Wednesday Caps Clips: The Rise of Accountability
by J.P. on Oct 12, 2011 6:48 AM EDT
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Your savory breakfast links:
- With yesterday being an off day, everyone had an uninterrupted 24 hours to ruminate on Monday night's win:
- Jason Chimera (who did a phoner with LaVar and Dukes yesterday) overcame spousal voodoo to score goal number 100 (and 101)... [CW (Whyno), CI (Carrera), DCEx (McNally), SB Nation DC, Caps Overtime]
- ... but can his production last? [RMNB]
- The Vokeswagon may take a while to warm up, but watch out once it reaches top speed. [Insider2, CW (Whyno), CI (Carrera), Peerless]
- Goalie controversy? Nah. But... nah. [KOL, Post Sports Live (video), Mr. Irrelevant]
- Bruce Boudreau played the "healthy scratch" card with Marcus Johansson and it worked... [CI (Carrera), DCEx (McNally), DSP]
- ... Now we'll see if the "call out in the media" card inspires Alex Ovechkin similarly... [CW (Whyno), PHT]
- ... If he needs it, that is. [Sick, Unbelievable]
- Alexander Semin complains that they've turned hockey into ballet. Didn't see that one coming. [RMNB]
- And still more off-day observations. [Dump 'n Chase]
- Jason Chimera (who did a phoner with LaVar and Dukes yesterday) overcame spousal voodoo to score goal number 100 (and 101)... [CW (Whyno), CI (Carrera), DCEx (McNally), SB Nation DC, Caps Overtime]
- So will "Gabby the taskmaster" stick? [WaPo (El-Bashir)
- I, for one, welcome our new Southeast Division Overlords. [Puck Daddy, SB Nation DC, PHT]
- The silver lining to constant disappointment is a reduction in hype. Or something. [SB Nation DC (Shatzer)]
- Troy Brouwer might have more skill than you think (unless you're his mom, in which case you probably over-rate him just a little bit). [OFB]
- Real talk: if you're emailing the owner about the side of the scoreboard on which the home team's name appears, you probably need a hobby. [DC Sports Bog, Ted's Take]
- Speaking of the scoreboard, here's the home opener video for your viewing pleasure. [Capitals Overtime]
- Karl Alzner and Jay Beagle just say no to gluten. [DC Sports Bog]
- Despite dressing down the Caps' captain in his column last week, Elliotte Friedman is still rather bullish on the Caps (and thus has been sealed in the Book of Life). [CBC (Friedman)]
- Stunning piece of haberdashery, that. [Capitals Overtime]
- Yeah, Ovi's in a bit of a drought. [Smoke Degrees]
- The top-10 ways to tell Caps season has started (somehow "you once again are hearing the phrase 'too many men'" didn't make the list). [RtR]
- Welcome, Wizards fans. Lesson #1: when your team outscores its opponent, it's called a "win." [RMNB]
- Mattias Sjogren is transitioning nicely to North America. [Patriot-News (Leone), and in case you missed our translation of a somewhat related piece, check it out here]
- More from Bears practice. [Patriot-News (Leone), Caps In Pictures (pics)]
- Evgeny Kuznetsov is Hockey's Future's 18th-rated prospect. Sounds low, no? [HF]
- Here's me talking Caps on Overtime with Danny Rouhier last night. [106.7 The Fan (audio)]
- Finally, happy 26th birthday to Mike Green and happy 46th to Todd Krygier.
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Good radio last night JP.
"Shots aren't the important thing. Scoring chances are way more important than shots." - Bruce Boudreau
See my work on WaPo's Capitals Insider, ESPN Insider and Russian Machine Never Breaks (RMNB) Insider. I also log the Caps scoring chances. The 2010-11 summary spreadsheet is posted on Google Docs.
Follow me on Twitter @ngreenberg
Thx. Every time I do radio I feel like I’m basically summarizing the discussions we’ve been having on the site, so not a lot new there, but whatevs.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Perhaps the discussions here help you hone your arguments elsewhere. Plus you are building your Japers’ readership.
I was reading CI on Vokoun this morning and for some reason delved into the comments. Varly came up (as always) and Japers’ (not Jaspers) was mentioned along with better information on the circumstances. Your are building a topnotch reputation for this site. Even for the anti-stats and hate-Schultz Caps fans out there.
by capsyoungguns on Oct 12, 2011 7:36 AM EDT up reply actions
No question the discussions here help to formulate my thoughts. And I think that’s the same for most everyone who participates in the discussions – I don’t think we have too many (if any) folks who come in here with a “smartest guy in the room” attitude and are completely unwilling to have their minds changed on most things.
And thanks for the kind words.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
You’re welcome. The willingness of the Rink members to debate every nook and cranny of any related topic is my favorite part of Japers’.
A side note: at the GMGM discussion (in Scoops’ fanshot), someone there asked GMGM a question using Japers’ as the source for the analysis. Pretty cool how far-reaching Japers’ has becoming.
by capsyoungguns on Oct 12, 2011 7:52 AM EDT up reply actions
Oh they come here.
They just don’t stay long.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Oct 12, 2011 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions
...
Check out a new social network, Hockey Connect, a place for coaches, players, family and fans to share strategies and experiences.
by Cap-O-Vens on Oct 12, 2011 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Amazing how fast people leave when they learn they have to…like…actually…construct an argument. Ranters don’t last long.
by capsyoungguns on Oct 12, 2011 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions
___
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 12, 2011 7:26 AM EDT reply actions 2 recs
I think he meant the Red Wings
Speculation from McKenzie and others on Twitter that Detroit will be in the SE after realignment.
"[Boudreau] lets the offensive guys like myself and Brooks do our thing. A lot of dangling." - Matt Bradley
I lived in Southeast DC for a while and it’s not so far from Detroit in places…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 12, 2011 9:02 AM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
How can a city that is south of CANADA, for heaven’s sake, end up in the “Southeast” Division?
If you've read this far...seek help.
North of Canada, which is an entirely different point to be made..
If you've read this far...seek help.
So would everyone be cool with the move if they just ditched geographic names for the divisions?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
For those not in the know:
Norris Division, 1974–1979
- Detroit Red Wings
- Los Angeles Kings
- Montreal Canadiens
- Pittsburgh Penguins
- Washington Capitals
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
That division would have to be the toughest one in the League today, no? Even with the sad-sack Habs.
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
that division would be brutal.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Supporting autism awareness and treatment.
not saying I wouldn’t like it (the potential bragging rights are enormous). Just that, right now, 4 of those teams are basically locks for the playoffs, and the Habs have probably a better than 50/50 chance. Heck, 3 of them should probably win their divisions (and those 3 are all legit cup contenders as well as presidents trophy contenders). My gut says One of those teams—probably the Habs—wouldn’t make it to the playoffs simply because all five are going to beat up on each other all season.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Supporting autism awareness and treatment.
