN sportsanchor Darren Dutchyshen to James Duthie on who he would pick first were he all-star game captain.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 27, 2011 9:27 AM EST up reply actions
The Cake is a Lie!
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 27, 2011 2:24 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Someone’s been eager to advance King’s birthday celebration
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Was it Ben Eager? ;-)
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 27, 2011 3:37 PM EST up reply actions
Maybe so. (You obviously got my pun, Mike?) Eager’s name is so fun to make jokes about. He’s been eager to fight people.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Of course I got your pun. :) I’ve been eager to point out all Ben Eager puns…
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 28, 2011 9:36 AM EST up reply actions
Eh. I wouldn’t be surprised is the world scratched D.J. King on his own birthday.
Everything sounds smarter in Tikkanesse....
by Bonzai!!! on Jan 27, 2011 9:29 AM EST up reply actions 6 recs
Slow clap.
Well played, sir or madam.
by Old King Clancy on Jan 27, 2011 9:59 AM EST up reply actions
I postulated last night that GMGM has to be looking at more than just filling the 2C position at the deadline. Our right side of forwards is barren, and even factoring in a healthy-and-giving-a-damn 28, the Caps could use another bona fide threat at RW. Perhaps D. Alfredsson could be a difference maker for us, even at 4.875M and two additional years. It’d mean the end of the line for Knuble after the season, but with the way he’s playing right now, he’s probably not coming back anyway. I’d take a long look at Dustin Penner as well, but chances are the asking price will be exorbitant.
A gourmet who thinks of calories is like a tart who looks at her watch.
--James Beard
Last year we added three players at the deadline, one of whom barely played. What’s the limit from a turn over perspective with 20 games or so left to go?
I’m not sure I’d want to add more than 3 full-time players, maybe four. The only exception would be if these players were viewed as keepers beyond this year.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
keepers beyond this year
I hope the difference between this year and last is that George will add meaningful pieces instead of nibbling around the edges of the bottom half of the roster.
A gourmet who thinks of calories is like a tart who looks at her watch.
--James Beard
and to do that will mean trading players that we probably envisioned would be here long term, such as Laich or Fehr or Perrault or Eakin.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
Laich is the only one of those I don’t want to see go. I’d order then Eakin, Fehr, and Perreault in terms of trade value. I honestly can’t see what any other teams would see in Perreault.
by JimCareyFanClub on Jan 27, 2011 9:24 AM EST up reply actions
We also have to come to terms that one of our three goalies might go as well.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
I think that’s a given, but the question is which one.
Don’t make fun of my obsession over ketchup dispensers ever again! ;) Ted Leonsis
I’d like it to be Neuvirth, for the sole reason being that I don’t think his ceiling is as high as the other two. I think it will probably end up being Holtby though. Holtby and a 2nd to Ottawa for Fisher makes sense if Ottawa is looking to rebuild.
by JimCareyFanClub on Jan 27, 2011 9:31 AM EST up reply actions
I don’t think you trade Holtby. I think he might have the highest ceiling of the three, if only because of his puck handling skills.
"It's always good to have vikings."
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
His rebound control seemed pretty good in his recent games, something we still can’t really say for either of the other two.
by hockeyman33 on Jan 27, 2011 10:48 AM EST up reply actions
I thought they said in his last game it was a little weak, but the defense managed to help him out. I remember he was unhappy with his game. Still, I like what I see, even if I still get nervous watching anyone handle the puck like that. I guess I’m too used to seeing it muffed up.
"It's always good to have vikings."
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
A 2012 2nd? Because we gave up our 2011 2nd.
/facepalm
"Hockey is my life, wine is my passion." -- Igor Larionov
by Scott in Shaw on Jan 27, 2011 11:58 AM EST up reply actions
I’m already resigned to the fact that Eakin’s chances of seeing time with the Caps is miniscule; as for the other three, I’d be fine if they were dealt for a difference maker, but frankly, I don’t see any of them (except for 21, who is UFA) being all that attractive as bait at this deadline. I see one of our g’tenders being more desirable than any of them.
A gourmet who thinks of calories is like a tart who looks at her watch.
--James Beard
I know exactly what you mean. But one difficulty with making trades is we would not really get good value for our current personnel or we’d have to give up what we can’t afford to give up.
What are our main assets? Young goal tenders and prospects. We have good young defensemen (Carlson, Alzner, Green, Schultz) but our depth in that department is extremely thin after that. And, if we traded, say Schultz, we’d be back to where we were before the Hannan trade, except weaker.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Ottawa may be in blow up the franchise mode, but they won’t be getting rid of Alfie. He and Erik “No relation to Washington’s John Carlson sez Joe B” Karlsson are their untouchables, according to reports.
"Alex Ovechkin! Do you know how much that Russian would pay you to be picked first? And think of the afterparties! C’mon James you have to use some forethought here!" - TSN sportsanchor Darren Dutchyshen to James Duthie on who he would pick first were he all-star game captain.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 27, 2011 9:30 AM EST up reply actions
I’m surprised to hear that about DA, honestly. Karlsson, I can see.
A gourmet who thinks of calories is like a tart who looks at her watch.
--James Beard
my guess is b/c he’s the captain and a veteran presence, keep him around for the rebuild to help keep things together, then he’d probably be the last one out the door.
LET'S GO CAPS!!!
I suppose, but he’s one of a very few valuable, if aging, assets who could actually bring in a decent return. I have no doubt that Bryan Murray will quietly ask him about any deal, if it gets to that point, but I just can’t see anyone except for their youngsters like Cowen or, as RB pointed out, Karlsson being off the list.
A gourmet who thinks of calories is like a tart who looks at her watch.
--James Beard
by bigonetimer on Jan 27, 2011 10:49 AM EST up reply actions
I’d be down with a really good D, if nothing else. I’m not liking Poti’s status which puts Erskine in the lineup. Another insurance D to push, say, Hannan or Poti into 7D (from which position they’ll almost certainly get their fair share of games) would be nice.
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"Numbers don't lie, they just don't agree with you"--George E. Ays
by red army line on Jan 27, 2011 11:12 AM EST up reply actions
If we acquire another solid d-man, I’m not sure that Hannan or a healthy Poti would get pushed to 7D. It would likely be Schultz.
