Saturday Caps Clips: 'Canes @ Caps Game Day
by EmilyB on Oct 8, 2011 8:01 AM EDT
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PrintYour savory breakfast links:
- Previews of tonight's clash with the Canes from Vogs, NHL.com (Hunter), Frankovic, RMNB, RtR, and CRtC, and be sure to check out our SB Nation partner Canes Country for more coverage from the other side of tonight's match-up.
- Notes and assorted whatnot from yesterday's practice. [Caps365 video (Kettler Report, Boudreau, Green), RtR]
- Alex Ovechkin tweeted his return from Russia, and then suited up at KCI for a little skating and shooting. [Caps Overtime, RMNB]
- The big news from Kettler, of course, was Tomas Vokoun 's revelation to a surprised media scrum that he would not be in net for the Caps' home opener. This led to a "no comment" from the coach ... [Dump'n'Chase, CI (Carrera), CW (Whyno), DCEx (McNally), CSNW (Gormley), CBSW (Kerstein), DSP, PHT, WashTimes (Whyno)]
- ... and then the agent weighed in. Fasten your seatbelts, folks. [WashTimes (Whyno), Eye on Hockey (Gretz)]
- Goalie 1A. [KoL]
- So. Is Bruce Boudreau sending a strong message to his netminders ... [CSNW (Gormley)]
- ... or is he just messin' with us? [CW (Whyno)]
- We have a shiny new season and a game that counts straight ahead! [RMNB]
- If you're going to the game, be mindful of your commute. [Caps Overtime]
- If you want to go to the game but don't yet have your ducats, take a look at the Rink Rat Ticket Exchange.
- Once and for all: Ted Leonsis likes his GM, likes his coach, and likes his core players. A lot. [WaPo (Wise)]
- The players say they like the challenge. [WashTimes (Whyno), DSP]
- Karl Alzner and John Carlson like to play hockey together. [CI (video chat)]
- He's just Halpy to be here. [NBC video (Hellie)]
- Marcus Johansson Vol. 2.0 [Caps Overtime]
- We're totally on board with question #10. [OFB]
- An open letter to the Captain and the Coach. [CBSW (Elfin)]
- Ovechkin: Gearing Up ... [SteveDangle.com (video)]
- ... and speaking of gear, Bauer announced it will release an Ovi curve, the P08. [@BauerHockey]
- The final roundup of previews/predictions. [Peerless (Playoffs, Awards), CI (Frankovic), CI (Peerless)]
- Congrats to the Hershey Bears, who won their season opener 3-2 against the defending Calder champion Binghamton Senators. The first Bears goal of the 2011-2012 season was scored shorthanded by Christian Hanson, and Mattias Sjogren had an assist for his first pro point in North America. [Patriot-News (Leone), SHoE]
- The South Carolina Stingrays were not quite as fortunate, dropping their
seasonpreseason opener 3-2 in a shootout to the Greenville Road Warriors. The first Stingrays goal of the 2011-2012seasonpreseason was scored by ... Danick Paquette. [ECHL.com] - Finally, happy 52nd birthday to John Blum, and best wishes for a speedy recovery to Stanislav Galiev. [Station Nation, SB Nation DC, Telegraph-Journal]
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I tried to listen to Milbury’s segment on the Zuccarello hit. I could only make it 1/3 of the way through. Some things never change, like Milbury’s batshit insanity. It’s OK to cross check someone in the back at a dangerous distance from the boards.
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."
The guys on NHL On the Fly were hung up on the fact that Zuccarello is a little guy so it’s not that bad.
"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
Well then, it seem that the guys on NHLOTF are morons. While that play wasn’t terrible; it wasn’t a particularly bad or violent push, it is still very dangerous and one that needs to not happen. I don’t see how they can look at that hit when it’s a player as small as MZA, and see the resulting collision with the boards, and ever think it’s OK. What happens when it’s a bigger or stronger player doing the pushing? (Campbell breaks his collar bone, that’s what.)
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 8, 2011 9:38 AM EDT up reply actions
Exactly. I hate how so many look at the resulting injury to determine whether a hit was bad, rather than the action that was taken. A cross-check to the back near the boards is a cross-check to the back near the boards.
"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
Puck Daddy had it right, imo. Its good to have dissent to keep things in line and from swaying from too far one side or the other…..but Milbury is yelling at clouds for being clouds.
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.
I care less about who starts the season in goal than I do about who finishes it. Everybody loved Bradley’s complaints that Boudreau wasn’t rewarding the guys who deserved more playing time. Well, based on the preseason, it appears Bruce listened to Brads and he’s rewarding Neuvy. Anyway, Tampa’s the bigger game and I’m pretty sure TV will be playing in that one.
