Monday Caps Clips: Preseason Wraps with a Win
by J.P. on Oct 3, 2011 6:45 AM EDT
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PrintYour savory breakfast links:
- Recaps and other assorted musings on last night's win from Caps365 video (Boudreau, players), Vogs, WashTimes (Whyno), CI (Carrera), CSN Washington (Gormley, Beninati), DCEx (McNally here and here), Frankovic, SB Nation DC (Vingan), OFB, Clydeorama (pics) and Caps In Pictures (pics).
- Enough with the preseason - time for the games that matter a bit more (the 82-game lead up to the games that matter a lot more). [WashTimes (Whyno)]
- Previewing the season ahead. [NHL.com (Masisak)]
- It looks like Troy Brouwer has won this year's edition of the "Alex Ovechkin's Right Wing" lottery (note: previous winners Chris Clark and Viktor Kozlov were not on-hand to congratulate Brouwer). [WashTimes (Whyno)]
- And a third line of Jason Chimera, Brooks Laich and Joel Ward seems to be in the cards. We're fans. [CI (Carrera), CSN Washington (Gormley), DCEx (McNally)]
- Mathieu Perreault and Jay Beagle have made their cases to stay. [DCEx (McNally), Examiner (Hoffman)]
- Dmitry Orlov's situation is less clear - could he break camp with the big club? [DCEx (McNally), CI (Carrera)]
- It appears as if no one told Michal Neuvirth he's supposed to be the second-best goalie on this team. And that's a good thing. [KOL]
- But no, there's no goalie controversy here. [CW (Whyno)]
- Prognosticatin' on John Carlson... [Peerless]
- ... who's a great value. [Puck Daddy]
- A look ahead to John Erskine's season as well. [Peerless]
- How the schedule could impact the 2011-12 Caps... [PHT]
- ... and how, well, other things might. [Capital Spirit]
- Catching up with The Secretary of Defense. [Capitals Voice]
- Danny Rouhier was kind enough to have me on Overtime last week, and if you missed it and haven't been able to live with yourself since, here's your redemption. [Audio (via 106.7 The Fan)]
- Finally, happy 39th birthday to Michael Nylander.
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Troy Brouwer – Marcus Johansson – Alex Ovechkin
Alexander Semin – Nicklas Backstrom – Mike Knuble
Jason Chimera – Brooks Laich – Joel Ward
Like.
"Shots aren't the important thing. Scoring chances are way more important than shots." - Bruce Boudreau
See my work on WaPo's Capitals Insider, ESPN Insider and Russian Machine Never Breaks (RMNB) Insider. I also log the Caps scoring chances. The 2010-11 summary spreadsheet is posted on Google Docs.
Follow me on Twitter @ngreenberg
by NGreenberg on Oct 3, 2011 7:17 AM EDT reply actions 3 recs
You prefer 8 on the right side?
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But yes. I feel like “8-90/28-19” and “25-21-42” grants me both of my summer-long wishes. If Bruce goes 44-52/55-6, it’ll be the trifecta.
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I like Ovi with MJ90 and NB19 with Semin. Ultimately, I prefer Knuble up top but if this is the line combos for a majority of the season (and the soft minutes are there because of Chimera-BL21-Ward) I think it could be a big rebound year for Ovechkin and NB19. 2009-10 big.
"Shots aren't the important thing. Scoring chances are way more important than shots." - Bruce Boudreau
See my work on WaPo's Capitals Insider, ESPN Insider and Russian Machine Never Breaks (RMNB) Insider. I also log the Caps scoring chances. The 2010-11 summary spreadsheet is posted on Google Docs.
Follow me on Twitter @ngreenberg
(I just like the way that looks on the page.)
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Wouldn’t a season that’s 2009 big for them go against all of the predictions you’ve made for their production this season?
I have planned my grand attacks; I will stand behind their backs. With my brand new battle-axe, they will taste my wrath. They will hear me say as the pavement whirls, "I hate California girls."
by Steckel Me Elmo on Oct 3, 2011 9:24 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
I’ve said a ll along that my projections were based on NB19 + Ovi seeing a lion’s share of time together and that different (read: more optimized) line combos could make them change.
"Shots aren't the important thing. Scoring chances are way more important than shots." - Bruce Boudreau
See my work on WaPo's Capitals Insider, ESPN Insider and Russian Machine Never Breaks (RMNB) Insider. I also log the Caps scoring chances. The 2010-11 summary spreadsheet is posted on Google Docs.
Follow me on Twitter @ngreenberg
Seems like only Semin’s points would benefit from breaking up 8 and 19.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
8’s could if it meant more O-zone starts (i.e. that 19 is going to take however many D-zone draws he takes, regardless, so breaking 8 off would help 8’s O-zone starts; of course, those are more O-zone starts with a far-worse FO guy and playmaker).
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Ovechkin’s increased zone starts might be at least somewhat offset by the difference in faceoff percentage when 90 is taking the draws.
Maybe. But there are those who would argue that it’s more about position than possession (granted, that’s referring to the PP, but the theory would apply, albeit less strongly, here).
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Thanks for the link. Hadn’t seen it. Not very persuasive. All he does is refer to a Tyler Dellow piece on fo% on the powerplay. As Dellow commented in the first link, the story is different at even strength.
Isn’t that more reliant on the Laich-at-3C experiment than a split from 19?
Obviously, this is all speculation.
No. In fact, kinda the opposite, IMO. If Laich is 3C, you already have your two D-zone lines in the 3rd and 4th. If Laich is 2L (and, say, Perreault is 3C), your two D-zone lines are 2 and 4. So, in my mind, splitting 8 and 19 gets 8 more O-zone draws and keeps 19’s the same, while making 21 3C gets 19 more O-zone draws.
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I don’t think there is any realistic way that another 2 O Zone draws per game has a greater positive impact on AO’s points than taking 19 will have in the opposite direction. I just don’t think zone starts have as much direct impact as other people do. They seem to be a symptom to me, rather than a cause.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
Well that’s another matter and I don’t disagree.