Acquiring a defenseman isn’t as urgent as acquiring a 2C and maybe even a rental 3C (much lke Belanger was like last year).
Formerly "topshelf_22304"
The "Other" Box Seats Blogger
I think Schultz ranks ahead of Poti and Hannan in the Caps’ defenseman pecking order, even a healthy Poti so don’t think he’d be pushed to 7D.
Agree that acquiring a 2C is more urgent than another defenseman.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Bruce likes having three guys that can move the puck back on defense, that’s why I think a healthy Poti is undoubtedly a top 6 guy.
I would place Hannan ahead of Schultz based on each’s play over the past 15 games. That may change over the last 30 games but as of now I’d stick with Hannan as Green’s partner (even though Schultz is the long-term solution.)
For playoff this run I’m expecting to see Green-Hannan, Alzner-Carlson, Poti-Schultz. Those are three very solid d-pairings that mean GMGM can focus his efforts on upgrading more pressing needs.
Formerly "topshelf_22304"
The "Other" Box Seats Blogger
Wouldn’t we need at least 2 to push Hannan to 7?
Drunk Guy: "Alex Ovechkin is playing more like Magic Johnson than Michael Jordan this year."
Laichitor: "He has AIDS?"
It’s probably a bit hard to really assess our defenseman pecking order. Normally, we assume Green is at the top. Unless anyone prefers to vote for Carlson. This year, it seems that Carlson and Alzner are our top shutdown pairing. Schultz is generally a 1st or 2nd pairing guy. Hannan is essentially approximately a 2nd paring guy but is a 3rd pairing guy by a small margin on our team. Poti, when healthy, is a 2nd pairing guy — but that’s the rub — when healthy. We would probably need 1 guy to push Hannan to 7th but that’s, of course, assuming that Poti is healthy.
I assume the guys I listed rank ahead of Oisk in the pecking order.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
After last night’s game, I realize I know nothing about hockey because I have zero clue what is going on with this team. So my belated New Year’s resolution is to just sit back and watch each game like a newbie and hope they score every now and then and win more than they lose because what’s going on with Caps really defies decsription or explanation.
I don’t think you’re the only person who doesn’t know what’s going on with this team — if that’s an indication you don’t know anything about hockey, I think the team’s in serious trouble. Did you see Bruce’s presser?
Don’t make fun of my obsession over ketchup dispensers ever again! ;) Ted Leonsis
I didn’t see the presser. Details?
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
In a word, flabbergasted.
A gourmet who thinks of calories is like a tart who looks at her watch.
--James Beard
He was or you were?
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
lulz….both of us.
His body language—shrugs, no eye contact, shifting back and forth on his feet—told the whole story. He basically intimated he’s out of answers, that he can’t step on the ice and score for them.
A gourmet who thinks of calories is like a tart who looks at her watch.
--James Beard
That’s very interesting. I watched most of the game, and I thought we had our chances.
In the big picture, it is so ironic that we’re talking about the Capitals not scoring.
If my quick count was accurate, the team has already lost 9 games where opponent scored 2 or less in regulation. All last season, we lost 5 games total where the opponents scored 2 or less in regulation. We’ve tightened up.
Amazing that we aren’t scoring enough to win these games!
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
This defense and a working Power Play would be a dangerous squad.
by JimCareyFanClub on Jan 27, 2011 9:49 AM EST up reply actions
Last night I caught the end of the Oilers-Stars game. The Stars had a full two-minute 5-3 and just sucked. Never got a clear shot. Were tentative about when to shoot.
I had to blink to ensure they were in green and black and not bright red.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
I was watching that same game on TSN and the TSN announcers had an amazing fact. No goal has been scored on the Oilers this year when they have been shorthanded on a 5 on 3 situation. BUT by the same token they have not scored a goal this year when on a 5 on 3 PP.
"Alex Ovechkin! Do you know how much that Russian would pay you to be picked first? And think of the afterparties! C’mon James you have to use some forethought here!" - TSN sportsanchor Darren Dutchyshen to James Duthie on who he would pick first were he all-star game captain.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 27, 2011 10:05 AM EST up reply actions
Fortunately, my cable went out shortly before the end of the game so I wasn’t subjected to watching the Caps get shut out for the last 15 minutes of the game.
"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 Jan 27, 2011 10:16 AM EST up reply actions
For the last two years, we had figured that if the Caps could tighten up their defense, they’d be a great team. But no, that’s not what happened. Instead, we’ve tightened up our defense but not quite enough to win. Essentially, we need mistake free defense and mistake free goaltending to win.
Who would have thought that our offense would totally disappear?
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
If the coach is out of answers, does that not mean it’s time for a new one? What kind of confidence must that instill in the players who are clearly already lacking in it, to hear their coach sound so defeated?
The all star break couldn’t come at a better time.
I can resist anything, except temptation.
by alisterio on Jan 27, 2011 12:02 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I saw BB’s presser on NHLN this morning, and I was a little shocked at how…aloof? he seemed. Like he couldn’t do anything about it.
"The second violinist in a symphony is a special musician, but her name rarely appears in print." - Brian Burke on Ryan Suter.
by Chris Burton on Jan 27, 2011 4:39 PM EST up reply actions
yeah, that was the attitude that absolutely killed me during the playoffs last year. “bad breaks, they happen. hot goaltenders, they happen.” the hope is always that something completely different is being communicated to the players.
by Natty Bumppo on Jan 27, 2011 4:41 PM EST up reply actions
He basically said “I’ve said it before, but their goaltender played great. I can’t go score for the guys”.
It was lame.
"The second violinist in a symphony is a special musician, but her name rarely appears in print." - Brian Burke on Ryan Suter.
by Chris Burton on Jan 27, 2011 4:43 PM EST up reply actions
I think you and I are on the same page here.
"The second violinist in a symphony is a special musician, but her name rarely appears in print." - Brian Burke on Ryan Suter.
by Chris Burton on Jan 27, 2011 4:45 PM EST up reply actions
And I think it’s pretty clear that he’s going to have this season to turn this around, and if not he’ll be gone. I wish HBO cameras could be there when he has to explicitly tell the team they are playing for his job.
Drunk Guy: "Alex Ovechkin is playing more like Magic Johnson than Michael Jordan this year."
Laichitor: "He has AIDS?"