Do you really make a decision between two goalies with firmly entrenched roles on the team based on three preseason games?
Frankly, sitting Vokoun is mystifying to me.
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Oct 8, 2011 9:52 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
It’s the home opener and Neuvy ended up being the main goalie last year and during the playoffs. I don’t know why people are mystified about this decision.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
I think perhaps because BB unilaterally declared Vokoun the #1 goalie in July and nothing has changed but a bunch of meaningless preseason games?
There’s just no reason to upset the apple cart like this, it’s classic Boudreau.
It isn’t even anger-inducing. It does not seem to be worth that kind of emotional investment. It might not even be disappointing any more. It is expected.
-Peerless 5.6.2011
Bruce did a call in yesterday to ESPN980 (link) where he was asked if he’d like to comment about the goaltender situation, to which he answered “Ask me on Tuesday.” That sounds to me like TV will start against Tampa on Monday. He also said that he’s not mad at TV for letting the cat out of the bag; said he didn’t “know the protocol.”
"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
This will be a perfect opp for (’98) Mrr. Kolzig to play
intermediary.
Yes, indeed.
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.
Speaking of goaltending, Ward stunk last night. (29-34, .853% , 5GA) Wonder if we’ll see Boooch.
"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
Lehtonen was brilliant however if you saw any of the Dallas game.
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.
Moar controversy!!!
@Katie Carrera:
Mathieu Perreault is taking part in rushes with 2nd line, while Marcus Johansson skates with 4th and extra forwards. #caps
"You can want to get to April but when you get to April you may not like the answers you get, so you might as well enjoy the ride while it's going on." - Brian McNally on JRR, 8/29/2011
And I think the focus should be on the possible lack of a 6th dman at practice; seriously if Wideman has been that questionable all week, Collins should have been at practice yesterday, but absolutely, today. And he’s not, but the beat writers are reporting his equipment is in his stall.
SWhyno Stephen Whyno
#Caps spokesman says Dennis Wideman will play tonight and that this is an optional skate. Will ask Bruce Boudreau about D-Man.
So who buys Wideman skipping a game day skate after not skating some other times in the last week on the morning of the first regular season game after being out injured to end last season as just taking his option. Ha.
If he was the captain he would be accused of being lazy, not a leader, fat, the worst player on the face of the earth, not as good as Sidney Crosby, etc, etc, etc.
Well Wideman isn’t taking his leadership on the D seriously, he obviously put on weight in the hospital, he only managed to score 1 goal in the preseason, and he’s not as good as Mike Green.
All the bases covered me thinks.
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.
All I can say is
Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey =D
by Beakers Lab on Oct 8, 2011 10:17 AM EDT reply actions 2 recs
Allan Walsh...
…can eat a [Gretzky]ing porcupine. Why on earth would it matter whether Vokoun starts one game or not. I recall a few years ago when Brent Johnson got the starting nod in the home opener and Theodore got game two on the road.
What an [Avery] he is…
Winnipeg? Winnipeg??? Oy! (And now it's official...)
Agreed…an agent’s job is not to make news. If there is a beef one voices thoughts behind closed doors. Looks like TV’s new agent may be wanting to show TV that he is shrinking violet. But by doing so A. makes an avery out of himself and B. causes unnecessary motion within the team.
I’m not one to defend Walsh and think he should have kept quiet, but yeah that’s not his style. But did he call Whyno or did Whyno call Walsh looking for a comment?
Did you ask him? Whyno’s usually pretty good about responding to questions on Twitter.
"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
Agreed here too. Had I realized it was Walsh and not “Vokoun’s agent,” I wouldn’t even have given it a second thought. He’s quickly becoming a joke and one if the reasons not everyone is fit for twitter.
by TFG on Oct 8, 2011 10:33 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I just hope none of that is driven by our new goaltender. We all hope there’s a fairly even split of games between Vokoun and Neuvirth this season. And if Boudreau thinks that the Caps have a better chance of starting the season 2-0 if Neuvirth starts against Carolina and Vokoun starts against Tampa, then Vokoun ought to shut his mouth and play a great game against the Lightning.
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Oct 8, 2011 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions
I was really surprised he mentioned it the other day. I would have thought somebody in the Caps organization would have said. “Bruce hates giving away the lineups before games. So we never say who’s starting.”
