Thursday Caps Clips: Pens @ Caps Game Day
by J.P. on Dec 1, 2011 6:47 AM EST
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Your savory breakfast links:
- Previews of tonight's party with Pittsburgh from Vogs, NHL.com, Peerless, SB Nation DC, RMNB, Sick Unbelievable, RtR and CRtC, and be sure to check out our SB Nation partner PensBurgh for more coverage from the other side of tonight's match-up (and a traffic advisory for those of you going to the game).
- Notes and assorted whatnot from yesterday out at Kettler:
- In general. [Caps365 video (Kettler Report, Hunter)]
- Welcome back to Caps/Pens and the Sid Show, Dale. [WaPo, WashTimes, WTOP]
- And welcome back to D.C., Jim Johnson. [Caps365 (video), WashTimes, DCEx, KOL, CSNW]
- Meanwhile, there's a lot of learnin' to be done and little practice time in which to do it. [NHL.com, Dump 'n Chase]
- So... if you've got the shot, do you take it? [WashTimes, WaPo, CSNW]
- There's no timetable as to when Mike Green might return to the lineup... [WaPo]
- ... but the two-time Norris Trophy finalist who may very well owe more to his now-former coach than anyone else on the team did speak about the coaching change. [NHL.com, DCEx, 106.7 The Fan (audio)]
- In general. [Caps365 video (Kettler Report, Hunter)]
- Here's today's must-read, on the captain. [National Post]
- After what was perhaps a personal record two days of silence (so as not to take away from Hunter's life-changing couple of days), Bruce Boudreau spoke to several media outlets on Wednesday:
- The interviews. [106.7 The Fan (audio, with partial transcription), CSNW (video), NHL.com, WaPo, WashTimes, WashTimes]
- The reactions to the interviews and what might be next for Gabby. [Puck Daddy, AP, PHT, PHT, DC Pro Sports Report]
- Check that - here's what's next for Gabby. That didn't take long (and best of luck, coach). [Puck Daddy, NHL.com, WashTimes, SB Nation]
- The interviews. [106.7 The Fan (audio, with partial transcription), CSNW (video), NHL.com, WaPo, WashTimes, WashTimes]
- Olie Kolzig gives his two cents. [DC Sports Bog]
- Is George McPhee now in the on-deck circle? [DCEx]
- While Bob Woods was dismissed in favor of Jim Johnson, Dean Evason will stay on Coach Hunter's staff. [WaPo]
- Of course, Evason and Hunter haven't always seen eye-to-eye. [Japers' Rink]
- Brooks Laich did his weekly radio hit on The Junkies. [106.7 The Fan]
- ESPN's Scott Burnside on Alex Ovechkin and what's-his-name. [CSNW (video)]
- Now is not the time to panic. [Cakes' Takes]
- There's plenty of blame to go around for how things have gone down recently. [OFB]
- Should Dmitry Orlov start looking to buy rather than rent? [Sick, Unbelievable]
- Some day we'll find it, the Boudreau-Michel Therrien connection, the lovers, the dreamers and me. [KOL]
- The Caps are the NHL's 12th most valuable team. [Forbes, which is most likely wrong, and even if they're close, it's not so much #8 that's increasing the Caps' value, it's owning the building]
- I'm not ordinarily a fan of telling fans how to be fans... but there are a couple of ideas here I could get behind. [RMNB]
- The new boss gets some love... in Parliament? [DC Sports Bog]
- Finally, the two tributes to the Caps' new bench boss that ran in-game on Tuesday night. [Caps365 video (first, second)]
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Well that didn’t take long. Good on him for landing on his feet so quickly.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Keep United in DC. A Fair Deal at RFK, and a Pathway to a Stadium for a team loyal to the city.
by Bald Pollack on Dec 1, 2011 6:56 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
You know, not losing in 13 games or so in a row against a team is pretty good. Yeah not as good as the Cup, but still good. B/c it neutralizes the element of luck you could have on a playoff series.
What doesnt kill you makes you stronger.
by BetterOffWith28 on Dec 1, 2011 1:07 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
In season, I think there are a lot of variables in personnel, or officiating, or even scheduling – whether one team is more rested than the other, or in the second of back to back. But there would usually be more games in between to recover from fluky bounces, which there wouldn’t be in the playoffs.
