Friday Caps Clips: Semin Re-Ups
by J.P. on Jan 28, 2011 6:42 AM EST
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PrintYour savory breakfast links:
- This week on Japers' Rink Radio: Damien Cox. Not to be missed.
- Plenty of coverage of Alexander Semin's contract extension. [George McPhee on NHL Live! (audio), NHL.com (Masisak), Puck Daddy, DCEX (McNally), CSN Washington (Raby), CI/WaPo, RMNB, KOL, HotH, Puck 'N Hockey, Business Insider]
- $6.7 million buys a lot of McNuggets. [KOL]
- The All-Star break comes at a good time for the Caps. [CI]
- The Caps are confident in their defense-first
and offense-neverapproach. [DCEx (McNally) - The Matt Hendricks new media junket rolls on. [TFP, ABC Newspapers]
- Should've gone with Team Ovi vs. Team Hockey Haunches, NHL. [SI (Farber)]
- Dmitri Orlov is the best NHL-drafted blueliner in Russia (which may not be saying all that much). [HF]
- Andrew Glass tells his side of the story after being dismissed from the BU hockey team. [Boston Hockey Blog]
- Evgeny Kuznetsov is a KHL All-Star, where he'll be a teammate of Sergei Fedorov's (and Jaromir Jagr's). [KHL]
- Speaking of All-Stars, check out coverage of the JWHL All-Stars who will out at Kettler this weekend. [Rink Rebel]
- Finally, happy 45th birthday to Michal Pivonka.
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This week on Japers’ Rink Radio: Damien Cox.
First Obama announcing an exclusive interview with Fox News…now this. Maybe the apocalypse really is upon us.
by Yoshietree on Jan 28, 2011 7:15 AM EST reply actions 2 recs
Pepper and Russell prepping for this by biting their lips until they bleed.
"Eye like the Boon-boo-ree!"
by Bald Pollack on Jan 28, 2011 7:33 AM EST up reply actions
Damien Cox.Notto be missed.
I’m sure that like looking at the proverbial train wreck, I’ll end up listening, hating myself the whole time..
"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."
I hope Pepper and Russel will hold Cox’s toes to the fire on some of the material he’s fired off.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
no pressure, SP, but i second this (if not “toes to the fire,” then at least a direct line of questioning). the last time he was on, the book hadn’t been released yet, correct? and the twitter war with ted hadn’t gone down?
by Natty Bumppo on Jan 28, 2011 10:26 AM EST up reply actions
Correct. We’ll definitely revisit the book.
by Stephen Pepper on Jan 28, 2011 10:29 AM EST up reply actions
Any particular material you have in mind?
by Stephen Pepper on Jan 28, 2011 10:28 AM EST up reply actions
Don’t know what he’s thinking, but Sid’s concussion is a big one.
"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 was one of the more lazy, agenda-driven articles i’ve seen from cox…and that’s saying something. not sure how you could go about calling him out on it, except to say “umm…all these other players were dealing with the conditions, including semyon varlamov, who had an exemplary game.” he didn’t come down on steckel at all, just the WC format (which he already disapproved of).
by Natty Bumppo on Jan 28, 2011 10:53 AM EST up reply actions
but in that column and some of his others, you’ll find places where he’s smoothed over the facts to fit his story line. i would definitely ask something along the lines of: “here is your past history of columns concerning the winter classic……here is your most recent column about crosby’s injury……do you have an agenda when writing a column like this, and do you honestly believe the NHL was more at fault for crosby’s injury than crosby himself?”
by Natty Bumppo on Jan 28, 2011 10:55 AM EST up reply actions
I would like to learn more about his obsession with revenue sharing. He mentions it every. single. time. when he writes about the Caps.
Surely the Caps organization meets all the criteria and complies with all the requirements/guidelines for participating in the revenue sharing.
And surely the Capitals, with their New Media-savvy marketing, not to mention a charismatic superstar who is one of the Faces of the League, who sell tickets even in bad markets, move a ton of merchandise, and just freely and willingly participated in the best 4-hour infomercial in the history of Sports, should get some recognition for actually generating some portion of that revenue.
The rising tide lifts all boats, and the Capitals and Alex Ovechkin have helped drive the tide.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
by EmilyB on Jan 28, 2011 10:54 AM EST up reply actions 13 recs
Oh, the latest missive about a Capital just arrived, per JP re-tweet. Did he write that just because he’s on with you tomorrow?
http://thestar.blogs.com/thespin/2011/01/the-cost-of-talent.html
"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."
Everyone, save yourself the trouble of reading that. He makes up this crazy idea that the Caps don’t value Semin anywhere near as much as Ovie or Nicky b/c he claims they wouldn’t offer him anything more than a 2-year deal. Technically GMGM didn’t offer more than a 1 or 2 year deal, but that’s b/c that’s all Sasha and his agent were interested in. GMGM said he was open to discussing a longer deal, but Sasha and his agent only wanted to talk 1 or 2 year deals.
LET'S GO CAPS!!!
i don’t think it’s a crazy idea the caps don’t value semin as much as AO and NB. i think you’re putting too much faith in GMGM’s politically correct account of the events.
by Natty Bumppo on Jan 28, 2011 11:18 AM EST up reply actions
I’m not saying that his end result isn’t wrong (that the Caps aren’t as certain about the future of Sasha as they are with Nicky), but he claims that they didn’t want to discuss a long term deal at all. If they had the length agreed to but couldn’t agree on the money that’s a different discussion from GMGM.
But seriously, who is more believable, GMGM or Cox?
LET'S GO CAPS!!!
I actually thought that was a solid piece.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jan 28, 2011 11:11 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
As did I. I must have drafted a reply and not sent it. I found the article very, very fair. The stereotypical Cox axe wasn’t there.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
comments are moderated on that site, so they’ve got to approve it before it’s posted for the public, kinda like on Ted’s blog.
LET'S GO CAPS!!!
I meant a comment here. I confusing myself this morning.
I thought I wrote a reply to gfcapsfan, but then I couldn’t find it.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
Seconded.
"Eye like the Boon-boo-ree!"
by Bald Pollack on Jan 28, 2011 11:22 AM EST up reply actions
Technically, I think you thirded. :-)
/reviewing my reference of Robert’s Rules of Parliamentary Procedure
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
So long as I kept it out of the pool, Spaulding Smails should be OK.
"Eye like the Boon-boo-ree!"
by Bald Pollack on Jan 28, 2011 11:41 AM EST up reply actions
I’ll admit that there are solid points on second reading (I’m just instinctively biased against him), but I think it also shows some of his perceived bias. Maybe it’s just that he’s established a reputation with too many of us here that he’s never going to shake. Sort of like some hockey players, I guess.
"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."
Agreed. Very reasonable piece.
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 Jan 28, 2011 11:23 AM EST up reply actions
I don’t think it’s a secret that Ovi and Nicky are more valued by the Caps. They are both younger and have played better through their careers so far. That said, that doesn’t mean that Semin isn’t valuable to the Caps, just not quite as much. As for not offering him a long-term deal, how many players on big, long term deals is a team supposed to have anyway?
by cainoo7x on Jan 28, 2011 11:30 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
according to the Devils, all of them!
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by RedBirdie on Jan 28, 2011 11:34 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
the Capitals have historically been so sensitive to any perceived criticism of Ovechkin or suggestion that he is anything but Crosby’s equal (nasty anti-Russian Canadian media) that the temptation for Ted (Mr. Pursuit of Happiness) Leonsis to intervene or blog or whine will probably be irresistible.
For Ovechkin, these are interesting times. He’s the star of an intriguing new ad campaign, was glowingly featured in Gentleman’s Quarterly this fall and was the subject of an unauthorized biography (authored by Toronto writer Gare Joyce and yours truly) that the notoriously thin-skinned Leonsis has gone out of his way to discredit.
After an off-season of partying and personal appearances in Moscow, all covered in gleeful detail by the Moscow press, Ovechkin appears to have returned unchanged for his sixth NHL season.
That’s good. Unless the Caps were hoping for more.
Same link as above
I’ll let someone else research the twitter thing.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
by fat_daddyo on Jan 28, 2011 10:56 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
…leonsis is sort of thin-skinned. i see that as less of a personal attack at this point than a reporting of events. how do we phrase this as a question to cox?
by Natty Bumppo on Jan 28, 2011 11:01 AM EST up reply actions
How about," Were you always a pompous jerk or this a role you’ve gradually grown into?"
by b.orr4 on Jan 28, 2011 11:10 AM EST up reply actions 4 recs
gotcha, i just don’t think we should grill him for saying the same things we’ve been saying.
by Natty Bumppo on Jan 28, 2011 11:14 AM EST up reply actions
“Have you attacked Ted Leonsis on a personal level in your columns?”