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That’s sort of the basis of my original comment that the breakup helps 28 (and 90) more than anyone else. It would be the first time 28 had a real quality offensive C to play with (assuming that matters).
Obviously, this is all speculation.
Eh, he’s played with 19 tons before. And 92 was a quality offensive C. So was BMo for around half a season. Even Feds had a bit of magic left in the tank (at times).
No, none of those guys is Nick Backstrom. But if the $6.7m wing needs a $6.7m center in order to be worth anything…
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Agreed on the conclusion, disagree on how quality 92 or BMo were. Feds was the best he’d play with and I think he had lost a lot of his offensive explosion, though his possession numbers were great.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
Eh, 92 was a legit 2C when he got here – he was coming off an 83-point season! He didn’t work for Bruce, but he was still a player before the shoulder injury.
I thought BMo looked decent enough for the first half of the season. Again, though, we’re talking 2C-quality.
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I could be remembering wrong, but weren’t the Care Bears playing together a lot at the start of that season when Bmo was playing well?
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Oct 3, 2011 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions
But yes, MJ90 upgrades from 28 to 8 and AS28 upgrads from 90 to 19.
Obviously the flipside is, as you note, 19 and 8 downgrading from each other to the two second-liners.
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Seems like only Semin’s points would benefit from breaking up 8 and 19.
I’ll have a WaPo post on this this week, but all four (Ovi, MJ90, Semin, NB19) seem to benefit.
"Shots aren't the important thing. Scoring chances are way more important than shots." - Bruce Boudreau
See my work on WaPo's Capitals Insider, ESPN Insider and Russian Machine Never Breaks (RMNB) Insider. I also log the Caps scoring chances. The 2010-11 summary spreadsheet is posted on Google Docs.
Follow me on Twitter @ngreenberg
If you assume everything else equal, than yes… but if you break up 8 and 19, everything else isn’t equal. As FancyStats noted, there are zone starts considerations. You also make it much harder for opposing teams to match up. When you have one great scoring line, they can match up their best defensive line against it, and mostly mitigate the threat. With two very very good offensive lines, you force them to choose who to use their 2nd pair, and 2nd best defensive lines against. Sooner or later, one of these lines is going to make them make a mistake.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Oct 3, 2011 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions
So is the 4th line MH26-Halpy-MP85/JB83
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Don’t see MP85 on the 4th line, as either a wing or center. He’s not the type to deliver the type of crushing forechecks you want from your 4th line. He’s better passing/playmaking on a scoring line.
"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 get it…ore of a fit for Beags, But it seems other lines are pretty set, it also seems he will make he team…so I guess he will just lead the team in NCC/60
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ore = more
Check out a new social network, Hockey Connect, a place for coaches, players, family and fans to share strategies and experiences.
jesus…. make he = make the….I give up…damn cold/dayquil
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I found it interesting that despite Semin staying down long after the whistle, the trainers were not sent out to help him.
Also, I didn’t see this in any of the recaps, but Wideman seemed to be favoring his arm/shoulder on his last shift while trying to defend against someone one-handed. Shortly after getting to the bench he left with Smitty (about 2 min left in game). Hopefully he’s ok.
Orlov will benefit from time in the AHL. He left his D partner without an outlet a couple times because he was too quick to rush out of the zone. Seemed as though once the Caps got possesion he was up with the forwards until at least the Hawks blueline.
Interesting side note on the Semin head shot – I haven’t seen anything at all about possible discipline. Either it looked bad to Caps fans only, or his reputation for diving seems to have given the offender a pass.
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
The match penalty means automatic one-game suspension and disciplinary hearing.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Not all game misconduct penalties come with a game suspension; what did they categorize this one as on the record books?
A Match Penalty, if I recall correctly.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Oct 3, 2011 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions
It looked like a play where if the roles were reversed (Semin gets the penalty and Leblanc dives/milks sympathy), Caps fans would be riled up over the penalty and possible suspension. It looked like such an inadvertent play.
Agreed. Leblanc definately got his hand/elbow up and made some contact, but Semin definately milked it. He seemed to have no problem playing on the powerplay one shift later.
It looks pretty well-embellished to me, to be honest.
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I agree. I exaggerated a bit and reference Lionel Messi on the wrap-up last night. Whatever the comparison, Semin stayed down way too long in a soccer-like pose.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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Somewhere, ShaMo grins.
And by “somewhere,” I mean “In Rochester.”
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by J.P. on Oct 3, 2011 8:39 AM EDT up reply actions 9 recs
The real question is whether ShaMo won the pool by selecting 12:37 of the 3rd period for the time when Semin would lay on the ice too long.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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Looking at the play in slow motion, this is a really hard thing to call. It impressed me as a player expecting to deliver a check on a player who all of a sudden wasn’t exactly where he thought the player would be (Semin having started to look around for the puck, which altered his path). It’s not unlike a play in football where an offensive lineman sets, expecting a certain kind of rush from a defensive lineman, and the defensive player alters his path. The offensive lineman might arm-hook, grab a jersey, even leg whip out of, for lack of a better term, incidental panic (he isn’t where I thought he’d be…HOLY CRAP!). Same thing here, and it caused other player to lead out with his elbow in an effort to ensure he made contact, whacking Semin in the head.
Is it actionable? Given where the league has gone so far this pre-season to send a message, I’d be surprised if it didn’t get a game or two.
If you've read this far...seek help.
I posted the hit and a poll on it. Do feel free to take the discussion over there (cut and paste if you like). Gracias.
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Semin staying down on the ice like that is his m.o.; I happen to like Semin, the hockey player, in terms of his skill and lot of his contributions, but he definitely is one to stay down. Hope it never is the case, but if he ever needs help from the trainer, fact is it will take time for them to get to him.
The strangest part of that play to me was seeing Carcillo in the box and realizing he was serving someone else’s penalty, not his own.