I thought he more or less did when he said “…some of us like it here!” during the losing streak. That was telling.
I understand that he’s between a rock and a hard place, but he’s not exactly coming out smelling like roses so far.
(wow, sorry about the cliches)
"The second violinist in a symphony is a special musician, but her name rarely appears in print." - Brian Burke on Ryan Suter.
by Chris Burton on Jan 27, 2011 4:54 PM EST up reply actions
Everyone looks bad, collectively and individually. If there are three people that have any reason to feel happy about the season it’s Carlson, Alzner, and Mackan.
Drunk Guy: "Alex Ovechkin is playing more like Magic Johnson than Michael Jordan this year."
Laichitor: "He has AIDS?"
I think Green could feel reasonably pleased considering the significantly improved defensive play I’ve seen out of him in the 5 or so games I watched, but maybe that’s too small a sample size.
But yes – everyone looks bad, particularly BB and Ovi. If Ovechkin is actually saving himself for the playoffs (and I somewhat doubt that), that’s kind of a strange strategy, isn’t it?
"The second violinist in a symphony is a special musician, but her name rarely appears in print." - Brian Burke on Ryan Suter.
by Chris Burton on Jan 27, 2011 4:58 PM EST up reply actions
I think you can add in Hendricks to that group. Hannan has also been the guy we had all hoped the Caps would be getting after he got through his rough adjustment.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 27, 2011 6:11 PM EST up reply actions
I know what you mean, b.orr. I’ve long since given up on trying to figure out what makes this team tick. I watch the games and hope for the best.
"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 Jan 27, 2011 10:17 AM EST up reply actions
Okay, I guess my American, snobbish, curmudgeon side is showing, but if I hear one more tribute to Wayne Gretzky- one more "happy birthday" wish- I’m gonna puke. Are Canadians so bereft of heroes that they have to make a national holiday out of the 50th birthday of an athlete? Will it be national news when Michael Jordan reaches 50? I doubt it.
I know that LeBron made an absolute mockery of all US sports fans with his big announcement special, but that was self-promotion, albeit with the support of the Entertainment and Sports Network, (and don’t get me started on what an absolute waste of air time that is). I listen to XM 204 all through most days, but I had to turn it off yesterday. Am I the only one who feels this way?
Not a national holiday here. Plenty of hockey media, regardless of nationality, wrote articles talking about Gretz and his 50th and remembering his contribution to the game.
"Alex Ovechkin! Do you know how much that Russian would pay you to be picked first? And think of the afterparties! C’mon James you have to use some forethought here!" - TSN sportsanchor Darren Dutchyshen to James Duthie on who he would pick first were he all-star game captain.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 27, 2011 10:18 AM EST up reply actions
I have no problem with recognizing it and acknowledging his contributions. Heck, I spent a night on the sofa over the chance to see him play at the Cap Center one night. Couldn’t reach the wife to tell her I had scored a last-minute ticket, and got locked out of the bedroom for it. He was a wonderful player to watch. I just don’t think he deserves the all-day, all-Wayne fawning he was getting yesterday.
by Boodgiesdad on Jan 27, 2011 10:28 AM EST up reply actions
What was even more shocking was the lack of tribute the hockey world paid to another great that shared the same birthday – Reg Dunlop (aka Paul Newman). Old Time Hockey people!!
"I would feed them lefts until I was pretty much tired of doing it." - Alan May, JRR, 10.16.2010
Number of times as SNL host
Wayne Gretzky 1 Paul Newman 0
"Alex Ovechkin! Do you know how much that Russian would pay you to be picked first? And think of the afterparties! C’mon James you have to use some forethought here!" - TSN sportsanchor Darren Dutchyshen to James Duthie on who he would pick first were he all-star game captain.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 27, 2011 10:22 AM EST up reply actions
Reg was a better coach.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Contributor at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on Jan 27, 2011 10:23 AM EST up reply actions
Indeed he was.
"Alex Ovechkin! Do you know how much that Russian would pay you to be picked first? And think of the afterparties! C’mon James you have to use some forethought here!" - TSN sportsanchor Darren Dutchyshen to James Duthie on who he would pick first were he all-star game captain.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 27, 2011 10:25 AM EST up reply actions
CP—You would know better than I would since you follow the Yotes but what was Gretz’s main drawback as a coach? And conversely, was there anything he was good at coaching wise?
"Alex Ovechkin! Do you know how much that Russian would pay you to be picked first? And think of the afterparties! C’mon James you have to use some forethought here!" - TSN sportsanchor Darren Dutchyshen to James Duthie on who he would pick first were he all-star game captain.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 27, 2011 10:31 AM EST up reply actions
I wasn’t at practices when he was a coach or in the room, so I can only speak about what I saw on the bench and the results. He didn’t excel in any area whether it be X’s and O’s, motivation, or player development. He was far too lax in my opinion and this hurt the younger players especially. There wasn’t a single player who you said after playing for Gretz improved their game. Mueller is probably the only one close, but he learned some bad lessons along with good ones.
Gretz always seemed like a nice guy who was in over his head.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Contributor at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on Jan 27, 2011 10:45 AM EST up reply actions
I definitely could see his lack of motivation or hardass nature having a negative effect on the younger players. Good to see GMDM rectified that mistake by hiring Tippett after Gretz.
"Alex Ovechkin! Do you know how much that Russian would pay you to be picked first? And think of the afterparties! C’mon James you have to use some forethought here!" - TSN sportsanchor Darren Dutchyshen to James Duthie on who he would pick first were he all-star game captain.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 27, 2011 10:48 AM EST up reply actions
I’m a huge Tippet fan. I also like the assistant coaches they have. I like having a guy around like Dave King who has seen just about everything.
Overall, history won’t look kindly upon Gretzky’s time here, not just the coaching part. However, he did a great job with the arena and hired GMDM and Ulfie.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Contributor at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on Jan 27, 2011 10:53 AM EST up reply actions
I think King would be a great asset to any team. His longtime experience with the Canadian National Team served him well. I was always surprised that Ulfie went into coaching but it looks like he is well liked and respected by the Yotes.
"Alex Ovechkin! Do you know how much that Russian would pay you to be picked first? And think of the afterparties! C’mon James you have to use some forethought here!" - TSN sportsanchor Darren Dutchyshen to James Duthie on who he would pick first were he all-star game captain.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 27, 2011 11:15 AM EST up reply actions
It’s a big deal cause he did it in 39.