If he says yes, then ask him why, and if it’s appropriate for a journalist to inject personal animus into his public record.
If he says no, then present him with the “whine” and the “notoriously thin-skinned” comments. “Is this word choice, in your opinion, consistent with even-handed reporting?”
“Does the choice of loaded terms with respect to the owner of a team move your work from the realm of journalism into the realm of advocacy?”
“Who has a greater duty to objective and even-handed public statements, an owner or a journalist?”
That sort of thing.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
cox and others on the editorial page can always get out of questions about “even-handed reporting” by claiming (rightfully) their job is to editorialize, not to report. but i hear you, if the questions are worded carefully, SP should be able to get him to open up about his personal feelings and biases towards ted.
by Natty Bumppo on Jan 28, 2011 2:12 PM EST up reply actions
Nobody really talks about Ted being thin skinned except for Cox, so i think it’s going a little far to call him notoriously thin skinned.
Aim for the head baby Jesus
i think about ted being thin-skinned every single time i read one his blogs about the emails he receives. understood that there aren’t a lot of others in the MSM that talk about it, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a valid criticism. i’d imagine a “notorious” reputation could exist for ted among national hockey writers, which is something we can’t really refute.
by Natty Bumppo on Jan 28, 2011 2:15 PM EST up reply actions
I didn’t read his book but all the reviews I’ve read of it have been pretty negative so maybe the book flopped because it just wasn’t very good to begin with? Leonsis took part discrediting it but so has Damien Cox himself. I think the guy does more to harm his own reputation than Ted Leonsis or anyone else ever could. Leonis did write one or two posts discrediting the book when it first came out but how many condescending posts has Cox written about Ted since then? And what about all his tweets bashing Ted and Caps fans? I mean you reap what you sow and his credibility with Caps fans in particular has been damaged perhaps beyond repair. How many of us are now always skeptical of everything he writes, especially Caps related stuff?
Lobbies: Green, Carlson, Orlov
by CapsFan2020 on Jan 28, 2011 12:29 PM EST up reply actions
How about these “facts” from his most recent article on Semin?
The Washington Post reported the Caps were willing to give Semin at most a two-year deal. This is a player with loads and loads of pure talent, but his committment to North American life is iffy (he’s been playing in Washington for eight years and speaks almost no English, or at least doesn’t let on that he does) and he has yet to prove a willingness to bring it in the post-season.
I can find at least three things wrong with those two sentences:
- it was Semin and his agent who wanted the shorter deal; McPhee broached the subject of doing a longer-term extension, but Semin’s camp prefered the one- to two-year deal;
- “he has yet to prove a willingness to bring it in the post-season.” – Semin has had two very good post-season series so far, and he did launch 44 shots on net during the Montreal series; I very much doubt the problems with disappearing in the post season are due to a lack of commitment;
- Semin speaks English just fine. He just doesn’t like to speak English to the media.
The whole article smacks a little of twisting facts to support a thesis (and the one about the Caps not being willing to do longer than a two-year deal is a pretty central fact on which he rests his thesis) but I’d kind of like to know what conclusions he would draw about the Caps’ view of Alexander Semin had they pushed for the longer deal.
Wheeler – I think you’ve got those red-colored glasses on. I don’t disagree with your analysis, but I think it’s a bit nit-picky. I do not see him twisting facts to support a thesis. He is writing about where Semin fits in the scheme of things for the Caps, with an added note about large contracts not necessarily working out for teams. I think it’s generally fair.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
I gotta agree with Wheeler, his argument is based on a false premise, the idea that the Caps didn’t want to discuss a long-term deal with him.
LET'S GO CAPS!!!
He’s citing the Washington Post. If his citation is correct, then the sentence is correct. He’s not asserting it without a reference.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
we don’t really know that, though. we know what GMGM has said, but it’s not like GMGM would ever come out and say “i didn’t want to discuss a longterm deal with alex semin.”
by Natty Bumppo on Jan 28, 2011 11:17 AM EST up reply actions
I think Cox has a little wiggle room; he can point out that the Caps’ willingness to commit to shorter term rather than a longer, big-money deal that would keep him in red for an extended period of time shows that they don’t view him as a key cog in the long run, and they’d prefer to have a tradeable asset and cap flexibility going forward than a second, highly-skilled winger.
According to the Washington Post, McPhee only did offer a two-year deal:
Capitals General Manager George McPhee told reporters he entered negotiations open to the possibility of a longer-term deal but that Semin and his agent preferred a one-year deal. According to a league source, the maximum length Washington offered was two years.
Still, the point is that it wasn’t necessarily the Caps being gun-shy; Semin and his agent didn’t want an extended term, either. It’s an unusual thing for a team to be pushing for extra term with a UFA and having a UFA turn it down, which seems to also say something about how Semin views his role with the team.
I’m almost certain the TEB post on CI yesterday morning quote GMGM as saying 1, 2, 3 years or longer were all offered. It was later in the day that an un-named source claimed the 2 year max.
clearly, someone is spinning, I just have no idea who.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
There is. George McPhee from TEB’s post:
“We were wide open to [long term extension] discussions. We said we could do one, two, three years or longer if you want to talk about it. We were open minded about whatever you would like to do here. The player came back and said they were comfortable with a one or a two, and last week said a one year deal would be fine. And we said, ‘Okay.’ After that, it was a matter of working up a number. It was done this week.”
by vtcapsfan99 on Jan 28, 2011 11:41 AM EST up reply actions
Cox is all over the place. but, imo, the fact remains that if Alex Semin felt like he wasn’t being appreciated enough, he could easily test free agency or go back to Russia. He (and his agent) could have held out on negoatiating until the last minute. Instead, they sign less than a month after the two sides are allow to discuss contracts. It’s not like McPhee said, “6.7 one year, take it or leave it!” Semin asked for 1 year, the two sides both found 6.7 to be acceptable. If Alex Semin wanted a longer term contract, he could have gotten one. If he wanted max money, he could have gone to free agency.
Maybe Cox should have called Semin’s reps and gotten their side of the story.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
But that’s part of his MO. He’s not original. He eats a few facts, others’ opinions, then regurgitates them for an ugly splat pattern. Damo-boy is a hack.
I think there are a lot of different factors at play in this 1-yr. signing for both sides. I don’t have any inside info, and could not get it, though if Damo really tried, he probably could.
I would think on Semin’s side, perhaps this CBA issue is a real concern and one that will be clearer in the next couple of years. On top of that, I have to wonder about the Sochi 2014 issue. If playing in those Olympics (assuming he’s invited) is paramount, then I could see him not wanting to have an NHL contractual obligation IF the NHL decided its players aren’t going. In the past Ovi has said he’s going no matter what, but Semin has not said that, as far as I remember. What Semin has said when asked in an interview is that, in effect, contracts have to be honored. I think the whole contract fiasco with the Caps initially left an impression. He also truly seems to be the type who likes to keep his options open, which I understand because I often operate that way.
For the Caps, McPhee, as he said in an interview years ago, “is seduced by talent.” So, I think he is loathe to give up Semin until/unless he sees he has comparable replacement in the pipeline and it’s about to be realized. I think the rest of this season is questionable for the Caps, and if it doesn’t get better or gets worse (no!), then changes will be made and we all know it won’t be Ovi and Nicky.
As for the Olympics, from a selfish Caps fan perspcetive, it was bad for the team. Ovi and Semin, particularly, were not the same after it. But, I am not sure how you tell those 2 they can’t go play for Russia in Russia.
Finally, Damo does not even have his facts right: Semin has played in Washington for 8 years?
You could just open up the phone lines and have callers call in ;)
This ol' earthquake's gonna leave me in the poorhouse
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 28, 2011 11:09 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
rec’d
I’ll dial in now and hold until the show.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
“Hey Stephen! Long time listener, first time caller”
This ol' earthquake's gonna leave me in the poorhouse
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 28, 2011 12:37 PM EST up reply actions
Flashback
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
Ask Cox where he got his psychology degree from.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Contributor at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on Jan 28, 2011 11:48 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
___
Is it my imagination, or does the top line here read like an opposites version of word association (i.e. “What’s the last word that comes to mind when I say…?”) ?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
The KHL had a very interesting method of selecting its All-Stars. The “first line” (2 forwards, 2 d-men, 1 goalie) were selected by fan voting and announced first. The “second line” (3F, 2D, 1G) was selected by the media and announced next. The third line was selected by the League, and Kuznetsov is part of that group. There’s also a “reserve” group, chosen by the League, in case of injury.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
I just love the Yashin turtleneck. Good to see he hasn’t changed his style.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
The whole situation with Andrew Glass sounds fishy to me. There’s gotta be something else going on, either something the player’s not saying or something the coach isn’t saying. The good thing for him is that he can graduate over this summer and then maybe earn a spot in Hershey or South Carolina
LET'S GO CAPS!!!