Thats fine with me, I think the Caps might have a better shot at the Cup finishing 3rd in that division than winning the SE.
Aim for the head baby Jesus
It would help, but I’d prefer that they had divisions that reflected longstanding rivalries over randomly throwing DET in with WSH, CAR, FLA, and TB. I know DET wants to be in the East, but it just seems wrong to break them up from CHI and COL. I’m still bitter about being in a different division than NYR, PHI, etc., even if there is a trace of a real rivalry brewing now with TB.
I feel like one or two more years in the playoffs with Tampa will make a real rivalry out of that, but I’ll always hate the PA teams more. Actually, a couple of playoffs with the ’Canes would make a pretty solid rivalry, also. Hell, look at what happened with Chicago and Vancouver – three years in a row and they hate each other now.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Oct 12, 2011 5:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Playoff series are the only way to build real rivalries. That’s why I most prefer the realignment proposals that return to divisional playoffs. But yeah, my blood pumps at this point for TB and to a somewhat lesser extent, CAR (no playoffs, but some high stakes games and they have some super-annoying players).
I’m so far on-board the return to divisional playoffs ship that I almost slammed through the opposite bulkhead.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Oct 12, 2011 5:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Detroit to the Southeast — do not agree. Nothing personal against Detroit but…..
If it were up to me and we were going with the assumption that the alignment would be 2 Conferences with 3 divisions in each and no other franchise moves, I’d go with:
Assume Detroit moves to East:
Eastern Conference
SE: Washington, Tampa, Carolina, Florida, Philly
ATL: NY Rangers, NY Islanders, NJ, Pitt, Boston
NE: Buffalo, Montreal, Ottawa,Toronto, Detroit
Western Conference
Pac: Ana, Phoenix, LA, SJ, Colorado
NW: Van, Edm, Calg, Minn, Winn
Cen: Chi, Col, Stl, Nash, Dallas
I was trying to realign the Western Conference based on time zones to some degree, figuring a Mountain Standard team, like the Avs, belongs more with the Pac than Dallas does and moving Dallas to the Central.
On the other hand, if Columbus moves to East instead of Detroit, I would still move the Flyers to the SE and put Columbus in the Atlantic where I feel Columbus and Pitt could develop a good geographical rivalry. My Western recommendations would remain the same.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
I hope they like finishing second in the division.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Supporting autism awareness and treatment.
somewhere, my husband’s head just exploded. I don’t remember the last time the Wings finished third in their division.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Supporting autism awareness and treatment.
When I was a kid, the Wings were an absolute joke of an organization. Them and the Devils, both. The Wings didn’t finish #1 in their division once from 1966 to 1986. Their 42 years without a Cup from 1955 to 1997 is still longer than the Caps have existed.
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Oct 12, 2011 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions
I started watching hockey in 1994. Just in time for the Wings to get good.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Supporting autism awareness and treatment.
Holy shit! A toaster that brands a weagle into the bread. Unfortunately, currently unavailable. Timing is perfect, as I was becoming bored playing ping pong by myself anytime I wished.
Rooting for the Caps from the OBX.
by Acer Jonesy's Laughker on Oct 12, 2011 7:28 AM EDT reply actions
Ha. I was actually going to note in that bullet that he was Jason Chimera before there was a Jason Chimera.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Neither of them are Rico Fata…
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Oct 12, 2011 8:25 AM EDT up reply actions
’Tis a bright line indeed, from Todd Krygier, to Mike Grier, to Rico Fata, to Jason Chimera.
Venus de Milo had better hands.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 12, 2011 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions
But Krygier has a space in the Bobby Gould wing of the Caps Hall of History for causing Mario Lemieux to go all ape-shit in a playoff game and getting tossed out.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 12, 2011 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions
Yep… he was gangbusters in games 5 and 6 of the series when everyone else on both sides showed signs of fatigue.
Winnipeg? Winnipeg??? Oy! (And now it's official...)
by MikeL-Pivonka on Oct 12, 2011 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions
And why the hell did Shoenfeld start Carey in Game 6? Imagine if this site was around 15 years ago. It would’ve broken the internets.
Anybody on this blog from the ol’ washcaps@his.com listserv? That list had a good run for much of the 90’s early 00’s and Krygier often came up for his, er, deft touch.
(raises hand)
We're Hüsker Dü and we're on MTV. Who are you, and what are you on?
by bilspacecadet on Oct 12, 2011 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Not quite. Krygier is the poor man’s Jason Chimera. Chimera is as fast, has hard hands like Krygier, but Chimera has better hockey sense, than Krygier did, and plays with more drive than Krygier did. Krygier needed to be traded every few years to get his best effort, whereas with Chimera that’s never an issue.
Winnipeg? Winnipeg??? Oy! (And now it's official...)
by MikeL-Pivonka on Oct 12, 2011 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, I disagree that Krygier was a poor man’s Chimera. When you get to that level of player, hardly anyone’s a poor man’s anything.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Talc, Hands of Talc.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
by fat_daddyo on Oct 12, 2011 8:29 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
In the odd coincidence department, I actually saw a Caps preseason game in ’97 in Biloxi, Mississippi, of all places, against the Panthers. Krygier “scored” two goals off of lucky bounces off his skates rather than his stick. Not that he was in the building at the time, but Biloxi was where Bruce was coaching the old Sea Wolves of the ECHL at the time.
He used to own for me back on the old NHL games way back when at least.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Oct 12, 2011 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Bold Prediction of the day
Malkin sits out Thursday. Ovechkin uses this to his advantage in that he stops looking for someone to squash every game and scores 5 goals. Caps win 7-1.
At the closing buzzer, Ovi launches his stick towards Lemieux’s box. It hits a few drinks, spills a few beers right before Ovi throws his arms up and yells,
“Are you not entertained? ARE YOU NOT… ENTERTAINED?!?!?”
by Brainumbc on Oct 12, 2011 7:50 AM EDT reply actions 2 recs
Evidently his knee is acting up again.
Not to wish injury on someone, but I’m smiling to hear this, just because of all the stupid PR videos that were all over NHL.com this summer showing Malkin training in Moscow, “proving” that he’s all healed and in great shape, and at the same time proving Ovi isn’t because the Caps PR group didn’t do the same.