There's no bigger burden than a great potential - Linus Van Pelt
We were discussing Anaheim in the OT Hockey thread last night. Not like I made anything up, because it was already being discussed all over the internet, but in response to the latest Bobby Ryan rumor, I jokinly said:
Ryan’s name has been floating around for days. Anaheim could just as easily can the coach. I hear there’s a good one available….
And then I wake up at 4 am and read the news. I wonder if he knew anything yet when he was talking to the press yesterday morning, or if it came together afterwards. He was in Anaheim at 1:30 am, so he couldn’t have left DC much later than 5 pm.
Bet wishes, Bruce.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
I saw a tweet from Dan Rosen saying he talked to Boudreau yesterday morning and, in retrospect, it seems to him like Bruce was at an airport during the conversation.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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Surprised Bob Woods wasn’t at the airport with him.
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 1, 2011 7:58 AM EST up reply actions
I read where Bruce has already hired a new assistant, but I read nothing about Bob Woods.
When Ron Wilson left the Caps and was eventually hired by the Sharks, he brought Tim Hunter and Tim Army with him.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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Bruce didn’t make the hire, the team did – Syracuse head coach promoted to assistant. Rosen’s follow up tweet expects Woods to get the other position. I would, too.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
They Ducks had better stock up on gum.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
Yup, Brad Lauer, but he was the asst coach in Syracuse not the head coach. New to the Ducks organization this season with Ottawa last season.
OT: He’s a Sask. native not that far off in age from Woods so guessing they may have crossed paths in younger days.
He ended the phone interview with The Fan guys yesterday because he needed to board his plane—said he was visiting his mom.
by capsyoungguns on Dec 1, 2011 8:00 AM EST up reply actions
Look son – don’t you use me in one of your “lies.” Don’t make me part of this. I’m not going to enable you with your “stories.”
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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by STLSpidey on Dec 1, 2011 8:02 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Ha!. I know he said in his interviews yesterday that visiting mom would be on his to do list. Nice cover.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
Maybe mom flew out to Anaheim. :)
That'll make your weagle wink!
The pants that bind us should be left behind us.
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Unleash the Apathy.
by D'ohboy on Dec 1, 2011 9:30 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
So…Bruce Boudreau went behind the bench for the first time for the Caps on a Friday against Philadelphia for a team that was 15th in the conference standings.
Boudreau will go behind the bench for the Ducks for the first time on a Friday against Philadelphia for a team that is 14th in the conference standings.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Dec 1, 2011 7:09 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Good luck to him, but Bruce, please wait until at least next year to win the cup there.
Thanks,
renstar
↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → b a (select) start
Prediction: Ducks go to Game 7 in the first round, and either lose it there or in the next.
"A picture is worth a thousand words. For moving pictures we manage to shorten it to one or two."
They’ll lose in the first…Rangers don’t play in the West
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Dec 1, 2011 7:23 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I’m sure there’s an equivalent team out west. Just have to find it.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
With Smith picking up where Bryz left off, that description’s got Phoenix written all over it.
"You can want to get to April but when you get to April you may not like the answers you get, so you might as well enjoy the ride while it's going on." - Brian McNally on JRR, 8/29/2011
I know people are kidding, but Anaheim is just terrible beyond their first line (and worse if they trade Ryan). Bruce might be stepping into a black hole there.
Hard to say. More polished top end talent with these Ducks. Better balanced team, defense, and depth with 07/08 Caps. I would take Hiller over the older Olie BB received upon his arrival in D.C. I would give the edge to the Ducks slightly. However, as I stated on Twitter, he’s facing a much tougher division than the 07/08 SE.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
No, it was not. Should tell you how unimpressed I am with Ducks D.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
With apologies to Tom Poti,
Fowler and Beauch alone put the Ducks way ahead of that 07-08 D crew, imo.
Cross check and all call.
I think he’s hurt.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 1, 2011 11:09 AM EST up reply actions
Yep. Broken finger. Out a monf.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 1, 2011 11:09 AM EST up reply actions
Fowler will eventually be good, but he’s been absolutely horrible this season. I like Beach, but he’s in the #2 pairing on a lot of teams. Visnovsky (out at moment) is the old Mike Green from offense/defense standpoint. Brookbank should be in the AHL. I’ve been waiting for Skisba to impress me. Lydman is meh.