If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they'll kill you.
by zephyr on Jan 27, 2011 10:24 AM EST up reply actions 5 recs
Gretzky was so far ahead of the his contemporaries in how he played the game that comparing him to Jordan or Lebron does Gretzky a disservice. Consider the top 10 seasons in scoring:
1 Wayne Gretzky Edmonton Oilers 215 1985-86
2 Wayne Gretzky Edmonton Oilers 212 1981-82
3 Wayne Gretzky Edmonton Oilers 208 1984-85
4 Wayne Gretzky Edmonton Oilers 205 1983-84
5 Mario Lemieux Pittsburgh Penguins 199 1988-89
6 Wayne Gretzky Edmonton Oilers 196 1982-83
7 Wayne Gretzky Edmonton Oilers 183 1986-87
T8 Wayne Gretzky Los Angeles Kings 168 1988-89
T8 Mario Lemieux Pittsburgh Penguins 168 1987-88
10 Wayne Gretzky Edmonton Oilers 164 1980-81
Wayne has 8 of them… and oh yeah, he has the 11th highest point total season as well. He is the only player to go over 200 points and he did it four times! He was head and shoulders better than everyone. The only guy in the NHL at the time in the same solar system was Mario.
Jordan was a great NBA player, and LeBron is a great player, but they are not so far ahead of everyone like Wayne was… a much better comparison is Babe Ruth in the 1920s. Ruth had a contemporary like Mario in Lou Gerhig (scary they were both on the same team.) The 1927 AL home run race was Ruth with 60, Gehrig with 47 and third was Tony Lazzeri with 18 (and he was a Yankee too…sick, I know). Hack Wilson and Cy Williams led the NL with 30 that year.
Wayne’s 50th is noted because he is probably going to be the only athlete of his type who played in our lifetime…
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 27, 2011 2:36 PM EST up reply actions
Yes, Gretzky’s statistical dominance in hockey is unparalleled in any other sport.
The only player remotely comparable is Jerry Rice and his career numbers, but he never had the kind of single-season dominance that Gretzky had.
You had me at no problem.
What’s interesting is that there’s a poll up at NHL.com where they ask who, after Gretzky, was the greatest player. Mario’s winning, mostly because there are more people around who saw him play vs. folks who saw Orr play, or Howe, or Maurice Richard…
I voted for Orr, as he is to defensement what Gretzky was to everyone in the NHL when he played. Bobby Orr is what you would get if you combined Paul Coffey in his prime with Rod Langway in his prime… he was nothing less than amazing.
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 28, 2011 9:39 AM EST up reply actions
Slow work day has yielded this bit of info that could be another depressing noon number.
Since the WC, the Caps have won 4 of 11 games. Only 1 of those wins was vs a goalie who had a save % above .900 at the time the game was played (Clemmensen-01/08).
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
Capitals sign Semin to one year deal. Just tweeted.
One year – 6.7M
Separate thread, I would guess.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
Is this for real? The price is not totally unreasonable. (But if I were Semin, I’d be tired of doing the one year deal thing. Rather do a 2-3 year thing.)
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
Corey just tweeted it, so I’d say it’s legit.
If Semin wanted 2-3 years I’m sure he could get it. It’s not as though he doesn’t have any negotiating power here.
"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 Jan 27, 2011 10:45 AM EST up reply actions
Some positives to think about...and a big negative
*Since December: 2nd best points percentage in league behind BOS
*7th in Goals Against vs 16th last season
2nd in PK, 25th last season
BIG negative: On track to score 225 goals this year vs 318 last season. They are 17th in Goals per game. Zoinks!
Only one Stanley Cup winner in the last 10 years has finished outside the top 10 in Goals/game: the 2002 NJ Devils. But they also tied for 1st in GAA of 2.02(!!!) that year with PHI.
I see a bunch of guys not playing well together. Some of you kids may not remember George Allen, who coached the Redskins back in the 70’s. He had many great quotes but his best, as he huddled with the team right before the 1972 NFC championship game, was this:
“Just remember this. Forty men together can’t lose!”
That was awe-inspiring in its simplicity. But absolutely true. This Caps team is playing well enough to win most games, but they aren’t championship caliber right now. But I think/hope they’re getting there.
Some of these AHL callups just aren’t the answer. We need some help, GMGM. But they have to quit feeling sorry for themselves, “We can’t score, we’re getting a ton of shots…”.
We have an awesome weapon sidelined right now, and HE needs a good setup man. I hope we get one that can run with Semin. But mostly, they lack confidence.
by S h a g g y on Jan 27, 2011 11:07 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
I “hope” as well. What in their play since Jan 1st makes you think it? I’d to add to my hope.
I can resist anything, except temptation.
by alisterio on Jan 27, 2011 12:08 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Apparently, the Capitals have assigned Beagle, Perreault, and Holtby to Hershey.
This makes sense. With Bradley coming off of IR, Beagle was pretty much guaranteed to return. Sloan’s conditioning stint is almost over, Semin’s getting better, and Neuvirth’s returning (slowly) to health. No more room for Matty P’s inconsistent play on the roster.
Question: Do you think that the Caps will have all three of their young goaltenders after Feb. 28?
At some point, this team is gonna have to pull the trigger on one of these goalies, flip a coin or something, and get some return on value. It makes absolutely no sense to have three NHL goaltenders all under the age of 22.
I have this feeling that there are going to be some big moves made at the deadline, maybe some real surprises to shake this team up. It’ll be interesting to see, though, how the Caps will respond after the break when they get some of their health back.
I can’t see them moving any of them this season. They are all three still developing and are cheap contract wise.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Contributor at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on Jan 27, 2011 12:03 PM EST up reply actions
Unless FLA comes a-callin’ with a Vokoun-for-Neuvirth straight up, I don’t see it happening, either.
Eat, drink, and be merry! And then drink some more.
I don’t see that… but I could see a Vokoun for Neuvy and a draft pick. The Panthers have to make their decision now on whether or not they are deadline sellers and if they are, who they want to sell. Vokoun could bring a prospect/young goalie and a draft pick.
