Tuesday Caps Clips: The Captain Gets Waxed
by J.P. on Oct 25, 2011 6:30 AM EDT
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Your savory breakfast links:
- Notes and assorted whatnot from yesterday's practice:
- In general. [Caps365 video (Boudreau, Knuble, Vokoun), RtR]
- Mike Green somehow managed to hurt his ankle while taking a puck in the face Saturday night... [CW (Whyno), CI (Carrera), DCEx (McNally, and again here)]
- ... and John Erskine hasn't yet been cleared for contact... [CW (Whyno)]
- ... so the Caps will bring Sean Collins along with them when they head out west (which would be a good idea whether Green can play or not). [CW (Whyno), with more on the role of the seventh defenseman at Sick, Unbelieable]
- Jay Beagle doesn't believe he has/had a concussion resulting from the Aaron Asham sideshow. [Caps365 (video), SB Nation DC]
- More injury updates, including a bit of a scare with the captain. [CI (Carrera), CSNW (Hughes)]
- "The team to beat" will try to keep the train a-rollin' on the road. [CSNW (Hughes), with more on the week ahead at DSP and SB Nation DC]
- Noteworthy notes on where things stand. [CI (Carrera), Peerless]
- Tomas Vokoun was a little bit good against the Wings... [CW (Whyno)]
- ... and all of last week, for that matter. [CW (Whyno), DCEx (McNally), with more on Vokoun at NHL.com (Kimmelman)]
- Troy Brouwer is starting to look a bit more comfortable, eh? [WashTimes (Whyno), Capitals Voice]
- So is Mathieu Perreault. [CI (Carrera)]
- Dennis Wideman did a phoner with the NHL Live! dudes. [NHL Live! (audio)]
- What would make D.C. a better hockey town? [CI (Applebaum)]
- Wax on. Wax off. Waxvechkin! [Puck Daddy, Capitals Overtime (video), CSNW (video), DSP, RMNB, PHT]
- Finally, there were canines on the ice at Kettler yesterday, marking the first time a dog was on that sheet since Joe Corvo left town. [CW (Whyno), CI (Applebaum), @CapsCR]
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Speaking of captains, Chris Pronger could be out 3-4 weeks after taking Mikhail Grabovski’s stick blade in the right eyelid (no penalty, it was a follow-through on a shot attempt). Ugly injury.
Wear…a…visor, boys.
If you've read this far...seek help.
One good thing is that it was already announced that Pronger will wear a visor from now on, but how many other injuries will occur before everyone realizes it’s the smart choice and/or the league/teams finally mandate their players wearing them.
"Ovechkin is as subtle as a shot of vodka."
I thought they just said he’d wear one when he returned (implying during recovery or whatever). But I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s a convert. How can you not be? And yet…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
And yet… there’s Laich, who took a puck to the nearby area and still won’t wear a visor. (That wouldn’t have spared his nose, though, just ask the Captain.)
Guys, it’s not a symbol of your manhood to not wear a visor.
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
If I played in the NHL I’d be ‘that guy’ and keep wearing the full cage… just not interested in taking slapshots to the face, thankyouverymuch.
by Murshawursha on Oct 25, 2011 10:02 AM EDT up reply actions
Full cages actually aren’t allowed unless you’re injured. The closest you could do would be a massive Heatly style visor.
Proud member of the Popsicle Division of the Cupcake Conference.
It’s even worse when idiots in men’s leagues where sticks are flying all over the place skate without any face cages or visors
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Oct 25, 2011 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions
Someone on another board was talking about a puck rolling up a stick on a clearing attempt and catching someone in the eye which he lost. All because someone didn’t want to wear a visor during a beer league 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
Damn, teeth and dental costs were enough to make me keep my full cage.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
I’ve been hit in the face with sticks and pucks enough to know I never want to not wear a cage.
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Oct 25, 2011 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions
the giant dent my cage from an errant elbow is enough for me to keep mine. I’d probably look like sloth from Goonies if i wasn’t wearing one. Still had to get 5 stitches, even with the cage on.
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Oct 25, 2011 1:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Wow, really? That seems odd that an elbow did that to a cage AND you still needed stitches. Yikes…
Tu ne cede malis
by _Skullduggery_ on Oct 25, 2011 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Mental picture
The only thing more intimidating than playing against Chara would be playing against Pronger with an eye patch.
Would Pronger with an eyepatch and goatee actually be “Good Twin Pronger”?