Certainly the argument could be made that they are better on paper than the Caps team, but watching them the past 2 years I don’t see it.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
No, they count, just not for much in my book. I think we need a 3rd party or look at stats. Both of us are fairly biased when it comes to the Ducks.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
For sure, we are definitely valuing the defensemen differently.
In the end, I think BB has nothing but success ahead of him. . . .he’s and older, more experienced coach, with an older (in most respects) more experienced team
Soon the Championship with be ours, all ours!
I think it will have more to do with his coaching philosophy meeting the needs of the current roster. I have no doubts the team will improve under BB.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
Caps were 3rd best Fenwick% team in 07-08 (and improved only a little under BB in that regard), while the Ducks right now are dead last (and were close to it last season). Both teams had poor goaltending performance which obviously plays a big role, and poor shooting luck.
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I believe in next year.
by red army line on Dec 1, 2011 12:49 PM EST up reply actions
So you have Visnovsky and 07-08 Green as comparable, and I’d take Beauch over Poti. After that neither team has/had much of anything, but I’d take Lydman over pretty much any other Dman on the 07-08 Caps. Fowler and Sbisa are also at least as good as anyone else on the Caps at that time. At the very least the two D corps are even, but I can’t buy the Caps as having a better D.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 1, 2011 11:20 AM EST up reply actions
Who was the D on that team?
Green, ShaMo, Juice, Schultz, Poti I think…Was Klepis still around?
Patron saint of quality footwear.
I’m with Sk8, not sure what Jakob has to do with D-men. He wasn’t on the team by the way.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
2 Brian Pothier
3 Tom Poti
4 John Erskine
23 Milan Jurcina
26 Shaone Morrisonn
42 Sami Lepisto
44 Steve Eminger
52 Mike Green
55 Jeff Schultz
Soon the Championship with be ours, all ours!
The Klepis part, anyway. Now I’m totally locked up, trying to remember who the Eastern Euro D prospect was in the mid-00’s…gonna have to google it.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Played for Boudreau in Hershey in ‘05-06; then went overseas; came to Caps camp in Fall of ’08, but didn’t earn a contract and went back overseas.
Man, my memory sucks. I thought he got a half a season’s worth of games in with the big club.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Here’s the information from Boudreau’s first game coached as the Caps coach. 11/23/07
Poti, Green, Jurcina, Pothier, Morrisonn, Schultz
And in the playoffs that season, Erskine and Eminger played, too.
Lepisto played 7 regular season games that season.
Caps, no question.
Red Line Station and @RedArmyLine, featuring coverage of the most frustrating team in the NHL
I believe in next year.
by red army line on Dec 1, 2011 12:46 PM EST up reply actions
So Boudreau has managed to replace both of Cassidy’s assistants.
↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → b a (select) start
by renstar on Dec 1, 2011 7:27 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
Good for Bruce. See you in June!
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 1, 2011 7:28 AM EST up reply actions
Can’t blame Bruce. I think I’d rather be in Anaheim this time of year too.
Stupid cold weather.
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 1, 2011 7:33 AM EST up reply actions
Wow. Just 72 hours. I knew he’d find another gig but I didn’t expect it to be quite this fast. Thank goodness it’s in the Western conference.
by capsyoungguns on Dec 1, 2011 7:58 AM EST up reply actions
He’s the fastest coach in nhl history to reach 200 wins, that’s a heck of an selling point on a resume.
What doesnt kill you makes you stronger.
by BetterOffWith28 on Dec 1, 2011 8:38 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
and the only coach in NHL history to be the fastest to 200 wins and get fired and hired in 3 days ….
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by TheFuryUnleashed on Dec 1, 2011 11:32 AM EST up reply actions
History will be made
Proud member of the Popsicle Division of the Cupcake Conference.
by Bman21212 on Dec 1, 2011 12:23 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
congrats Bruce, and good luck rest of the way
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Dec 1, 2011 11:40 AM EST up reply actions
So do you think Hadeed Carpet will open up a satellite office in Anaheim?
Be Utterly Facinating @ http://www.thirstdc.com
by TheFuryUnleashed on Dec 1, 2011 12:48 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
After his ads for Mercedes when he asked for the Cup holder “this big,” I’m wondering if he’ll now do ads for Mercedes driving a convertible with the top down down the Santa Monica Freeway with the wind blowing through his hair.