So BB using everyone-but-Laich at 3C during the preseason was to test his secondary options for the regular season, and is trusting 25-21-42 can find their chemistry on the ice? I’ll buy that.
In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.
by skyywise on Oct 3, 2011 8:03 AM EDT via iPhone app reply actions
That’s a pricey 3rd line…
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Oct 3, 2011 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions
Can you put a price on a solid forechecking line? This line would have been much more effective against the Bolts in the playoffs last year. This is the type of play we need to beat the trap
RAMPAGE
by JediChewbacca on Oct 3, 2011 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
“Brooks Laich got shifted to third-line center between Jason Chimera(notes) and Joel Ward(notes) after playing all of training camp at left wing. This is just a reminder that the Caps are apparently paying their third line a combined $9.375 million against the cap this year.” From PuckDaddy today. Too damned much, in my opinion.
Where do you think we should be spending that money instead? How many more top-6 forwards are out there for us to pick up?
J.P.: You might be the king of all geeks here…
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Oct 3, 2011 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Right now, none. Pre-Brouwer, Ward, Laich contracts there were possibilities of trades, perhaps for a more seasoned 2C or a younger, cheaper scoring winger. That’s only speculation, of course. The current contract configurations might work out; we’ll see. I certainly give GMGM a lot of credit in the off season for doing all he did. The latest Chimera contract seems excessive and ill-timed, though. He is an aging player who has proved he has, at most, one more year on the 3rd line in him. We just won’t need another big bodied – albeit a fast one – forward taking up winger slots in the future with Kuz, Stan, Eakin, Slojren waiting in the wings. In short, the $9.375 is excessive and expensive this year and certainly much more so in the future.
Frankly in this day and age, where salaries for 3rd/4th line guys are already pretty high, I’m just happy if the third line is cheaper than the second line. I don’t see it as excessive in the least, particularly in the case of Chimera who a) is still on his old contract this season and b) won’t be overpaid on his new one, regardless of whether the timing of it was weird. And as long as the Caps were able to get bargains in other areas (Vokoun was a steal, two of their top-4 D are still on cheap contracts, etc) I don’t care how much the 3rd line costs if they’re able to produce and be effective.
As for the future, if Chimera loses his job to one of the younger, cheaper guys waiting in the wings – which isn’t necessarily a given, they need to prove they’re ready for the NHL first – his contract is hardly one that is immovable or one that will handcuff the team.
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
I just see daily conversations about “the window”, and it’s clearly closing. McPhee isn’t handing out 4+ year contracts to non-core players, so you’re not mortgaging the future for now. Simultaneously, you have to build up now because your success is much more dependent on when the core players decline or leave. I’d rather pay a $3-4 million premium to finish out the roster now than withhold that money and wait for Godot while Ovechkin, Green, Backstrom, and Semin age without making that push.
J.P.: You might be the king of all geeks here…
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Oct 3, 2011 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions
You and Becca make good points. As I said, it might work out. Nonetheless, I disagree with your final point about giving Chimera big bucks for, at most, modest output simply to hold the fort, so to speak, while Nicky, Ovi, Sasha, Green peak. In my mind, that money could have gone into a younger winger on the way ‘up’ who could complement their peaking. Moreover, I would much rather have had some of this case to go to Green, Carlson’s, and Alzner’s new contracts down the line. Remember that I would not have written this about Chimera IF GMGM had not inked Laich, Brouwer, & Ward. It is within that context I argue the amount for expected function and production is excessive.
But are we really saying that $1.75-1.8 million is “big bucks”? Look at the guys who are making around what Chimera makes and he seems to be right in line with people of similar skill-sets (not to mention the fact that his salary does actually go down each season from what he’s making this year).
Also I’m just not really sure that any of the young wingers on their way up would be replacements for Chimera. Sjogren, maybe, but there will be a place for him if he’s ready to be here – and like I said, if next summer one of these kids beats out Chimera for a spot in the lineup, he can be moved.
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
But Chimera’s new money doesn’t take effect until next year, and it’s less than what he’s making now. I don’t think he’s getting “big bucks” either (relatively speaking — I mean, I’d still trade paychecks with him). For $1.75MM, he’s a tough grinder 3W who forechecks well. Combine that with Laich and Ward, and suddenly we have a 3rd line that can maintain possession in the offensive zone and help to neutralize the opponents’ top lines. Think that would have been useful against TBL?
I just agree with Becca that if Chimera’s contract will impede Green, Carlson, or Alzner getting re-signed, it’s not an albatross of a contract to move. I’m not saying I’m in favor of the “loyal soldier” contracts because they can clearly interfere with other, more important, moves. But I think paying Chimera now is better than paying one of the kids half as much and getting different production. Do you think Matty P, Sjogren, or any of the other prospects will be as effective in the post-season (this year or next)?
J.P.: You might be the king of all geeks here…
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Oct 3, 2011 1:13 PM EDT up reply actions
OK; I give up. You and Becca make solid points. Yes, the bucks aren’t that big and increased forechecking and therefore, I hope, increased offensive zone play are worth a lot. And, yes, I am not sure if Sjogren or Eakin would be as effective on the 3rd line this year as Chimera.
Your point’s not invalid, though – there’s always a chance that someone like Chimera “holds back” one of the younger guys for whatever reason. I guess it’s just the risk you take in choosing a veteran over someone who might need experience to evolve…
As always seems to be the case with this team, the next few years are going to be interesting to watch with this next generation of kids coming up.
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
Yes, I am really, really excited for this year. Probably my second favorite thing after the pure joy of watching the CAPS is the development of new players. And, frankly, it is that prejudice that probably affects what appears to be my one-note concern about this year’s CAPS make up: i.e. what I call the year of the big bodies: we now have Knuble, Brouwer, Laich, Ward, and Chimera all ‘power forward’ types (although different functions, of course, i.e. Ward for D, Knuble for O) occupying 4/5 of top 6 winger slots, depending on where Brooks ends up. Fine. I, frankly, would prefer to have another Sasha-type sniper winger in the make-up… that’s all. And, not only is the big body type eating up slots it is also eating up cap space….hence, the Chimera thing kind of put me over the edge. I hope it all works out, not just this year but 2 or 3 years down the road as well.