J.P.: You might be the king of all geeks here…
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Oct 25, 2011 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Evil Spock sez...."fascinating"
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 25, 2011 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Via @TiricoSuave, for Boardwalk Empire fans.
"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 25, 2011 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Not a lot disturbs me, but hearing Pronger screaming in agony last night was pretty unsettling.
by Rather Bengt on Oct 25, 2011 9:20 AM EDT up reply actions
Anyone got a better video angle of Pronger getting it in the face? NHL.com has the slow mo replay but from behind. It LOOKS like it was a stick, but it’s hard to tell
Puck Daddy had an article with video last night.
by Rather Bengt on Oct 25, 2011 9:53 AM EDT up reply actions
Mos def a stick. Pronger leaned over and put his stick out to block the shot and Grabovski’s follow-through just rode up the shaft and smacked Pronger right in the face.
I have to be honest – I don’t feel one shred of pity for Pronger. That guy has been Choppy McHackerson his entire career.
Unleash the Apathy.
I don’t like seeing a guy get hurt (and I sure as hell didn’t like hearing those screams). But this is a guy who has shown disregard for the health of other players from day one. If it’s karmic payback, I’m not exactly feeling too bad for him.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION!
He’s obviously dirty but is it any good for the game to lose a HoF player on something like this? I feel basically the same way about this as I do about Crosby being out, just a little less so since Pronger is at the tail end of his career.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
by Rob Parker on Oct 25, 2011 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
How many players have been put out the game for awhile due to Pronger physics?
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’m more concerned for the loss to the game than I am about him personally. He’s obviously a dirty dick slapper on the ice, but he’s also one of the best D ever, kept Jagr from winning another Hart trophy, a great heel in a time of bland players, and (IMO) the only BCCD that was able to survive the mass extinction event known as the 2004-05 lockout.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
He’s still an elbow away from ending someone for the year though because he has no choice but to target heads because he is tall.
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
Or no choice but to target heads because he’s getting slower. He’s no gentle giant like Steckel.
Proud member of the Popsicle Division of the Cupcake Conference.
Let’s bring this back to earth a little bit. The guy is dirty, but he also is really good, and occasionally he throws some devastating clean hits. And even as dirty as he is, I frequently bemoaned the fact that Steckel and Laich and Chimera haven’t shown a dirty bone in their body during their time with the Caps. Like it or not, that’s something that teams generally need.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
You go from one point saying you don’t want to lose stars, but then say you want people to be dirty? Good or not, he isn’t concerned with whether or not he injures anyone else on the ice.
The fact that he stomped Kesler with his skate is reason enough that people should root for him never to be on the ice again. It’s better to excise a tumor than to revere it because it makes someone look better in public.
Also, for what it’s worth Chimera does tend to run goalies. It was his signature move up until he was put on the Ward/Laich line.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRf_2fjzmn4
(Thomas saw it coming a mile away, though)
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
No, I don’t want to lose stars. And no, I don’t want to have people swinging sticks at heads. But I think there is a need for people that are mean and are willing to push the envelope.
Running a goalie isn’t really what I’m talking about, but it’s clear there is an impasse on the entire point.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
Luckily though, thanks to good Cap management the Flyers will be ok if he decides to retire.
Proud member of the Popsicle Division of the Cupcake Conference.
I think they could Poti him, but if he retires it all stays on the Cap. I could be wrong though
Proud member of the Popsicle Division of the Cupcake Conference.
LTIR is LTIR. The 35 thing only comes into play if he retires.
You tried your best and failed miserably. The lesson is "Never Try."
That’s what I thought.
So the Flyers could LTIR him and keep him on the roster if they had to. It would cost them a contract slot, but they could work around the cap implications.
As it stands, though, I don’t think we’re looking at a career-ender for him.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
The Flyers just got out from Rathje’s perma-LTIR last year and spent about two weeks under the cap before trading for Versteeg. It’s how they roll.
@BSH_EricT
Writer at Broad Street Hockey
Losing him forever would be bad, but watching him catch a stick to the face definitely reminded me of this.
Unleash the Apathy.
That clip doesn’t do much for me. Maybe because I’m not a Wings fan. They get worked up like Pronger was “taking a run at our poor injured Stevie Y.” Piss off. Stevie Y was on the ice and still a threat. Of course he’s going to be targeted. Don’t act like you guys don’t know how the game works. I don’t begrudge Yzerman his evasive maneuver, but it’s unfortunate that Pronger was hurt on the play.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
For me it triggered memories of when he took a puck to the chest and crumpled to the ice back in the days of the hideous old Blues jerseys in the 90s. Can’t find video but according to Wikipedia it caused cardiac arrest. I thought he was dead – only other time I’ve feared that watching sports was when Pavelec collapsed on opening night last year.