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 27, 2011 3:40 PM EST up reply actions
Don’t the Panthers already have a young promising netminder in Jacob Markstrom? I think they’d rather have a guy like Semin instead, cause they have more trouble scoring than the Caps. Florida’s PP is at 11 percent. That’s incredibad.
Doesn’t Vokoun have an expiring contract and a NMC? We saw what happens in the playoffs when goaltending isn’t our problem. And do we want to play against Neuvy within the division for the foreseeable future? I won’t argue that all three goalies stay here, but I will guesst that if McPhee is going to take the risk of guessing wrong on which one to trade, he’s going to want a trading party outside the Southeast Division, if not the Eastern Conference.
Don’t make fun of my obsession over ketchup dispensers ever again! ;) Ted Leonsis
I think it’s very possible that only two of them will be left. If so, I suspect Holtby is the most likely to go. Just gut feel.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
From Darren Dreger
On the day word leaks Atl is willing to move Antropov, Hainsey and Modin. All 3 factor in the gwg in a 1-0 win over the Capitals.
"Alex Ovechkin! Do you know how much that Russian would pay you to be picked first? And think of the afterparties! C’mon James you have to use some forethought here!" - TSN sportsanchor Darren Dutchyshen to James Duthie on who he would pick first were he all-star game captain.
I’ll pass.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Contributor at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on Jan 27, 2011 12:34 PM EST up reply actions
So would I. Antropov and Hainsey have outrageous contracts and Modin is just old.
"Alex Ovechkin! Do you know how much that Russian would pay you to be picked first? And think of the afterparties! C’mon James you have to use some forethought here!" - TSN sportsanchor Darren Dutchyshen to James Duthie on who he would pick first were he all-star game captain.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 27, 2011 12:54 PM EST up reply actions
Jordan loves Antropov, but I don’t know if he likes him enough to want him here. I pass hard on Antropov. I don’t think you can trust him in the playoffs.
Drunk Guy: "Alex Ovechkin is playing more like Magic Johnson than Michael Jordan this year."
Laichitor: "He has AIDS?"
I haven’t been an Antropov fan since he was on the Leafs. He and Poni-boy were massive underachievers for them. So much skill, so little results-wise. I will say this though: when I saw the Thrashers play the Caps at the VC in early December, I was gobsmacked at how big Antropov is. If the guy wanted to, he could be a premier power forward in the NHL but the mentality and drive isn’t there.
"Alex Ovechkin! Do you know how much that Russian would pay you to be picked first? And think of the afterparties! C’mon James you have to use some forethought here!" - TSN sportsanchor Darren Dutchyshen to James Duthie on who he would pick first were he all-star game captain.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 27, 2011 2:49 PM EST up reply actions
Guy is huge. And so skilled. He could be elite, for sure. He could be even better than Viktor Kozlov could have been. Watching Antro disappear against the Caps in the playoffs was basically the nail in the coffin IMO.
Drunk Guy: "Alex Ovechkin is playing more like Magic Johnson than Michael Jordan this year."
Laichitor: "He has AIDS?"
Very good point.
"Alex Ovechkin! Do you know how much that Russian would pay you to be picked first? And think of the afterparties! C’mon James you have to use some forethought here!" - TSN sportsanchor Darren Dutchyshen to James Duthie on who he would pick first were he all-star game captain.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 27, 2011 3:49 PM EST up reply actions
I’ll take Antro in a heartbeat.
"The second violinist in a symphony is a special musician, but her name rarely appears in print." - Brian Burke on Ryan Suter.
by Chris Burton on Jan 27, 2011 4:42 PM EST up reply actions
Even with his contract? $4.062 til 2013-2014?
"Alex Ovechkin! Do you know how much that Russian would pay you to be picked first? And think of the afterparties! C’mon James you have to use some forethought here!" - TSN sportsanchor Darren Dutchyshen to James Duthie on who he would pick first were he all-star game captain.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 27, 2011 4:54 PM EST up reply actions
Oof, never mind, not with the extensions we have coming up. I thought it was in the $2.5 range.
"The second violinist in a symphony is a special musician, but her name rarely appears in print." - Brian Burke on Ryan Suter.
by Chris Burton on Jan 27, 2011 4:55 PM EST up reply actions
Never underestimate the idiocy of Don Waddell.
"Alex Ovechkin! Do you know how much that Russian would pay you to be picked first? And think of the afterparties! C’mon James you have to use some forethought here!" - TSN sportsanchor Darren Dutchyshen to James Duthie on who he would pick first were he all-star game captain.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 27, 2011 4:56 PM EST up reply actions
Actually CB if you think that is idiotic —check out Ron Hainsey’s contract: 4.5 mil each for the next 3 years plus a limited no trade..$750,000 more than Enstrom over the same period. Paid the same amount as Shea Weber this year and a million more than Ryan Suter.
"Alex Ovechkin! Do you know how much that Russian would pay you to be picked first? And think of the afterparties! C’mon James you have to use some forethought here!" - TSN sportsanchor Darren Dutchyshen to James Duthie on who he would pick first were he all-star game captain.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 27, 2011 5:04 PM EST up reply actions
Holy crap, that’s all kinds of terrible. Nobody in their right mind will take on Hainsey’s deal.
"The second violinist in a symphony is a special musician, but her name rarely appears in print." - Brian Burke on Ryan Suter.
by Chris Burton on Jan 27, 2011 5:06 PM EST up reply actions
hainsey’s $4.5M is the same as scott hannan’s (so all the same comparables apply). thankfully hannan’s contract expires this summer.
by Natty Bumppo on Jan 27, 2011 5:10 PM EST up reply actions
I haven’t looked at underlying numbers but off the top of my head I would say Hannan > Hainsey.
"The second violinist in a symphony is a special musician, but her name rarely appears in print." - Brian Burke on Ryan Suter.
by Chris Burton on Jan 27, 2011 5:11 PM EST up reply actions
i’m sure you’re correct, there. but noteworthy that both guys have seen their ice time numbers drop every year since 2006-2007. hainsey from 22:53 per game to this year’s 16:40 per game. hannan from 22:49 per game to this year’s 18:34 per game.
by Natty Bumppo on Jan 27, 2011 5:17 PM EST up reply actions
They’re getting older (and worse), not too surprising.