"You can want to get to April but when you get to April you may not like the answers you get, so you might as well enjoy the ride while it's going on." - Brian McNally on JRR, 8/29/2011
I dunno, if I was going to be watching a guy who’s one of the cornerstones of the team I’m watching, I’d understand (and maybe appreciate) why video updates were occurring after a season-ending injury, regardless of what I thought about a guy from a rival was doing/not doing.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
"This [job] would be so much easier if it wasn't for the fucking [customers]."
by Bald Pollack on Oct 12, 2011 9:48 AM EDT up reply actions
I agree a video on the Pens site to let the fans know he’s ok is fine, just like the Caps did the quick video showing Ovi was back at KCI skating the night before the opener. What bugged me was it wasn’t just one video, it was several, including that stupid parking lot one, and that NHL.com had them on their homepage lead for what seemed like a whole month this summer.
"You can want to get to April but when you get to April you may not like the answers you get, so you might as well enjoy the ride while it's going on." - Brian McNally on JRR, 8/29/2011
So it was the league’s fault for carrying the team’s content? Who cares?
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
"This [job] would be so much easier if it wasn't for the fucking [customers]."
by Bald Pollack on Oct 12, 2011 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions
Agreed. Good on his representation (agent, team… whomever) for putting their product out there in a good light.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Besides, if Backstrom, Green or whichever secondary franchise component blew a knee out, I’d expect similar videos to be honest.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
"This [job] would be so much easier if it wasn't for the fucking [customers]."
by Bald Pollack on Oct 12, 2011 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions
As would I. On WashCaps.com, and maybe on the sidebar at NHL.com. Just not as the lead story every day on the league-wide website.
"You can want to get to April but when you get to April you may not like the answers you get, so you might as well enjoy the ride while it's going on." - Brian McNally on JRR, 8/29/2011
The Pens, like it or not, are one of the prestigious clubs in the League; in a relatively cash-poor operation, the Pens sell tickets, generate Nielsen ratings and also generate page views.
Their two biggest stars have been injured.
Their rehab and road to playing again is a ready made story for NHL.com; it’s also one that is of significant importance to the League, for the reasons stated above. Frankly, I’d be more surprised if the League did not make it a focus of their offseason content.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Two of the League’s stars are out for months for injury, and you’re offended that the League covered it?
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
"This [job] would be so much easier if it wasn't for the fucking [customers]."
by Bald Pollack on Oct 12, 2011 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions
Has everyone forgotten the inundation of videos of AO whipping rope last summer!
Obviously, this is all speculation.
The sad part is those ads weren’t bad, and they’ve been nonexistent since.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
"This [job] would be so much easier if it wasn't for the fucking [customers]."
by Bald Pollack on Oct 12, 2011 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions
But what percentage of his off-season workout was done during filming for that commercial?
Obviously, this is all speculation.
Zero?
Come on, those were done by the ad agency with a dozen different guys. Not even relevant here.
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
Not even a serious question either. I’m not invested in this conversation the least bit, just lobbing snark balloons on the participants.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
just lobbing snark balloons
haha…where do you come up with this shit…
Check out a new social network, Hockey Connect, a place for coaches, players, family and fans to share strategies and experiences.
Not that it was covered, just the amount of coverage.
"You can want to get to April but when you get to April you may not like the answers you get, so you might as well enjoy the ride while it's going on." - Brian McNally on JRR, 8/29/2011
Which leads me back to my first question, but to each their own I suppose.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
"This [job] would be so much easier if it wasn't for the fucking [customers]."
by Bald Pollack on Oct 12, 2011 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions
Ask most orthopedic surgeons and they’ll tell you that it takes a year for an elite athlete to fully recover from ACL surgery.
As an nonathletic person, it took me a year to stop feeling a lot of pain my ACL reconstructed knee every day. I am not surprised that Malkin is having issues with pain, soreness, probably swelling as well. He just needs more time.
by vtcapsfan99 on Oct 12, 2011 10:12 AM EDT up reply actions
I guess some people think Geno looks pretty fine in a suit standing next to Crosby while their teammates skate around on the ice.
by vtcapsfan99 on Oct 12, 2011 10:23 AM EDT up reply actions
According to Bylsma (and who knows how truthful the info is), his lower-body injury is not related to the knee he blew out.
And Crosby was fine after the Steckel collision in the WC and it was going to be a short term injury.
I’m taking Occam’s Razor on this one.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
I’ve been saying that for weeks now. Malkin will be close to 100% mentally and physically next year, not this year and anyone who said he would win Hart is dillusional
by Beakers Lab on Oct 12, 2011 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions
He’s missed two games with a “lower body injury” that is said to be unrelated to his knee surgery.
If you've read this far...seek help.
last night they said the repaired knee is “sore”
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Supporting autism awareness and treatment.
During last nights game they said he took a puck off the ankle
Just rub some dirt on it
by Trailblaza05 on Oct 12, 2011 10:02 AM EDT up reply actions
Are we sure Steckel didn’t do it?
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 12, 2011 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions
Speaking of, hearts and flowers. The Canadian hockey media comes a’courtin’ their new faceoff wizard.
Kisses!
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Hands off, Canada! He’s mine.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Supporting autism awareness and treatment.
He’s so very tall!
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
And quite possibly rugged!
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Truculicious says Burke.
Comrades, leave me here a little, while as yet 't is early morn:
Leave me here, and when you want me, sound upon the bugle-horn
His dimples will fight you.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
“David Steckel” is an anagram for “Chuck Norris”
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 12, 2011 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
or, A Stacked Devil
Comrades, leave me here a little, while as yet 't is early morn:
Leave me here, and when you want me, sound upon the bugle-horn
by sydtron on Oct 12, 2011 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
•Welcome, Wizards fans. Lesson #1: when your team outscores its opponent, it’s called a “win.” [RMNB]
Kidding aside, this makes for a good opportunity to promote the Free Beer Movement among Wiz fans who might never have had a chance to see a live game otherwise. Know someone who’s a Wiz fan who’s never/rarely been to a game? Take ’em, buy ’em a brew (assuming you can find good drafts at VC these days) and be as much of an advocate of the sport as you can to them without browbeating.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
"This [job] would be so much easier if it wasn't for the fucking [customers]."
by Bald Pollack on Oct 12, 2011 8:06 AM EDT reply actions 2 recs
It sticks in my mind that BB has called out AO in the media before, but a little googling doesn’t get me any results. Any of you with better memories than me recall prior callings-out?
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Call the guy a damn doctor. Whatever’s up with that wrist/hand is getting old. Is it my imagination, or did the Capitals have a nice long summer to address questions of condition, as well as conditioning?
....when the truth is if they knew anything about the game, they'd be in it.
--GMGM
Conditioning, for sure.