Jiri Fisher had a heart attack on the bench several years ago. Terrifying to see.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION!
Here’s a different angle.
by Twenty Seven Ninety on Oct 25, 2011 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
He definitely showed a gear on that first one that I didn’t know he still had.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I was thinking the same thing. I remember thinking “DAMN. If he still has that kind of speed, he’s going to get 100 points this season.”
I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if he did.
He was really feeling it last night I think. On one of Hartnell’s goals he did a vintage job of protecting the puck and circling the net until someone got open. He had a couple curl n drag moves to get into the slot…
It was gross.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Jagr once had a seven-point game for the Caps. An oasis in a desert of suckitude (suck + attitude = suckitude).
If you've read this far...seek help.
A game in which, if I recall correctly, he only skated a couple of shifts in the third period.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
His total TOI for that game was 14:05. And he followed that game up with a four-pointer against the Islanders.
5-6-7 in those two games, 31-35-66 in the other 73.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Reading those Cassidy quotes, I can’t help but to wonder if the Jagr experiment would have turned out better with a different coach that second year.
What an unmitigated disaster he was.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Yeah, but I think Ginga was talking about Cassidy.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
by Rob Parker on Oct 25, 2011 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Bazinga. Fuck ’em both.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 25, 2011 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
What part? The bit about, “when he gets a goal early he has some extra juice”?
That I took as code for “he doesn’t play very hard a lot of the time”, which was basically just the truth. You think he might have been more productive for a coach that wasn’t a complete clusterfuck?
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Gonchar was +7 in that game. Heh.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/recap/_/id/230111023/florida-panthers-vs-washington-capitals
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Did anyone see the caption to the photo on that page? Either a really prescient caption writer at work or a metadata indexing fail.
by Twenty Seven Ninety on Oct 25, 2011 9:45 AM EDT up reply actions
No denying that when he cares to try, he makes an impact on the offensive end. I’ve watched 3-4 of Philly’s games this year, including last night, and this was definitely and by a substantial margin the most noise he’s made on offense.
The question is how often is he going to have this kind of game?
Patron saint of quality footwear.
That was a sweet move between the Leafs defense. The reaction on Ron Wilson’s face was priceless. It said “Why the [Franceschetti] couldn’t you do that when I was coaching you in DC???”
Winnipeg? Winnipeg??? Oy! (And now it's official...)
by MikeL-Pivonka on Oct 25, 2011 9:19 AM EDT up reply actions
That game was unbelievably sloppy. I don’t think Jagr would look so good against a team that was actually bothering to play defense.
Unleash the Apathy.
Hi, Waxvechkin, front page above the fold…
That'll make your weagle wink!
The pants that bind us should be left behind us.
It is said that Ovechkin is only the second hockey player to be done in wax (Wayne Gretzky being the first). Anyone watching a Sidney Crosby interview might think Ovechkin was the third.
#gratuitouscheapshot
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 25, 2011 7:15 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
How does one scream “No more Kelly Clarkson” in Russian?
Rooting for the Caps from the OBX.
by Acer Jonesy's Laughker on Oct 25, 2011 7:48 AM EDT up reply actions
The wax statue playsbetter D….
Go FlyerzzzzzZzz!
Winnipeg? Winnipeg??? Oy! (And now it's official...)
by MikeL-Pivonka on Oct 25, 2011 9:20 AM EDT up reply actions
I love how the Post had to indicate in the caption that Ovie was on the right.
"Hockey is my life, wine is my passion." -- Igor Larionov
by Scott in Shaw on Oct 25, 2011 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Of MP
"It keeps going, like that little energizer bunny," Boudreau said.
I .. Guess… that’s a compliment
How long will it take before some teammate replaces his shower shoes with bunny slippers?
If you've read this far...seek help.
I want to see him in that “Christmas Story” bunny suit.
That'll make your weagle wink!
The pants that bind us should be left behind us.
Against my better judgment, I’ll rec that.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
He looks like a deranged Easter Bunny...
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 25, 2011 7:38 AM EDT up reply actions 8 recs
Never seen Mrs. Boudreau looking better.
Rooting for the Caps from the OBX.
by Acer Jonesy's Laughker on Oct 25, 2011 7:53 AM EDT up reply actions
Hm. You can put BB in that spot without changing the F~&#ing script at all. Only way to have Boudreau w/o excessive line-juggling?
