Monday Caps Clips: Waiting Game
by EmilyB on Oct 24, 2011 6:42 AM EDT
in Caps Clips
Email
PrintYour savory breakfast links:
- With a three-game, three-win week behind them, the Capitals had Sunday off as they prepare for the next challenge - a two game Western Conference roadie, leaving plenty of time for the pundits to work on their 'nalysis:
- Early success is great, but the team (and owner) knows there's still work to be done. [NHL.com (Compton), WashTimes (Whyno), PHT]
- But hey, that win against the Wings was pretty sweet. [WashTimes (Whyno, and again), Kukla's Korner, DCEx (McNally)]
- The week that was. [Peerless]
- The Goals Project, Week Two. [Peerless]
- Goodbye country club, hello lunch pail. [OFB]
- Three weeks in, grading GM George McPhee's offseason. [RtR]
- Seven games, eight thoughts. [Inside Hockey (Eisenberg)]
- When you're hot, you're hot. And the Boudreau-era Caps get hot. A lot. [Dump 'n Chase]
- A six-pack of Week 2 goodness. [KOL]
- Hooray for:
- The Hershey Bears scored seven goals in their seventh game as well. Mattias Sjogren scored his first pro North American goal. [SHoE, Patriot-News (Leone), YouTube highlights, RinkRebel (pics)]
- A rookie card like no other. [Ross Hollebon's Sports Pub]
- Finally, Caps' prospect defenseman Patrick Wey suffered a lacerated tendon in his foot and will be sidelined for 6-8 weeks. Get well soon, PDub. [CW (Whyno)]
335 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Just noticed this weekend’s headline in “winging it in detroit”
Wings Celebrate Lidstrom’s 1500th Game with 1 Goal Against for Each of his Norris Trophies.
Gotta love a fan base with a sense of humor in the face of defeat.
In other news. Sturm is playing for the Panthers now. Maybe if they try hard enough, they too can make the playoffs and choke in the first couple of rounds :)
So are the Panthers trying to get everyone who played on the Caps on their team? I’m won’t be surprised when I see a big trade for Hannan.
Proud member of the Popsicle Division of the Cupcake Conference.
I was also happy to see Brads bleed like a champ (jesus, that was a lot of blood)
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION!
So the next Caps game isn’t until Thursday. Who else thinks that is too long?
"A picture is worth a thousand words. For moving pictures we manage to shorten it to one or two."
by Dimagus on Oct 24, 2011 7:11 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Michal Neuvirth doesn’t.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 24, 2011 7:23 AM EDT up reply actions 7 recs
The gaps in the schedule are going to come, as are the three games in four night stretches. I can argue that I’d like the Caps to play sooner based on the fact that they are on a roll and healthy. However, who’s to say that they might not have a similar run in the future. It is what it is and, as JP points out, good for our second goalie.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
Probably not the Leafs:
Toronto’s 2nd game: Sat. Oct. 8
Toronto’s 3rd game: Sat. Oct. 15
You tried your best and failed miserably. The lesson is "Never Try."
San Jose Sharks:
Game 1 Saturday, October 8
Game 2 Friday, October 15
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
The NHL scheduling has been ridiculous to start the season.
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Oct 24, 2011 9:49 AM EDT up reply actions
I suspect a lot of the strange openings in schedules (or lack thereof) is due to the moving of Atlanta to Winnipeg after the league had set up the schedule to begin with. There probably was a game between Sat. and Thurs. on the Caps schedule (either at Altanta, or Atlanta visiting here.) It makes no sense that the Caps have 4 open days after playing 7 games while Pittsburgh has already played 10 games, except that the Pens have already played Winnipeg…
This will all get sorted out when they realign after this season… maybe, depending on how they do it, and depending on how the Coyotes situation plays out.
Winnipeg? Winnipeg??? Oy! (And now it's official...)
by MikeL-Pivonka on Oct 24, 2011 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions
Here is how important early season games like this are. Sure, two points is two points is two points, but by earning 14 points in the first seven games, if the Caps were to go the rest of the season “.500” (that is, 75 points in 75 remaining games), they would finish at 89 points. Last year, that would have been only four points out of a playoff spot. Anyone think the Caps are going to play the last 75 games at .500?
If you've read this far...seek help.
So you’re saying they’re likely to make the playoffs?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Keeping it real
Terrifically juvenile.
by stemmer on Oct 24, 2011 8:16 AM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
And very ironic, given the results of the Caps/Montreal series back in 2010.
http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2011/10/23/is-it-time-for-montreal-to-fire-jacques-martin/
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Caps PP
The PP unit of NB19-Brouwer-Ovi-Green-Wideman has scored on three of their four scoring chances.
Over close to the same amount of TOI, NB19-Laich-Ovi-Green-Semin is one for seven.
"Shots aren't the important thing. Scoring chances are way more important than shots." - Bruce Boudreau
See my work in the Washington Post and on ESPN Insider.
Follow me on Twitter @ngreenberg
Are you suggesting the power play is better with Wideman on the point instead of Ovechkin?
#fancystats
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
So far, and Brouwer has been setting up some great screens.
"Shots aren't the important thing. Scoring chances are way more important than shots." - Bruce Boudreau
See my work in the Washington Post and on ESPN Insider.
Follow me on Twitter @ngreenberg
Brouwer has been setting up some great screens.
How would you know that, not watching games and all? Is there a new #fancystat tracking the percentage of a goalie’s vision which is obstructed?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
How would you know that, not watching games and all?
Busted.
"Shots aren't the important thing. Scoring chances are way more important than shots." - Bruce Boudreau
See my work in the Washington Post and on ESPN Insider.
Follow me on Twitter @ngreenberg
/awkward
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Seriously though, this team’s traffic/60 is way up this season.
by Kolzilla on Oct 24, 2011 9:07 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I think that’s what I’ve enjoyed most about this season. Between Brouwer, Knuble and Ward, you’ve got three big butts on the top 3 lines. Awesome. Brouwer’s been pretty invisible otherwise but I’m willing to cut him a lot of slack if keeps going to the crease.
by Dirk Dangler on Oct 24, 2011 9:54 AM EDT up reply actions
the left wing on the first line and the center on the third line also have reasonably large frames
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Oct 24, 2011 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions
Of course, but history has shown that those two aren’t quite as consistent with using their frames. But I’d be fine with re-writing history this season in more ways than one.
by Dirk Dangler on Oct 24, 2011 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions
Not just big butts though, they are in the right place, along with the other guys heading to the bakery too.
In years past I have often cursed about how little the Caps seem to get deflections toward the goal. They either blasted big slap shots, or pretty individual effort goals, or tic tac passing goals, but just about nothing deflected at the net.
This year is different. Lots of traffic in front, but also lots of traffic 5-10 feet out for deflections too. As quiet as it seems Schultz is, he might actually have nice box cars this year. He doesn’t get much power on his shots, but his wrist shot is pretty easy to deflect and he can release it quickly to get through traffic. Without anything to back it up numbers wise, I feel like the Caps have probably already had more goals from deflections this year than they have had in the last two years combined.
by HateOffSeason on Oct 24, 2011 7:54 PM EDT up reply actions
I share your view re: deflections. Brouwer and Ward seem particularly adept at them, and Nicky even got into the action the other night. It’s a welcome improvement – maybe I just didn’t notice them before, but I feel like the Caps have scored a lot more than normal on intentional deflections thus far (and a fair number on unintentional deflections off the D when throwing it at the net with bodies in front).