Wrong, and I’ll tell you why.
The numbers work for this season with Poti on LTIR. I think the consensus is that this year’s lineup looks pretty solid, so let’s forget about allocation for now.
Over the next 2-3 years, the Caps have a huge amount of cost control coming their way for the top-6 Fs in the form of ELC’s. MJ90 is locked in for this year and next year at $900k and will be an RFA after, Brower has the same term for $2.35. Next season, it’s safe to assume that Kuznuetzov (No ELC yet, probably $900k for 3 years) and/or Galiev ($618k for 3) will compete for those two spots, and Semin will almost certainly be too expensive.
The argument is that if 2/3 of the personnel on the scoring lines are cost controlled, you can splurge a little more on the bottom-six and D corps. Which the team has done.
Visualizing 3rd Line Cost...
If the Caps are overpaying their 3rd line, it’s only because they’re getting such great deals in other places. Wouldn’t you rather that extra money be spent somewhere, anywhere, as long as it benefits the team?
(8/90/20 – 28/19/22 – 25/21/42 – 26/15/83 – (b) 17/85 – 52/55 – 74-27 – 6/44 – (b) 4 – 29/30)
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Oct 3, 2011 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions 16 recs
rec’tacular.
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Nice work; thank you for going to all that trouble. But, believe it or not, I still don’t like the expenditure. And, of course, I am all for ‘making the team better’ but that is not the only way to do it. The fact that we have good deals in the making with MarJo, Alzner, Orlov, Kuz, etc. doesn’t necessarily mean we have to over-pay elsewhere (remember even GMGM said we overpaid for Brooks and Ward). And, IF Semin is gone next year, I think my basic point about Knuble-Ward-Chimera-Laich-Brouwer being overpaid for sandpaper and clean-up work makes even more sense. That is, what are they going to do….take turns standing in line for tip-ins when there are even fewer shooters/skilled wingers generating shots? In my mind, 4 of those guys would have provided those functions more than adequately thereby providing another ‘slot’ and cap space for the skilled winger type to develop. If Marjo doesn’t develop (but I think he will) and if Semin leaves, who is going to help take the pressure off Nicky and Ovi to generate offense? Laich, Ward, and, especially, Chimera have all proven by now that they can’t do it, yet they are now soaking up practically 1/2 of the offensive slots. (This is fun)
How are 3 forward positions “practically half of the offensive slots”? I’m not being snarky — the only way I read that as accurate is if you are slotting them all as top-6 forwards, which they are not and are not intended to be. They are the definition of a 3rd line — a checking line. The first two lines are (more explicitly) for generating offense. Sure it’s nice if you have 30-40 pt guys on the 3rd line but that’s not their usual role.
If Semin leaves, I think there is definitely some combination of players we could get for $6.7MM which would provide the “skill offense” we need. Patrick Sharp is going to get $4.2MM this year (up to $6.5MM in 2014-15) for stats near Semin’s with more grit & sandpaper as well. Selanne’s making $4MM. Getzlaf — $5.75MM. I’m not saying Semin isn’t an extremely skilled player, but he has pros and cons like anyone, and for that money I think there are other players in the league that would fill the “skill offense” role well enough and provide other benefits too.
J.P.: You might be the king of all geeks here…
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Oct 3, 2011 5:07 PM EDT up reply actions
I meant to say ‘wingers’, not forwards. Sorry. That is an important difference. Of the top 6 wings, those guys take up 4/5 of them, depending on Laich’s final destination and Knuble’s leaving. That’s the issue. I assume 1C and 2C will – and should – be pure offensive guys. Then add in Ovi and you got only 3 of the top 9 ‘forwards’ purely offensive if Semin goes….and Marjo is unproven at this point…so it could conceivably only be 2 of the top 9 forwards. So, to your point, I certainly hope we use Semin’s salary for a Sharp type or someone even better. I fear we might need it. My only point is that I wish we would have started a bit earlier last year when the major discussion topic was the need for a high scoring 2C instead of dumping all of the dough on Laich, Brouwer, Ward, and now, Chimera.
I think part of the confusion was phrasing as well. “Top-6” generally refers to the first and second lines. There are only four “wing” positions there, so I meant “top-6 wings” to refer to the four best (1st/2nd line) wings. It seems you meant it a little more literally — the best 6 wings in the lineup.
J.P.: You might be the king of all geeks here…
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Oct 3, 2011 6:10 PM EDT up reply actions
I remember GMGM saying he overpaid by about 15% for Ward, but that it was still within their internal number for the cap. They had a walkaway number.
I don’t remember him ever saying that they overpaid Laich. Rather that the negotiations were long, drawn out, and complicated, and that he didn’t realize until afterwards that Laich had really wanted to stay here.
by capsyoungguns on Oct 3, 2011 5:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Well, he never used a number like 15% as he did with Ward. But, as I remember, he was caught off guard by the amount and, especially, the length of Brook’s demands. And, you have to remember, Brooks was coming off a pretty mediocre year plus, and I can’t emphasize this enough, he still failed to PROVE he was a bonafide 1st or 2nd line player despite having 3+ years to prove it and playing along with Ovi, Nicky, Semin, Greener. Moreover, the press was putting pressure on the deal because other GMs – especially Burke in Toronto – saying how much they liked him. So, he finally got his deal and ALL the discussion was then about what a good guy he was, a team leader, versatile, good defense, etc…..all of which is true, I might add. So, I guess, it is possible to argue whether he was overpaid (and GMGM did not say it), but clearly he was paid based on the MARKET, not his production. Which goes back to my point is that after Ovi, and Backis, who are guaranteed PROVEN offensive generators next year?
Kuznetsov!