....when the truth is if they knew anything about the game, they'd be in it.
--GMGM
Caps player, many years later, in a voice over of this special season…
“In the heat of battle my my coach wove a tapestry of obscenities that as far as we know is still hanging in space over Ballston Common.”
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 25, 2011 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Actually, Mrs. Boudreau is a very pretty lady, if the Hadeed ads are to be believed, “You need new friends!”
Winnipeg? Winnipeg??? Oy! (And now it's official...)
by MikeL-Pivonka on Oct 25, 2011 9:22 AM EDT up reply actions
This picture needs to somehow find its way all over the internet…
Winnipeg? Winnipeg??? Oy! (And now it's official...)
by MikeL-Pivonka on Oct 25, 2011 9:23 AM EDT up reply actions
Campaign Promises fantasy team: Hamrlik To Fall
by CapitalCentre on Oct 25, 2011 10:46 PM EDT up reply actions
JP’s disdain for Corvo is EPIC…not that there’s anything wrong with that.
I'll never put on a life jacket again
I think it’s crossed over from actual ill will to convenient punchline.
Nah.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I enjoyed the line. I mean when the jokes write themselves like that you are almost forced to use them. I would have been disappointed if you hadn’t gone there.
Hey, you can TRAIN a dog…
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 25, 2011 8:31 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Sometimes a dog at least leaves a dump in the corner. Corvo was never found in such locations.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
by Rob Parker on Oct 25, 2011 9:35 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
True that.. the only player that JP seems to harbor actual ill will for is Esa Tikkanen…
Winnipeg? Winnipeg??? Oy! (And now it's official...)
by MikeL-Pivonka on Oct 25, 2011 9:22 AM EDT up reply actions
Washington Post Front Page
Wax Ovie…on the front of the Post….what is this town coming to?!
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION!
Goalies around the league will glance at that picture and shriek in horror…. “he’s been CLONED?!?!?”
If you've read this far...seek help.
in my sleep-addled state this morning, that was pretty much my reaction. “Why are there TWO Ovie’s grinning manically at me this early in the morning?!”
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION!
Is anyone else baffled that Beagle could claim that he doesn’t have a concussion with a straight face?
Obviously, this is all speculation.
last image of the day for me
It’s JUST A FLESH WOUND!!
by Brainumbc on Oct 25, 2011 9:40 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I think he even said (either in one of those hits or elsewhere) that he didn’t challenge Asham to go either, for whatever any of it is worth.
"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 25, 2011 9:43 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, I saw that too. I just can’t believe that in the current NHL climate he’d be out there trying to sell us that he doesn’t have a concussion.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
I kinda equate it to Laich’s “babysitting” moment. Both are coming from athlete…vanity I guess (I’m not sure of what other word to use for it), but are naive in varying degrees.
"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 25, 2011 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions
…or maybe he doesn’t have a concussion? I don’t know when we all became doctors but I’m kind of amazed at how frequently we jump to that conclusion without actually having evidence. He looked dazed afterward…he got knocked out, doesn’t mean it was a concussion.
Don’t get me wrong, it very well may have been a concussion – the fact that he has to be cleared to skate again is a warning sign for sure. I guess I just prefer to give him the benefit of the doubt because we honestly don’t know one way or the other.
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
I’m not a doctor, but I got a 5 in AP Bio, so there’s that. I just don’t see how concussion isn’t far and away the most logical conclusion. Knocked out, woozy, hasn’t practiced since. Maybe he got the ol’ Mike Green ankle sprain (didn’t Brash trash his knee when Belak knocked him out?), but without further word from the team, isn’t the simplest explanation the most likely?
Obviously, this is all speculation.
my issue with this is that nobody has confirmed he was knocked out or unconscious that I’ve seen. If I got hit in the jaw and it knocked out 1 or more teeth I’d probably be pretty out of it and woozy. It seems like all the talk of knocked out is based on the video without any official confirmation.
by Beakers Lab on Oct 25, 2011 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions
I saw his teammates and trainers struggling with his dead weight.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
Right. The facts that he had to be held up as he was skating off the ice and was noticeably wobbly on his pins are a pretty good indication. IM-not-so-HO
Patron saint of quality footwear.
don’t get me wrong, I think it was likely he was knocked out but I think it’s dangerous to make assumptions on a medical diagnosis based solely on a video after a player suffered a punch to the jaw that definitely led to lost teeth (video of the tooth being pulled out). That said I’m actually pleased that the Caps have not rushed him back regardless of concussion or not. Let him heal and come in healthy rather than say coming back the next game after skating into a shoulder and suffering a follow up injury that may put him out indefinitely.