At the risk of self-promotion, take a look at the goal chart we put up and how many goals the Caps have scored from where they had Ovechkin stuck last season. It ain’t many.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Sorry – I was being snarky – perhaps too much.
I want Ovechkin off the point as bad as anyone.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
…dropping Ovi down to an area where, you know, the opposing D actually have to worry about.
Cross check and all call.
Like where he moves more than ten feet from side to side. Yes.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
Caps have scored four power play goals on their last eight shots
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 24, 2011 7:58 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Well, when you score, you don’t get another PP shot. ;)
Economy of PP time is nice.
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
Seriously, that means they’ve only had and average of only 2.3 SOG in the last three PP chances. Terrible.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Oct 24, 2011 8:48 AM EDT up reply actions
MoJo and Chimera are the rabbits luring the other team into the Wideman-Green kill zone
RAMPAGE
by JediChewbacca on Oct 24, 2011 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
But it’s just a harmless little bunny…
Winnipeg? Winnipeg??? Oy! (And now it's official...)
by MikeL-Pivonka on Oct 24, 2011 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I really hope we keep seeing this as PP1. Brouwer has much better net presence than Laich, which was badly needed, and both Wideman and Green are very good pointmen. Add in Backstrom’s passing and Ovie having a chance to find a soft spot like his second goal the other night, and this could be a dangerous group.
My mind is all twisted like a peanut.
And if Brouwer can learn to take the puck from the goal line and attempt to skate in and stuff it, we’ll be golden!
by Dirk Dangler on Oct 24, 2011 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t want to say I told you so, but…
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Oct 24, 2011 9:51 AM EDT up reply actions
So if finishing scoring chances is mostly a matter of luck (i.e. scoring chance finish regresses to some mean) then wouldn’t those numbers indicate the PP has been better with AO on the point (more total scoring chances) but much less lucky than the pointless-AO PP group?
Obviously, this is all speculation.
I’d think the answer there would depend on TOI for each unit – hard to say without seeing the rate of scoring chances created, but I agree with your logic.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Agreed, but it seemed to me that the raw TOI was close enough to treat them as the same.
Over close to the same amount of TOI, NB19-Laich-Ovi-Green-Semin is one for seven.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
Yeah, maybe I should actually read. My bad.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
If you score on one of your early chances on the PP, obviously there won’t be any more. But we’re already happy.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Oct 24, 2011 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions
wouldn’t those numbers indicate the PP has been better with AO on the point
Yes, but knowing what I know about how those chances were created (by – GASP! – watching the game), I don’t think so.
"Shots aren't the important thing. Scoring chances are way more important than shots." - Bruce Boudreau
See my work in the Washington Post and on ESPN Insider.
Follow me on Twitter @ngreenberg
I don’t think so either. So then what does that imply? Not all scoring chances are equal? Something else is going on with the rate numbers (like Dave said above)?
Obviously, this is all speculation.
So then what does that imply? Not all scoring chances are equal? Something else is going on with the rate numbers (like Dave said above)?
Now that I have a season’s worth of data, no, not all scoring chances are created equal. Some of it has to do with how the chance is created and who is on the ice.
For this (PP unit effectiveness) specifically, I will have a WaPo post.
"Shots aren't the important thing. Scoring chances are way more important than shots." - Bruce Boudreau
See my work in the Washington Post and on ESPN Insider.
Follow me on Twitter @ngreenberg
not all scoring chances are created equal
Of course not. How could they be? The difference between a non-scoring chance and a scoring chance is somewhat arbitrary itself (the “homeplate” area is convenient because of the markings on the ice, not some magical shape outside of which fewer goals are scored), so how could anyone actually posit that all shots from within that area have the same likelihood of going in?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Homeplate
the "homeplate" area is convenient because of the markings on the ice, not some magical shape outside of which fewer goals are scored
“Homeplate” may be too generous. These were goals scored at EV for 100 random NHL games.
"Shots aren't the important thing. Scoring chances are way more important than shots." - Bruce Boudreau
See my work in the Washington Post and on ESPN Insider.
Follow me on Twitter @ngreenberg
by NGreenberg on Oct 24, 2011 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
Right, and most scorers scoring scoring chances (huh?) generally consider anything within the homeplate area to be one, outside to not be one. But clearly the closer in, the better the scoring chance, which confirms what we already knew intuitively – that not all scoring chances are created equal.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
It’s not even “closer in” that’s more important – a shot taken from ten feet in front of the goal line is going to be a better scoring chance than a quick whack at the puck from two feet out with the goalie directly in front. There are an awful lot of factors that go in to determining whether something is a scoring chance; shots attempted from within the “home-plate” area is just good shorthand for what’s a “scoring chance.”
Oh, and
scorers scoring scoring chances (huh?)
Buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo.
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?
by Wheeler on Oct 24, 2011 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
___
Rec’d for the last line.
I’m just having a problem (today) with “scoring chance” as binary.
Put another way,
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Do the official scorers use that as their basis?
I always assumed (wish I could remember where I got that assumption) that most people talked about that shape because they were doing analysis having only shot-location data in an easily-digested form (or perhaps from feeling like using any other data would do more to introduce bias than to correct any problems).
So, right now, we’ve got a zone-based measurement with two zones (SC, !SC). Perhaps a better way to measure would be to have a larger number of zones, so it wouldn’t be so binary? Not sure how easy it would be to fairly create those zones. But maybe there’s enough shot-location data to make that useful, now?
Geeks of All Nations, Compile!
There’s nothing official about scoring chances.
And I tend to agree – I would think that a heat-map type visualization would make more sense.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I for one can not wait to see how we match up speed wise with the Oilers. I think we are a very fast team and only the Pens have looked faster of the teams we have played so far. Thursday will be fun.
Looking at their roster, they have absolutely no scoring from their bottom lines, and hardly any from their second. RNH has 5 goals, but no one else has more than 2. With a healthy dose of Chimera-Ward-Laich applied to their top line, I think we can shut down their offense.
by Flash in the Pan on Oct 24, 2011 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Assuming that we don’t have a big let-down. I think it’ll be an interesting test of whether Boudreau’s coaching has improved (or, alternatively, whether the team’s internal accountability mechanisms have improved, I suppose).
Geeks of All Nations, Compile!
Yep. Going to be a good barometer about where the team is mentally. It’s pretty easy to see a trap game there, what with it coming between DET and VAN.
The WC swings have not been good for the Caps the last couple years, at least in terms of the level of their play.
I will be quite interested to see which team shows up.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Same here. Western road trips are rarely complete successes. EDM will be a good test for focus, VAN a good overall test against another presumptive contender.
Especially a contender who the Caps have trouble beating. As a general rule, the teams I dread the Caps playing are: LA Kings, San Jose Sharks, LA Kings in no particular order. I know for a fact they have not beaten the Sharks in San Jose for the last 10 years and have beaten them only once during that time frame. They have not beaten the Kings since the 2008-2009 season, inclusive (and don’t know their history prior to that).