"The second violinist in a symphony is a special musician, but her name rarely appears in print." - Brian Burke on Ryan Suter.
by Chris Burton on Jan 27, 2011 5:17 PM EST up reply actions
Hainsey is only 29. He should still be getting better, especially given his skill set and how unspectacular he was when younger.
Drunk Guy: "Alex Ovechkin is playing more like Magic Johnson than Michael Jordan this year."
Laichitor: "He has AIDS?"
Only 29? Oof. He was not impressive at all when I saw him earlier in the year.
"The second violinist in a symphony is a special musician, but her name rarely appears in print." - Brian Burke on Ryan Suter.
by Chris Burton on Jan 27, 2011 5:19 PM EST up reply actions
bad news for Vancouver, from PD:
The Vancouver Canucks announced today that defenseman Alex Edler, who missed Wednesday’s game against the Nashville Predators due to back spasms, will undergo microdiscectomy surgery on his back and is out indefinitely.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
That’s a shame. Edler was having a career year for them. That should bring the “will Bieksa move?” mumblings to a halt.
"Alex Ovechkin! Do you know how much that Russian would pay you to be picked first? And think of the afterparties! C’mon James you have to use some forethought here!" - TSN sportsanchor Darren Dutchyshen to James Duthie on who he would pick first were he all-star game captain.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 27, 2011 2:16 PM EST up reply actions
The Capstronaut...
Whatever you thought of the guy in the astronaut suit, kudos to him for dropping the costume and giving up on it when it had run it’s course. After a while, all gimmicks like that end up in the same place, and I’m glad to see he gave it up before jumping the shark.
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
I cringe every time a TV camera zooms in on the Hogettes at Redskins game. Talk about something that has jumped the shark!
by Ray of Sunshine on Jan 27, 2011 5:20 PM EST up reply actions
I’d agree, but they do raise money for various charities by doing appearances… so if they use their gimmick to help out others, then I’m ok with it.
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 28, 2011 9:41 AM EST up reply actions
i was teenage hockey message board jailbait by katie baker
[via deadspin]
by Natty Bumppo on Jan 27, 2011 2:44 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Thanks for the link Natty. What a great read!
For me Peter Forsberg is not just my favorite hockey player he is the reason I fell in love with hockey.
The Fishsticks-era Islanders (Usenet) group was a particularly desolate place, populated mostly by sadsack crickets meeping “Fire Mike Milbury!” all through the night.
Good stuff.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
the stuff about the different tone and character of the different team user groups definitely reminded me of the differences between SBN blog comment sections (though SBN’s overriding community guidelines seem to mostly prevent the out-and-out crassness she describes from the flyers board).
by Natty Bumppo on Jan 27, 2011 4:02 PM EST up reply actions
Happy Birthday Brian Engblom
These days he is known for his between period stints on Versus hockey telecasts (and showing no shame in rocking a mullet in 2011), but for a brief season and a bit Brian Engblom patrolled the Caps blueline. Despite the brevity of his tenure here, Engblom was a component of one of the most important happenings in the history of the team.
Engblom as born in Winnipeg in 1955 and after playing a year for the Manitoba Junior League Winnipeg Monarchs, he went stateside to the University of Wisconsin. He played with the Badgers from 1973 to 1975 and was drafted 22nd overall by Montreal in the 1975 entry draft. In the midst of their 70s dynasty, the Habs had famous names such as Larry Robinson, Serge Savard and Guy Lapointe already on the point for them. He spent a year with their AHL affiliate Nova Scotia and scored 50 points in 1976-77 en route to being named the AHL top defenseman. After Nova Scotia was knocked out of the playoffs, the Habs called up their AHL elite prospects to join them for their playoff run as the Habs won the Stanley Cup that year. In fact Engblom would be part of a Stanley Cup winning squad in his first three seasons in the league. Engblom said the following about developing as an NHLer on a dynasty:
“I think coming up to the Canadiens when I did was excellent preparation. That was in 1978 and they had guys who were terrific at carrying the puck. I learned to stay at home and protect our zone and that was tremendous discipline, which is paying off now.”
Into the 1980s, Engblom continued his steady play for the Habs, In 1980-81 and 1981-82 he put up 28 and 33 points respectively. His +/- though were astronomically good.. In the former year he had +63 and then followed that up with a +78 in 1981-82 (named an NHL second team all star after the season). He even made the Canadian team for the Canada Cup in 1981.
Then on September 9, 1982, the Caps made once of the most pivotal moves in franchise history, They acquired Engblom along with Rod Langway, Doug Jarvis and Craig Laughlin from the Habs for team captain Ryan Walter and Rick Green. In his sole full season here (1982-83), Engblom scored 5g 22a for 27 points but sadly only had a -4 in plus/minus. After 6 games the following year, the Caps dealt him to LA with forward Ken Houston for offensive d-man Larry Murphy which became another key move for the 80s Caps. A couple of good years were followed by a trade to Buffalo then a half season in Calgary. Unfortunately he suffered a serious neck injury in 1987 and surgery involving bone spurs proved to be career ending.
These days one can see Brian Engblom on TV quite a bit. He does post game analysis regionally for the Colorado Avalanche. He can also seen as a colour commentator and studio analyst for and hockey broadcasts on Versus nationally. He did the same job for ESPN from 1992 to 2004. His mullet is legendary in hockey circles and in 2009 inspired an article in KuklasKorner regarding its evolution: http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/mc/comments/the_evolution_of_brian_engbloms_hair/ .
Happy Birthday Brian and your awesome coif.
"Alex Ovechkin! Do you know how much that Russian would pay you to be picked first? And think of the afterparties! C’mon James you have to use some forethought here!" - TSN sportsanchor Darren Dutchyshen to James Duthie on who he would pick first were he all-star game captain.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 27, 2011 3:47 PM EST reply actions 9 recs
the Feb. 20 Caps @ Sabres game has been moved from 3pm to 12:30pm
awesome that the game will be on national TV as part of Hockey in America. Bonus: gives the Caps a couple extra hours of rest before they take on Pittsburgh at 7:30 the next night.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
I don’t know if many of you are still around, but I’ll toss out a question anyway:
Given the market and similar contracts over the last year or two, what kind of contract would you (or should Nashville) offer Shea Weber?
I think that David Poile has to be careful (and will), because you shouldn’t massively overpay (despite how elite he is) with all the talent in the system.