by Beakers Lab on Oct 25, 2011 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions
Doesn’t hurt that MP has been hands down the best 4th line option of the trio.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
yeah he most likely wouldn’t be playing anyways so no reason to rush anything.
by Beakers Lab on Oct 25, 2011 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions
I am in the medical field, I am and ER nurse, and he probably did get knocked out but that in and of itself does not diagnose a concussion. Personaly the team is doing the right thing in making sure he is good to go before the next goon comes head hunting. Spilt milk, but maybe if the Pens had been as cautious their player may be on the ice today, not that I don’t mind that he is off the ice at this point. These guys are investments for their teams lets keep that investment and the person themselves be safe.
"Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity"
by caps_shutterbug on Oct 25, 2011 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions
I hate speculating, but…fractured jaw?
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Oct 25, 2011 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions
I saw a picture of him in the dog photo shoot yesterday. I feel like a broken jaw might be noticeable (didn’t look too bad in the photo), but maybe not.
I doubt it was broken. I have some liturature from a site that I have copied some excerpts to a to a word document but i don’t know how to post it here for you to see. Let me know how to do this and I will put it up.
"Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity"
by caps_shutterbug on Oct 25, 2011 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions
What’s one of the things that’s been talked about when it comes to the protocol itself? Taking it out of the athlete’s hands because they’ll lie and try to rush back into a situation and potentially making things worse. So you’ll excuse me if I’m skeptical of what an athlete says.
"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 25, 2011 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions
concur!
"Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity"
by caps_shutterbug on Oct 25, 2011 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions
Oh please. You say that as if I’m in favor of letting the player decide. I’m not, nor did I ever say I was – and it doesn’t exactly sound like they’re letting him do so, does it? In Beagle’s own (paraphrased) words, Smitty is being extra cautious with him.
Does that mean it’s a concussion? Maybe. Does it mean it IS one just because the player says it’s not? I’m going with no. Being skeptical of what a player says only really matters when you’re the trainer or the coach – if a guy legitimately has a concussion and he keeps saying “no, I’m fine” and the team puts him out there, that’s an issue.
Until the team/player actually comes out and says it is/was a concussion, I’m reserving the right to be skeptical of the diagnosis made by fans watching on TV (myself included).
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
Until the team/player actually comes out and says it is/was a concussion, I’m reserving the right to be skeptical of the diagnosis made by fans watching on TV (myself included).
It’s more than fans watching on tv – it’s the local media that’s with the team every day, after getting a non-denial from the coach.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I’m directly referencing the line of conversation that’s taking place right here. Like I said, I’m not saying it’s NOT a concussion – the non-denial from Boudreau was certainly interesting. I just don’t like the instant “he must be lying!!!1” reaction when Beagle goes on video and plainly states it’s not a concussion.
Also, to play devil’s advocate in terms of the media and that non-denial, there’s a chance that BB assumes they’re going to infer what they want to – especially in an atmosphere like this, where we’ve gone from a guy “getting his bell rung” to every hit to the head being an instant concussion.
And no offense to the various media members, but it’s not like using the word “concussion” doesn’t get lots of page views these days. I see it’s popped up in more than one place as a definitive diagnosis despite not getting confirmation from the team (as far as I know, maybe I’m wrong) and despite not having sources saying it is one.
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
I just don’t like the instant "he must be lying!!!1" reaction when Beagle goes on video and plainly states it’s not a concussion.
Child, please. It’s the league protocol, where’s the overreaction?
Put it another way, I’m going to guess (based on memory) we knew what knocks secondary and tertiary guys had last year and are getting all kinds of updates. Why don’t we know it in this case? You want to wait for someone to come out and be honest with you when injuries and personnel decisions around them are inherent dishonest? Good on you.
"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 25, 2011 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions
The bigger question is why the League lets a team get away with screwing around when brain injuries are (potentially) involved. Absurd.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 25, 2011 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
The NFL is weird in a way, they seem to be above and beyond when it comes to protocols (primarily because the concussions are so visible?), but their injury lists are laughable.
I understand the rationale for UBI/LBI diagnoses in the Puck Lig to a degree, but they may want to consider pumping the brakes a little more than the NFL because the occurrence for subconcussions might be higher.
"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 25, 2011 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions
(primarily because the concussions are so visible?)
Because they have a strong PA and lots o’ lawyers.