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Did you mean the Ducks too, or did the 7-6 run n’ gun dissuade you of that and now you just doubly fear the Kings?
J.P.: You might be the king of all geeks here…
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Oct 24, 2011 6:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Does putting Beagle on “week to week” allow them to carry an extra player out west with them? I figure they’ll call up at least a d-man, maybe even another forward to make the trip.
"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
Beagle is still taking up a roster spot until he gets actually put on IR.
You tried your best and failed miserably. The lesson is "Never Try."
Thanks. So the only reason to change is status from “day to day” to “week to week” was to get the press to stop asking about him for a while? That’s so….un-Bruce like.
"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
Can anyone explain to me what the hell Dale Tallon is doing trading away a young player and a pick for Mikael Samuelsson and Marco Sturm?
OK, I understand giving up on a young player. Sometimes you just realize they’re not going to amount to anything. After all, Florida traded away Nathan Horton not too long ago, and he certainly hasn’t been heard of since or contributed to anything great. And Florida did get the veteran keystone to their defense for years to come, Dennis Wideman.
Snark aside, Horton also brought Florida a first-round pick. That’s doing things the right way. If you’re going to trade away a young player, and you’re a team in Florida’s situation, aren’t you crazy if you don’t get young assets or picks in return? Samuelsson and Sturm have matching, one-year, $2.5 Million contracts that leave them as UFAs in the next offseason. Florida just dumped David Booth, Steve Renprecht and a 3rd round pick for nothing of lasting value.
Maybe Tallon thinks they’re going to win something this year. Maybe he thinks they’re in an Atlanta situation and they have to get good right away or they’ll have to move. Maybe he’s scared he’s about to get fired unless they get better right away.
I don’t particularly care what the reason is. If Booth, Renprecht, and a pick are worth two veterans, then there’s got to be another deal he could have made that would have brought Florida something they can use after this season.
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
C&B had a post on this: The David Booth Trade
"Shots aren't the important thing. Scoring chances are way more important than shots." - Bruce Boudreau
See my work in the Washington Post and on ESPN Insider.
Follow me on Twitter @ngreenberg
I strongly recommend reading this article. Scott Reynolds is excellent, as usual.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Oct 24, 2011 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
In return for that whole-lot-of-nothing, Tallon gave up a third-round pick, was able to rid himself of a $1.99M liability in Steven Reinprecht, and gave up David Booth. In other words, once you factor in the other salaries and the value of the pick, David Booth was sold for about $1M. If you accept that Sturm and Samuelsson weren’t really targeted by Florida, then you should accept that the $1M valuation on his contract was likely one of the highest around the NHL, and that it’s quite likely that many general managers thought that the contract presented negative value. In other words, Gillis is betting against pretty much everyone else in the league here, which doesn’t necessarily make this a mistake, but it should give the club pause.
Sorry for the long block-quote, but it seems like this is a pretty huge leap of logic. The valuations for these things are highly subjective, and the NHL trade market is far from perfect.
Unleash the Apathy.
Completely agree, and given the term on Booth’s deal there may have been teams that like him as a player, and could/would pay that for one year, but can’t commit that much longer term. Some teams may have already committed their long term deals, or have a guy on an RFA deal they need to worry about before taking on Booth.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
What do you think? Is Booth’s play such that you need to include a dowry in order to get rid of him and Reiprecht?
Patron saint of quality footwear.
I’ve been a bit of a Booth fanboy over the years, and if he recovers and doesn’t have longterm concussion issues I think VAN wins this deal in a land slide.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
As some writers/tv people have pointed out, Booth has a history with Kesler. I looked it up, he has a limited NTC which kicks in on July 1 so that has to be factored into any deal Tallon makes, too, because while I think we all hope Booth doesn’t have any setbacks, it’s possible.
I agree it’s possible. I just think that if Tallon really wanted flexibility maybe he doesn’t spend a ton of cash on long term deals all summer.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
Yeah, I’ve liked Booth’s game too. Just checking to see if I’m wildly off base.
Booth + Reinprecht + a 3rd for Sturm and Samuellson seems like a completely lopsided trade in VAN’s favor.
I think Booth is 2 years removed from the concussion issues, right?
Patron saint of quality footwear.
if he recovers and doesn’t have longterm concussion issues
Therein lies the rub, of course, and I see no reason to think that’ll be the case (see, for example, Neil’s post on Crosby).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Career Shooting Percentage
David Booth: 9.2%
Jason “Hands of Stone” Chimera: 9.3%
Unleash the Apathy.
by D'ohboy on Oct 24, 2011 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Why is this directed at me? And do you really think shooting percentage is even a halfway good measure of “hands?”
Obviously, this is all speculation.
Your comment was the most logical for a reply – it wasn’t necessarily aimed at you.
My point isn’t to suggest that hands are one-dimensionally correlated to shooting percentage, so much as to point out that Booth is probably not going to be a top-line scorer going forward. One or two years of low shooting percentages can be written off as luck, but over a career, it begins to look like the guy just isn’t great at putting the puck in the net. For someone who’s considered a “power” forward, sub-10% is pretty poor.
Unleash the Apathy.
And yet at the same time, a healthy David Booth is a basically a lock for 20. He may have it all come together for another 30 goal season, but I wouldn’t expect many more of those. Still, 20 goals is a nice secondary scorer, and something that Chimera has only dreamed of (and would need a career year to achieve).
Obviously, this is all speculation.
Yeah, but you have to use the Lying Eyes ability to get off a weak shot/flubbed shot in high quality scoring opportunities test. I swear there have been stretches of “I wish it was anyone other than Stone Hands” on the end of certain plays.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Oct 25, 2011 2:01 AM EDT up reply actions
Given where FLA is likely to finish, I don’t think the logical leap is all that huge. Sturm + Samuelsson = 5mm in salary cap money. Booth is what, 4.25? Reinprecht is essentially 2mm in cash, so assuming that the 3rd round pick is worth ~$250,000 in value over replacement on their ELC and RFA deals on average (I’m guessing that’s the calculation he’s using there), you have about a million dollars this year saved for FLA in this deal.
That the valuations for these things are subjective isn’t in debate, but that’s probably where the calculation happened. There’s tacit admission that the NHL trade market is far from perfect in saying that Gillis is betting against all the other GMs, which isn’t necessarily a mistake.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Oct 24, 2011 5:03 PM EDT up reply actions
My point was more about the comment that 28 other GMs passed. It’s entirely possible that 28 other GMs didn’t have the correct salary to send back the other way in addition to the space to take on Booth and Reinprecht’s contracts, or maybe they didn’t have a pick . . . or maybe they just didn’t need a 2W.
There are all sorts of variables at play – it’s possible that 15 other GMs might have made the same move were they in Gillis’ position, but they simply weren’t in his position. It doesn’t necessarily follow that he’s “betting against the market.”
Saying: “Gillis valued Booth’s contract at $1m and nobody else did” is a facile argument in my opinion.