If you've read this far...seek help.
That’s a singular and not plural noun in this case, fyi.
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by fat_daddyo on Dec 1, 2011 1:30 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
The message during today’s light skate should be loud and clear to everyone on the ice. Bruce wasn’t the problem, it’s the players. A job in less than a week shows he’s got talent, now the onus is on the rest of the team. Time to put up or shut up.
Bruce wasn’t THE problem…but he was part of it, just as the players were. The message to him should be, how will he define his coaching style now?
by jopierce on Dec 1, 2011 7:40 AM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
So I’m guessing that there will be no Michalek and no Letang tonight for the Pens? Saw they called up Despres yesterday.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 1, 2011 7:20 AM EST reply actions
Apparently both might be exhibiting concussion-like symptoms, from what I read. Montreal did a number on the team.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
Yeah, I didn’t really expect Letang to play after Pacioretty turned his nose into paste.
Just looking at Michalek’s stats. As good as the Pens are, didn’t realize he was -8 this year. Ouch.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 1, 2011 7:29 AM EST up reply actions
So much drama. The team that potentially prematurely carted Crosby back onto the ice fails to follow the very concussion protocols they called for. Idk if any other league has stuff like that. That’s not even considering that Letang came back out and scored the GWG. Crazy Stuff
Soon the Championship with be ours, all ours!
Yeah, you’d think they’d have learned from Crosby. That organization is full of hypocrites, top to bottom.
That organization is full of hypocrites, top to bottom.
I don’t know about that; but, there’s definitely something fishy going on at the Igloo.
Soon the Championship with be ours, all ours!
Okay fine, but they’re at least owned by one… Mr. “I’m-gonna-bitch-about-heashots-while-cutting-MAtt-Cooke-a-paycheck.” Though I guess in Cooke’s defense he does seem to have turned over a new leaf.
Well, we’ll get a good look tonight I think.
I do doubt some of Bylsma’s class because of the amount of hand/wrist slashing guys they have on that team.
Soon the Championship with be ours, all ours!
So was Hunter when he played….
And I’d like to see the Caps get nastier in that general regard, too.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
I’ve got not problem with that. I just don’t like how Bylsma is regarded as a very classy coach.
Soon the Championship with be ours, all ours!
I really get annoyed at Bylsma’s pressers. When he gets questioned about like Cooke going for Ovie’s knees and he turns it around and tries to make Ovie the bad guy. I think the quote was “I wasn’t really watching, I didn’t think Cooke got him, looked to me that Ovechkin was playing it up a bit”.
Either you were watching it or you weren’t. Either dodge the question or admonish your guy. Don’t defend an obviously dirty play and then insult the victim. I’m amazed he gets props for being classy.
I don’t know either. I though Shero was pretty direct last year when Cooke made another one of his ill-timed hits.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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Right now, Cooke would appear to be the poster boy for long suspensions working as a deterrent to bad behavior. Who would have guessed?
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
I’m still skeptical. If he makes it the entire season without a lapse I will then believe he’s seen the light.
I wonder if he’s getting the same ice time as he did last year? Less ice time, less time to screw up? or is that too cynical?
Soon the Championship with be ours, all ours!
11.64 TOI/60 this year at 5/5. 2.54 TOI/60 at 4/5.
Last year 12.02 TOI/60 at 5/5, 2.67 at 4/5.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 1, 2011 9:03 AM EST up reply actions
15:56 total TOI/G this year.
15:38 last year.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 1, 2011 9:05 AM EST up reply actions
He pretty much had to though, right? Cooke had so many bad hits in a short span that there was no way to do anything but acknowledge it.
Please, call me F&B.
Not only that, but it came right after Lemieux bitched about the Islanders and threatened to take his puck and go home. Shero has ignored Cooke’s bullshit for years, but once the Lemieux spoke out his hands were tied. I don’t give him much credit for that.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 1, 2011 10:47 AM EST up reply actions
Cooke didn’t do much in the way of cheap shots until the Savard hit. Then it was like an avalanche of goonery. It’s not like Shero “ignored it for years.”