Not sure about that – gambling $ keeps ‘em pretty honest, I’d thought.
but their injury lists are laughable
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
The NFL has a strong PA? Didn’t seem that way to me, but I’m not as close to it.
/wandering OT?
"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 25, 2011 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions
They’re only appearing to go above and beyond. They’re not really trying to make fundamental changes to the game to limit concussions just make it seem like they give a damn.
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 read somewhere (not completely sure on it), the NFL’s got independent neuros on each team. Could be wrong of course.
Either way, the “when in doubt, sit ’em,” philosophy seems to be shared to a degree between both sports.
"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 25, 2011 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions
I think they do, but they’re not addressing that padding has gone beyond protection and become for hitting as well as not requiring newer helmets that can reduce concussion.
Treating the symptoms and not the disease.
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
They’re screwing around with the reporting of it, which impacts data collection which impacts how these brain injuries are studied, which impacts how they can be effectively addressed in the future.
To be clear, I don’t think the team is messing around with Jay Beagle’s health at all, and in that respect, it doesn’t matter whether or not they’re forthcoming regarding the specific nature of the injury.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
It’s more than fans watching on tv – it’s the local media that’s with the team every day
The same media that you constantly skewered last year for all of the Green stuff, and that (maybe) missed a Neuvy concussion and (almost certainly) missed a Perrault concussion last year?
Yeah, I trust them.
"Hockey is my life, wine is my passion." -- Igor Larionov
by Scott in Shaw on Oct 25, 2011 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Very fair to point out their track record. I was just taking exception to Becca’s characterization of who was doing the armchair diagnosing – it isn’t the fans, it’s the folks who are essentially embedded with the team.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
What’s interesting is that everyone believes he was knocked out momentarily, yet he’s claiming to remember every second of what happened. Don’t get me wrong – that’s a very good thing – but unless he’s making stuff up, I’m almost inclined to believe that while he got seriously hurt, maybe it’s not a concussion. ::scratching head to figure this out::
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
From DGB
Possible cause for concern: Reports of a possible sale of the team to a businessman from Vancouver could lead to the team’s budget being slashed, or at least pretending to be slashed in an attempt to draw a penalty.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
The Penguins are losing the five-on-five battle but James Neal is currently carrying the Penguins with 8 goals in ten games.
I think this is more likely what people mean when they say “Player X is carrying his team.”
Obviously, this is all speculation.
interesting metric they’ve chosen for their ranking method.
by Beakers Lab on Oct 25, 2011 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, it is. I like that he provides the methodology, at least. I’m going to ask him about it on BSH so there should be some discussion there if you are curious.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
I have a meeting from 11-12 and then running to lunch but I’ll be checking in over there when I get back. I’m interested to hear his thoughts behind why he chose it
by Beakers Lab on Oct 25, 2011 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions
Phil Kessel laughs at 8 goals in 10 games. James Neal is a slacker.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION!
Because obviously Phil Kessel got the memo that games in October aren’t really important.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
by Rob Parker on Oct 25, 2011 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
New content on the front page, y’all…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Friedman's latest 30 thoughts
25. Last weekend, Detroit followed the Toronto model of putting your starter against the team you should beat. The Red Wings used Jimmy Howard against Columbus and Ty Conklin in Washington. The Maple Leafs had James Reimer against Winnipeg and Jonas Gustavsson in Boston. Both won at home and lost by a combined 13-3 on the road.
26. There’s some real debate about that strategy — the biggest complaint being that you put your backup in a situation where he can’t succeed. Carolina did this last year with Cam Ward. The eight games he didn’t start featured six playoff teams (Kings, Flyers, Penguins, Lightning, Blackhawks and Capitals.) Of course, they rest him in Winnipeg on Saturday and blow a 2-0 lead.
27. Tomas Vokoun really showed his value in that win over Detroit. Two huge saves: one on Pavel Datysuk with the game still scoreless, one on Daniel Cleary during a Red Wings 5-on-3. It was 3-1 Washington at that time, and a Cleary goal changes the complexion of the game.
28. Capitals fans were annoyed that Detroit being on the rear end of a back-to-back was used as an excuse. Remember this: the rematch is March 19. Washington plays in Chicago the day before. Detroit plays no one.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
by EmilyB on Oct 25, 2011 11:29 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
28. Capitals fans were annoyed that Detroit being on the rear end of a back-to-back was used as an excuse. Remember this: the rematch is March 19. Washington plays in Chicago the day before. Detroit plays no one.