"The second violinist in a symphony is a special musician, but her name rarely appears in print." - Brian Burke on Ryan Suter.
In terms of raw salary it’s hard to say he’s not worth 7 million a year for the next several years. Maybe with a long term deal you can get it down to about 6.5 but I can’t see it being much less than that.
Drunk Guy: "Alex Ovechkin is playing more like Magic Johnson than Michael Jordan this year."
Laichitor: "He has AIDS?"
That’s what I’m afraid of.
"The second violinist in a symphony is a special musician, but her name rarely appears in print." - Brian Burke on Ryan Suter.
by Chris Burton on Jan 27, 2011 5:18 PM EST up reply actions
Well it’s not like you have too many other people to give that money to. I know you’re on a tight budget but you can’t try to get cheap with a player of that caliber.
Drunk Guy: "Alex Ovechkin is playing more like Magic Johnson than Michael Jordan this year."
Laichitor: "He has AIDS?"
Right, but Suter and Rinne are up the year after that, and they’re both going to get theirs – Rinne’s cemented himself in the top 5 goalies in the NHL, and they’ll have to pony up for that. Then Hornqvist and Wilson. That’s pretty much it, though, almost everyone else is an interchangeable part. Dumont and Sullivan will come off the books, which should help.
"The second violinist in a symphony is a special musician, but her name rarely appears in print." - Brian Burke on Ryan Suter.
by Chris Burton on Jan 27, 2011 5:22 PM EST up reply actions
really, top 5? you think that will hold? i thought the preds were confident enough they could keep finding young studs that they would never over-invest in one?
by Natty Bumppo on Jan 27, 2011 5:24 PM EST up reply actions
I’m not sure they can justify letting Rinne get away. He’s that good. He might even be better than Vokoun right now. It’s to the point where you never say “he stood on his head”, it’s just that level of play all the time.
"The second violinist in a symphony is a special musician, but her name rarely appears in print." - Brian Burke on Ryan Suter.
by Chris Burton on Jan 27, 2011 5:26 PM EST up reply actions
additionally
The reason I think it’ll hold is because he’s consistently gotten better year by year, and was dominant against Chicago in the playoffs.
"The second violinist in a symphony is a special musician, but her name rarely appears in print." - Brian Burke on Ryan Suter.
by Chris Burton on Jan 27, 2011 5:27 PM EST up reply actions
he was rough enough early in the year to be dropped in MRTS. i know he’s legit top 5 since then, but there have been enough young goalies to come and go that i don’t think i’d ever want the caps to pay a guy as if he were top 5 in the league.
by Natty Bumppo on Jan 27, 2011 5:31 PM EST up reply actions
Who the hell dropped him? (I thank that person)
You are what you eat, and I want my kids to grow up to be smart. So I feed them brains. Marc Savard brains. Right from the skull! -F&B
by Steckel Me Elmo on Jan 27, 2011 8:21 PM EST up reply actions
i don’t know but i remember putting a claim on him, too. instead ended up with steve mason a week later. ugh. (saved myself by picking up c.crawford.)
by Natty Bumppo on Jan 27, 2011 8:24 PM EST up reply actions
I had top priority in the waiver list when Rinne was dropped. Mason was the spare part I got rid of.
You are what you eat, and I want my kids to grow up to be smart. So I feed them brains. Marc Savard brains. Right from the skull! -F&B
by Steckel Me Elmo on Jan 27, 2011 8:27 PM EST up reply actions
ahhh. yeah, i think mason lasted another week before varly became healthy. not totally sure of the timeline, but definitely a worthwhile use of your #1 waiver claim.
by Natty Bumppo on Jan 27, 2011 8:43 PM EST up reply actions
Of Weber, Suter, and Rinne the one I’d most willingly walk from is Rinne. It’s not close. If you think you are letting him go I might even trade him and see if you can get a ransom. Gooback has looked good, Dekanich is legit, and Poile can always keep drafting and developing goalies. Just maybe not with a first round pick.
Drunk Guy: "Alex Ovechkin is playing more like Magic Johnson than Michael Jordan this year."
Laichitor: "He has AIDS?"
Dekanich is legit
I see what you did there.
More to the point, though, I wholeheartedly agree. Much easier to find Rinne replacement(s) than 6 or 20. I think Lindback will be an NHL starter at some point, as does The Goalie Guild, but I can’t find that link at the moment.
"The second violinist in a symphony is a special musician, but her name rarely appears in print." - Brian Burke on Ryan Suter.
by Chris Burton on Jan 27, 2011 5:31 PM EST up reply actions
I am with F+B on this one, when lesser Western conference defensemen like Jack Johnson and Mark Giordano can rake in over 4 mil a year, one has to think Weber will definitely be up around 6.5-7 mil per year.
"Alex Ovechkin! Do you know how much that Russian would pay you to be picked first? And think of the afterparties! C’mon James you have to use some forethought here!" - TSN sportsanchor Darren Dutchyshen to James Duthie on who he would pick first were he all-star game captain.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 27, 2011 5:21 PM EST up reply actions
Mirror Duncan Keith, I think.
My blog and Twitter, featuring coverage of the most frustrating team in the NHL
If you don't know how to use Timeonice, read this.
Behindthenet quick link to QoC/QoT/Corsi/PDO/Zonestarts
"Numbers don't lie, they just don't agree with you"--George E. Ays
by red army line on Jan 27, 2011 10:11 PM EST up reply actions
one of the factors to consider is his “face of the franchise” status, yes? i know looking back at all the young gun caps deals, ovechkin’s was the only one that wasn’t considered a slam dunk (i LOVE that we managed to lock up green at $5.25 while still maintaining his RFA status), yet not many fans in washington were complaining. it might be worth it to the team to go that extra mile and make sure weber sticks around for a long time.
by Natty Bumppo on Jan 27, 2011 5:20 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, I’m pretty confident he sticks around. Its not a question of if, more of term/amount. I’d actually love for him and Suter to get matching deals but with Weber more visible and the captain I kinda doubt it.