Country Gentlemen's Pig Fertilizer Gazette
Dunny-on-the-World
Sounds to me (reading between the lines) that Vokes was caught offguard when asked by someone in the media and spoke before thinking about it.
by capsyoungguns on Oct 8, 2011 1:47 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree, it’s stupid for the agent to make a big deal out of it. However, the true idiot here is, as always, Boudreau. Why even risk creating a goalie controversy? You’ve said all summer Vokoun is the veteran guy, the #1, and ultimately he’s our best shot at a title so why not make him feel like a stud, like a #1, feel accepted? Of course the opening night start is a big deal.
Boudreau is like that idiot friend we all have who always says the stupid thing to the girl right off the bat and you wonder “why can’t you just be normal? You’d do so much better if you were just normal.”
"If I knew then what I know now, that woulda messed it up somehow" - Roy Drusky
by LACapsFan on Oct 8, 2011 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Fuck and yes.
"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 8, 2011 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Here’s my guess for Bruce’s reasoning for this decision. Here are some results from 2010-11. Remember, Vokoun’s stats were accomplished with a bad team in front of him:
VS. Carolina:
Neuvy: G:1 1-0-0 GAA 0.00 Save Pct. 1.000
Vokoun: G: 3 0-2-0 GAA 4.66 Save Pct. .867
VS. Tampa Bay:
Neuvy: G: 2 1-0-0, GAA 3.00 Save Pct .917 (and 4 playoff losses)
Vokoun: G: 3 2-0-1 GAA 1.26 Save Pct. .954
Ok, I want to start one guy against Carolina and one guy against Tampa Bay. You make the call…
Winnipeg? Winnipeg??? Oy! (And now it's official...)
by MikeL-Pivonka on Oct 8, 2011 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I start Vokoun against Carolina and Vokoun against Tampa. Starting one guy against each.
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 8, 2011 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Couldn’t disagree more. Game 1 counts the same as the other 81 — I truly believe that it doesn’t matter a bit who starts game 1.
And if Boudreau wants to send to Vokoun the signal that the best goaltender will play, then so be it. Vokoun’s preseason was worse than Neuvirth’s, so Neuvirth earned it.
Telling a guy that his performance doesn’t matter is a great way to get crappy performance. Vokoun may not be used to competing for a job, but he’s got to compete now. And if he wants to start, he ought to be the better goalie.
Perhaps most important in my mind, every game Vokoun doesn’t start is a night he doesn’t get hurt. Let Neuvirth carry as much load as you want in the regular season, as long as Vokoun’s ready for the playoffs. Who the hell cares what happens, apart from that? Regular season means dick. And game 1 especially means dick.
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Oct 8, 2011 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions 6 recs
Game 1 might mean dick to you, but it means something to Vokoun. I think the situation could have been handled better by Boudreau. They didn’t even tell Vokoun until today why he wasn’t starting. Why say 6 days ago that Vokoun was the #1, Then change your mind and not tell him until the day before the game?
#1 doesn’t mean “starts game 1.” It means starts more games than #2.
But hey, spell it out. How was this supposed to be handled? Let’s say Boudreau really thinks the best shot at 2-0 is Neuvirth against Carolina, and then Vokoun against the Lightning. Should he play Vokoun first anyway, and harm the team’s chances at winning games just to stroke a guy’s ego?
Or is the problem here really that Vokoun assumed he was starting even though nobody told him that, and then he was surprised when he found out the opposite. I have little sympathy for him. The coach decides who plays, and getting upset over that is a prima donna move.
Seriously, if it was Babcock or Bylsma, would you be upset? Or would you be saying it’s a genius move and sure to motivate Vokoun to earn the right to start?
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Oct 8, 2011 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I don’t pay much attention to what those other coaches do with their goalies, I am not familiar with their styles. To me it doesn’t matter who it is doing it, it’s the actions that are taken.
Why couldn’t Boudreau explain those things to Vokoun if that is what he thought? Just have better communication instead of waiting until the day before and not even telling him why until the day of? It seems the decision was made earlier in the week if Vogel knew about it then.
Honestly I don’t think it makes much difference who you play against Carolina for whether or not the Caps win. The stats listed by Mike-L above are such small sample sizes, I don’t think it means a whole lot.
Should he have 20+ meetings with every player a week before every game to explain in detail his roster decisions? Or do only the goalies require that much hand-holding?
I just can’t fundamentally get behind the idea that a professional goaltender requires a week of notice regarding his status for any particular game. And if Vokoun does, he needs to do this.