One could argue that Detroit played no one on Friday night as well.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 25, 2011 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
Capitals fans were annoyed that Detroit being on the rear end of a back-to-back …
Yes, Detroit definitely was on the rear end in that game…
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 25, 2011 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions
in regards to 28…..Caps played Detroit on the second of back-to-backs this past March. And the Caps got beat, but they actually showed up to play, which is a hell of a lot more than I saw out of Detroit on Saturday. Oh, back to backs. Oh, Holmstrom didn’t pay. Oh, Conklin started. Oh, cry me a river. If the Caps just got torched 7-1 because of multiple lazy blue line turnovers in a game they were expected to be competitive in, we’d all be screaming bloody murder (and well justified, imo)
And I realize 99.9% of the excuses are coming from Wings fans, and not the organization. But it’s old—they’ve got an excuse for everything. I’m shocked they’re not trying to pin this on Bettman.
Final point, I promise: if your back-up can’t be trusted to hold off Columbus, who looks like they might give that 8-win Caps team a run for their money in the sucktacular department, what the heck is he doing with an NHL job? Right, Tomas Vokoun turned you down.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION!
by RedBirdie on Oct 25, 2011 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Hiller’s mask is made by a Swiss friend of his…
Sounds legit.
Eat, drink, and be merry! And then drink some more.
That explains the holes…
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 25, 2011 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions 7 recs
He looked really bad the other night.
Tu ne cede malis
by _Skullduggery_ on Oct 25, 2011 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Per the discussion today about Brouwer’s value on the pp by parking in front of the net…. The given statistics seem to indicate that he does improve the production somehow. But I wonder how his positioning differs from what Knuble or Laich did last year. Can you park in front of the net differently?
Laich tended to park beside the net, rather than in front. Knuble is great at getting in front of the net, but he wasn’t used much on the PP.
My mind is all twisted like a peanut.
I think it has more to due with pucks getting through. The net man can’t make the shots get through. Shots getting through is the salient point.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
Right. And to that end, Brouwer has had the lowest BAON/60, Laich the highest. Is Brouwer such a force in front that he’s drawing defenders closer to him and clearing shooting lanes, or is it luck? If Laich such a non-entity around the net that defenders ignore him and play the remaining four skaters, being sure to block their shots, or is it luck?
Seems a small sample to me.
All that said, the pics in Neil’s CI post make me happy.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
The third line appears to cycle more than the others.
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
oops, missed a sentence:
Which makes me think if anything, Laichs should be lower if skaters aren’t as able to get into shooting lanes due to being out of position/tired.
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’d be happy if Laich’s PP time all but disappeared. Is he markedly superior in any PP-related skill to Knuble and Brouwer? No. Is he markedly superior in any ES-related skill? Yes, very much so. He should be rested and his line should be out immediately after a PP, b/c you can bet on the opponent’s top line being out there.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Definitely, but just try selling that to Boudreau as he wistfully cries over his Fleischmann and Steckel trading cards. So long as he is coach, Laich gets PP time.
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
Eh, I think you could see that change as Brouwer establishes himself.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
He did do the right thing and busted up the Schultz/Green pairing to protect the latter. He coached the team into looking like an actual group of players instead of individuals the past two games.
Hell, he may even get the team to beat the trap.
Laich off the PP though? I’m skeptical but hopeful. I think he’s more the one to replace Mojo on the PP than Brouwer to replace him. He seems to take some faceoffs.
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
busted up the Schultz/Green pairing…
True.
… to protect the latterAny evidence that this was the reason? I haven’t seen a better-protected Mike Green, have you?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Green seems to be not fetching the puck from the corners every single time, so that’s quite a feat so far.
For the reason? Pure speculation on my part.
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’d say because he’s not spending as much time in the defensive zone (remember that shot differentials roughly approximate zone time)
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by red army line on Oct 25, 2011 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions
I just mean when it happens, it’s Hammer going back to grab the puck while Green waits as his relief valve.
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 haven’t seen it that way at all, other than in my post-F&B-inspired fantasies (of which there are many, not limited to Mike Green).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Yes, you re-stated my question exactly. The sample is still small so let’s see if the trend continues. If so, there may be something that Brouwer does that Laich & Knuble don’t do. I still can’t quite figure it out. I mean, how hard is it to…well….stand and block the goalie’s sight lines? Clearly, he is doing something right and I assume it is where he stands.