The thumb thing results from a slash against CAR. Nothing to be done about that.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Slash to the same hand against TBL.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
Well, he always loses Juice Boy (or finishes in the bottom handful). He’s not all that meticulous in his approach to the game – very much a “fire as hard as you can and make a dent in the end boards” kind of guy.
But I was wondering that against Tampa when his shots would go high/wide. Hard to tell with him because he does shoot from everywhere, they won’t all be beauties.
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
Aside from being off target which happens, his shots seem to have more mustard behind them then last year, maybe the Bauer stick? Is it true he plays with around a 75 flex shaft?
Check out a new social network, Hockey Connect, a place for coaches, players, family and fans to share strategies and experiences.
He plays with a 75 or 85 flex. Between that and the ridiculous curve on the blade I doubt he has much ability to aim other than high or low.
Comrades, leave me here a little, while as yet 't is early morn:
Leave me here, and when you want me, sound upon the bugle-horn
That is a ridiculous flex for a guy his size and his abilities, no wonder he goes thru 6 a game
Check out a new social network, Hockey Connect, a place for coaches, players, family and fans to share strategies and experiences.
That flex is for someone more or less half his size. I don’t even know how he can take a slapshot with that.
Comrades, leave me here a little, while as yet 't is early morn:
Leave me here, and when you want me, sound upon the bugle-horn
Yea…not even size, his strength and skating ability
Check out a new social network, Hockey Connect, a place for coaches, players, family and fans to share strategies and experiences.
Seriously that’s how it looks like he approaches games this year. He just fires it wildly on net and hopes for the best.
As much as I don’t like Milbury, he mentioned something the other night about Ovi’s hockey sense, and that he just seems lost or unaware of where the puck is. Almost lazy in a sense. Not sure what’s going with AO, but he needs to maybe take a different approach to the game. This is nothing really new either, but it really looks like he’s carrying over from last year, and that’s not a good thing.
Are the Caps supposed to look like the Terracotta Army in the intro video?
That’s sort of badass, actually.
a capital wasteland - art & hockey from washington, d.c.
Visuals are great. Not so sure about “Burning Down the House.” Guess there wasn’t an appropriate Kenny Loggins song available.
Guess there wasn’t an appropriate Kenny Loggins song available.
If I never hear “Danger Zone” again in my life, I will die a happy man.
/ot
by Rather Bengt on Oct 12, 2011 9:08 AM EDT up reply actions
Other than Navy Football, Danger Zone shouldn’t be used at a sporting event.
The first 5 minutes or so of Top Gun are the best infomercial the Navy could have ever asked for. 5 minutes of carrier operations shot by Jerry Bruckheimer.
Winnipeg? Winnipeg??? Oy! (And now it's official...)
by MikeL-Pivonka on Oct 12, 2011 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions
A friend of mine didn’t see the full-length Top Gun until he was 25. Seriously, his dad had edited the movie down to about 35 minutes of “just jets” — no volleyball, no motorcycle, etc. Just jets. He thought for his entire childhood that was the entire movie. Had no idea the rest existed. Really wasn’t that upset once he found out, either.
J.P.: You might be the king of all geeks here…
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Oct 12, 2011 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions
Obviously his dad didn’t want for him to see a movie about a man’s struggle with his homosexuality. /ot
Yeah. Just to recap the rules for the clips threads: Val Kilmer with his shirt off — OT. Viktor Hedman with his shirt off — OK.
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Oct 12, 2011 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Ron MacLean with his shirt off?
Comrades, leave me here a little, while as yet 't is early morn:
Leave me here, and when you want me, sound upon the bugle-horn
Inappropriate on any site
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Oct 12, 2011 3:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Very not sure about it (to say nothing of the proclivity of playing shitty covers of perfectly acceptable original tunes).
/Get Off My Lawn
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
"This [job] would be so much easier if it wasn't for the fucking [customers]."
by Bald Pollack on Oct 12, 2011 9:11 AM EDT up reply actions
Opening night, it took me a minute to place the song. Not a song I thought would ever get the re-mix treatment.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Supporting autism awareness and treatment.
TEB Article
Some players reported to Arlington expecting to work their way into top shape. Others didn’t practice hard — or often — enough. A few enjoyed their fame and fortune a little too much.
Who is which?
Reported out of shape – AO, NB
Not practicing – no idea
Night life – Green?
Patron saint of quality footwear.
I’m not sure the groupings are mutually exclusive (despite the way it’s written).
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I can’t wait to read new stuff about old excuses when we lose 2 in a row. And thursday seems like a good early barometer: PIT looked pretty good last night.
Cross check and all call.
Which is scary without 87 or 71.
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I should have been more clear: their team defense is very solid. After their top 4 on the blueline it’s meh.
Cross check and all call.
by bigonetimer on Oct 12, 2011 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions
Their D is solid and with out Sid and Gino they seem like a team of grinders. I didnt watch much of the game but what I did see they just out hustled, and won puck battles vs the Cats
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They were playing the Panthers. In their home opener. Let’s see how they do when they step up in competition.
Cats truly didn’t look very good. Slow and soft on D, not physical enough in the F corps.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
And the goal was a complete gift.
To be fair, he generated a couple of chances around the net by getting on loose pucks and feeding them to the front.
But other than that, he was bad. Watching him made me think kind thoughts about BL21, even though I knew and know that it’s ridiculous to compare them.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
He actually looked good at times and at other times was coasting. It cost him on the SH goal and he got called for a penalty.
I like Kevin Dineen. Maybe he can push him to play harder for a full 60 minutes.
Wait – are we still talking about Flash?
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Oct 12, 2011 11:17 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Just a lead balloon about other players that could describe.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Oct 12, 2011 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions
They play hard and they’ve got good speed. If the Caps match their effort level, they should be fine. FLA’s D just couldn’t contend with PIT along the wall and below the goal line. The Caps should be able to hold up better there.
But I agree they looked good.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
He is referring to last summer…gotta include AO on all 3, and NB definitely came in out of shape. Hell you could take that as 8,19,28,52
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He was on fire in November. Then they traded his center away.
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Yeah… that’s what did it.
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by J.P. on Oct 12, 2011 9:22 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Wasnt it MP85 with a ton of helpers on Sashas early goals last year.
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Ok, his 2 helpers were in Sashas first Hat trick of the year. Sasha had 18 goals thru Nov. 9 coming in 3 games, then went Ghost
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I’m a little confused why everyone assumes Backstrom came in out of shape. Malin said he did his usual workouts that summer. She also thought he had some ankle injury at the beginning of the season so his skating was bad from that.
Didnt he change up his trainer this year?
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That is not proof he was out of shape. He wanted to work on his skating so he used a different guy who was an expert in that. This isn’t like Ovie who mostly trained on his own the summer of 2010 and really came in out of shape, who then went back to using the brother of the guy that got him into the best shape in the past.