Unleash the Apathy.
by D'ohboy on Oct 24, 2011 5:17 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Okay, that’s fair. It’s actually Vancouver’s original 3rd from that year also, if I understand the trade correctly. If I thought Dale Tallon were operating with a reasonable plan, I’d say he was ameliorating his injury risks going forward, but this summer belies that idea.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Oct 24, 2011 7:35 PM EDT up reply actions
I read it as Reinprecht is a replacement level player, so negative value and $2 million down the drain over the rest of the season, with 3rds on average $1 million in value.
Red Line Station and @RedArmyLine, featuring coverage of the most frustrating team in the NHL
I believe in next year.
by red army line on Oct 24, 2011 5:20 PM EDT up reply actions
I guess I just have a hard time accepting that FLA did this deal to save $1 million in cash this year after the boatloads of cash they handed out this offseason. I think it has to be understood as Tallon’s vote of no confidence that Booth will end up being worth his existing deal, for whatever reason, and jumping to get out of it now before other GMs reached the same conclusion.
by grapejoos on Oct 24, 2011 5:35 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
That he didn’t get much return on that means that most GMs have come to that conclusion already. FLA confuses me.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Oct 24, 2011 7:35 PM EDT up reply actions
The important thing is Gillis is betting against Tallon, which seems like a pretty good idea given how Tallon manages talent (not just the spending this summer, remember how he waived Grabner?).
by Flash in the Pan on Oct 24, 2011 7:07 PM EDT up reply actions
I think he just wanted to get out of Booth’s contract. This gives Tallon more$ flexibility after this season. But yeah, I’m not sure how it makes the on-ice product any better.
Bingo. I rather like Tallon’s thinking if it goes along these lines…
1. Booth is overcompensated
2. Neither Strum nor Samuelsson figure in Florida’s plans after this season.
3. He frees roster spots in 2012-2013 for up-and-coming prospects
4. He’s got cap room in 12/13 for FA’s if he chooses to go that route.
What it does, however, is pretty much write off this season. But Florida is a team in need of more surgery, and after the assets the team added via free agency last summer, these actions would qualify as debriding the wound. All the icky stuff should be off his books by summer.
If you've read this far...seek help.
“Icky” has to include Campbell’s K and Flash’s K, though, right? How’s he going to get rid of those?
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Given their ages, I’d have to assume Tallon looks at Campbell and Flesichmann as being a part of the plan going forward. Jovanovski is a bit of a head-scratcher.
If you've read this far...seek help.
I only see Jovo as a veteran mentor for Gubrandson.
by Rather Bengt on Oct 24, 2011 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions
Booth may be overcompensated, but so are all the guys Tallon brought in this off-season. It seems Booth’s problem is he had the temerity to sign and over-compensating contract that wasn’t offered by Dale Tallon.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
by Rob Parker on Oct 24, 2011 9:31 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Sturm shouldn’t figure into any NHL teams’ plan after this season…. he’s barely an NHL player now.
Winnipeg? Winnipeg??? Oy! (And now it's official...)
by MikeL-Pivonka on Oct 24, 2011 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions
I disagree. He hasn’t finished at all, but he’s done a lot of the little things exactly right. Give him a year and he’ll be scoring again.
Red Line Station and @RedArmyLine, featuring coverage of the most frustrating team in the NHL
I believe in next year.
by red army line on Oct 24, 2011 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Give him a year and he’ll beplaying in Dortmundretired do to recurring shoulder issues.
Fixed. The Sturm situation is an awful lot like Nylander’s without the $4.85M cap hit/boat anchor attached. At the age Sturm is (and Nylander was) shoulder injuries don’t heal in weeks or months… they heal in years. Sturm’s career is pretty much over.
Winnipeg? Winnipeg??? Oy! (And now it's official...)
by MikeL-Pivonka on Oct 24, 2011 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Shoulder? I thought it was a couple of serious knee injuries.
Red Line Station and @RedArmyLine, featuring coverage of the most frustrating team in the NHL
I believe in next year.
by red army line on Oct 24, 2011 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Nylander is shoulder (and neck), Sturm is knee, iirc.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION!
To go along with your 4th point, Bob McKenzie did tweet this,
FLA’s big gain in deal is losing a $2.175M salary (Reinprecht) in the minors. But FLA had not been impressed with Booth’s play for some time
by Rather Bengt on Oct 24, 2011 1:06 PM EDT up reply actions
4. He’s got cap room in 12/13 for FA’s if he chooses to go that route.
I wonder why he’d need more cap room? Surely not because he overpaid middle six forwards three months ago.
Red Line Station and @RedArmyLine, featuring coverage of the most frustrating team in the NHL
I believe in next year.
by red army line on Oct 24, 2011 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions
But jeez, the guy still has value! If you want to get out from under his contract, trade him for a pick! If Brouwer can fetch a 1st, surely Booth is worth at least a 3rd. Why pay to give away a decent player?
by Flash in the Pan on Oct 24, 2011 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Thass alz I’m sayin!
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Oct 24, 2011 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions
My guess: he’s trying to shake up the team by trading an “established” guy; he’s swapping a 4 year K for a couple expiring ones; and he’s purging the vestiges of the prior administration.
It doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to me, though, for the reasons you mention.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Well, wasn’t Tallon the one who didn’t get some of his RFAs their QOs a few years back? And someone nixed his trade for Nylander?
You tried your best and failed miserably. The lesson is "Never Try."
buh, just noticed the autospellcheck line.
2 minutes in the box for me
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Oct 24, 2011 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions
McKenzie just tweeted that Michalek is out for PIT with a broken finger. Given how they’ve been doing as the lineup keeps getting depleted, somehow I just don’t see that as a big deal. You’d think that one of these days it would catch up to them.
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
At this point, losing a D is far more painful to Pittsburgh than losing any other position.
My worry is that this triggers them to add some D depth that makes the team better in the long run. If they thought headhunting Green was a strategy last year, they’d better be ready for teams to headhunt Kris Letang if the end result is going to be more Ben Lovejoy.
They sure got Orpik back none too soon.
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Oct 24, 2011 9:20 AM EDT up reply actions
Where exactly will the Pens get the money from to improve their D depth? They aren’t exactly swimming in Cap space.
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Oct 24, 2011 9:55 AM EDT up reply actions
If during this past offseason, the Philadelphia Flyers could sign Ilya Bryzgalov and Jaromir Jagr to a combined $9 Million of cap hit, then anything’s possible. Maybe not likely, but possible.
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Oct 24, 2011 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions
so the Pens are going to trade Sid and Geno? Awesome!
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION!
C’mon Brain. Don’t think you can just recycle some 2010-11 2009-10 observation and slide it past the Rink commentariat.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
No, I’m snarking on the fact that Mason has had two poor seasons since his Calder trophy but for some reason it’s still a surprise to people.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
if only it were just Steve Mason that was the problem on that team.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION!
I’m trying to find a single cause for their suckiness this season. They’ve had a relatively low number of shots against per game and they’re middle of the road when it comes for shots for. Not a huge number of PK time.
Chalk it up to bad luck, all around crappy play, or is Mason the #1 reason for their situation right now?
Their top D is (was) out. Their top D is Wizniewski. Their top C is out.