Clearly, he is doing something right
Or the Caps have been lucky. Or both.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Or maybe someone else is doing something right and Brouwer happens to be on the revamped PP unit.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
Good point. I wish I would have thought of that. My bets would be 1) Having Wideman, and 2) Greenie being a year older. Those guys have been flat-out aces on the pp. And puck movement among the forwards seems better too this year, although Brouwer isn’t too good at that. Speculating is fun, though. Let’s see how this develops as the sample size gets larger.
washpostlive washington post live
by LadyHatTrick
At Caps practice: Boudreau really not messing around. Put fellas thru grueling post-practice line drill. Not settling w 7-0.
14 minutes ago
Like.
by Kolzilla on Oct 25, 2011 1:10 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I don’t think anyone ever criticized his ability to make huge, slow, aircraft carrier turns. It’s the more nimble, quick adaptions that he hasn’t shown an ability to do all that often or consistently.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 25, 2011 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
The in-game stuff, the game-to-game stuff, the third game of the series stuff.
If you've read this far...seek help.
And guess what? I can live with him not being a great in-series tactician if it means that he’s making some of the large-scale adjustments that we’ve been looking for. The above tweet is a point of evidence suggesting that a culture change may be in the works.
And guess what? I can live with him not being a great in-series tactician if it means that he’s making some of the large-scale adjustments that we’ve been looking for.
Heh – I think I might be of the exact opposite mind.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 25, 2011 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Interesting, I would like to see him be the perfect coach but I accept that he’s not an X and O’s genius, based on what we’ve seen. I’m not sure that can change.
Yeah, I wouldn’t expect that it would. But given the choice between “great strategist” and “change the culture,” I’ll choose the former. I think “the culture” and whatnot is mostly narrative, though, to be sure, accountability is crucial.
Make me pick between a team that parties and can beat a trap and one that is straight-laced but keeps banging its head against the wall when adversity hits and it’s not a tough choice.
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I have to think BB knows how to beat the trap (or substitute your tactical hurdle of choice here).
It’s been getting the players to buy in that’s been the problem. Or so I have to think.
If he’s going to the whip hand, that’s better than the “well, at the end of the day we won and that’s what counts” attitude he’s had in the past.
We’ll see if this results in a focused effort in EDM.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
why bring Sean Collins?
If the caps are going to be down an O-minded D-man, why not replace him with an O-minded D-man,. Say, give Orlov his NHL debut?
Theory being that if Green can’t go and Erskine was healthy, it’d be Erskine in the lineup, so it’s Collins here? I guess I can buy that – Orlov certainly wouldn’t leapfrog Ersk in the short-term if the latter was healthy.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Well Erskine hasn’t been cleared yet has he, I was assuming green was still iffy, but Collins was replacing Erskine as the 7d.
Aim for the head baby Jesus
They can move Wideman into Green’s role and give a reduced role to Collins with Schultz. I think it’s the right move for the time being.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I will try to remember to follow-up on this tomorrow if I remember, but Orlov’s situation is not the same as Carlson’s in terms of the games played thresholds, he’s 20yo, not 19yo. Yes, there are still some games played numbers to watch, but this season is the first of his ELC regardless of number of NHL games played.
I’m guessing they think he’s better off playing in Hershey than being the 7D on a west coast roadie.
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Someone in one the clips (Whyno?) opined it was because Collins is RH.
Rooting for the Caps from the OBX.
by Acer Jonesy's Laughker on Oct 25, 2011 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t mind the call-up of Collins at all. I think it makes a lot of sense. Let Orlov continue his development in the AHL; no need to tire him out with a west coast trip and then play a couple games, if that. Instead of replacing Green’s spot with Wideman, why not just move BOTH Wideman and Sarge up and then let Collins and Hammrlik be the third pairing? Schultz is doing just fine this year and I think it makes sense to keep them together.
Hey guys,
Sorry if this is a bad place to post this,
I’m from PPP, and
I’m doing a project for a Communications class on the NHL re-alignment,
I would love it if you could fill out this quick survey (seriously, its quick)
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ZGT3DHY
Thanks, appreciate it!
by Ben Schnell on Oct 25, 2011 1:31 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
This is a fine place for it. Thanks for stopping by.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Green probably needs to be wearing a boot.
Those pro quarterbacks/players who wear a boot for ankle/foot issues after a rough game would probably still be out there the next week behind center without the boot, but they still accelerate healing.
I will make the offhand comment that the NHL is behind the NFL on injury management in this area greatly because each game in the NFL is much more critical, and there are no “lines” – a backup may not play for years and is not usually as effective as the person he’s covering for.
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