Katie, on Semin:
because he would have been an unrestricted free agent, he passed up the opportunity to test the open market, where he likely would have commanded more than $7 million per season.Does anyone other than Katie think that’s true? I sure don’t.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Depends if you’re asking now or last November. Or in July if he picks up the pace again, assuming he’s 100%. I’d think that based on the Kovalchuk fiasco, the answer is no way, but you never know if there’s a GM out there (as opposed to a GMGM) stupid enough or desperate enough to make that deal. I suppose it would also depend on how many years you’re talking about.
"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."
000
My cap hit is 8.2 a season
Heatley, Gaborik, Gomez, Vanek, Drury and Spezza all hit at 7 or over 7 a year. You don’t think Semin is up there, or at least in the same conversation with those guys?
This ol' earthquake's gonna leave me in the poorhouse
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 28, 2011 8:09 AM EST up reply actions
Hell, Anze Kopitar hits at 6.8 a year, which is more than Datsyuk hits.
This ol' earthquake's gonna leave me in the poorhouse
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 28, 2011 8:11 AM EST up reply actions
the Datsyuk contract has how many league minimum years tacke don to the end?
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
None. It ends when he is 36. I think you’re thinking of Franzen or Zetterberg, both of whom have league minimum years at the end.
Matt Bradley: He has sensitive skin, no?
ah, right. Some reason I though Dats was in the group, too. I can’t access Cap Geek on my work computer; would someone mind telling me when Datsyuk signed his current contract? And what Lidstrom is making. I know the Red Wings won’t pay anyone more then Lidstrom/
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
datsyuk signed the same summer as gomez, drury and nylander.
by Natty Bumppo on Jan 28, 2011 10:34 AM EST up reply actions
2007-8 was the first year of Datsyuk’s contract. Lidstrom’s cap hit is $6.2M – less than Datsyuk.
Matt Bradley: He has sensitive skin, no?
Lidstrom took a pay cut this contract but the one he was on when Datsyuk, Z, Franzen, and Hossa signed their deals was all controlled by Lidstrom’s prior deal.
Drunk Guy: "Alex Ovechkin is playing more like Magic Johnson than Michael Jordan this year."
Laichitor: "He has AIDS?"
I don’t think that it’s fair to compare Semin to some of those guys, based on when they got their deals (and, in an instance or two, who signed the deal).
With the next CBA uncertain and Semin posing more of a flight risk than any of those guys, less durable than most (except Gaborik), etc., I still don’t think he’d get more than $7m on the open market, certainly not in a long-term deal like all those guys have.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I mean, the precedent is there for point-a-game guys (like Semin) to get contracts of that size. Doesn’t mean it would have happened in this case, but his agent certainly could have pointed out all these other instances of guys with similar stats who got that much.
But the original comment posed by Katie was that he “likely would have commanded 7m a season”, which is accurate based on the precedent.
This ol' earthquake's gonna leave me in the poorhouse
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 28, 2011 8:20 AM EST up reply actions
Right, but I think the fact that a lot of those deals didn’t work out and so many teams have gotten themselves into tight cap situations will make teams a lot more gunshy than they were when those guys were getting their big deals. Gaborik was the most recent of those signings and he got his deal two years ago. I think the spending habits of GMs have adjusted to the cap world quite a bit since then.
It is definitely a possibility that he would have gotten 7+, but I’m not sure it was likely that he would have.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 28, 2011 1:20 PM EST up reply actions
If they were both on the open market, I’d probably pay Brad Richards more than Semin.
"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 28, 2011 1:23 PM EST up reply actions
I’d definitely pay Brad Richards more than Semin.
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by Steckel Me Elmo on Jan 28, 2011 1:27 PM EST up reply actions
What kind of term would you give Richards at his age? Inconsistency argues against long term for Semin, but at least he’s in his mid-20s.
You had me at no problem.
4 years, 6…9, maybe? Somewhere in there. Maybe 5 years.
"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 28, 2011 1:30 PM EST up reply actions
I realize E. Staal is overpaid, but I’ve been pretty impressed with his play this 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 28, 2011 8:19 AM EST up reply actions
I know, I just don’t like him.
This ol' earthquake's gonna leave me in the poorhouse
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 28, 2011 8:20 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Well Semin is the only Russian of that group, and several of those contracts are acknowledged mistakes and wouldn’t be a solid precedent in this case unless you mean “this is why you shouldn’t give Semin 7+.”
I also think that some of those players, including Kopitar, are worth more than Semin so it doesn’t bother me (and Datsyuk is irrelevant because he has been brainwashed by DET).
Drunk Guy: "Alex Ovechkin is playing more like Magic Johnson than Michael Jordan this year."
Laichitor: "He has AIDS?"
There are 17 NHL players with cap hits of $7m or more, many of them on horrible contracts (Vanek, Drury, Campbell, Gomez).
Semin’s probably better than some of them, but further down, you see Datsyuk, Kane, Backstrom, Stastny, Toews, Sedins, and Zetterberg.
I’d say that it depends on the suitor, but yeah, he could’ve gone $7m+ if the GM was dumb enough.
"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 28, 2011 8:11 AM EST up reply actions
Additionally, of the guys making $7m or more, there’s maybe 6 of them who are exclusively wingers, and how many of those deals would be done today?
Honestly I think the mentality of priorities and the cap is taking hold a little more and while there’s going to be a GM or two who might want to throw a >$7m per multiyear deal for a flighty winger, they’d be better served to look at some of the folks under those deals now and steer clear of them if they can.
"Eye like the Boon-boo-ree!"
by Bald Pollack on Jan 28, 2011 8:14 AM EST up reply actions
I can see Sather considering it if they end up moving Gaborik, simply because he’s a dolt, but beyond that, you’re probably right. Paying that much for anyone that’s not Crosby or Ovechkin seems foolish.
"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 28, 2011 8:18 AM EST up reply actions
You have more faith in the fiscal aptitude of NHL GMs than I do ;)
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 28, 2011 8:21 AM EST up reply actions
I’m firmly in YLM’s camp on this one, especially with the crop of UFA’s this summer.
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"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 28, 2011 8:27 AM EST up reply actions
After seeing Parks and Rec last night I might have to change it, but we can talk in OT.
"Eye like the Boon-boo-ree!"
by Bald Pollack on Jan 28, 2011 8:32 AM EST up reply actions
On a long-ish (say, 3 years) or long-term deal, I don’t think so. I do think he could have gotten three at somewhere around the $6.7M he got from the Caps, though.
If he signed a 2 year deal, he might have gotten over $7M. Guys that can score 40 are rare commodities, and between Burke, Slats, Melnyck and the Kings guy (forget his name), it looks like enough bidders to drive pricing up.
This is just my gut feel, and based on a couple of factors. One, the FA class for 2011 is thin. Two, FA contracts always end up higher than I think they ought to be (Michalek, Martin, Tallinder, Gonchar, etc.)
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I struggle viewing Semin as a 40-goal scorer. Technically, he is part of the 40 goal club but he’s not an every-year 40-goal scorer. He did it once for a Caps team last year that, with hindsight, had inflated goal totals. Otherwise, Semin’s averaged 35 goals in his last 4 full seasons and is on a 30-goal pace this season.
A minor nitpick to some, but imo one that changes the salary numbers thrown around for Sasha’s services.
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If he’s healthy for 82 games (admittedly a giant IF) he’s certainly a 40 goal guy, but your point is well taken.
However, as daddyo points out, Semin and Richards would have been the cream of the FA crop. I would take Richards over Semin but there will always be stupid GMs who will overpay for a premium offensive talent like Semin.
"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 28, 2011 9:54 AM EST up reply actions
And of course, if Semin could play 82 games with anything approaching the degree of consistency the fans and coaches would like, he’d be a 50 goal scorer.
Drunk Guy: "Alex Ovechkin is playing more like Magic Johnson than Michael Jordan this year."
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I don’t think it’s a nitpick. I think it’s an important point and I agree. The difference between 20 and 30 and then 30 and 40 is so big that you should be weary of calling a 20 goal scorer a 30 goal scorer because of a good year or calling a 30 goal scorer a 40 goal scorer because of one good year.