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Oct 24, 2011 10:26 AM EDT up reply actions
Man. I feel bad for Nash. He’s making a hell of a lot of money, but he’s stuck in that contract ’till the end of the 2013/2014 season.
Do you think a time will come where he’ll demand a trade?
He’s always said he (and his family, iirc) loves it in Columbus and he wants to spend his whole career there. That said, anyone who claims to enjoy living in Ohio is a liar in my book, so who knows?
by Flash in the Pan on Oct 24, 2011 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions
If you can disregard the university situated there….
by Rather Bengt on Oct 24, 2011 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m currently at the University of Michigan (in a class, even). I’m contractually obligated to disparage Ohio every time an opportunity presents itself.
by Flash in the Pan on Oct 24, 2011 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Mathieu Perreault is our 2C according to NHL On The Fly
I was watching NHL On the Fly this morning and they were talking about the Caps/Wings game, and whether the Capitals had any weaknesses. I was impressed when they mentioned the Capitals only weakness was possibly their 2C. I was unimpressed when they said that Mathieu Perreault was our 2C.
Tu ne cede malis
by _Skullduggery_ on Oct 24, 2011 10:09 AM EDT reply actions
I noticed that too. Does that make Halpy and Hendy 2nd liners too?
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Oct 24, 2011 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions
Is that lazy reporting, stretching to create a storyline, or bias in favor of a Canadian over a Swede?
In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.
Just stupidity. At first I wasn’t sure if he meant to praise MP85 and got the line wrong, but on second listen this morning, he’s just an idiot.
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
Mike Johnson usually isn’t that bad—he knows what he’s talking about anyway. But overlooking Mojo’s good start with Perry’s….
Cross check and all call.
by bigonetimer on Oct 24, 2011 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions
I’d give Johnson a pass since at least he was speaking of a player that played 2C this season. The dude with him (don’t recall his name) was definitely guilty of lazy reporting; re-telling the storyline from 2 years ago about how the Caps are a high offense team that needs to tighten up on defense.
"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
And Islanders GM on June 8, 2006 from 11:15 to 2:07
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Oct 24, 2011 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Ovi hates kids! Look at him ignoring them!
Then again, better that he ignores them that he endangers them. /Montreal’d
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 24, 2011 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Look at him ignoring them!
They look like Flyer fans. So it’s ok. Everyone will give him a pass on that one.
They must be. That’s the “Welcome to Comcast Country” or some such crap at Wells Fargo Arena (shouldn’t it be “Welcome to Wells Fargo Country and That’ll Cost You $15 in Fees for Reading This Sign?”)
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 24, 2011 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
On the contrary, he loves children, but with a little salt and pepper.
"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 24, 2011 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Baby meat?! BABY MEAT?!?
Obviously, this is all speculation.
by Rob Parker on Oct 24, 2011 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Why you talking?! You can’t even play!
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Oct 24, 2011 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions
None of the kids have been freshly sprayed by a snow job. Nothing to see here.
by Rather Bengt on Oct 24, 2011 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, he should care like #SashaCares
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 24, 2011 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions
Goddamn kids are trying to steal his mind grapes.
Unleash the Apathy.
by D'ohboy on Oct 24, 2011 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
New drinking game. A beer for every comment that includes the following words;
Crapitals
Bandwagon
Choke
Ovechicken
Crosby
Fat Bruce joke
April, May and/or June
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Oct 24, 2011 10:47 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
You left out Haagen Dasz references…
Winnipeg? Winnipeg??? Oy! (And now it's official...)
by MikeL-Pivonka on Oct 24, 2011 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions
Wouldn’t those be filed under “Fat Bruce Joke”?
by Flash in the Pan on Oct 24, 2011 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions
I’d like to think that it deserves a special category all it’s own… esp. considering how good it is. :)
Winnipeg? Winnipeg??? Oy! (And now it's official...)
by MikeL-Pivonka on Oct 24, 2011 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Lambert’s always been a bit in love with the Caps. or at least the version of the Caps that piles on the goals like it’s a walk int he park.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION!
Radical Notion
I am not necessarily advocating this, but I thought I’d throw it out to the discussion:
Is now the right to time to consider trading Matty P? Consider:
1. It’s always better to deal from a position of strength—The Caps are the only unbeaten team in the league.
2. Matty is a natural center, and that position is filled on this team.
3. His offensive upside and defensive liabilities make him better suited for top six duty, but, again, that path is blocked on this team.
4. We’ve all seen him have hot starts to his time in DC, only to cool off and be eventually demoted.
5. His stock is never going to get higher—three goals in the last two games, with pretty good defense.
I understand it’s lunacy to monkey with a winning team, but at the same time, I always have regretted McPhee not unloading Chris Simon the morning after he netted his 29th goal of the season (presumably off another sweet feed from Adam Oates).
Whaddya think? Completely nuts, or only partially nuts?
We're Hüsker Dü and we're on MTV. Who are you, and what are you on?
I wouldn’t say no to the right deal. It would probably have to be at least a 3rd round pick + a proven fourth liner who can contribute right away and I doubt anyone’s going to offer that.
This is where I am, too. His PDO is 1200 or something, so he’ll cool off, and most likely abruptly. If there were a deal like you indicated, I’d take it.
Beagle is injured, so without a good player coming back, the Caps are looking at having to call up Eakin or Sjogren to take his minutes.
Also, I think MP’s play apart from the scoring has looked pretty good, so I’m inclined to keep running him out there.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
These were the lines for Hershey’s game yesterday against big goal-scoring Syracuse:
Kane – Eakin – Micflikier
Bourque – Aucoin – Ford
Sjogren – Hanson – Carroll
Bouchard – Lacroix – Mitchell
Eakin centering the top line ahead of Aucoin was a bit of a surprise.
The Sjogren-Hanson-Carroll line was given shutdown duties and held the Cruch’s dangerous top line to no points.
If you watch the video highlights, you’ll see D-Sabs made some pretty nice saves.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
In my mind, any line with Bourque and Aucoin is the top line in Hershey, or at least 1A.
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Oct 24, 2011 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions
and it was the top line yesterday…and at times Micflikier was on that line with Bourque and Aucoin a lot from what I recall; of course, the PP was a factor with the line combos, too. Bouchard played on several lines, too, as the game progressed, especially with all the penalties and special teams play.
Sabourin played very well yesterday. Disappointed to not see Grubauer get a start before going back to the Stingrays but it made some sense to give him the Stingrays start and get Sabourin a game, too. Grubauer met SC in Chicago and started his first pro game yesterday, a 3-2 win and made 31 saves.
Kolzig and Prior were in Hershey watching the game.
As was Dave Hanson.
Who nobody got any pictures of, apparently.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Also, it was nice to see Orlov, Sjogren and Brouillette all score their first goals of the season in the Hershey 7-0 win. Also, Syracuse just kept giving them PPs…4 PPGs out of the 7 goals. Sabourin picked up an assist on a pass to Aucoin on one of the PPGs.
Eakin needs the minutes more than Aucoin, as Eakin has a future career in the NHL while Aucoin’s destined to be an NHL call-up the rest of his career unless the NHL Board of Governors collectively decide to discuss franchise issues while on hallucinogens, and agrees to expand the league to 32 teams.