Seriously though, I personally am not too hung up over what a player makes as long as the contracts and the cap is managed carefully. And that one is going to pay in an FA market for a desirable player. Laich may have not had a good offensive year last season, but he had a great one defensively. If the third line of “Chimera, Laich, Ward” can play the tough minutes and allow more flexibility with the top two lines, I’m okay with that. If Brouwer or Knuble go down with an injury then Laich can move up without missing a beat, then I’m comfortable with that too. I like the flexibility he brings.
by capsyoungguns on Oct 3, 2011 5:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Let’s rewind the offseason to day 1. It’s June. Laich’s an impending free agent. Ward’s an impending free agent. Brouwer’s a Hawk. Fehr (and his busted wing) is a Cap.
How would you prefer the offseason went? What forwards should the Caps have brought in?
They had two world-class wings and a world-class center under contract. Knuble was a complementary scoring line wing. You also have Johansson and Chimera. So they need at least one center and at least one wing, two if you feel a need to replace Fehr.
What center was a better investment than Laich? Brad Richards breaks the bank for a long time. Unless you think Mike Richards or Jeff Carter stood any chance in hell of coming to DC, I’m not sure there’s a better forward than Laich.
What wings moved who are better fits than Brouwer and Ward for this team? Who out there would you have preferred that McPhee brought in?
The Caps had big needs, and spent about $10,000,000 on forwards. Can anyone come up with three forwards for $10,000,000 who would have been significantly better options and who possibly might have been acquired by this team? Because if the main issue is that the cheapest of the new forwards is currently on the first line, and the most expensive is on the 3rd line, my answer is I don’t care what the distribution is as long as the Caps have solid players at all of those positions.
Brouwer’s a good deal at $2.35 million, and he will be again next year. I’m glad he’s not paid any more than that. I’m glad the Caps spent those savings to shore up other positions of need.
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Oct 3, 2011 5:58 PM EDT up reply actions 6 recs
For center, I would have gone with Pavelski who I think would have been perfect for the CAPS. The Sharks had – and still do – a surplus of superb centers – Thornton, Marleau, Pavelski, Couture – any of the latter 3 could be a wonderful 2C. Moreover, they were looking to bring in some new (as opposed to Heatley) wingers (can anyone say ‘Semin’) and would have given up one of their centers (though probably not Couture) to get one. As it turned out, they brought in Havlat and turned their centers into wingers. So, that was one lost possibility. As to wingers, I wasn’t focusing on that as much because the concentration was on Center but a Sharp type would have been fine. As to Brouwer, I am sky high on him….a great deal and should be perfect for first or second line winger. Love that deal big time. Ward?….well ok, 15% overpaid, as stated. So, under my scenario you would have had Brouwer and Knuble as your two banging forwards on lines 1 and 2….looks good on paper, don’t you think? Now, if you go with Ward and his D and Brouwer for his sandpaper and big body chip-ins a la Knuble, where does Brooks go? Well, exactly where he is now….3C, PK, and PP. Then, on PK, Marjo proved more than capable back there (while getting more big league experience at 3C). Again, we are mixing function and salary here a bit, but in my mind having Brooks is ‘luxury’ in terms of salary and a ‘luxury’ in terms of function. The total ‘value’ of that is probably a good thing but we also could have gone another way and had versatility and more offensive upside in the future….I think.
Sergei Bobrovsky has a 0.40 GAA and .984 SV% in three games this preseason. Yes, it’s only preseason, but I’m sure the Flyers are encouraged by it and glad they had the balls to stick with him rather than doing something stupid to try to shore up the position.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 3, 2011 8:13 AM EDT reply actions 15 recs
I saw a tweet last night from Katie that said Green left after taking a slapper to the hand. Did he end up returning? thanks
He scored his goal after returning.
Goal-scoring Greenie makes me happy.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Oh and his “assist” to Perreault in the first period was a great shot headed into the net without help but Matty grabbed a piece of it.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Ovie probably scored a goal Friday, but it was credited as a tip in to Green. Green says he didn’t touch it, but no replay in pre-season.
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You remember correctly. Green was credited with a goal Ovi shot from the point. BB thought it was across the goal line before Green touched it (Greenie even joked “I’m glad there’s no video replay in preseason”).
"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 was half surprised the puck didn’t change course in mid-air and whack him in the head
If you've read this far...seek help.
classic Green. curl, drag, score.
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That curl-and-drag was beautiful – vintage Green but so subtle and something not many guys are capable of doing. Didn’t really notice how nice it was until I got home and watched the game on DVR (because I’m a freak).
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
Glad to hear BB reiterate what I was thinking, that MJ90 has seemed “off” so far this preseason. His speed is there of course, but he looked lost quite a bit in both games this weekend. I know he had some sort of illness last week; maybe he’s still suffering?
"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
Masisak tweeted at Andrew Gordon the other day that he had a question for him if he made the trip to Finland…well, he did and now we know the question and answer from Corey’s twitter:
NEWS: @AndrewGordon10 has agreed to blog for nhl.com this week in Helsinki. It’s going to be, as #Caps and #NHLDucks would expect, awesome.
And since I know some here are still following Gordon’s attempt to make the Ducks opening night roster: Here’s an article from the OCRegister w/a little more discussion of his first NHL goal, too
First Goal? First Goal, You Say?
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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by STLSpidey on Oct 3, 2011 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions 10 recs
yay, AGord! Looking forward to reading!
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He sounded tired, but it was good hearing from him.
Will the team spend more time in the sauna or playing hockey? We shall see.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
Want to hear about the saunas and Teemu’s yacht. Ahem.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
there’s only one proper way to go into a Finnish sauna…
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Perreault looked great. On a night that felt like a regular season tilt, he was a wizard at times skating through the neutral zone and carrying the puck deep. I got good vibes from Neuvy as well and it gives me comfort to know that the Caps are way deep in net.
Felt good for Beags as well.