Drunk Guy: "Alex Ovechkin is playing more like Magic Johnson than Michael Jordan this year."
Laichitor: "He has AIDS?"
000
Seriously. Who signs a frequently-injured and inconsistent scoring winger to a 7+ million dollar contract for multiple years?
Oh, right. That guy.
Right, so Slats has his guy.
And, FWIW, Gaborik is a better player than Semin.
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I’m not sure I agree that Gabs is a better all around player than Sasha. MG takes fewer dumb PIM’s, but I’d say 28 is the better defensive player. MG has proven, when healthy, to be a more consistent scorer, but I think talent-wise, they are pretty darn close.
A gourmet who thinks of calories is like a tart who looks at her watch.
--James Beard
by bigonetimer on Jan 28, 2011 10:04 AM EST up reply actions
I think MG is probably a better goal scorer than AO (read: anybody) when he’s on, so there’s that, too. It’s his Semin-isms that keep him from ascending beyond his current level. I can’t say Semin’s defensive acumen negates MG’s pure goal scoring.
by DrinkingPartner on Jan 28, 2011 10:07 AM EST up reply actions
I can see your argument re: goal scoring. Gaborik is pretty close to the top of the heap in that regard. For the record, I would put Semin—when he’s on and healthy—above AO for pure goal scoring ability as well.
A gourmet who thinks of calories is like a tart who looks at her watch.
--James Beard
by bigonetimer on Jan 28, 2011 12:00 PM EST up reply actions
But he’s still comparable. From a recent piece by Craig Custance:
Marian Gaborik continues to be one of the streakiest players in the game, and Jacques Lemaire, his former coach in Minnesota, isn’t surprised. "A lot of it is mental," Lemaire said. "I remember the year we went to the (conference finals), he went 23 games before the playoffs not scoring. Twenty-three. And in the playoffs, just to take the pressure off him, I said you have to check the top line of the other side. He started to score."
Marian Gaborik got 7.5 million for 5 years, after playing several injury plagued seasons. Gaborik’s best season prior to that contract was 42g, 41A, 83 points in 77 games very closely matches Semin’s best season 40 g, 44 a 84 points in 73 games.
I don’t think 7 million on the open market is a stretch at all.
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by Sombrero Guy on Jan 28, 2011 10:20 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Gaborik also played for Lemaire’s Wild. “Scoring” was a foreign concept for that team. That Gaborik had 83 points is pretty remarkable.
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I’m not saying I’d throw 7+ at Semin, but its not hard for me to see a GM on some NHL team doing just that.
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by Sombrero Guy on Jan 28, 2011 10:24 AM EST up reply actions
Exactly what I was going to say. You can argue whether or not Semin or Gaborik is a better player. ANd if reasonable minds can differ on that point, then you can bet that GMs will differ, and one of them will feel that Semin is good enough to carry an NHL club’s offense. $7.5MM is what I think Semin could get on a short-to-medium term contract.
You had me at no problem.
i don’t either. the PPP guys sure did, though.
by Natty Bumppo on Jan 28, 2011 10:32 AM EST up reply actions
Honestly I think the mentality of priorities and the cap is taking hold a little more
How many $7+ deals were signed last summer? How many the year before?
Per capgeek, of the last 100 contracts signed, not one was for more than $7m average salary (Thornton was exactly that, over three years). Not Kovalchuk, not Chara, etc. I have a real hard time imagining Semin getting more than that.
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(Reply fail – obviously responding to Baldie.)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Kovalchuk’s deal isn’t hitting at 7 because the Devils circumvented the cap by signing him to a deal that was roughly a thousand years long. Chara’s cap hit is at 6.9 (down from a 7.5 hit, and he will be 34 years old when his new deal kicks in…Alex Semin is 26, plus, you can’t discount Boston’s cap issues in that deal).
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 28, 2011 8:28 AM EST up reply actions
I still just don’t see Semin getting more than $7m anywhere. Instead of comparing him to what other guys got, let’s take a look at who a) has room and b) the inclination to sign an Alex Semin to a $7+m deal. And… go!
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Phoenix is a long shot (ownership troubles), St. Louis, and Colorado.
STL and COL probably have important extensions coming up, though, I’d have to look further. But all three of those teams have a) the need and b) the room.
"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 28, 2011 8:44 AM EST up reply actions
Depends on if they have internal budget issues or not. Some teams aren’t able to spend to the cap. Most of the teams that can are right at the ceiling.
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 28, 2011 8:48 AM EST up reply actions
At the same time there could be a team near the cap floor that would sign him for that amount just to help them stay above the cap floor.
LET'S GO CAPS!!!
’Tis true. Would also depend if he wants to go play with Team Poopy McPooperton for a few years.
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 28, 2011 8:57 AM EST up reply actions
Which I highly doubt. Semin likes his comfort zone and while every pro player loves to be paid, it seems that Semin isn’t a guy who would chase the highest bidder if it meant being placed in a position of having to be a team leader, speak English to the media or not having a solid support group of fellow Russian players.
Anybody think Kovy & the Devils sucky year has reinforced Semin’s desire to stay here where he can fade to the background some?
LET'S GO CAPS!!!
He’s got it so good here, I almost can’t imagine why he’d want to test the market. And that’s certainly the impression I get from his agent.
"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."
I agree with you. From CI yesterday, his agent:
“There was no reason to test the market,” Gandler said. “He knows what he’s going to get and what he’s going to have here [with Washington]. He really enjoys his time in D.C., the organization and his teammates. … There was no reason to change something that is working for him and we feel that he is wanted on the team.”
Semin has said in Russian articles that he is happy here, and if he didn’t like it he would go back to Russia. He feels comfortable, that is something that takes awhile for an introverted person. Why mess that up? Not everyone values money the same.
by vtcapsfan99 on Jan 28, 2011 11:51 AM EST up reply actions
I doubt he’d want to go to Team Poopy McPooperton, frankly. (BTW, Team Poopy McPooperton is pretty funny!) Or, in terms of real teams, the NY Islanders who certainly appear to be in a state of disarray.
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LA? A 1-year Hossa-type deal?
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by red army line on Jan 29, 2011 2:31 AM EST up reply actions
Iggy was 27 or 28 when he signed his deal and Spezza was 25 when he did his, and they’re talking about blowing up Ottawa (and Iggy’s been tossed around in crazy rumors).
I’d presume there’s a Slats equivalent willing to give Semin say $7.5 for 4 years, but I’d take the odds both the GM and Semin would be gone from that team by end of term.
"Eye like the Boon-boo-ree!"
by Bald Pollack on Jan 28, 2011 8:42 AM EST up reply actions
And how many $7m players out there got those deals based on a role similar to what Semin plays for the Caps (which isn’t to detract from him but to note that he hasn’t been the primary focus of opposing teams, etc.).
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Gomez and Drury ;)
Heatley played with Alfredsson and Spezza. Buffalo was pretty deep when Vanek signed his deal.
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 28, 2011 9:05 AM EST up reply actions
Imagine if Heatley’s deal didn’t drop in those last (er, next) couple of years. Oof.
"Eye like the Boon-boo-ree!"
by Bald Pollack on Jan 28, 2011 9:10 AM EST up reply actions
wasn’t Vanek offer sheeted?
A gourmet who thinks of calories is like a tart who looks at her watch.
--James Beard
Yes he was, by Edmonton, which I realized after I hit “post”
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 28, 2011 11:32 AM EST up reply actions
Vanek doesn’t count as a comparable, as an RFA signed by a would-be poaching GM.
And Heater was always a top-line guy in Ottawa, no?
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Semin’s probably a top-line guy on every other team that doesn’t have Ovechkin on the top line.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 28, 2011 11:32 AM EST up reply actions
Sure. And does he produce as much in that role?
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Compared to whom? Ovechkin?
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 28, 2011 12:12 PM EST up reply actions
I think JP means does Semin produce as much in a primary scoring role as opposed to the secondary scoring role Semin’s plays on the Caps.
To answer that question, it’s hard to say. Semin hasn’t been asked to step into that primary scoring role since before the lockout, and even then the expectations weren’t high because the team was awful.
If I had to guess, I’d say that Semin would produce similarly to how he’s produced with the Caps, but it’s tough to see him stepping up and shouldering the team’s offensive burden like Ovechkin has in the past.
"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 28, 2011 12:21 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Grammar fail.
"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 28, 2011 12:21 PM EST up reply actions
Sure. And he also gets to face higher QualComp.