Winnipeg? Winnipeg??? Oy! (And now it's official...)
by MikeL-Pivonka on Oct 24, 2011 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions
he’ll cool off, and most likely abruptly.
Not if he doesn’t cut his hair!
by Flash in the Pan on Oct 24, 2011 1:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Name me one time that something bad happened to someone after their hair was cut.
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Oct 24, 2011 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions
I think MP looks like he can play, so why move him now? He does seem to be a better fit in the top 6, but for lack of a better term he’s been a revelation on that 4th line. It’s nice to have a 4th line that can be a threat.
And just like we’ve seen MP get hot and cool off, so have all the other GMs. So if his value is lower for us because we don’t think he’ll keep it up, then it probably will be lower for other teams.
The Caps have been patient with him so far, and now it’s starting to look like it might pay off. I’d ride this out and see if he really has turned a corner. That 4th line isn’t nearly as good with Beagle or King (and Beagle is still, uh, injured or something) so I don’t think it makes a ton of sense to shop him now.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
Believe me, I’d ride it out too—I love love love seeing a fourth line that does more than skate up and down for seven minutes a night.
But I can’t believe there aren’t any dumb GM’s out there who’d evaluate Matty (or almost any player) radically differently than we would (e.g. Dale Tallon thinks Flash is a first liner, and he just kinda gave away David Booth).
We're Hüsker Dü and we're on MTV. Who are you, and what are you on?
by bilspacecadet on Oct 24, 2011 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions
I think MP looks like he can play, so why move him now?
If he’s playing like crap, he has no trade value. And if he’s playing well, you don’t want to get rid of him. But that’s life…
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Oct 24, 2011 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions
More or less, yeah. But there are guys that build up track records (one way or the other) that become more important than a short sample size. If the Caps think MP has been on a basically-upward trajectory then they’d be less likely to think this is just another hot streak. I think they are probably in the “prove it’s not a hot streak” mindset right now, but they’ll let him play it out and show them.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
And with Eakin and Sjogren available, there’s really no pressure to fill any holes. There are good options available if Perreault fades. One of those guys is going to have a decent year in the NHL this year.
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Oct 24, 2011 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions
His production is a bit untenable but I think he did turn a corner. He’s normally 2 games and done, and now he’s at 5 and still pushing himself every game.
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
Fourth line minutes seem to suit his game quite well.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Given his stature, you gotta figure playing top-6 minutes takes a toll on him physically. The more manageable minutes might be a better fit for him.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Oct 24, 2011 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Goes with what Bruce said earlier, about how the limited minutes of a 4-liner allow him to continue to show his great bursts of play.
"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 wouldn’t discount the impact of putting on some weight and a good off-season training program. Guess time will tell, but I wouldn’t want him just pigeon-holed into 10 minutes a night.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
If he has turned a corner, he deserves to get some PP minutes at least. On the other hand, putting some legitimate offensive threat onto a 4th line is really making the Capitals incredibly deep.
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
Where do you see a natural path playing out? Left side of Mojo on the 2 next year, with Seming flipped to the other side after Knuble retires?
We're Hüsker Dü and we're on MTV. Who are you, and what are you on?
by bilspacecadet on Oct 24, 2011 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions
I have no idea, too many moving parts. I just think it’s still at the “cultivate talent” phase. Until you know whether Semin will return, whether Kuz will come over next year, how Kuz looks if he does come over, you can’t even begin to project lines.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
Yeah, too far away to know for sure. But if MP keeps up his play this season then he’s in great position to get a spot in the top 6 if Semin and Knuble are gone after this year (which I think there is a good chance of happening).
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Oct 24, 2011 1:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Knuble’s not retiring after this year. I’ll bet he’d like to stay here, just for continuity for the kids, too. Will be interesting to see how it plays out.
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
I’ve gotten the impression that, if at all possible, he wouldn’t mind retiring in a Caps sweater. it’s just that he doesn’t want to retire any time soon!
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION!
There was a thread a couple days ago on HFBoards about what it would take for NJD to get Perreault. At least one Devils fan said he’d do Perreault for a 3rd. Given GMGM’s infatuation with this year’s draft, I think if the Devils offer him that trade, he’d take it. I wouldn’t mind it either.
by Flash in the Pan on Oct 24, 2011 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Whaddya think? Completely nuts, or only partially nuts?
On a “nuts” scale, it rates a Phil Kessel.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 24, 2011 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
Is that a Thoresen in metric?
J.P.: You might be the king of all geeks here…
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Oct 24, 2011 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions
I thought it was a Bert Cooper idea myself, but that’s only because I wrote the OP
We're Hüsker Dü and we're on MTV. Who are you, and what are you on?
by bilspacecadet on Oct 24, 2011 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Vokes
Can I just say, for the record, that it’s AMAZING to have such outstanding goaltending? I know that Neuvy, Varly, and Holtby have all looked great for the Caps in the past few years, but holy god Vokoun is a revelation between the pipes.
He may not be our future in net, but my my my, the ‘now’ is delicious.
by Beaupre for Mercy on Oct 24, 2011 10:50 AM EDT reply actions
Ups and Downs are up. Spoiler alert: no red arrows! All puppy dogs and rainbows!
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Vokoun gets NHL’s 3rd Star of the Week. Celebratory FanShot posted.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Huzzah!
Winnipeg? Winnipeg??? Oy! (And now it's official...)
by MikeL-Pivonka on Oct 24, 2011 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions
No star for Stecks?
Robbed!
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
No star for Stecks Crosby?
Robbed!
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 24, 2011 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
It’s not news, but PD has a post about the bundling for STH’s in Philly for the Winter Classic tickets. WC, AHL game and alumni game. The individual pricing for the latter two is astounding. Unfortunately, if it happenes here, I’m sure I’ll bite the bullet and buy the package, too, but those prices have got to go. I think it was like $70 for the alumni game and $40 for the AHL game. The AHL game isn’t so bad, but the alumni game? Oof.
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
Charging us $70+ for an alumni game after charging $10 this year would take some serious cojones.
"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
It could happen
Monumental Sports Announces Fan-Friendly Pricing for Capitals/Red Wings Bridgestone Winter Classic
Monumental Sports, the parent company that owns the Washington Capitals, announced today what it terms its “fan-friendly” pricing strategy for the “Bridgestone Winter Classicpalooza” to be held at Nationals Park on January 1, 2013. For the single price of $2,500 (plus a ticketing and handling fee of $250), fans will have access to:
- Capitals/Red Wings game In the Bridgestone Winter Classic Game on January 1, 2013
- Hershey Bears vs. Grand Rapids Griffins on December 30, 2012
- Capitals Alumni vs. Red Wing Alumni on December 31, 2012
- Monumental Sports vs. Illich Holdings Charity Classic game on December 31, 2012
- SB Nation Tournament of Bloggers Invitational game on December 28, 2012
- Commemorative Plaque with the Ticket Holder’s Ticket and a facsimile of his credit card receipt
- Collector’s Edition of “Ted’s Take” Winter Classic blogs
- Official Bridgestone Commemorative Key Ring and Bottle Opener
- Official NHL Winter Classic ticket lanyard
- Boxed set of the entire schedule of Winter Classic games on DVD/Blueray
- And for Capitals fans, your only opportunity to renew your season tickets for the 2013-2014 season (deposit required)
Fans are urged to act fast, as this is the only league and club authorized ticket availability for all of these events.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 24, 2011 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
*and a $10 coupon for your next purchase of $150 or more from Groupon
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
You forgot the special Winter Classic Ticket Holder Savings Card for discounts on windows and IT services in the greater DC area.