Now for the PP: props to BB for demoting the 1st unit at times for being woefully ineffective and limiting shifts to 45-50 seconds. I despise watching Ovie cruising the perimeter – it is too hard for him to get free. The 5 minute match penalty was a golden opportunity to add a couple goals but it took an additional CHI penalty to add the insurance tally. AT least they did that. Ugh, the PP blows.
As was pointed out to me at the game, the Caps last preseason game at home with a close to an opening night roster, but not the same for the Hawks, especially on D.
As to Perreault, as many will agree, it’s about consistency. He had some moments even last night, including poor decision making after losing his stick in the offensive zone, IIRC, in the third period. He started to skate, turned back for his stick and was out of the play completely for a long time.
As to the PP, I will be more concerned once the regular season starts, not now.
As to Perreault, as many will agree, it’s about consistency.
Plus, he’s arguably the only one of the Caps forwards who’s still trying to make the team – he should be putting forth max effort.
I think he’s made the team. If Bruce and George agree, yeah, the question is entirely about how he plays once he has.
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Sk8, I hope you’re right about the PP – 2009-10 Caps might have scored 3 goals, even messing around in a preseason game. I’m just not convinced that by flicking the switch into the regular season we’ll see a dynamically improved unit. They look wretched.
I’m not saying I think we will see success, just that I think with the power play, it’s very difficult to judge based on the preseason.
Yes, but still……… These guys are professionals. Even if they were just ‘messing around’, they still should have looked better. They have now had over a year to get this straightened out and it looked last night that they haven’t even started to try to fix it. Man, it was painful to watch. Interestingly, Chicago’s rag-tag PP looked pretty damned good in comparison. Are there such a thing as ‘power play’ coaches in the NHL. With the surfeit of specialty coaches in other sports, it seems like this might be something worth exploring for the CAPS.
I didn’t like the look of the power play last night either. But it wasn’t like the one they were experimenting with on Friday. The PP in the Sabres game looked dangerous, still not quite perfected, but with much better movement. I’m in the “it’s preseason” camp.
by capsyoungguns on Oct 3, 2011 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions
I seem to recall seeing a few things – a comment from Green, maybe? Can’t remember – that hinted at the Caps not wanting to reveal their entire new-look power play just yet. Not sure if that’s just an excuse, and I’m sure they still want the PP to have success in the preseason, but there may be changes that we haven’t seen yet.
I also go to Camp Worry-When-the-Games-Count :)
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
It was Greenie in a post game interview, but not sure if after the Sabres or the Hawks’ tilt. He had a little grin on his face when he said he wasn’t going to reveal any of their secrets.
by capsyoungguns on Oct 3, 2011 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Watching the highlights, the Laich → Ward → Laich → GOAL combination is impressing me the most.
Tu ne cede malis
That shift was a beautiful thing to watch – loved the work put in by all three, that’s exactly the kind of goal that line should generate.
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
Heard that Hendricks was “in a lot of pain” when he left the ice during Sat. practice (he was scratched for yesterday’s game). Has there been any word what’s wrong, and if he’ll miss any game time?
"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 was there…can’t recall who he banged into or vice versa, but he was in a lot of pain on the ice and stayed down for a bit, near the blueline away from the benches. He skated on his own to the bench, but in pain, and he had difficulty getting over the boards (silly hockey player insisting on going over the boards instead of through the door); someone had to help him get over the boards. From what I saw, mid/lower body. Hopefully, it was minor but not surprised at all to rest him for a preseason game after that.
It was close to the end of formal practice but with enough practice left that Halpern actually switched jerseys and bumped up to Hendricks line to finish practice.
I remember Hendricks leaving practice and Halpern switching jerseys to be with his “practice” line of King and Perreault. My first reaction when I saw the line (Perreault/Hendricks/KIng) at the beginning of practice, I thought — that’s an interesting line combination.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
The links about Carlson are good to see, he’s finally getting some deserved respect.
by RossingtonCollins on Oct 3, 2011 10:48 AM EDT reply actions
NHL roster deadline – 23 players (not including IR and LTIR) plus cap compliance required to start the season is Wednesday, October 5 (at 3pm)…
- not many issues left for the Caps as demonstrated via the clips and due to Poti’s LTIR status – Orlov vs a D recall as 7th dman being the biggest question mark if there aren’t any other injuries
- still an interesting couple of days to around the League as teams make final cuts, some additional players go on waivers, etc.
Also, of note as the season starts and progresses, the Washington Capitals have 48 players under contract but Anderson and Galiev don’t count against the contract count, so by my count the current contract count is 46 contracts.
- Removed Gustafsson and Kugryshev over the summer
- Anderson and Galiev – under 20yo and assigned to CHL/junior team
Orlov’s Cap Hit is $900K.
If the assumption is now that 50 goes to Hershey, that leaves 85 and 17 as the extra forwards, presumably.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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Sorry if my post added any confusion, yes with Poti on LTIR there’s room for Orlov’s cap hit or Collins or McNeill as the 6th/7th dman for opening night with 12/13/14 forwards being Beagle/King/Perreault.
Based on everything during camp, I know I believe and I think most believe Sjogren and Eakin are headed to Hershey.
Seems like the only reason they were kept around was to go skeet shooting today. With no announcements, I assume they’re on the trip.
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
Hershey still has some final roster decisions to make; while some benefit to Sjogren getting in an AHL preseason game and possible he plays tonight, Hershey has other roster decisions to make, too.
Given Hershey plays a similar system, there is also a benefit to giving the 2 rookies as much exposure to the Caps systems as possible given the possibility of recalls this season, so it didn’t surprise me they were still around as of Saturday’s practice especially with no roster limits or cap issues in the preseason.
Have no idea if they are on the team bonding excursion or not…didn’t know there was one today as have been away from updates :)
Also of note, Hershey’s first regular season game is Friday night. Caps roster moves have to be made by Wed. at 3pm.
Also, not sure of the timing compared to this year, but there have been ‘last cuts’ on the team bonding stuff in past years.