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Good point. It’s tough to predict how Semin would perform on a top line on another team. Would the increase in QualComp be negated by a bit more ice time and playing on a line with a solid center? How would he handle being a center of attention of the ice? I don’t think there’s been enough games where Semin has played and Ovechkin’s been out of the lineup to make anything out of the data with much certainty.
by cainoo7x on Jan 28, 2011 12:49 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
It is now exactly two months since Sasha last scored a goal.
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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 28, 2011 9:08 AM EST up reply actions
Hmmm I wonder how many of us would get paid 6.7 mil to do nothing for two months
" I don't have a certain type, only the heart can tell. If the heart responds, then it is my type."
by TheFuryUnleashed on Jan 28, 2011 10:39 AM EST up reply actions
Lost in the McPhee interview on NHL Live was his discussion of the Caps powerplay woes. The long and short of it- McPhee readily admits the PP is what’s killing the team (duh) but that the coaches have sat down, looked at all the video for the year, discovered how teams are defensing them and figured out a way to beat it and after the All-Star break, they’re going to unveil the new and improved powerplay. Have to wonder what they figured out and what the 2.0 version is going to look like that’s any different from what we’ve seen already.
maybe they are trying TOO hard ….
" I don't have a certain type, only the heart can tell. If the heart responds, then it is my type."
by TheFuryUnleashed on Jan 28, 2011 10:49 AM EST up reply actions
Not a lot of time to design and “install” system changes once the season starts? What with games, travel and injuries/treatment, once the season starts you’re basically just running your system, and the practices are for tuneups, not overhauls. Or so I would guess.
One of the reasons that the playoffs, where you have the time to game plan for a specific opponent, are so different from the regular season, incidentally.
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Agreed, the All-Star break does give the coaches some time to breath. Monday’s practice should be an indicator of what they have up their sleeve. My guess is we may have seen the last of Ovi on the point for a while with Carlson getting a long look in his place (which has already happened to some extent), more net crashers like Hendricks/Knuble/Laich on the first unit, a different way to enter and set up in the offensive zone and, of course, the addition of Semin. Winning faceoffs wouldn’t hurt either.
I like the idea of Carlson manning the point. That would have interesting implications on his Calder candidacy, as I noted in this FanPost.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Jan 28, 2011 1:18 PM EST up reply actions
Of note: Carlson has already exceeded my expectations, both in terms of his offensive pace, and his defensive play. As good as he’s been, Fowler and Skinner are my top picks for the Calder at the moment.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Jan 28, 2011 1:28 PM EST up reply actions
Well, Fowler is 19, which I think makes his performance (especially as a defenseman) that much more impressive.
Without Skinner, I don’t think Carolina is in the playoff conversation.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Jan 28, 2011 1:50 PM EST up reply actions
Wouldn’t your argument for Skinner go double for Couture? SJS would be in even worse shape without him.
Drunk Guy: "Alex Ovechkin is playing more like Magic Johnson than Michael Jordan this year."
Laichitor: "He has AIDS?"
Maybe. To me, WSH and SJS are teams with enough talent where they SHOULD make the playoffs, and if they don’t, someone dropped the ball. In CAR’s case, I’m not sure they were really in the discussion before Skinner started putting up crazy numbers. It really isn’t any different, but if feels different when a rookie is playing a team in, rather than keeping a team from falling out.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Jan 28, 2011 3:34 PM EST up reply actions
Considering he’s a secondary scorer, playing an easier position, and isn’t putting up dominant (or even rookie-leading) points I can’t put Skinner ahead of Carlson. Couture leads rookie scoring categories so you have to consider him, but I’m more impressed with D that can step in and not be sheltered than I am for a F to come in and score on the second line.
Drunk Guy: "Alex Ovechkin is playing more like Magic Johnson than Michael Jordan this year."
Laichitor: "He has AIDS?"
Finalists have to be Skinner, Couture, and Carlson so far. Not sure who I’d peg to win, though.
"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 28, 2011 1:36 PM EST up reply actions
Skinner is definitely impressive from the highlights I’ve seen, but is he doing the same amount for his team that Carlson is doing for the Caps?
/honest question
by DrinkingPartner on Jan 28, 2011 1:39 PM EST up reply actions
It’s possible, actually. I think he’s the best offensive player they have behind Staal.
"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 28, 2011 1:42 PM EST up reply actions
Probably.
Also, Eric Staal stinks at faceoffs. He’s had the most opportunities of anyone in the league and is converting 45%. Of course, that leads his team. Ouch.
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 28, 2011 1:46 PM EST up reply actions
And as he’s on my fantasy team, I curse his name every time he wins 8 of 22 draws
"When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro"
Could be a big reason as to why Carolina’s giving up 3.02 GA/G, which is 23rd in the league. Their FO% is 29th in the league at 43.5%.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 28, 2011 2:23 PM EST up reply actions
Another reason they could be giving up that many goals is because they employ Joe Corvo and Tim Gleason.
"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 28, 2011 3:09 PM EST up reply actions
On the last of Ovi on the point for a while — I’ll believe that when I see it. Every so often, Bruce takes Ovi off the point but then he reverts to that.
Time for Carlson to be there instead and Ovi to be in a position closer to the net.
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And Boudreau will be in Hershey for most of the break.
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Obviously scouting out our new power play saviour, Joel Rechlicz.
"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 28, 2011 9:34 AM EST up reply actions
We’ve probably seen some flashes of this new strategy on Wed: (i) let’s put Hendricks in, (ii) oops, it doesn’t work well, (iii) ok, Laich/Knuble is back, (iv) who’s the next player to thrown in?…
Cup, please.
Caps Power Play ver 2.0: Jeff Schultz firing from the point then skating in front of the net to screen the goalie on his own shot.
"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 28, 2011 9:11 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
And he could hit a few guys on the way to the net!
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
The pinball method worked for the Rangers against us the other night.
"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 28, 2011 9:35 AM EST up reply actions
I would guess the changes will focus on A) zone entry and B) where they hold the puck after getting set up.
Zone entry is a mess right now. The opponents are stacking the blue line to attack rushes and force a dump in. Once they dump, teams are pressuring the puck and then clogging the strong side half wall, where the Caps are trying to get set up initially.
On the relatively rare occasions where the Caps do get organized, the opposition is taking away the initial seam/back door pass and cheating to the strong-side point.
That leaves soft spots behind the net and on the weak side, which is what I would guess the Caps would try to exploit.
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Hopefully any changes include putting Ovie in front of the net instead of on the point.
by Gunjin on Jan 28, 2011 9:38 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I don’t like that so much. I want AO on the half-wall. Let Laich/Fehr/Knuble stand in front.
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by red army line on Jan 29, 2011 2:35 AM EST up reply actions
Sounds like a plan, RAL. Or do you want to stick Semin in there somewhere as well, once he’s back from injury? (Or is Sasha kicked off the PP?)
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2nd unit. Otherwise no one on that unit “makes it go”
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"Numbers don't lie, they just don't agree with you"--George E. Ays
by red army line on Jan 29, 2011 12:04 PM EST up reply actions
2nd unit. Otherwise no one on that unit “makes it go”
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.
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"Numbers don't lie, they just don't agree with you"--George E. Ays
by red army line on Jan 29, 2011 12:04 PM EST up reply actions
Double reply here, RAL. Guess your computer was failing you by being slow. Then again, as of late, nobody has been able to make either the first or second PP unit of the Caps go, so to speak.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Judging the way teams have been shutting down our PP, and I know little on formulated hockey strategy, I’d be putting a guy directly in front of the goalie, one behind the net, one at the bottom of the right circle and then the 2 D on the blue line.
As the play forms, player infront of goalie slides out to left post(Laich/Knuble), player behind the net comes to right post(Backstrom), player at the bottom of the circle comes to low slot(Alex(es)) and then D(Carlson and Green) run the play by finding a shooting lane or trying to make a play with the forward in the low slot. You’ll have 2 guys running traffic and a 3rd forward running effective traffic forcing a defending forward down to get the slot, or a D-man out of position to try and cover both the slot and the post.
The way PK’s generally work there’s always 2 D stapled close to the net and 2 forwards out challenging out the blue liner with the puck, right?
IDK, but on my Windows Paint drawn Xs and Os it looks good haha
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.
they can’ just want it. They have to fuckin want it.
/Bruce’d
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 Jan 28, 2011 10:25 AM EST up reply actions
We’ve been knockin’ at the door. And knockin’ at the door. It’s time for us to fucking break the door down.