The length of time he ignored the hits isn’t really relevant, but although they may not have been as serious I’m sure that Cooke was still boarding, kneeing and head hunting people prior to the Savard hit.
But even if he was an angel before the Spring of 2010 (he wasn’t), he ended Savard’s career and Shero had no problem. He blatantly boarded Tyutin (and got off lightly) and Shero said nothing. Then the Islanders incident happens, Lemieux speaks out, Cooke comes back and tries to take off McDonagh’s head and then Shero speaks out. Not exactly a major sign of nobility by Shero.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 1, 2011 11:04 AM EST up reply actions
Really, two things happened that went ignored. The Savard hit (that type of hit was a bit of an epidemic that season) and the Tyutin board (which was just dumb).
The league and the Penguins came down hard on Cooke after the McDonagh hit, and he has been different since.
I’m not excusing Matt Cooke’s actions…I just think Shero and Mario take too much heat for it.
To be clear I don’t think Shero and Mario are terrible for not calling their player out. They did what every coach/GM/owner does when they employ a dirty player. But I absolutely do not think they deserve any extra credit just because they didn’t defend Cooke when it was clear he became an NHL pariah and they had no choice.
It’s the same thing when guys like Miller who spout off about head shots and dangerous hits, but ignore the fact that their team employs Kaleta. The guys who really deserve credit for speaking out about dangerous hits are guys like Backes who have called out their own teammates even when there was no need/public pressure to do so.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 1, 2011 11:24 AM EST up reply actions
They are hypocrites, but no more or less so than any other NHL front office. But when your owner is Mario Lemieux hypocritical comments are going to get way more attention.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 1, 2011 11:28 AM EST up reply actions
Mario being a hypocrite happened once. That’s like the one Mitch Hedberg joke:
“You know when you see an advertisement for a casino, and they have a picture of a guy winning money? That’s false advertising, because that happens the least. That’s like if you’re advertising a hamburger, they could show a guy choking. “This is what happened once.”
They aren’t hypocrites, but they were hypocritical dealing with the Cooke situation.
(As I said below, Mario does no wrong in my eyes, so arguing with me about him will be frustrating and I probably won’t make sense half the time)
As good as the Pens are, didn’t realize he was -8 this year. Ouch
Double ouch…that minus-8 is in 14 games.
If you've read this far...seek help.
He and Paul Martin (-9) are the lowest on the Pens right now. I wonder how they’ve dealt with the d-pairings with Michalek, his usual partner, out with injury.
All the while Matt Niskanen is +8 and Alexandre Picard (uhh, who?) is +5
Soon the Championship with be ours, all ours!
Martin has been on the ice for 30 of the 61 goals allowed by Pittsburgh so far. Not exactly what the club had in mind there.
If you've read this far...seek help.
At $5.5 mil that’s $67,073 per game. He’s played 25 games which is $1.677 mil paid out so far or
$209,603.66 per assist or
$186,314.36 per each of his 9 +/ rating
Also he got 4 of his 8 points and a +1 in the first 3 games so take those out and you’re at these the past 22 games
$368,901.50 per assist or
$394,954.41 per each of his 8 +/ rating
I realize this means exactly nothing but it does make me feel better about Hamrlik’s stats.
Yep. And Letang can’t even take the concussion test because he’s got a virus that prevents them from running parts of the concussion test.
by jopierce on Dec 1, 2011 7:47 AM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
I’m a little ticked about the Penguins concussion protocol. Obviously, I don’t know what happens behind the scenes, but something is fishy. Hindsight is 20/20, but why was Crosby playing against the Lightning after Steckel rung his bell?
Why was Letang back in the game, and now he is sitting out?
Why was Malkin allowed to come back prematurely from two injuries, before he ever appeared to be 100%? It is making me a little mad.
To touch on some other points, Cooke is a completely different player now. He is playing smart, bailing out of hits that could potentially be dangerous, and is playing smart hockey. I would like to see a little more “edge” though (sans the headshots, naturally).
Martin has been brutual this year, but he was bad at the beginning of last year too. I hope he settles in a bit. Michalek’s minus number is misleading. He has been a rock when healthy.
I don’t think Murshawursha likes the Penguins.
it’s something in the water in Pittsburgh because the Steelers are doing a very similar thing with their handling of “concussion like symptoms”.