Regardless, signs point to Sjogren and Eakin being sent to Hershey by Wed’s NHL deadline whether they are sent before then or not, haven’t heard any updates.
I know they didn’t play yesterday, but have Eakin and Sjogren been officially sent to Hershey? Bears have a preseason game tonight against the Binghamton Sens.
"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
They’ve not, insofar as I’ve heard.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
According to the “What We’re Reading” column, the Caps are going skeet shooting today. Should be interesting, if with predictable results…
Ovechkin will miss high with all his shots
Green will have his shots blocked by migrating geese
Knuble will pick up clay pigeons that aren’t hit and shoot them
Semin will shoot once, recoil from rifle will knock him to the ground; Shanahan will suspend the gun for three rounds
Chimera will keep dropping the gun
Laich will be good samaritan and try to glue all the pieces of the broken clay pigeons together
Boudreau will keep asking " don’t these places have ice cream stands?"
Halpern won’t shoot…he’ll just paint little pictures of Sidney Crosby on all the clay pigeons and laugh maniacally
Beagle will be smiling all the time telling folks, “beat our team building at Hershey…they made us repair the Great Bear coaster at Hersheypark”
Perreault will be told “you have to be this big to shoot the guns”
Carlson will wow everyone with no look shots that hit the pigeon every time.
Alzner will be out defending the pigeons
D.J. King will break all the pigeons, but won’t use a gun to do it.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 3, 2011 11:41 AM EDT reply actions 24 recs
Are you sure you don’t write for DGB? Rec’d.
by capsyoungguns on Oct 3, 2011 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions
Backstrom won’t shoot – he’ll just keep handing Ovie ammo.
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 3, 2011 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions 6 recs
But when he shoots he’ll miss from 4 ft away
RAMPAGE
by JediChewbacca on Oct 3, 2011 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions
I would’ve thought that Semin would shoot with one hand and not even aiming and still hit most of his pigeons leading to everyone muttering that he just doesn’t care.
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Ovi is asked to leave b/c he keeps shooting into someone’s shins…
by kingbonehead on Oct 3, 2011 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Green will have his shots blocked by migrating geese
As long as he doesn’t try to block shots himself, I’m cool with that.
"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
Return of The Noon Number on the front page…
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Because I’m always interested in the money details:
Bob McDonald will be on the ice at the Verizon Center this Saturday when he sings "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the Capitals season debut. McDonald receives four tickets (second row, blue line, upper bowl) and free indoor parking ("invaluable") for the 20 or so home games at which he sings. Four $65 tickets plus the $40 parking pass equals $300 per game for McDonald’s pipes. The seats were in the lower bowl a few years ago, but McDonald, 42, got pushed upstairs after the Capitals started selling out. Business is business.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/capitalbusiness/capital-buzz-brewing-up-an-expansion-plan/2011/09/29/gIQApNlwFL_story.html
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
Love, love, love Bob and Caleb. Not just for their pipes, but their enthusiasm. The guy that sang Friday night was pretty good too. Don’t care for the ladies they have: the opera singer and the girl who affects the country twang. They don’t even wear red!
"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
in case anyone is wondering: $65 is the lower end for those seats. They go as high as $110, depending on the night and opponent.
he sang God Bless America at the last Nats home game. it was like seeing an old friend after months of being away.
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guess I won’t be seeing if he can sing at my upcoming work event!
McDonald’s day job is singing with the U.S. Army Chorus, but the entrepreneur also charges $1,000 and up for private gigs, which include everything from business parties to political events.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Supporting autism awareness and treatment.
I know it is just the preseason and I am not worried much but it sure seemed to me that Carlzner were ‘out of sorts,’ shall we say, last night. They both – especially Karl (and I cannot believe I am actually typing this) – looked to be coasting. Karl was slow and indifferent most of the night. I assume they are saving it up for the season. Not a big deal, though. I expect them to be rock stars this year.
Yeah, I haven’t been impressed with either one in the (admittedly limited) preseason action I’ve seen live. I don’t know if it was coasting so much as they both just look off, like they’ve forgotten how to skate together. But I’m with you, I expect them to be rock stars as well – if we judged everything purely on preseason we’d be in big trouble :P
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
Caps were 3-3-1 in pre-season this year. Boston was 3-3-1 in pre-season last year.
huh…
If you've read this far...seek help.
Hawks were 2-3-1 the year before.
Double huh…
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
Hawks 2-4 this year!
Huh.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Crosby to IR, making him unavailable for the first seven days of the season. Not sure when the season clock starts ticking, but perhaps it was always unlikely he’d be available to play that October 13 game against the Caps.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Just checked the TV listings for that game; it’s scheduled nationally for NHLN (with the CSNWashington broadcast local). They also reference it being on “Root HD.” Anyone know what that is?
"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 think Root is their new local TV station, replacing FSN Pitt…could be wrong, though.
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
Root is what used to be FSN Pittsburgh. DirectTV changed the names of the 3 FSN affiliates they owned to the Root brand back in the Spring.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
Yes Root, as in “Root of all evil”
Check out a new social network, Hockey Connect, a place for coaches, players, family and fans to share strategies and experiences.
sudo show_game
Geeks of All Nations, Compile!
by AMusingFool on Oct 3, 2011 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
According to LeBrun on Twitter, because the injury happened last season, he’s eligible to come off IR at any point – no 7 day waiting period.
by mch on Oct 3, 2011 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Definitely the case that the player continues on IR from the previous season; since it’s the CBA there’s a confusing differentiation between a player who doesn’t clear his medical/physical at training camp and one who is still dealing with same injury that placed the player on IR to end the previous season: non-roster vs stay on IR.
As to the time continuing from last season, guess it makes sense, but now the fun starts to find where that is in the CBA or if it’s simply an extension of the fact that the player is staying on IR.
On another aspect of this, did anyone actually expect Crosby to be cleared/ready to play within the Pens first few weeks of the season? I didn’t.
honestly, I don’t expect to see him before November.