Did Nicky have any surgery or did they even discuss an injury at the close out pressers. I mean we all suspect thumb, maybe ankle. Whatever the case he did not look like Nicky all last year. I think he has looked good the past 2 games, very strong on the puck. This is all speculation but a case can be made that he didnt train hard enough in the offseason.
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Vogel disclosed the thumb injury bothering him in the playoffs after the season ended. We knew about the thumb injury at first because Nicky spoke to the Swedish press about the broken thumb and torn ligaments. Then the Caps confirmed the injury and he was seen around with the cast.
I actually don’t know when Nicky got the ankle injury, I just recall Malin mentioning it. Not sure how she knows that but she pays a lot more attention to him than I do.
Keep in mind that Nicky was used much more defensively last season. It’s possible that he was worn down trying to be a defensive center and offensive center at the same time.
Check his points in the early season, I believe he was scoring at the normal rate for a while, which would counteract the point he came in out of shape.
by vtcapsfan99 on Oct 12, 2011 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions
about a point per thru November with 2 4 point nights and quite a few goose eggs. I am not willing to say Nicky came into last season in the shape of a top 3 center in the world, nor did he play that way. There are a ton of migrating factors which we have beaten around here, zone starts, AO, PP, system change, I am sure all of that attributed to NBs lack of production last year. I love Nicky, but the bottom line is those 4 I mentioned need to elevate their game. I am tired of hearing the excuses. There is no reason why they should not have their names together on the Cup.
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I read somewhere that most of it was on his own (either from Slava or Chesnokov), just a little bit was with Kovy’s trainer.
by vtcapsfan99 on Oct 12, 2011 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Considering how Kovy played last fall, that’s not exactly a good thing.
"You can want to get to April but when you get to April you may not like the answers you get, so you might as well enjoy the ride while it's going on." - Brian McNally on JRR, 8/29/2011
NB definitely came in out of shape
I always get suspicious when something is presented as a fact and an absolute truth long after it happened. Especially when it’s presented without any kind of evidence. If Nicklas “definitely came in to camp out of shape” wouldn’t we have heard something about it in September when the camp took place? Like we did with Alex. If i recall correctly Corey was the first one to report about Alex looking winded in drills. According to the reports out of camp Green were in good shape and I don’t think i ever heard about Semin reporting to camp in bad shape.
by Malin A on Oct 12, 2011 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
Yeah, I hadn’t seen much more than speculation on Backstrom. Granted, I saw (or heard) some pretty solid speculation…
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Are those speculations something you can share with the group? (If it’s not is it something you can share with me.)
I’ll try to find sources online. If I don’t, assume I’m wrong on this.
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Well, I have also heard his mediocre play last year blamed on an injury but that seemed to be as speculatory as anything about his conditioning. Bottom line is none of our “Superstars” played like superstars thru out the season last year. Were they dinged? Partying too much? Out of shape? Need a sports psychiatrist? Maybe all 4. I will not make excuses for 8,19,28,52 anymore. They have the talent and are paid to be the best in the world at their positions. They need to meet those expectations….FACT
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On the rumored injury front last year….
Nicky B was rumored to have a bad ankle early in the year
Ovi reported got slashed during the Nashville game (and his downturn in scoring happened after that game)
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
I’m afraid you lost me. You started off by saying:
NB definitely came in out of shape. Hell you could take that as 8,19,28,52Now you are saying:
Well, I have also heard his mediocre play last year blamed on an injury but that seemed to be as speculatory as anything about his conditioningAre you saying that you changed your mind regarding his conditioning? If not I’m still waiting for you to give me some kind of proof or at least some anecdotal evidence that your original claim are accurate.
Of our 4 young guns, only Ovi was reported to be in “less than stellar” shape last year. I recall reading about him “winded” during drills last year, as well. Green was making a special effort to be in better shape as he had put on weight during the season the previous year. NB started out the 2008-2009 camp out of shape but I could have sworn I heard a report that he reported to camp “svelt” last year.
Never heard reports of Semin coming to camp out of shape
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
I don’t remember Nicky reported as out of shape last summer but I recall that just before the 2008-2009 season, he reported to camp overweight but he reported early and sprained his ankle. He didn’t miss any games but did not get off to a great start statistically that season and he got kicked off the first line at one point but returned to the first line when Fedorov sprained an ankle in November that year.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
We just went out there and played our game. Our goal is to win, nobody cares how. I don’t even want to recall what happened in the playoffs.
I enjoyed the RMNB interview with Sasha. This quote here seems to me like it is a deep dig at Bruce and the system change. Am I reading too deep into it. Also When he was pickpocketed Monday night, immediately I turned to my wife and said “stick penalty” but I gotta say it may have been one of the prettiest hooks Ive ever seen, even when he is cheating Sasha has a ton of talent. What do you make of his ballet comment?
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I read it as just frustration. I’m sure he’d be a happy Sasha if the NHL took away hitting and hooking penalties. It doesn’t read like he thinks Shanahan is banning too many people, just that refs call stick moves on pucks hooks too often.
Proud member of the Popsicle Division of the Cupcake Conference.
I enjoyed the RMNB interview with Sasha.
Thanks, but we just posted a translation. It was Slava Malamud’s interview, he should get the credit. There was additional reporting by Ian Oland.
"Shots aren't the important thing. Scoring chances are way more important than shots." - Bruce Boudreau
See my work on WaPo's Capitals Insider, ESPN Insider and Russian Machine Never Breaks (RMNB) Insider. I also log the Caps scoring chances. The 2010-11 summary spreadsheet is posted on Google Docs.
Follow me on Twitter @ngreenberg
I gotcha…I knew that, just fast typing without coffee…Props Slava
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Ballet takes more grit than Sasha has.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
easy
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by Cap-O-Vens on Oct 12, 2011 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I am the dancer on this blog. In ballet, that is a piss-poor back attitude with not an ounce of grit.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
by oldemystix on Oct 12, 2011 10:15 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
decent extension through the ankle, but that knee!
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by RedBirdie on Oct 12, 2011 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
And hips…ugh. And his shoulders aren’t open, chest is collapsing. Right port de bras has a ok line, but need to fill the space better and convey more emotion…
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
by oldemystix on Oct 12, 2011 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
and just what is he doing with that support leg? all sorts of ugly.
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by RedBirdie on Oct 12, 2011 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
This place is awesome
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by Cap-O-Vens on Oct 12, 2011 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
The lower face is too relaxed, the upper face is too tight.
He looks more like Quasimodo and less like Le Corsaire.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
by oldemystix on Oct 12, 2011 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
tea is now all over my keyboard.