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Oct 8, 2011 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions
So you are in agreement with telling Vokoun the day before. I counter with why didn’t they explain to him why he isn’t starting when they told him the day before? Then Vokoun understands the situation better and doesn’t get all upset and have his agent talking bad about the Caps to the press. The way it happened it seems like explaining it to Vokoun only happened because he was upset and he and his agent talked to the press. I don’t think it’s unreasonable to expect that level of communication the day before the game, Prior could have explained more to him. Obviously they can’t be telling the goalies a week beforehand who is starting during the season, but I think game 1 is a little different since nothing is going on beforehand so an extra few days isn’t unreasonable. But if they had just more clearly communicated with Vokoun the day before the game, perhaps they could have avoided the entire situation.
We’re pretty deep now into a cycle of what was and wasn’t said, without actually knowing what was and wasn’t said.
Did Vokoun ask? Did they refuse to say? Somehow, doubt it went that way. But I don’t know. Nobody on this board does.
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Oct 8, 2011 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions
If he has to have it explained to him every time he isn’t starting a game then this is going to be a long season. What ever happened to I am in charge and I said so.
by icehammer97 on Oct 8, 2011 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
So just because BB said TV is the #1 G during the summer (and then he under performs in preseason), does that lead TV or anyone else to believe that TV is starting every ‘key’ game, for us? Ofcourse not. It is and should be, who is playing better at the time. Period.
To be fair, by the end of the night it will be 100% of the Caps’ season. Seen in that light, no other game is as significant.
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Oct 8, 2011 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Accountability is hard.
Would we all be happier if BB started off the season promising that strong camps will be rewarded except in the case of the goalies.
by capsyoungguns on Oct 8, 2011 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Precisely. Don’t care who starts tonight, but what Boudreau’s saying now isn’t what he was saying in July, tand hat’s my problem.
"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]."
Vokoun’s still the #1. Ain’t nothing inconsistent with “you’ll start most of the games” and “you’re not starting this one,” unless you think game 1 is highly significant.
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Oct 8, 2011 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Apparently the #1 did.
"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]."
I really don’t think it matters, but I don’t see how tweaking Vokoun like this is necessary. I don’t think you can hide behind the ‘matchup’ card.
It isn’t even anger-inducing. It does not seem to be worth that kind of emotional investment. It might not even be disappointing any more. It is expected.
-Peerless 5.6.2011
BTW I was agreeing with you. And I was someone who was looking forward to seeing Vokoun tonight.
by capsyoungguns on Oct 8, 2011 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Re. the clips, the SC Stingrays game was a preseason game and they have another one tonight and typical for preseason, they sat some guys.
OT: ECHL site write-up on Steckel link
OTOT: Last night, I was looking for something on Stefishen after he was cut from camp and returned to the U of Calgary Dinos and ended up on an article talking about Stefishen and Stefanishion. link
Fixed, thanks. I should have known – the SC scratches list had way too many good players on it.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
(Re the Puck Daddy article over on the side.) Okay, I’ll admit that the Coyotes’ “Hockey The Hard Way” campaign is pretty solid advertising. Taking a weakness and making it a strength, the PR man is earning his money down in PHX.
In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.
I don’t really dig it in all honesty. There’s no reason to bring focus to the franchise’s major problem if you can’t put it to rest simultaneously. It feels more like a “hey! This is your last chance to see hockey in Arizona!” ad.
by TFG on Oct 8, 2011 10:39 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
King said what Fallon wants to do is marry that idea with the unique aspects of the Coyotes’ experience, from their style of play to their geography.
“It’s hard enough to play hockey when you’re not pulling a scorpion out of your skate,” he said.
“There’s hockey. And there’s hockey the hard way.”
I wanna see video of Shane Doan pulling a scorpion out of his skate. Make this happen.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Sounds pretty rough to tell a guy who thought he would be starting the home opener and flew in his family to see it and then tell him right before the game that he’s not. He might have invested a little more in the preseason if he knew he needed it to get the start; a veteran of plenty of NHL seasons probably doesn’t put too much weight into a few preseason games after he’s already been told he’s the #1 already.
Agreed… I don’t necessarily have a problem with Neuvirth starting the opener, but I feel like the least Bruce could have done is told TV more than a day in advance so he didn’t make all these family plans which now may or may not completely go to waste.
by Murshawursha on Oct 8, 2011 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions
Agree with you that this seems unnecessary jerky. I saw something on twitter about Vogel indicating he knew earlier in the week? Even weirder. Also bad is telling Vokoun he’s not playing Friday and not even telling him why until Saturday. Way to generate a lot of bad feelings when it was completely unnecessary, Boudreau. I can see why Varly wanted to get off Boudreau’s goalie carousal.