You tried your best and failed miserably. The lesson is "Never Try."
And let’s not forget all of this will be printed by Ameritel… have you seen the triplets?
Winnipeg? Winnipeg??? Oy! (And now it's official...)
by MikeL-Pivonka on Oct 24, 2011 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Not going to admit how far down the list I got before realizing it was a goof. It was a goof, right?
/out of touch
Rooting for the Caps from the OBX.
by Acer Jonesy's Laughker on Oct 24, 2011 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, it’s a goof. The Caps will be playing the LA Kings in the Winter Classic on New Years day 2013.
Winnipeg? Winnipeg??? Oy! (And now it's official...)
by MikeL-Pivonka on Oct 24, 2011 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Well, it’s a goof because the Red Wings were the away team when they were in the WC, so they should get home field the next time. :) What? Bringing logic into this thread? Blasphemy! (personally, I like the idea of the opponent being Chicago, since the best Eastern teams aren’t going to be available in all likelihood.)
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
I’ll have an all-inclusive package for the “Birdie’s Rally in the Alley” before and after each Winter Classic event, starting at $400. For $600, you also get a photo with one of the kittens (kittens dependent on availability—you never know, Eric Fehr might have saved them). $800 gets you a kitten photo and a whack at the Winged Wheel pinata. $1500 gets all the the previous stuff and the opportunity to throw a stuffed penguin into the fire pit. Sign up now, space is limited!
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION!
by RedBirdie on Oct 24, 2011 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
Have no idea how they priced the STH prices for the outdoor game, but the prices in general for the Phantoms presale were 10-40 plus on average a 10 service charge per ticket so really the range was 20-50.
Bobrovsky vs. Gustavsson tonight…I put the over/under in total goals at 13.
If you've read this far...seek help.
DGB has the last word, as always
DownGoesBrown Down Goes Brown
Leafs call up Ben Scrivens, but Gustavsson starts in Philly. So if you want to see Scrivens play, don’t tune in until the second period.
We're Hüsker Dü and we're on MTV. Who are you, and what are you on?
by bilspacecadet on Oct 24, 2011 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions
a little late catching up today, but good prospect news to go with the bad news (i.e., injuries to Galiev and Wey):
Carrier named to Q Super Series team, which plays 2 games against the Russian team in November link
Really not liking the 4-day break. makes me a little bit nervous for EDM.
I think we get a better sense of where this team is if VAN and ANA feel inclined to put up solid all-around efforts next week. The Caps haven’t gotten much exposure to solid, healthy teams putting forth their best efforts.
I assume it would be heretical/otherwise verboten to speculate on when the streak ends?
Of course it would be. This team is going 82-0!
Caps D depth. Not a surprise but the updates today from practice include Erskine not being cleared as of now. The Caps leave later this week (assume Wed.) for a 2-game trip to Edmonton (Thu) and Vancouver (Sat). Do they take another dman with them on the trip?
Other related info: Hershey plays Friday at Springfield, Sat at Adirondack, Sun at home.
I suspect they take a D with them just in case.
I was trying to remember who comes after Erskine on the depth chart. McNeill? Orlov?
Patron saint of quality footwear.
I missed the mess of a game Hershey played on Saturday and not sure how much one can take away from the Sunday Hershey game, but I’d think Collins would be the most likely recall at this time. Also, as noted, it looks like Green is the most likely Caps dman to miss a game on the roadtrip.
My thoughts on the topic:
Collins – Has played a steady game in the games I have seen. He has been paired with McNeill and has been playing the right side as one would expect based on past seasons; he’s a right shot. No re-entry waivers required. If it’s an emergency recall, waiver clock won’t start. With the other options in Hershey doesn’t see much power play time with the Bears. Through 7 games, he leads all Hershey skaters with a +5. The only one of the 3 dmen, likely to be in the discussion for a recall, to play an NHL game. Collins has played in 19 regular season games and 1 playoff game for the Capitals in his career.
Orlov – Left shot, but more comfortable and familiar with playing on the right side. Hershey experimented with Orlov on the left side for one game and went back to the right side assignment. He has been paired mostly with Brouillette this season. His skating looked great yesterday and he uses it to get back when he makes offensive rushes, but still plenty to learn about choosing when to make a rush, etc. He appeared to get hit in the face with a puck (maybe a high stick, but I thought it was the puck) in the third period yesterday, but he finished the game. Has been playing the point on the PP a good bit with the Bears. Waiver-exempt. Orlov needs to be playing not potentially sitting as a healthy scratch on the Caps 2 game road trip and there are reasons to recall Collins (see above) over Orlov at this time.
McNeill – As noted above, pairing with Collins as the number 1 d unit for the Bears so far this season. Plays the left side and sees time on the PP, too. Pretty quiet overall so far this season, which isn’t bad for a dman getting plenty of ice time, although he’s had penalties in 3 of the 7 games for 8 PIMs total. He’s been getting a lot of ice time in the games I have seen. Through the 7 games, he leads Bears dmen with 4 points and he’s a +3 (behind Collins with the +5). McNeill was recalled last year while the Caps were playing in California in February of the ‘10-11 season, but did not dress for an NHL game. Like Collins, no re-entry waivers required. If it’s an emergency recall, waiver clock won’t start.
by sk84fun_dc on Oct 24, 2011 1:43 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I was assuming earlier this morning that since Erskine hasn’t yet been cleared and that it’s a western trip they’d like to have a spare D with them. With Green’s ankle turn, I wonder if they’d consider taking two.
"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
Thank you.
Note: Whyno tapping into the last source of Caps player injury and recall updates – the player agent.
As I commented earlier, “Nice job by Whyno getting the information, but McPhee isn’t going to be pleased with Green’s agent.”
Now, add Collins’ agent to the list, too.
Plus Vokoun’s agent (Walsh) that dropped the “slap in the face comment.”
Whyno must have them all on speed-dial.
"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 know he is hurt now but do you think Fleming has a chance later this year, perhaps, to enter this group of 3 as possible call-ups? Or, is his call-up time a year or so away?
I wrote this before seeing the Mike Green right foot updates from the beat writers …. I would like to see them take an extra dman even before this news, but now seems like it’s necessary.
Does anyone recall a play in the last game where Green got hit or blocked a shot with his right foot?
Yeah, they’ve gotta take someone with them.
I didn’t notice anything that might have hurt him (below the neck) on Saturday and certainly would have figured any shot-related damage would have been incurred post-game.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 24, 2011 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
It’s funny if he plays Thursday or, at the latest, Saturday. Otherwise, not so much – as Mel Brooks once said, "Tragedy is when I cut my finger. Comedy is when you fall into an open sewer and die."