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Minor league news:
Stingrays acquired the rights to the ‘other’ Chris Higgins; don’t be confused if you see news with that name.
Finley according to Kevin O, the Rochester beat writer, is close to signing a contract (not clear if AHL or NHL/AHL from the reports so far.)
Hauswirth was sent to Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees, CHL, recently; new affiliate of Florida/San Antonio, same team Dan Dunn signed with for this season. Looks like Florida/San Antonio is keeping the Cincy shared ECHL affiliation with Cincy, too.
Bruce was on HockeyCentralatNoon today. (link) Couple of things that stood out was his assessment of how Ovi showed up this year (229 lbs and 10% bodyfat). Also, Kypreos suggested that Vokoun should probably get 60-65 games, but BB said he was thinking before preseason that he’d like TV to get around 50 games “but you never know”.
"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
OtF is saying that Ryan Ellis is being set to Milwaukee. I’m very surprised to see see both Erixon and Ellis being cut. “Paying their dues” or simply not ready?
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I believe in next year.
I’d say closer to not ready. Both NYR and NSH have 6D ahead of each that are more developed. They can afford to give them a little bit more seasoning and be sure to not rush them.
I have planned my grand attacks; I will stand behind their backs. With my brand new battle-axe, they will taste my wrath. They will hear me say as the pavement whirls, "I hate California girls."
by Steckel Me Elmo on Oct 3, 2011 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions
And Huberdeau back to Saint John? Yikes. Tremble, QMJHL.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
I’m pretty sure I read somewhere that FLA never planned to keep Huberdeau up in the N.
I have planned my grand attacks; I will stand behind their backs. With my brand new battle-axe, they will taste my wrath. They will hear me say as the pavement whirls, "I hate California girls."
by Steckel Me Elmo on Oct 3, 2011 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Huberdeau has acknowledged that he needs to get stronger to better compete at the NHL level.
That'll make your weagle wink!
The pants that bind us should be left behind us.
Must suck when you’re not physical enough to make a team that pays Tomas Fleischmann $4.5m per year…
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by J.P. on Oct 3, 2011 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions 6 recs
Speaking of whom, do you know if he is he slotted for center or winger for the Cats? You never know, he might have a good year but I doubt it because even if he looks good, the rest of the supporting cast isn’t too strong.
Hmmm, saving a prospect a year so that you can keep him has an RFA longer — sounds like a good idea. Caps should try it sometime…
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Oct 3, 2011 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions
At least some of these Russians have that built-in.
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I believe in next year.
by red army line on Oct 3, 2011 5:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes, but now the last year of Hubie’s ELC is one year closer to his prime, meaning he’ll presumably have a better year, have put up bigger numbers on his ELC, and garner a bigger 2nd deal. There are tradeoffs.
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The guys were just talking about this on XM Home Ice and said they weren’t surprised, given that the kids could bench 150 pounds only twice at the combine. They say he desperately needs to fill out or get more strength or whatever.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
Nothiong major… Darren Eliot of SI did their SE division preview and his preseason pick is the Caps over the Sharks in the FInals.
I don't know, maybe it was the roses...
Gormley had a sitdown with the Captain.
Nothing new, really, but the long answers, and the vague attempt to go slightly deeper than most local interviews is nice. I like Ovi’s attitude for the season, if nothing else.
kcarrera Katie Carrera
#Caps announce that Alex Ovechkin will be returning to Moscow to be with his family after the death of a close relative in Moscow.
Such a sad summer. Safe journeys, Alex.
"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
Expected back in time for the opener, fwiw.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
(Per team spokesman via Whyno/Kerstein tweets)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
That’s a long trip to turnaround and be ready for Saturday. Hope he hydrates.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
That’s the truth. Given the length of flights from here to Moscow (and back), as in 9 time zones away, I wonder how possible it is for him to get back.
Do they have a funeral scheduled for the uncle? If so, when? Or is Ovi more going back to “be there” with his relatives?
Anyway, my condolences to Alex and family. Sorry to hear the news.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Travel safe Alex…. thoughts are with you.
Winnipeg? Winnipeg??? Oy! (And now it's official...)
by MikeL-Pivonka on Oct 3, 2011 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Vogs on D&C has a story on Ovie. His uncle passed, and the Caps are hoping he’ll be back for Saturday’s opener.
I don't know, maybe it was the roses...
Hey, I’ll give Ovi the extra day in this circumstance.
That'll make your weagle wink!
The pants that bind us should be left behind us.
I’d say if he practices today, his odds of making it back for Saturday’s game are slim & none. I had assumed he left Monday evening.
(i’m trying to think back on 2008-2009 when he flew back to Moscow to see his dying grandfather and how much time he missed.)
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Caps and Pens team up to support Lokomotiv players’ families. from puck daddy:
The Capitals and Penguins today announced a joint effort to raise money for the families of Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, the KHL team that perished in a plane crash Sept. 7 in Russia. Caps and Pens players will wear jerseys with commemorative Lokomotiv patches at the Oct. 13 game, then autograph the game-worn and game-issued jerseys afterward and auction them off at www.nhl.com. All proceeds will benefit the Lokomotitv players’ children and families.
“The tragic plane crash involving Lokomotiv Yaroslavl of the Kontinental Hockey League has affected the entire hockey community,” said Capitals Vice President and General Manager George McPhee. “We agreed that this was a great opportunity for both clubs to work together to raise money for all involved in this unfortunate loss.”
Russian players Alex Ovechkin of the Capitals and Evgeni Malkin of the Penguins will participate in a ceremonial opening faceoff. The auction will begin at puck drop on Oct. 13 and run through Oct. 27 at www.nhl.com
Wives and girlfriends of the Caps and Pens players also will be selling remembrance bracelets to benefit the Lokomotiv families. The Caps’ event will take place at their home opener on Oct. 8 against Carolina at Verizon Center. The Pens’ event will coincide with the Oct. 13 game.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Supporting autism awareness and treatment.
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