"The second violinist in a symphony is a special musician, but her name rarely appears in print." - Brian Burke on Ryan Suter.
by Chris Burton on Jan 27, 2011 5:23 PM EST up reply actions
From the clip on the return of CRL (Every Sat at 9am – thank heavens for DVR!):
In addition to the new, consistent time each week, CRL features three new segments this season; a special segment following Caps defenseman John Carlson’s rookie season, One on One with Mike Vogel and Cap to Cap. Host Guerin Austin returns for another season as well as Elliot Segal from Elliot in the Morning and the long-awaited return of "Professor" Bradley.
"I would feed them lefts until I was pretty much tired of doing it." - Alan May, JRR, 10.16.2010
He might be a short term upgrade, but I doubt it’s enough to make much of a difference. I’d rather get a more experienced player and if we are getting a guy to stick around long term then I think we can do better than Gagner.
Drunk Guy: "Alex Ovechkin is playing more like Magic Johnson than Michael Jordan this year."
Laichitor: "He has AIDS?"
i think gagner brings more to the table this season than jason arnott, but i haven’t watched as many oilers games as i’ve watched devils games.
by Natty Bumppo on Jan 27, 2011 8:18 PM EST up reply actions
I find Gagner terribly hit and miss. Having seen a reasonable amount of Oilers games this year, I prefer the other tradeable center option they have in Cogliano. One positive I will say about Gagner is that he’s only 21 and definitely has room to improve.
"Alex Ovechkin! Do you know how much that Russian would pay you to be picked first? And think of the afterparties! C’mon James you have to use some forethought here!" - TSN sportsanchor Darren Dutchyshen to James Duthie on who he would pick first were he all-star game captain.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 27, 2011 9:30 PM EST up reply actions
All the scoring chances stuff suggests the Oilers have Hall, Penner, Hemsky, Eberle, and then everyone else (up front). Pretty sure Gagner > Cogliano though, if nothing else because Gagner will get better in the dot.
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by red army line on Jan 27, 2011 10:12 PM EST up reply actions
Bears up 2-1 after one. At least there’s some hockey tonight.
"It's always good to have vikings."
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
It’s 3-1 now. FWIW, Tyler Sloan’s in the lineup. He’s a +1 so far tonight – his D partner Sean Collins scored the second goal.
"I would feed them lefts until I was pretty much tired of doing it." - Alan May, JRR, 10.16.2010
Sabourin makes it interesting at the end, but Bears win, 4-3.
"It's always good to have vikings."
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
Bears fans are probably yearning for the return of Holtby except for the fact that he’s not suiting up for them. (On that subject, how’s Neuvy’s groin these days?)
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Pretty sure gfcaps’s comment was in regard to the play: Springfield had pulled the goalie so Sabu came out of the crease to go for a shot. It didn’t work, Kyle Wilson got a hold of it, and shot it into the empty Hershey net.
Sabourin has been lights out in January, winning all 6 of his starts with a 1.83 GAA and .993 SV%. Early season struggles long past, Bears fans have no problems with Sabu now.
"I would feed them lefts until I was pretty much tired of doing it." - Alan May, JRR, 10.16.2010
Yeah, I was ragging on Sabu. I was listening rather passively at that point (with under a minute to go), but got the drift that he muffed the play. Good thing for Hershey that he finally got his act together.
"It's always good to have vikings."
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
That .993 SV% has got to be a typo…
You are what you eat, and I want my kids to grow up to be smart. So I feed them brains. Marc Savard brains. Right from the skull! -F&B
by Steckel Me Elmo on Jan 27, 2011 10:43 PM EST up reply actions
Assessment of the comments for today. Not many in Clips. As someone said on the off topic thread, people seem to post more at work than at home and lots of people did not work today. (I tend to post at home rather than at work.)
Meanwhile, there were lots of comments on the “Semin extended” thread, including a lot from the Pension Plan Puppets posters. (Were Toronto fans hoping to get Semin somehow?)
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Don’t think Chemmy & PPP were serious – no bribe was offered this time
"I would feed them lefts until I was pretty much tired of doing it." - Alan May, JRR, 10.16.2010
There’s a thread at PPP about the Semin extension.
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by red army line on Jan 27, 2011 10:13 PM EST up reply actions
Absolutely fascinating thread—thanks. Although I think some of them misunderstood the main thrust of the argument in the Japers’ Semin extension thread.
Although I read it late last night what I recall is that the argument was primarily over why he wasn’t signed for a longer term and not that he shouldn’t be signed. That his skills are very much recognized but that nonCaps fans aren’t as acquainted with bad Sasha so they don’t understand the level of fan frustration that goes along with the appreciation we have for Semin.
This signing makes me happy because without Semin there is no second line. It’s a mess. And I keep wondering if Semin had an elite center on a consistent basis would that help the consistency in his game.
Alright, confess-how many goals are you going to make this year?
"I'm not going to tell!"
Well can you at least guarantee fifty?
"No way. I have a different objective. To win."
by capsyoungguns on Jan 28, 2011 10:18 AM EST up reply actions
I don’t know about that. We lost power for a day and a half so no Internet service (lost shortly after the goal and had to find out they lost the old fashioned way via the newspaper). And then with school cancelled now for the third day so I’ve got boys running in and out tracking snow and with the yard cleanup from the storm, I haven’t even had a chance to catch up reading the threads until late, long after the conversations. Snow is the culprit IMO.
I wish sometimes I worked at a desk so I could follow the conversations as they happened.
I loved the Semin threads though, especially with the Leafers popping by. I think with any big talent possibly coming onto the market fans of other teams are going to dream. Count me in as delighted he is staying. Semin plays better when he’s feeling secure a bit. So I expect him to return some offensive power to the team.. Or at least I’m hoping he will.
Alright, confess-how many goals are you going to make this year?
"I'm not going to tell!"
Well can you at least guarantee fifty?
"No way. I have a different objective. To win."
by capsyoungguns on Jan 28, 2011 10:08 AM EST up reply actions
Glad you’re back. And glad Sasha is signed for another year. I think we’ll get some more offensive power from him provided he’s healthy, of course. I believe the lack of health was his main problem this December, given that he was already playing through a nagging injury/condition before he missed the 3 games in December and the latest injur.
Sorry you lost internet service. I was still at work while the game was going on (since people couldn’t even get out of our office compound so it wasn’t worth it to leave.) I did get the report from my husband that he lost the Comcast feed. All other channels were working just fine, except that one so he turned it to a college basketball game. But did find out about the loss.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
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