Glad you worked Varly into it.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
by Rob Parker on Oct 8, 2011 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
I’ve been saying all along that I thought Boudreau was one of the reasons Varly left. But go ahead and completely disregard my other points because I like to talk about Varly. For Vogel to know days before Vokoun and then for them to not tell Vokoun why he wasn’t starting until today is unnecessarily jerky. Although perhaps I can’t comprehend that clearly because I am a Varly fangirl.
At the convention goalie panel all of the goalies said that they usually heard whether they were starting the day before a game. And they like that in order to prepare better mentally. But not a one of them said they expected to know days or a week before.
by capsyoungguns on Oct 8, 2011 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions
It is possible game 1 is different? Since there is nothing beforehand they have to be concentrating on.
Nope. Mentally preparing on the game ahead.
Only thing special about game 1 is that it’s the season opener.
I can see where there was an excitement on the part of Vokoun and I feel for him with his family in town. But he has from what I’ve read already moved beyond it. He’s a professional. He’ll be ready on Monday. BTW why aren’t we asking the same about Mackan? I don’t think goalies should be treated any differently.
by capsyoungguns on Oct 8, 2011 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions
If any of the Caps’ players is so insecure, so mentally unsound that any of this actually makes a significant difference, then we’re better off finding that out now, because I don’t know how they’re going to handle the playoffs.
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Oct 8, 2011 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Here is the thing you have a guy, TV, who almsot seemed to not be trying hard in the preseason because he flet like he was the #1 and should get the game 1 start so he loses that chance because he was outplayed and shouldn’t be the starter. BB didn’t tell the goalies because he didn’t want Neuvy to feel ‘I am the starter game 1 I don’t have to work as hard to prove I should be not.’ Look at how in ‘07-’08 the Wings used Osgood and Hasek. Played game 1 but Osgood played more games, so who really was the #1? The truth is that Babcock was going with whoever was playing best and that even included the playoffs as when Hasek struggled Osgood came in and played great. If TV wants to be the number 1 he sould play at a level that shows in and not just expect it to be handed to him. As for his family they traveled all the way here they can spend the weekend with him and see him play Monday.
Let’s hope that is so. But there’s probably the kids’ school schedule to deal with. I have no idea how old Vokoun’s kids are but assume he’s got at least one that’s of school age. I presume that they’re off for Columbus Day. If they hang around through Monday, odds are they miss school on Tuesday, by the time flights and ground travel are taken into consideration. Of course, it’s probably less of a big deal to miss a day at the elementary school level than at the HS leve.l
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
I seriously think that we care more about this entire issue than Vokoun does.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Oct 8, 2011 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Eric Fehr, represent.
The WinniJets take their first team photo.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Going to a home opener for the first time. Neat. =)
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
@ CJ_Stevenson
Dwayne Roloson is on the ice with the #lightning Black Aces, so looks like Mathieu Garon will get the start in goal tonight against #bruins
Roli will be ready for his date with the Caps.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Happy Opening Day all! Changed jobs and been underwater since spring but trying to get caught back up. . .
Here’s hoping Neuvy has a great game, Vokoun gets the next start, and this all goes away.
"This guy is an android. He's not human....Oh my goodness."
by Sam DC on Oct 8, 2011 12:24 PM EDT via iPhone app reply actions
Thx WOI. Now if I can just fig out this iPhone app . . .
"This guy is an android. He's not human....Oh my goodness."
by Sam DC on Oct 8, 2011 1:52 PM EDT via iPhone app up reply actions
The continuing rehabilitation of David Steckel.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Decent read but it needs more #fancystats
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.
That may not sound like much, but Desjardins believes Steckel’s contributions are undervalued and make him worth $1.5-million to $2-million a year.
His contract is a steal!
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 8, 2011 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions
An FYI, hockey on tv now…with the day games overseas!
NYR vs Anaheim game in progress
BUF at LAK starts at 2 eastern
Turned on NHLN to see Sharks-Flames on ESPN. I can’t believe how much hooking and holding is in the game. It’s completely different. It’s some sort of parallel hockey universe. Absolutely blatant calls now, every 30 seconds….
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
I know it’s only one game, but after yesterday’s highlights I’m firmly convinced that the Flyers gave the 2012 Stanley Cup away to the LA Kings this offseason. Just handed it to them. “Here, have this.”
Also, is it OK for me to like Mike Richards now?
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
Seriously. What if he’s actually the kind of hockey player we all like to watch at heart, and he’s just been a douchebag because of where he was playing?