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by RedBirdie on Oct 12, 2011 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I totally see Sasha winning “Battle of the Blades” in a few years.
If he cares enough to try.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
rec rec rec rec rec rec rec — hilarious, RB and Stix
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by Gould Old Days on Oct 12, 2011 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions
“Swan Fake?”
“A Midsummer Night’s Deke?”
“Puckeo and Juliet?”
“The Netsmacker?”
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 12, 2011 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
When he says “played our game” and “nobody cares how” anyone else read that as the team wants to run and gun, and dont like BBs new style..
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Kuznetsov Ranking
Hockey’s Future had Evgeny as the #9 prospect as of 4/7/11 behind the likes of Berner, Schenn, Brett Connolly, and Nino Niederreiter. At least a couple of the guys ranked ahead of him are full time NHLers this year.
The current list (not yet finished, I guess 1-10 comes out later) has him at #18, and most of the guys at 11-17 were drafted this year.
I guess what’s most unclear to me is their methodology. It seems that the top-end guys on the 4/7 list were basically NHL ready, if not already in and out of the lineup. The guys who have moved ahead of Kuz (and Connolly for that matter who is now #24) seem to be elevated by potential rather than achievement. These two metrics seem a little at odds, but I guess it’s tough to say for sure until 1-10 comes out.
Is the shoulder to blame for the drop maybe? Or has everyone already forgotten about World Juniors?
And out of sight, out of mind. Russian thing, etc. They got Jaden Schwartz’ name wrong in the bullet right before Kuz. It’s a HF ranking, take it with a grain of salt.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
Pronman has Kuz around that spot as well. If we believe that 2011 was a relatively weak draft, considering most of those 2011ers are being judged against each other, they’ll all be higher than they should be.
Looking at who is ahead of him, though…strong list.
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by red army line on Oct 12, 2011 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions
Definite recency bias there and seriously, who has Granlund at 12? How many prospects can you actually put ahead of Mikael Granlund with a straight face?
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Oct 12, 2011 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
That list is worthless, it doesn’t contain CRAIG SMITH.
Lemme quote the late, great Colonel Sanders. He said "I'm too drunk to taste this chicken."
by Chris Burton on Oct 12, 2011 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions
amazing pic, apologies if its been posted before
goalie controversy?
H/T Caps Basketball
ahahaha!!!
by discuit on Oct 12, 2011 9:56 AM EDT reply actions 7 recs
New content on the front page – with a poll and everything!
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Happy Birthday, ThugLife52!
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by RedBirdie on Oct 12, 2011 10:38 AM EDT reply actions 3 recs
cue somebody getting offended in 3…2..1
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Life Alert Roloson
"I couldn't bring myself to cheer for Pittsburgh. But since they won, I may as well use it."
--BB, 2009
by nogoodtrying on Oct 12, 2011 10:51 AM EDT reply actions 3 recs
tomorrow’s clips today: road roomies. In case you need something light and fluffy to watch because your day really sucks.
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You know, my day really does suck, and that article put a smile on my face. So, thanks for that.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Oct 12, 2011 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions
Aw yeah, Greenie with the Nicky love.
(Still waiting, without hope, for the Ovie/Sasha divorce.)
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
Greenie and Nicky is the bromance that will never die.
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and What Up, Ya Sieve? posted some of those bromance goodies in honor of Mike’s birthday. Enjoy.
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Sweet bromance indeed: “You look cute.” “You too.”
by capsyoungguns on Oct 12, 2011 5:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Who are the top 5 most important Capitals for the team to succeed this season?
Obviously, this is all speculation.
1. Backstrom
2. Carlson/Alzner (not sure you can separate the two)
3. Ovechkin
4. Vokoun/Neuvirth
5. Semin
Lemme quote the late, great Colonel Sanders. He said "I'm too drunk to taste this chicken."
by Chris Burton on Oct 12, 2011 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions
You greatly underestimate the influence of a healthy Mike Green on pretty much everything that happens during a Caps game.
Aim for the head baby Jesus
Yeah, Mike Green doesn’t have another stud Dman to cover for him when he makes mistakes like some other top D in the NHL.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Oct 12, 2011 5:36 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I’ll have to dig it up, but the AP hockey writer here in Nashville blasted Green after the preseason game, it was pretty funny.
Lemme quote the late, great Colonel Sanders. He said "I'm too drunk to taste this chicken."
by Chris Burton on Oct 12, 2011 5:52 PM EDT up reply actions
There are two elite defensemen on the ice tonight. Neither are named Mike Green. What do people see in this guy?
Dude was a circus in his own end last night. A circus with lots of freaky clowns at that.
http://twitter.com/#!/diamondhockey/status/119221040214839297
Lemme quote the late, great Colonel Sanders. He said "I'm too drunk to taste this chicken."
by Chris Burton on Oct 12, 2011 5:56 PM EDT up reply actions
the whole team looked like shit, so I’m not really sure what his point his.
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Good to see that a single preseason game is enough to make sure the media narrative on Green are able to persist in the face of seasons worth of facts and evidence.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Oct 12, 2011 6:56 PM EDT up reply actions
1. Ovechkin
2. Green
3. Semin
4. Backstrom
5. Laich
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So, glancing a bit at the BSH thread, you agree with me?
The fact that anyone thinks that Talbot is in the top 5 of critical Flyers makes me think that that team is in a lot of trouble.
I don’t think it’s that simple, and it’s sorta a coincidence here (and arguments can be made that Carlson, Alzner and Vokoun are “best players” as well… I just see them at positions/roles with more depth).
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It’s overly simplistic and I’m not saying that the 3rd/4th lines or the last D pair aren’t important.
But the success of those players more often than not relies on the ability of the best players also doing their best.
True. But a lot of the blame for the Tampa loss could be placed on a total lack of contributions from lower lines. In the entire playoffs, the team got 0 goals from Bradley/Hendricks/Gordon, one apiece from Arnott/Sturm/Fehr/Laich. Granted, the 0 from Backstrom and 1 from Green were killers, but there wasn’t a lot of scoring besides 8 and 28 all playoffs.
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And Fehr turned the puck over.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
by Rob Parker on Oct 12, 2011 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
But that’s not that bad.
In Pittsburgh’s SC season, Jordan Staal scored 4 goals the entire playoffs. Hossa scored 3 goals for the Blackhawks when they won.
In the playoffs, it seems that you move into specific roles, and any goals are a bonus.
That’s some serious cherry-picking.
The B’s had ten different guys with at least four goals – avg. one per round – last year. The ’Nucks had five. The Cup-winning Hawks had nine. The Flyers that year had nine as well.