/Bruce’d
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 10:36 AM EST up reply actions
Kuz
Anyone else feel his honor was slightly diminised by being voted in via the same method as Chris Simon?
I'm the first to admit when I'm wrong.... except when someone else beats me to it.
by Backhanded Complement on Jan 28, 2011 9:15 AM EST reply actions
I don’t know. Chris Simon’s been stomping on the competition over there.
by Wheeler on Jan 28, 2011 9:23 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Simon leads his team in scoring.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Contributor at Five For Howling.
I don’t have a problem with it.
Signed,
K. Letang
"Eye like the Boon-boo-ree!"
by Bald Pollack on Jan 28, 2011 9:24 AM EST up reply actions
Seeing how Fedorov was also voted in the same way, not really.
Matt Bradley: He has sensitive skin, no?
by timmyv38 on Jan 28, 2011 9:28 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Anyone else notice on the KHL website for their all stars Kuz is the only “slot” with a typo? It says Traktor plays for Evgeny Kuznetsov. His name and team are in the wrong places.
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.
ESPN has a interesting analysis out comparing Bang for the Buck – ranking teams who get the most out of their entire payroll…Caps in at #11
Hey, sewer rat may taste like pumpkin pie, but I'd never know 'cause I wouldn't eat the filthy motherfucker.
This season yeah I’d buy that.
Last season I would of put them up for like 6th at least.
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.
“Player payroll dollars spent per regular-season victory. Using the most recent and accurate salary figures available, we’re also examining which clubs have been penny-wise and which have been pound-foolish.”
Hey, sewer rat may taste like pumpkin pie, but I'd never know 'cause I wouldn't eat the filthy motherfucker.
The article implies there’s some sort of explosiveness with the team that would create a bang.
Am I mad, that I should cherish that which bears but bitter fruit?
I will pluck it from my bosom, tho' my heart be at the root.
Business Weeks Top 100 Most Powerful Athletes
Oveckin Comes it at #76. There are 5 Athletes in the top 100 who make their living on the Ice:
- Apolo Ohno #10
- Sid #31
- Ovi #76
- Evan Lysacek #82
- Steven Stamkos #86
Although I was surprised to see Stamkos on the list, especially after going that deep to find Ovi. It is a little disheartening to see names like Monta Ellis, Denny Hamlin, Joey Votto, Greg Jennings and Ryan Braun ahead of the GR8.
Part of the quote:
Alex Ovechkin is the dominant player in hockey today. At times reckless..
They did not base it on total earnings, maybe just the popularity of the companies that back the player.
Blank this Blankburgh Team - AO
And here we have our answer about Ovechkin
The on-field attributes consist of an athlete’s ranking within his or her sport, relative to all other participants, and a multiplier that is based on the popularity and viewing audience of that sport. Each athlete is compared to the average in a number of statistical categories for the specific sport on a two-year basis (weighted 80 percent for the most recent season and 20 percent for the season that preceded it).
Aim for the head baby Jesus
yea but I couldnt tell if they used the last FULL season or half of this year…either way, Alex has to have more pull when pitching a product than Jon Lester or Greg Jennings
Blank this Blankburgh Team - AO
Evan Lysacek, really? aren’t his 15 minutes up yet?
VERY surprised about Stamkos.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Don’t underestimate the power of Nastia Liukin.
If wishes were horses, we'd all be eating steak.
by Hang a Laingtern on Your Problems on Jan 28, 2011 12:38 PM EST up reply actions
oh, the stories I have heard! She just don’t get it. But could you imagine their children: his nose, her forehead? ouch.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Just doesn’t get what? What else is their to get after her Olympic gold?
Drunk Guy: "Alex Ovechkin is playing more like Magic Johnson than Michael Jordan this year."
Laichitor: "He has AIDS?"
I think there’s a sort of sixth sense—a certain kind of “radar”, as it were—that can be helpful in human relationships.
If wishes were horses, we'd all be eating steak.
by Hang a Laingtern on Your Problems on Jan 28, 2011 3:40 PM EST up reply actions
i see nothing wrong with her forehead
Nothing at all :-)
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 Jan 28, 2011 3:36 PM EST up reply actions
Me either!
I don’t have much tolerance for stupid. Or cheese on food that doesn’t need it. -duck
by twistedlogic on Jan 28, 2011 3:38 PM EST up reply actions
Just in the US? I’d imagine that AO’s way more powerful than Sid and Ohno in the entirety of Russia and most, if not all, of Europe.
by DrinkingPartner on Jan 28, 2011 10:33 AM EST up reply actions
I would imagine just in the US. Isn’t Ovechkin the biggest celeb in Russia?
"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 28, 2011 10:34 AM EST up reply actions
The list is strictly the US…but really, Greg Jennings is a more powerful athlete then Ovechkin?
Blank this Blankburgh Team - AO
I don’t even know who Greg Jennings is.
"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 28, 2011 10:44 AM EST up reply actions
This list seems pretty dubious. Jon Lester? Greg Jennings? Monta Ellis? Adam Wainwright? These are names that fans of that particular sport know, not people I’d quantify as “powerful” Ovechkin easily has more brand recognition than any of them.
The only national commercial spot Jennings was on was this ESPN Fantasy Football one two years ago, and even in that one, his name needed to be mentioned three times (name recognition vs. face). Here in the US, Ovi figures prominently in two Verizon spots, the Reebox Zigtech, a series of CCM Hockey spots, as well as a new “This is Sportscenter”, whe. I don’t see any comparison.
"I would feed them lefts until I was pretty much tired of doing it." - Alan May, JRR, 10.16.2010
you mean the Russian spy …..
" I don't have a certain type, only the heart can tell. If the heart responds, then it is my type."
by TheFuryUnleashed on Jan 28, 2011 11:00 AM EST up reply actions
Lester is a big name because A) he plays for the Redsox and B) he came back from cancer. You greatly underestimate the size of the fanbases for the Cardinals and Redsox.
Aim for the head baby Jesus
I dunno, there may be more Yankees or Redsox fans in the US than there are hockey fans.
Aim for the head baby Jesus
The Olympics certainly raised awareness of of names like Crosby and Ovechkin…
Blank this Blankburgh Team - AO
And for a large percentage of American’s most Red Sox will still be a more recognizeable name. I’d be willing to be there are more die-hard Red Sox fans across the country than there are Caps and Penguins fans combined.
/I know it’s not that severe, but there are a TON more Red Sox (and Yankees) fans that will recognize the name of any Red Sox player at least, if not more, than Ovechkin or Crosby.
Especially one that threw a no-hitter in his first game back (?). TOns of ESPN coverage.
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 29, 2011 2:38 AM EST up reply actions
How is Ohno 10th? Is there a huge surge in interest in short track speedskating that I’m not aware of?
This sig is brought to you by... Frungy, The Sport of Kings!
Evan Lysacek is a jackass.
Welcome to Japers' Rink, we're "elitist" as fuck.
by PrincessPowerful on Jan 28, 2011 11:36 AM EST up reply actions
So Matt Moulson’s new deal is 3 years, 9.4 million. What will Brooks Laich command on the open market?
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
Laich is not a 30-goal scorer. That one bodes well for the Caps(if GMGM wants to keep him), I would think. Unless it’s an RFA deal.
You had me at no problem.
Agreed. Moulson to me is a more natural offensive player (who somehow slipped under the radar), and holds his own and then some on a line with Tavares.
by Stephen Pepper on Jan 28, 2011 11:27 AM EST up reply actions
True, Laich hasn’t gotten to 30 goals yet, but he has 2 seasons at 50+ points, topping out at 59 last season. Moulson had 48 points last season, and is on pace for 49 this season.
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 Jan 28, 2011 11:28 AM EST up reply actions
000
I scored 30 goals once too
This ol' earthquake's gonna leave me in the poorhouse
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 28, 2011 11:35 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Aw, Clarkie.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
He looks so odd wearing 71.
This ol' earthquake's gonna leave me in the poorhouse
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 28, 2011 11:38 AM EST up reply actions
I love the upended Maple Leaf as an accent to the picture.
by DrinkingPartner on Jan 28, 2011 11:42 AM EST up reply actions
Happy Birthday Michal Pivonka
If Japers’ Rink existed in the early to mid 90s, there’s a chance the forum would look at Michal Pivonka the same we see Alexander Semin today. There were times he could exhilirate you with his playmaking skill, then utterly frustrate you a couple games later. Cue the “trending Pivo” and “good pivo/bad Pivo” and “Pivo Lobby” memes. He could be used effectively a man up or a man down and one year tied for the team lead in both PP and SH goals. He often took a back seat to a teammate from the same country who would put up the bigger, flashier numbers and draw most of the press. That said he seemed content to stay with the Caps and in fact never played for another NHL team in his career, and recently played at the Winter Classic Alumni game.