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Oct 8, 2011 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions
This is how I like to watch Richards
"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
by bagace on Oct 8, 2011 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions 21 recs
That never gets old.
There's always more to learn about Hockey.
by WordsOnIce on Oct 8, 2011 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I tried Rec’ing this and it keeps wanting to Flag your post. :-(
Country Gentlemen's Pig Fertilizer Gazette
Dunny-on-the-World
by Boggles on Oct 8, 2011 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Eeep. Yeah it’s been flagged five times now. Something’s not right.
There's always more to learn about Hockey.
by WordsOnIce on Oct 8, 2011 1:43 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I had this issue twice within the last week. I let one of the mods know.
by sk84fun_dc on Oct 8, 2011 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah I just tried to rec the gif and it seems stuck on “loading”. I don’t think it’s actually flagging it but that the rec action isn’t loading properly.
by capsyoungguns on Oct 8, 2011 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I’m almost positive this is the case. It’s been happening to me too. If you actually flag a post an extra window pops up for you to make comments about why you are flagging a post. People are still recing the posts, it’s just slow loading the image.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Oct 8, 2011 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yikes! Don’t let Emily drive the Banhammer down on me. : )
"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
Banhamr. The Rink is rocking The Banhamr™ for the next two seasons.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Is this sufficiently metal?
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
by winterion on Oct 8, 2011 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Hey everyone, when you hit the “Flag” button, you haven’t actually flagged the post yet. You get that pop-up that asks you to explain what is going on, and the post isn’t flagged until you hit “submit.”
For example, I’m not seeing any flags on bagace’s post of Ovechkin destroying Richards, even though many of you say you got the flag window instead of being able to rec like you wanted to — that probably means that nobody hit “submit” so no real flags were registered. So if you try to rec and get the flag window instead, no harm done.
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Oct 8, 2011 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Looking for a friend
Here it is, opening night, and I have a very important question for all y’all:
Center Ice on Directv, or
NHL Gamecenter on the internet
Here’s the thinking:
I’ve been a Center Ice guy for about a decade, but now that the little girl is three, it seems like 4 or 5 PM is Nick Jr time out here (games typically start at 4 or 4:30 here)—so I have to record the game, avoid the internet, and then blow through the recording later that night. So I’m thinking of switching to NHL Gamecenter Live.
PROS
Can watch on the laptop while the monkey watches Team Umizoomi
DVR functionality, so I can watch from the start while the game’s in progress
don’t have to remember to set the recorder
all the good stuff that comes along with the subscription—audio on iphone, picture in picture, choice of broadcasts, etc.
CONS
the big one: it’s the internet—jerky, stuttery, not HD
Question for the group—anyone have a clear opinion as to whether one is better than another?
We're Hüsker Dü and we're on MTV. Who are you, and what are you on?
I suppose I misspoke—yeah it’s (potentially) in HD, but the compression artifacting is much more visible than on Directv, so it may be 1920 by 1080 pixels, but those pixels are a little crappier looking.
We're Hüsker Dü and we're on MTV. Who are you, and what are you on?
by bilspacecadet on Oct 8, 2011 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions
hockeystreams.com:
a full year of high-quality streams for around 100, has all games, and instant playback.
And it’s illegal. Which means there’s a good shot it’ll be shut down sometime. I personally wouldn’t trust them with my money — not if I’m counting on them being able to do what they do long term.
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Oct 8, 2011 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Speaking of GCL, does anyone have any idea how the system determines which games are “in-market”?
It seems to me that they could either
a) use the billing zip at time of payment or
b) use IP address at the time of connection.
a) would mean you can’t watch your home team ever, b) would mean you can’t watch the home team of whatever market you happen to be in when you watch.
Anyone have any experience?
I believe it’s the latter. When I was in Hawaii last year during the Caps playoffs, I could watch the Caps games that weren’t on national TV. In LA I couldn’t watch the Kings but I could still watch the Caps.
J.P.: You might be the king of all geeks here…
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Oct 8, 2011 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions
My two cents -
If you are going to be home to watch the games, don’t waste your time with Game Center. If you are frequently not home or travel, get the Internet package.
It isn’t even anger-inducing. It does not seem to be worth that kind of emotional investment. It might not even be disappointing any more. It is expected.
-Peerless 5.6.2011
Knew about the Metro closures, but didn’t realize that Taste of DC would have PA Ave closed.
Travel Advisories for Opening Night
The Taste of DC will be located downtown this weekend and will affect travel to Verizon Center. The following street closings will be in effect until Monday, Oct. 10 at midnight:
Pennsylvania Ave. between 9th and 14th streets
10th and 12th streets from E st. to Constitution Ave.