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I’ll state the obvious, but they do have lives off the ice, and just because he’s hurt doesn’t mean it happened in game. Then again, I’m sure it did.
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
And I’ll state the obvious, wasn’t saying it happened during the game, I was asking if anyone saw a play that might explain the limp :)
Sure but I was waiting for a Vespa joke (rather than make it myself). There always is one now, right?
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
..
Or maybe he got bit in the ankle this morning…
(story link)
"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
Obligatory:
Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
More Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww, it’s going to be a calendar : )
"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 that tweet, sounds like rescue dogs were there?
That'll make your weagle wink!
The pants that bind us should be left behind us.
I distinctly remember some of us discussing a Capitals calender a while back…..Bubbles, anyone?
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION!
swhyno retweeted a CapsCR tweet with one of the pics from outside…can someone zoom in on Beagle, I’m curious what his mouth looks like at this point post-injury? From the smaller picture, looks like he’s healed up nicely on the outside at least. (not commenting on is there a concussion or not (ha, ok, yes, one would think), but about the initial bloody injury.
Beagle's Dog
Beagle doesn’t even have a Beagle as his dog but a shepherd mix. However, Brower has a beagle.
Link to the whole picture.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
And Jay Beagle, Mike Labradoodle, and Jeff Schultzu.
J.P.: You might be the king of all geeks here…
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Oct 24, 2011 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
You put your right foot in,
You take your right foot out,
To take a puck to your head,
And you shake it all about.
Ya do the Greenie-Weenie
And you limp your way around…
That’s what it’s all about.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 24, 2011 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Ya do the Greenie-Weenie
Ciprofloxacin, my friend. Ciprofloxacin.
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Oct 24, 2011 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions 7 recs
Top-rated European skater in NHL Central Scouting, right?
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 24, 2011 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Lars Erik Ciprofloxacin – Born in Stockholm June 17, 1984. Shoots R, plays all three forward positions, good skater, top shooter, named Lars as all Top Swedish players are.
Winnipeg? Winnipeg??? Oy! (And now it's official...)
by MikeL-Pivonka on Oct 24, 2011 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions
named Lars as all Top Swedish players are.
(cough) Bengt (cough)
by Rather Bengt on Oct 24, 2011 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Especially noted for his ability to clear out the Crease.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
by fat_daddyo on Oct 24, 2011 5:01 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
… and Green reportedly limping heavily out at Kettler today, though he says he’ll be fine.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Nice job by Whyno getting the information, but McPhee isn’t going to be pleased with Green’s agent.
Mike Green’s agent, Craig Oster, said #Caps D has a twisted ankle, expects to play vs. Oilers.
source: swhyno
More from Whyno
His agent, Craig Oster, told The Washington Times that Green suffered a twisted ankle on the play in which he got hit in the face with the puck Saturday. Green told Oster that he expects to play.
Played pretty well after taking the puck to the chin, too. Proving that in-game adrenaline overcomes immediate pain, etc. [my emphasis in the quote]
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
Only Greenie could get a twisted ankle out of a puck to the face.
That'll make your weagle wink!
The pants that bind us should be left behind us.
by boutros23 on Oct 24, 2011 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions 6 recs
Officially diagnosed as a “footcussion.”
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 24, 2011 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions 6 recs
Amusing, since, from CI:
Before Green emerged from the dressing room, Coach Bruce Boudreau said the defenseman had some "bumps and bruises" that were unrelated to the shot he took off the jaw and needed stitches for on Saturday against the Red Wings.
You tried your best and failed miserably. The lesson is "Never Try."
“Assuming” or “Agent declaring, which sounds a lot better than him falling down on the dance floor in the wee hours Sunday morning” (might as well start the baseless rumors…)
"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
To be fair, it’s probably unrelated to the puck hitting his face and more related to him trying to get out of the way of said puck. So…you know, semantics and junk. My guess is BB was saying it was unrelated to prevent talk of another concussion.
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
I really hope they give Green enough time to heal from this. I think we’ve all seen enough of him trying to tough it out through injuries over the last two years.
They are playing in Edmonton. Alberta. Where all his friends and family are, or can get to. He’ll play.
Sigh.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
And in Detroit…
The goalies for Tuesday’s game in Columbus…Ty Conklin and Joey MacDonald.
Jimmy Howard has been excused to celebrate the birth of their son.
If Columbus doesn’t win this game, they might beat the Wings over the rest of this millennium.
If you've read this far...seek help.
I saw that about Howard earlier and also that the game after the Caps was against Columbus and even more surprised Howard didn’t start against the Caps given the first of the back-to-backs wasn’t exactly a challenge for him.
As to Columbus, well, um, hmmm…
I don’t think Howard’s ever started against the Caps. The last couple of seasons, Babcock has taken some bizarre pleasure in throwing Osgood to the wolves and started him against the Caps after not starting in quite some time.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION!
Those interested in this year's upcoming draft may be interested in the following unfortunate news
From Bob McK…
Wow, bad news. Sarnia Sting announce highly-rated draft prospect Alex Galchenyuk will undergo surgery for torn ACL. Probably season ending.
Galchenyuk was No. 5 on TSN’s Pre-Season Top 10 rankings for the 2012 NHL entry draft
Sting hopeful Galchenyuk will play again this season but to be back for OHL reg season, he would have to be recovered in < 5 months.
And for those Caps fans hoping that an uber-talent might drop out of the top 10 picks…
Obviously, this is all speculation.
That was seriously my first thought as well. ACL is not the kind of injury that worries me much long term. If it causes a really good draft pick to drop out of mind for a bit, and the Caps snap him up with a worse draft pick than it otherwise would have taken, I’m not too sad.
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Oct 24, 2011 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions
NHL Power Rankings
This made me laugh…
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=597225&navid=DL|NHL|home
Be Utterly Facinating @ http://www.thirstdc.com
by TheFuryUnleashed on Oct 24, 2011 3:44 PM EDT reply actions
It’s only an “82 game exhibition season” until they lose their first game and everyone starts hollerin’
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION!
The nutcases they let on Twitter these days...
From RealStamkos91
Welcome my good buddy and teammate Steve Downie to the twitter world. @S9Downie
at some point this season, Downie will have tons of time to tweet.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION!
by RedBirdie on Oct 24, 2011 7:45 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
So it’s the 10th anniversary of the PTI show on ESPN… and if you want a real trip, skip to 6:55 of these highlights of their first ever episode http://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=zDx60YrBEpg
ahahaha!!!
Have you seen the picture they use when they’re discussing Tebow? He looks eerily like Ovechkin.
by Flash in the Pan on Oct 24, 2011 7:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Japers' Rink
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
FanShots
Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.
Recent FanShots
The Vault
In Association With
Latest Puck Daddy - NHL from Yahoo! Sports
- Who are the Non-Smythe candidates for the Devils, Kings?
- End is near for Rick Nash, Blue Jackets as trade discussions set to resume
- Why the Devils and the Kings are evidence the Capitals shouldn’t trade Alex Ovechkin
- Eulogy: Remembering the 2011-12 New York Rangers
- Stanley Cup Final: 5 keys for New Jersey Devils and Los Angeles Kings