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I guess what I’m saying is that not all the players you want to score (that group who got 1 a each) need to to succeed in the playoffs.
No. Not all of them do. But if none of them do, you’re usually fucked, regardless of how great your best players are. That’s not to say that the grinders are more important – they’re not. But without contributions up and down the lineup, you’re not going far.
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1. Backstrom
2. Green
3. Ovechkin
4. Semin
5. Vokoun
1-3 needs to rebound, 4 needs to play a consistent, and 5 needs to prove he can be dominant with a dominant team in front of him.
I personally don’t see Vokoun fitting on the list due to the depth behind him. The drop-off, while there, just isn’t as big as it is in some other places.
I had Ovechkin at the top because I think everything flows from him – the PP, even-strength, work ethic… everything. I had Green at #2 for the PP and as a puck-mover capable of playing big minutes (and keeping the next guy on the depth chart out of the lineup. Semin’s my #3 as the wild card – if he hits a hot streak at the right time, the team could blow up (in a good way). Backstrom’s #4 because without him they don’t have a solid scoring-line pivot, and he does a lot more as well (draws, PK). Then I had Laich rounding out my five because if he can continue to anchor a shutdown third line… well, win.
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1. CAPTAIN
2. Backis
3. Vokoun
4. Green
5. Sasha
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In order
AO
Backstrom
Laich
Green
Alzner
Carlson
Vokoun
I know, that’s seven, but they all belong in the top 5.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Rationale:
AO is the straw that stirs the drink, the lead dog who sets the pace, etc. He will drive the fortunes of the first line, the PP and the general atmosphere of the team. If he’s not at least good, the team won’t be great.
Backstrom is going to play the biggest role in helping AO be at least good. He also informs possession or lack thereof when he’s on the ice, which is going to be a lot. If he’s not good, the team won’t be great.
Laich is the key to the workaround at the C position, which is the team’s obvious weak point. If he can anchor a shutdown line that actually, you know, shuts down opponents, then MarJo at the 2C is a viable option. If he doesn’t, then the team is screwed by C depth (again).
Green’s performance (second to AO) will inform the PP success rate. If he can stay healthy, log biggish minutes, and generate points, the team has a much better shot at being great.
Alzner and Carlson: if they can be the 4th and 5th cogs of a shutdown quintet, they help shelter the other 4 D and free Green, Mamrlik and D-Wide to get fat on the lower lines. If they can do this, the team can be great; if they can’t, the team could still be great, but the odds go way down.
Vokoun has the best shot at getting red hot at the right time, which is a big part of a Cup run.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Boudreau, Ovechkin, Backstrom, Green, Semin.
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by red army line on Oct 12, 2011 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions
Interesting to see that MoJo (or perhaps Perreault?) hasn’t made anyone’s list yet. 2C always being a major voice of concern around here, I’d think otherwise – unless everyone’s thinking we trade for a 2C at some point.
I’d go:
1. Ovechkin
2. Backstrom
3. Green
4. Mojo
5. Wideman
I really feel that Wideman is the most important aspect of our PP. We just don’t know it yet.
Here, here on Marjo. Very surprised to see he isn’t on anyone’s list. If our 2C doesn’t dish and produce, several of those top 4 guys can’t hit their potential.
Not so sure about Widemen at 5….perhaps, 6 or 7 though.
Well, those top four produced with Fedorov, Nylander, Fleischmann, Morrison, and Belanger at 2C. I don’t think he should be in the top four on any list (young guns), and I wouldn’t slot him at 5. This team should be a 100+ pt team and one of the East’s top two seeds as long as some guy that’s NHL-caliber is playing 2C.
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by red army line on Oct 12, 2011 4:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Right on. At this point, Project Mayhem’s ability to match up with the top lines is more important that MarJo’s ability to feed Semin at evens.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Oct 12, 2011 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions
I love that “Project Mayhem” is catching on.
J.P.: You might be the king of all geeks here…
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Oct 12, 2011 4:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Dude, that’s the best one I’ve seen. I’m rolling with it.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Oct 12, 2011 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions
In the phrase Project Mayhem, is “project” a noun or a verb? It’s an important distinction — the word is pronounced differently if it’s the noun versus the verb.
I kind of like the verb better — a tic-tac-toe play starting with Ward generating a turnover, then getting it to Laich, who feeds a streaking Chimera sure feels like someone is projecting something.
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Oct 12, 2011 5:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Do not talk about Project Mayhem.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
by Rob Parker on Oct 12, 2011 5:55 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I understand, and won’t talk about Prawject Mayhem anymore. But may I speak about Pruhject Mayhem?
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Oct 12, 2011 5:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Just channel your inner Canadian and call them both PROH-ject Mayhem.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
by fat_daddyo on Oct 12, 2011 6:15 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Ovechkin
Backstrom
Green
Vokoun
Semin
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 12, 2011 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions
just like old times. Katie reports:
In order for Washington to have two goaltenders in practice, the team’s director of media relations, Sergey Kocharov, has suited up for spot duty and is in net opposite Tomas Vokoun. Kocharov would occasionally serve as an emergency practice goaltender for the Coyotes during his time in the Phoenix public relations department as well.
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Do you think “backup-backup-goalie” has become a “desired skill” on the Caps’ media relations job postings?
J.P.: You might be the king of all geeks here…
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Oct 12, 2011 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions
It must be, because apparently we have a localized Washington Capitals goalie injury bug, not an injury bug that was specific to any particular goalie (Varly).
Campaign Promises fantasy team: Hamrlik To Fall
by CapitalCentre on Oct 12, 2011 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions
And now trash talk from the old guy:
@Brett Leonhardt:
I guess @SergeyKocharov and I are similar. One of us was drafted to the OHL and played NCAA hockey, the other first put pads on at 16.
"You can want to get to April but when you get to April you may not like the answers you get, so you might as well enjoy the ride while it's going on." - Brian McNally on JRR, 8/29/2011
From Steinz, on roommates:
WORST
John Erskine: "Either Semin or Ovi. I don’t think those guys sleep."
Obviously, this is all speculation.
Noon Number’s up. Go marvel at it.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Tomorrow’s game is on NHLN. For the sake of our out-of-town fans (because it will be blacked out in DC for CSN), does anyone know which feed they’ll carry? Both broadcasters are NHLN faves, but does CSN get the nod because it’s an NBC affiliate?
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
It’s probably the Pitt feed because they go with the home team. Which makes me hope for Neuvirth in goal because the Pens guys pronounce his name “Nordberg”
Comrades, leave me here a little, while as yet 't is early morn:
Leave me here, and when you want me, sound upon the bugle-horn
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxalqPN954g
Comrades, leave me here a little, while as yet 't is early morn:
Leave me here, and when you want me, sound upon the bugle-horn
I thought it was the Coyotes, but he’s full time Versus/NBC now.