11th and 13th streets from E st. to Pennsylvania Ave.
Please visit www.thetasteofdc.org for more information.
Additionally there will be various Metro closures during the Columbus Day Weekend as a result of improvement projects:
Green line trains will operate in two sections, between Greenbelt and Georgia Avenue and between Branch Avenue and Mt. Vernon Square. Yellow line trains will operate between Huntington and Mt. Vernon Square.
On the Orange line buses will replace trains between the East Falls Church and West Falls Church stations to allow for construction associated with the Dulles rail extension. The East Falls Church and West Falls Church stations will remain open for transfers between trains and buses.
Riders planning to take the Green, Yellow or Orange lines to the Capitals home opener on Saturday, Oct. 8 against the Carolina Hurricanes or the Caps game on Monday, Oct. 10 game against the Tampa Bay Lightning should prepare to add up to 30 minutes to their commute.
"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
A lot of talk about BB ‘sending messages’ , especially with respect to Vokoun vs. Neuvy. I suppose that is fine, and it will eventually blow over. I, however, am much more concerned with his handling of MarJo. Regardless of MarJo’s tepid preseason and whatever message he is trying to send, it is imperative that MarJo PLAY, and play a lot – now. That important 2C slot remains an open issue and MarJo needs to develop and play into that role. But, he can’t, if BB keeps yo-yoing him. I think it is also important to realize that it shouldn’t be MP vs. Marcus. I am delighted that MP played himself onto the starting team, but it shouldn’t be at the expense of MarJo. Chimera can go down a line, if necessary or some other arrangement with the other forwards, but MarJo needs to skate now at the start of the season.
My concern over this topic will begin once Johansson’s missed his 3rd straight game. Missing one game doesn’t bother me.
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Oct 8, 2011 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes, I hope you are right. That is my assumption, too….hence, the notion about ‘sending messages.’ But, he is a young kid still and I fear head games could screw up his development at a time the team needs his contributions. If he has a slow start, fine. If he needs time to develop chemistry with Semin, Ovi, or whomever then fine too. That, in my mind, is what the early part of the season is for. None of this can happen, though, if he is in the press box every other night.
I think we are all making a mountain out of a molehill. I see it no more as “strong camp performances will be rewarded” and that left Mackan and Vokes sitting out tonight. No one is suggesting that either of those players aren’t hardworking and professional. Mackan has more upside and more experience than Matty, but Matty had a great camp and is being rewarded. And I believe the same is true for Neuvy. Especially given Voke’s veteran experience.
by capsyoungguns on Oct 8, 2011 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions
So Marcus is sitting out because his camp performance was worse than all the other forwards? I am a little confused why he wasn’t put on say the 3rd line, unless Boudreau truly believe Marcus was the worst of the bunch (ignoring DJ). I don’t think it’s a good idea to sit Marcus a long time, but like you said, it’s only the first game, and no point getting worked up about that now.
I honestly don’t think it’s anything more complicated than he told the players that strong camps would be rewarded. So BB is following through.
Did Mackan play better than Chimera, Laich, or Ward? I thought that line looked pretty good actually. I think he thought that Mackan should have generated more simply by being paired with Ovi.
Is it hard on Vokes because Neuvy knows the system, already knows the tendencies of the defensive corps, and also had a more stacked roster than Vokes in his last game. Yeah. So I have a lot of sympathy for him. I was downright cranky about it yesterday.
But I like the season starting with an example of BB actually following through on his threat. We’ve all complained often enough of his tendency to play favorites and holding different players to different standards. Tough stand at the start of the season. But it’s a long season. We shall see.
by capsyoungguns on Oct 8, 2011 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions
On Vokes not starting. I’ll bet he had assumed that since he was declared to be the #1 goalie, he’d be starting the opener since starting the opener is more special than the typical regular season game. I’m sure he always started the openers for the Panthers.
But a great camp by Neuvirth, plus the fact that Neuvirth usually plays better against Carolina anyhow was probably the reason he’s not starting.
I know he’s disappointed but he’ll play plenty this year.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
I doubt if Mackan was our worst forward in camp. But I think the current third line group seemed to really jell and shows potential of being a true checking line.