Michal Pivonka was born in Kladno, Czechslovakia in 1966. He played junior hockey for the Czech junior Dukla Jihalva team and was a prominent fixture on the national junior hockey teams that played at the Euro and World Junor tournaments. It was at the 1983 Euro Juniors where he came to the attention of scouts scoring 9 points in 5 games and being named to the tourney’s first all-star team. Caps GM David Poile was one of the interested suitors and he picked him 59th overall in the 3rd round of the 1984 Entry Draft. Pivonka expressed interest in defecting to the US and playing for the Caps but said he first had to stay in his home country and complete military service. Pivo played in the 1985 and 1986 WJCs and was named the tourney’s top forward in 1985 (10 points in 7 games) and winning gold in 1986.
Because of the Iron Curtain at the time, it wasn’t a sure thing Pivonka would play for the Caps as he would need permission from Czech authorities to leave the country. In July 1986, Pivo defected to the US from Rome while on vacation in Yugoslavia with his fiancee. The seeds for this daring move were planted the previous year when Poile and Caps director of player personnel Jack Button met Pivo at the 1985 WJC in Hamilton, Ontario and guaranteed him a five year contract that would come into effect if he defected in July 1986. Pivonka and his fiancee were given temporary refugee status and on July 22, 1986 Pivonka was introduced to the local media. The event was a minor international incident and the Czech embassy in DC criticized the Caps for not attaining Pivo through more legal channels.
With Bengt Gustafsson leaving to play in Sweden before the 1986-87 season, Pivo plugged an immediate hole for the Caps and centred a line with Bobby Gould and the late Gaetan Duchesne in his rookie year. His line of 18g 25a and 43p were good enough to finish 7th in rookie scoring and 3rd in rookie shooting % with 15.4. Pivo’s strengths were his strong skating, excellent passing and a willingness to play physically when needed. Unfortunately he wasn’t the most durable of players and suffered a shopping list of ailments throughout his career (strained ankle ligaments, sprained wrist, sprained knee, kidney stones, groin injury, torn lateral meniscus in the knee, flu, concussion, a shoulder injury —which sidelined him through the latter half of the Caps Stanley Cup run).
Upon fellow countryman Peter Bondra’s arrival with the Caps in the early 90s, Pivonka’s play reached a new level. Having an elite sniper on his wing helped Pivo utilize his strong playmaking skills and he scored 70+ points from 1990-1991 to 1992-93. Before the 1995-96 season, Pivo and Bondra’s agent Rich Winter aimed to get major salary increases for his clients ( from $836,000 to an asking price of over a mil). Both were held out of training camp and were singed to contracts to play with the IHL Detroit Vipers. On October 20, 1996 the Caps gave in to Bondra’s demands and signed him to a 5 year contract at 1.2 mil per season. Within hours Pivonka was also signed for a 5 year 1 million dollar incentive laden contract. Reportedly before he could play again for the Caps, Poile sat Pivonka down for a four-hour lecture on playing a more leadership role with the team
The lecture seemed to have positive results as Pivo put up a career year in 1995-96 scoring 16g 65a and 81 points. The 65 assists were the most by any Caps player since Dennis Maruk in 1981-1982. On October 19, 1996, Pivonka passed Mike Gartner for the Caps all-time assist leader. Unfortunately his 1996-1997 torn meniscus led to another catalog of injuries and a couple seasons later Pivo was out of the league. When he retired, he was the Caps all-time assists leader, 2nd in all time career points and 3rd in games, playoff games and playoff points for the franchise.
Pivo and Bondra did a lot of local charity work and set up a joint fund raising effort for the Children’s Hospital at the National Institute of Health in Bethesda, MD. He also took the opening faceoff at the recent Winter Alumini Game.
Happy 45th Pivo!
"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 28, 2011 11:39 AM EST reply actions 19 recs
I can’t rec this hard enough. Great job as always. I only got to see Pivo during his last few seasons as a Capital.
"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 28, 2011 11:54 AM EST up reply actions
Thanks for the kind words as always Ghost. I am glad you enjoy them :).
"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 28, 2011 11:57 AM EST up reply actions
No problem! These are great for fans such as myself who didn’t get to see a lot of these players for their whole careers. I didn’t start following the Caps until the 99-01 season.
"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 28, 2011 12:11 PM EST up reply actions
Ouch. That 99 sure was a forgettable way to start a fandom.
by DrinkingPartner on Jan 28, 2011 12:20 PM EST up reply actions
Yup. One of my close friends, also a Caps fan, didn’t get into them until ‘03-04. It’s safe to say both of us avoid the bandwaggoner label.
"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 28, 2011 12:22 PM EST up reply actions
I am glad it helps give you the whole picture on some of the players you may have only seen at the tail-end of their careers. Part of my reason I started doing the birthday biographies was so recent Caps converts would get a small window into the team’s past. And maybe stir up some nostalgia for my fellow long time -sufferers- fans.
"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 28, 2011 12:21 PM EST up reply actions
Thanks vt—glad you enjoyed :).
"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 28, 2011 12:06 PM EST up reply actions
I’d fully support this (or any of these) as FanPosts, btw. Shame to “lose” them in comments.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I have been considering that lately. I think I always posted them here as I was never really sure how many casual viewers of the site checked out the fan posts and fan shots and therefore thought more casual fans and invisible lurkers would see them in the daily thread. Thanks for the advice JP.
"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 28, 2011 3:52 PM EST up reply actions
Seconded. Anytime there is something with such substance it’s required reading, whether a FanPost or comment. (You could also put together an index post with links to the birthdays already covered, if you want… but I know this would probably take a whole bunch of time.)
Got my user name back from the dingo...
I have just finished transferring the post over to a fanpost. Perhaps this weekend I will put together an index post if time permits. Thanks for the suggestion Alex.
"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 28, 2011 4:05 PM EST up reply actions
Except the Joe Corvo one. It got 15 flags.
"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 28, 2011 4:10 PM EST up reply actions
I didn’t click through on the KOL link until now because I thought it was just another take on Semin’s contract. I didn’t realize it was literally about Sasha and McDonald’s.
"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."
Looks like he’s ready to go roll with the sharks and oligarchs back in Russia, right?
In his 24/7 hat. “Look Ma, I was on the HBO!”
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
He was?
If wishes were horses, we'd all be eating steak.
by Hang a Laingtern on Your Problems on Jan 28, 2011 2:45 PM EST up reply actions
Powerplay stinks:
1) Caps look at it as an opportuntiy to practice their perimeter passing.
2) BB continues to put 8, 52, 19 & 21 on the ice at the same time (see #1)
3) OV playing point = bad idea
Contracts:
Caps should stop with the huge, multi-year deals. They have too many now. No to multi-year Semin deal.
ASG Draft
Via PHT’s Joe Yerdon, check out the set for tonight:
And more – assigned seating for the players waiting to be picked (and apparently Ovi’s next to Fleury :P)
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
Oh, how I wish I had Versus. This and the hardest shot comp. are the only thing I care about.
"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 28, 2011 1:22 PM EST up reply actions
Aww…see, the ASG is probably the only time where I don’t mind watching non-Caps do things. I think the skills comp is hilarious. Hopefully they have someone (or several someones) mic’d up!
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
I’d definitely watch the ASG, I just don’t care much about it. I prefer the skills competition for the “theater”, and seeing where Weber gets selected.
"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 28, 2011 1:31 PM EST up reply actions
I hope they mic up some of the mouthier players, though. Kane, Kesler, etc.
"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 28, 2011 1:34 PM EST up reply actions
Oh, for sure. Actually I kind of wish they’d just stick mics on everyone and then put together a compilation. There’s some funny stuff said during these things.
My favorite mic’d up moment is still Marty Turco a few years ago, though. Between asking the other team to celebrate somewhere else and pointing out that if he let in one more goal he’d get the win – and then actually letting one in – he was hilarious.
Ovi informing Shanahan that his nasty 20-year-old pads were older than him was also hilarious, btw.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
what about DiPietro dropping f-bombs live when he hurt his hip a few years back? Priceless.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
That was my favorite. I also though Marc Savard was pretty funny when they had him mic’d.
Drunk Guy: "Alex Ovechkin is playing more like Magic Johnson than Michael Jordan this year."
Laichitor: "He has AIDS?"