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
oh, thought he was the guy they brought in from Pittsburgh for the national broadcast.
Comrades, leave me here a little, while as yet 't is early morn:
Leave me here, and when you want me, sound upon the bugle-horn
Joe B made it look easy
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Supporting autism awareness and treatment.
Considering that NBC wanted it’s guys to be full time now, we should be glad they canned Joe B. Otherwise it would be Smokin’ Al all the time. I like Al, but not as the full time PxP guy.
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
My ideal situation is Locker winning a reasonably sized lottery and deciding that he doesn’t want to do broadcasting anymore. Then Alan May steps in as the color guy and at that point I don’t give a shit who the PxP dude is, so long as we don’t hear anything about peanut butter or hearts like lions.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Oct 12, 2011 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
Yes. Please.
I have planned my grand attacks; I will stand behind their backs. With my brand new battle-axe, they will taste my wrath. They will hear me say as the pavement whirls, "I hate California girls."
by Steckel Me Elmo on Oct 12, 2011 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Locker just wants to share his love of food, and shinny.
Comrades, leave me here a little, while as yet 't is early morn:
Leave me here, and when you want me, sound upon the bugle-horn
And, if the Popeyes biscuit is stale the morning after your chicken dinner, food shinny
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Oct 12, 2011 5:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Brother, if it don’t bounce back, you will go hungry.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
by EmilyB on Oct 12, 2011 6:29 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Blues Brotherec’d
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Oct 12, 2011 7:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Can we take this moment to appreciate how far Alan May has come, and what a great job he’s done at working to make himself a better analyst. His first couple appearances were cringe-worthy.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
his first season was cringe worthy. But he does genuinely love when people notice how far he’s come, so I encourage everyone to compliment him on it if they get a chance to meet him.
Plus, he’s a Rink reader. Hi, Alan!
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Supporting autism awareness and treatment.
Oh f’real? Did not know that, glad I said something that was mostly complimentary…
Obviously, this is all speculation.
not sure how far he wades into the comments (if at all), but I figured a shout out was in order.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Supporting autism awareness and treatment.
Don’t worry, I’m sure you can take him.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Oct 12, 2011 5:38 PM EDT up reply actions
No shit? That’s pretty cool, plus he’s totally willing to engage on Twitter.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Oct 12, 2011 4:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Seriously. He was fucking amazing in his 3rd-man stint last season. There was an entirely different level of insight and elucidation. Makes me wonder why he’s not a coach somewhere.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Oct 12, 2011 4:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Didn’t I read that he coached a really low-level team for a year or so?
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
I have no idea if that’s the case or not. I just know that I got 8 times more out of his breakdowns and observations than “Hold it here!” and being told that three points constitutes a triangle.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Oct 12, 2011 5:00 PM EDT up reply actions
May was a head coach in 1997-98 for the Fayetteville Force of the CHL, putting together a 25 -42-0-3 record. He was also a coach of the 1999-00 Lubbock Cotton Kings in the WPHL, who had a 42-24-0-4 record. He was also an assistant for the 2008-09 Norfolk Admirals.
Tortorella: Can I get another question? I went in here in a pretty good mood today, too.
Larry Brooks: So did I.
Tortorella: Well, you obviously f***ed that up, didn't you?
Can someone post the image of him and, was it Russ Thaler? flipping out when the Caps pulled off the OT? It was the studio shot of them off-air. Still love that pic.
J.P.: You might be the king of all geeks here…
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Oct 12, 2011 4:57 PM EDT up reply actions
...
I’ve got Sombero Guy’s fantastic Rink imagine directory bookmarked.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Supporting autism awareness and treatment.
by RedBirdie on Oct 12, 2011 5:09 PM EDT up reply actions 6 recs
Much obliged.
J.P.: You might be the king of all geeks here…
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Oct 12, 2011 5:17 PM EDT up reply actions
The more he’s done Lunchbox with me and Japers’ Rink Radio, the better he’s gotten at TV. Coincidence? Definitely not.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
No, it’s probably the Pitt feed because NHLN always uses the Pitt feed for everyone of their games regardless of the home team. I can’t remember ever seeing On the Fly show the highlights of a Pens game without using the Pens feed. Same goes for the Sabres.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Oct 12, 2011 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Ugh. All hail the mute button.
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
by Becca H on Oct 12, 2011 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I wonder if it has to do with the ease of getting the feed or something like that. Does it cost more to go with a Comcast feed versus FSN/Root or CBC?
I bet it has more to do with the ubiquity and… um… vocal nature of the respective fan bases.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
Anyone who has an Apple TV can now access GCL with it: The Loop.
J.P.: You might be the king of all geeks here…
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Oct 12, 2011 2:57 PM EDT reply actions
Clarification: second-gen ATVs only.
J.P.: You might be the king of all geeks here…
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Oct 12, 2011 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Sasha says:
"There can be darkness in other people's soul..." -Semyon Varlamov
by LittleMissWhiskey on Oct 12, 2011 4:01 PM EDT reply actions
I can’t tell if Bylsma said this with dread or excitement. Rossi:
We all looked at the scheduled. We all saw Vancouver on that first trip, and you’re coming home and, ‘Oh, there’s the Capitals.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Supporting autism awareness and treatment.
Looks like he was playing straight. The full quote:
"There are times where you don’t have to get up for the game, whether you’re feeling great or not feeling great, whether you’re coming off the road, whatever scenario you want to dream up," Bylsma said. "When you have the Capitals comes into your building and you’re going to Philadelphia you’re acutely aware of the situation, you’re acutely aware of the team you’re playing, the players you’re playing, and the rivalry that’s there. We all looked at the scheduled. We all saw Vancouver on that first trip, and you’re coming home and, ‘Oh, there’s the Capitals.’"
Aside: the typos on that blog are borderline shocking.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Copy Editors are a dying breed in this new era of journalism, and it is only getting worse. I cherish the sites and authors who bother to check their spelling and grammar.
In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.
I for one welcome our new automated spelling and grammar checking overloads. What could possibly go wrong when we outscore our spell and grammar checking to software?
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Oct 12, 2011 5:55 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
More “Tomorrow’s Clips….today!” The Top 10 back-up goalies. Two Caps and a former Cap make an appearance. Although I think #3 maybe should have been ranked a little higher. Not that I’m biased or anything.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Supporting autism awareness and treatment.
Are there any Rinkers making the road trip to our beautiful city tomorrow, or am I a one-man wolf pack here in The Burgh?
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