Would not be too surprised if Mackan’s play in the last 3 preseason games was a bit “flat” due to his recent illness. (Having a cold but leaving a game “dizzy”.) As in well enough to play but lacking energy. A co-worker of mine had gotten sick with a cold around the same time as him and is still not “right”, getting bronchitis and sinus infection.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
FriedgeHNIC Elliotte Friedman
After Hours tonight is Marc-Andre Fleury and Scott Hannan
Sweet After Hours is back and could be interesting hearing what Hannan has to say…
Kyle Wilson named home alternate captain of the Milwaukee Admirals; Tyler Sloan named road alternate captain.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
So apparently Preds and Canes games will be blacked out on Center Ice in the Atlanta area this season which means I’ll be missing the Caps’ opening game tonight against the Canes since the game won’t be shown locally either. Nice job NHL.
Lobbies: Green, Carlson, Orlov
Not sure I understand how they would be blacked out without being televised locally.
It isn’t even anger-inducing. It does not seem to be worth that kind of emotional investment. It might not even be disappointing any more. It is expected.
-Peerless 5.6.2011
He did one. It wasn’t very inspired.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Let’s go Caps; help me forget that Jagr didn’t suck the other night.
In honor of my 37th year supporting you fuckers I’m adding witnessing Washington hoisting the Cup to my Bucket List.
2011-1974= 37, doesn’t it?
Whatever. Just win, baby.
RIP, Al Davis.
Rooting for the Caps from the OBX.
by Acer Jonesy's Laughker on Oct 8, 2011 3:30 PM EDT reply actions
Any bets on whether OVI is on the PP point tonight? I sure as Hell hope not. The power play looked in preseason like it did last season. They have had a year to fix it plus the addition of Hamrlik and Wideman. As to the other side, the PK, what forwards will be there other than Brooks and Ward and, probably, Halpy? As with the PP, I couldn’t discern who the top four forwards would be during the preseason.
On the PP, I don’t really care how they set-up, as long as they change it up. I think people get a little too hung up on moving Ovi off the point at all costs. The power didn’t work last year because it was stale, and kept trying the same set night after night, not just because Ovi was on the point. If Ovi is really feeling his shot well on a particular night, go ahead and use him there. If not, try a different set-up. Could even try mixing up the formation from one power play to the next within a single game.
As for the PK, I’d imagine Knuble, Semin, and Johansson get some time. Hendricks could get some spot duty. Not sure if Brouwer and Chimera will play much or not.
I’m not sure his shot, even when on, was all that good from the point, although I don’t have any statistical data at hand to support that claim. It typically is more potent in close, I thought. Wideman, Green, Carlson, Hammer can handle the long point shots, I think. Your PK line-up looks pretty good. All those guys are pretty good defensive forwards. We are lucky to have them. Interestingly, neither of us mentioned Nicky who might be the best of all. My personal opinion, however, is to rest Nicky, Knuble, and Semin for their offensive contributions, if at all possible. Should be interesting to see what BB does.
Disagree strongly on Ovie’s shot. His shot was absolutely devastating from the point in his first three or four years or so.
In 06-07 he had 16 PPG, second to only Semin, who had one more.
In 07-08 he had 22 PPG, which was by 3 the best in the league.
In 08-09 he had 19, which was one ahead of Greenie’s total in Green’s monster season, and one less than Vanek, who led the league.
And in all of those years, he was mostly shooting from the point. After all the suspensions, etc, he really fell off the next year, and you know what happened last year. It hasn’t been great for a while for whatever reason, but if Ovie is feeling good on a particular night, I’m comfortable with him shooting from the point, especially if changing looks have gotten the other team used to not seeing him there every time.
Well, I certainly stand corrected. Thank you. Having participated in these discussions on CAP boards for those years, I wonder if other people are aware of those stats. Because, clearly, the bulk – the high bulk – of criticism of Ovi being on the point was his ineffectiveness. Not sure what is going on here, especially if all those shots did originate from the point.
used to work. then it stopped working
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Oct 8, 2011 6:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Marcus sitting means he can’t play on the PK. Does Matty P play on the PK? I don’t recall him doing that.
Yep; yet ANOTHER reason I don’t like him sitting. Anyway, I don’t think MP’s forte is his defensive prowess. Luckily, per brooksengr’s post, we seem to have a supply of excellent forwards who can play back there so that shouldn’t be a problem. Instead, I hope he is thinking of new ways to get Ovi and Sasha the puck during the PK.
No, don’t think MP will be on the PK. He got all of 18 seconds of PK time last season.
Based on this,
I’d bet Hendricks, Beagle or Chimera will be picking up that slack.
Takeaway from this year’s Premiere Series – do not sleep on the Buffalo Sabres.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
::sigh::
I read that as do not sleep with the Buffalo Sabres. I’m sure our guys know better.
There's always more to learn about Hockey.
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