Savard was a surprise. Did not expect to be so entertained by him.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Awesome. But Lidstrom and Staal need draft tables. And I hope they follow the real draft conventions. “With the 1st pick of the 2011 All-Star Game, Team Staal selects…”
This sig is brought to you by... Frungy, The Sport of Kings!
I did my entire Fantasy Football draft like that one year. I think by the end half the league was ready to kill me.
This ol' earthquake's gonna leave me in the poorhouse
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 28, 2011 1:47 PM EST up reply actions
They also need jerseys and have the awkward photo shoot too.
This sig is brought to you by... Frungy, The Sport of Kings!
000
It should also include bad hair
This ol' earthquake's gonna leave me in the poorhouse
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 28, 2011 1:56 PM EST up reply actions
From Puck Daddy on the All-star festivities containing 4 Carolina Hurricanes, such as
Jeff Skinner (currently 38th in league scoring, whom no casual fan has ever heard of, playing in a market no one cares about for a team that’s never on national TV), more than they do Mike Richards or Joe Thornton.
And what of Jamie McBain, 16th in rookie scoring and fourth among rookie D? Did someone at NHL HQ get word that John Carlson (who has more points from the blue line than McBain, by the way) was run over by a truck?
Good for a chuckle.
The problem with some people is that when they aren't drunk, they're sober. ---William Butler Yeats
They laugh at McBain, but he sleeps at night on top of a pile of money, surrounded by many beautiful ladies.
This ol' earthquake's gonna leave me in the poorhouse
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 28, 2011 2:25 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
000
Speaking of which, when I grow up, I’d like to have Marty St. Louis’ legs.
Holy shit.
This ol' earthquake's gonna leave me in the poorhouse
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 28, 2011 2:26 PM EST up reply actions
They don’t even look real.
The problem with some people is that when they aren't drunk, they're sober. ---William Butler Yeats
They look like action figure legs.
This ol' earthquake's gonna leave me in the poorhouse
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 28, 2011 2:38 PM EST up reply actions
I actually like CAR, but it’s just embarrassing at this point. McBain? Pretty good kid, but very young and dropped off a lot from last season’s ‘just got to the big league, woo!’ adrenaline, so has gotten to a more normal (above average, but not Carlson-level) pace.
Though this could be the only way Corvo ever gets near the ASG.
Got my user name back from the dingo...
From Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer
With Matt Walker being waived, it gives the Flyers $3.6 million in acquisition space. Eric Cole ($2.9 million cap hit) is familiar to coach Peter Laviolette and could be a player the Flyers target.
"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.
Doesn’t help the Flyers at all. Cole is done.
This ol' earthquake's gonna leave me in the poorhouse
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 28, 2011 3:02 PM EST up reply actions
So you’re saying you approve?
"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 28, 2011 3:03 PM EST up reply actions
Meh. He’s not terrible enough to kill them. I’ll let Bobrovsky do that for them in the playoffs.
This ol' earthquake's gonna leave me in the poorhouse
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 28, 2011 3:04 PM EST up reply actions
Now, I would be much more concerned if they wrangled Tomas Vokoun out of Florida. On February 28th, his cap hit is only going to be 1.2.
This ol' earthquake's gonna leave me in the poorhouse
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 28, 2011 3:06 PM EST up reply actions
That would be fearsome.
"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 28, 2011 3:07 PM EST up reply actions
Has there ever been a guy who has lived more off a few really good seasons than Eric Cole? (the last of which was four seasons ago)
I’d note that Cole is a notoriously shitty playoff performer (no goals in his last 31 playoffs games, no playoff goals since 2002, etc.), but wouldn’t want to be lectured about sample size.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jan 28, 2011 3:37 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Whither Fehrsie?
Have there been any updates on #16? I recall “3-4 weeks” mentioned initially. I haven’t seen anything since then. Today is two weeks since the injury.
I dunno, but he actually announced that as a contest on twitter, wherever he is, he said he flew there.
Aim for the head baby Jesus
Saw that. That’s what prompted me to ask. My guess is Winkler International Airport.
by mechanicsville on Jan 28, 2011 3:23 PM EST up reply actions
000
My guess is Winkler International Airport.
EYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!
This ol' earthquake's gonna leave me in the poorhouse
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 28, 2011 3:24 PM EST up reply actions
I didn’t know the Fonz was Canadian, too.
by mechanicsville on Jan 28, 2011 3:38 PM EST up reply actions
Turns out he is in Orlando with Alzner, and they just randomly ran into Shultz
Aim for the head baby Jesus
Yeah, I think he was making a joke.
If wishes were horses, we'd all be eating steak.
by Hang a Laingtern on Your Problems on Jan 28, 2011 4:55 PM EST up reply actions
Players with the worst plus/minus so far this season
Player Team GP +/- G A P ESP SHP PPP
Ilya Kovalchuk NJD 48 -29 14 15 29 16 0 13
Chris Phillips OTT 50 -23 0 3 3 2 0 1
John Tavares NYI 46 -21 18 18 36 21 0 15
Henrik Tallinder NJD 49 -20 2 6 8 5 1 2
Brett Lebda TOR 22 -19 0 1 1 0 0 1
Patrick Marleau SJS 50 -19 18 18 36 17 1 18
David Clarkson NJD 49 -19 8 4 12 10 0 2
Phil Kessel TOR 49 -19 19 15 34 21 1 12
Simon Gagne TBL 33 -19 9 4 13 8 0 5
Andy Greene NJD 49 -19 3 15 18 12 0 6
James Wisniewski NYI, MTL 45 -19 5 28 33 12 0 21
Filip Kuba OTT 32 -18 0 4 4 2 0 2
Sergei Gonchar OTT 50 -17 6 15 21 5 0 16
Dennis Wideman FLA 49 -17 6 19 25 12 0 13
Erik Karlsson OTT 48 -17 8 20 28 14 0 14
Nick Foligno OTT 50 -16 8 11 19 13 0 6
Dominic Moore TBL 46 -15 8 9 17 14 0 3
Kris Versteeg TOR 46 -15 12 19 31 18 0 13
Blake Comeau NYI 48 -15 13 17 30 21 0 9
Rich Peverley ATL 52 -14 13 15 28 17 2 9
Adam Mair NJD 43 -14 1 1 2 2 0 0
Kristian Huselius CBJ 27 -14 9 6 15 10 0 5
Olli Jokinen CGY 48 -14 9 21 30 19 0 11
Devin Setoguchi SJS 41 -14 10 5 15 12 0 3
Joe Thornton SJS 48 -14 13 31 44 18 1 25
Joe Pavelski SJS 42 -14 9 22 31 15 0 16
Tyler Bozak TOR 49 -14 8 12 20 13 0 7
BJ Crombeen STL 49 -14 5 5 10 9 1 0
(c/o Mark Easson)
Brett Lebda is a -19 in 22 games played. Sheesh.
"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.
Brett LOLbda
This ol' earthquake's gonna leave me in the poorhouse
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 28, 2011 3:16 PM EST up reply actions
What the hell is up with Marleau to be at 19? I know he started out pretty rough, but damn. -19. He’s been a pretty steady defensive forward overall. Last season he had the highest +/ on the Sharks.
I really need to stay up for more Western Conference games.
Got my user name back from the dingo...
They are doing strength v. strength this year and getting slaughtered. In general their ES play has been bad, but it still is baffling how poor his and Pavelski’s plus/minuses are.
Drunk Guy: "Alex Ovechkin is playing more like Magic Johnson than Michael Jordan this year."
Laichitor: "He has AIDS?"
Both are getting sv% under .900 when on-ice at 5on5. What baffles me is that they played power vs power last year too, and although they weren’t as good in years past in terms of Corsi, they were still pretty solid.
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"Numbers don't lie, they just don't agree with you"--George E. Ays
by red army line on Jan 29, 2011 2:44 AM EST up reply actions
If there exists a league in which Alex Giroux can score 60 goals in a season, I can believe that Brian Fahey is an All-Star in said league.
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Ha! This one appears to me to be completely convenience. Losing a guy from the host team almost the day before the event? Easiest thing to do is replace him with a teammate. Is it equal to or worse than what they did with grabbing players from the ‘Canes? At least he’s replacing a guy from the same team.
"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."
ASG draft – Per Matt Duchene, the last guy picked gets a car.
LOL.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Reasoning being “emotional damages.”
by DrinkingPartner on Jan 28, 2011 4:03 PM EST up reply actions
Would be better if, to win said car, the player needed to play the Price Is Right dice game.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nvL5D5I0c8
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
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