Bullshit. Polamalu and Ward have both taking hits up high and despite their desires to return, they were forced to sit out for the rest of the game. The Pens should be taking cues from the Steelers.
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Dec 1, 2011 9:46 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Thats not the Steelers doing it, thats NFL policy
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Whatever. The Steelers easily could have put either of those guys in if they wanted to (are you really suggesting that no team in the NFL puts concussed players back in the game?). And regardless of the why, there’s no basis for a claim that the Steelers are doing the same stuff as the Pens. They’ve taken precautions and risked losing (a much, much more valuable) regular season game to make sure they aren’t playing guys with concussions.
Please, call me F&B.
Im just saying the NFL is much stricter on concussions then the NHL, the Steelers are nothing special, every team is mandated by the same rule..
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Yeah, and I wasn’t the one to single the Steelers out to start. Regardless of the reason, they aren’t in the same class as the Pens when it comes to being reckless about concussions.
Please, call me F&B.
And every NHL team is mandated by the same “quiet room” rule, but that is regularly ignored by teams. NFL teams can just as easily ignore NFL in-game concussion protocols.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 1, 2011 10:55 AM EST up reply actions
I honestly don’t think they do any more. I think it happened once this season where a guy went back in and then came out because of concussion symptoms after a play that he wasn’t involved in there was massive kickback from media, fans and the league. If a player got multiple concussions in a single game I could see them suspending coaches, taking away draft picks and massive fines for the team.
It’s not worth it.
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/11/30/league-clarifies-concussion-like-symptoms/
After pressing the Steelers and the league office for further information regarding the situation, the league office has elaborated. "Concussion-like symptoms describe just that — symptoms — that may lead to a diagnosis of a specific injury — concussion," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said. "For purposes of our rules, a player with concussion-like symptoms should be treated as if he has suffered a concussion unless a concussion is specifically ruled out."
There’s the loophole. If the Steelers’ doctors are able to specifically rule out a concussion, then the Steelers never have to surrender their handling of the player to an independent neurologist. While we have no reason to doubt the substantive abilities of the Steelers’ doctors, the fact that the NFL even uses independent neurologists represents an acknowledgement of the possibility that a team’s doctors will at some level be influenced by their desire to remain the team’s doctors, especially when dealing with a relatively vague and subjective condition like a concussion.
so a player takes a shot to the head and has “concussion like symptoms” but it’s not a concussion, right
And the player sits out for the rest of the game. So where’s your beef?
And none of that is exclusive to the Steelers.
Please, call me F&B.
I think the Steelers have played a bit more loosely with the concussion protocol than other teams, that’s all. I think San Diego had the most egregious screw up when they let Diehlman continue playing after he was clearly knocked loopy (going to the wrong bench?) and then he suffered a seizure on the plane that night.
oh and I just don’t like the Steelers or the Penguins so there’s that too =)
And Rob loves the Steelers, which is why he’s getting all over-protective…regardless, now that we’re in NFL-territory we’re venturing into OT. Please to be sticking to hockey. Thank you and have a lovely day :)
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
Now isn’t that the pot calling the kettle black.
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Dec 1, 2011 10:19 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
…when have I ever talked about football? :D
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
At least my other rooting interest never eliminated the Caps.
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Dec 1, 2011 10:28 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
To be fair, they then put the Penguins out of the playoffs.
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Dec 1, 2011 10:32 AM EST up reply actions
The “H” stands for Habs, right?
"How can you trust a man who wears both a belt and suspenders? The man can't even trust his own pants."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Dec 1, 2011 1:08 PM EST up reply actions
foot-ball?
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 1, 2011 10:22 AM EST up reply actions
And it’s just stupid — like how I felt about the Caps’ handling of certain injuries last year. Pittsburgh is at the top of the conference. They can afford to give up a few points now to make sure their key guys are right later.
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Dec 1, 2011 9:31 AM EST up reply actions
Absolutely. Good thing I care about the NFL less and less each passing year. I love Polamalu though. One of my favorite athletes ever.
There is no reason to rush players back at this point in the season.
Polamalu found his calling but he’s one athlete I’d love to have seen play ice hockey.
Please, call me F&B.
I’d have loved to see Hamrlik play ice hockey.
Proud member of the Popsicle Division of the Cupcake Conference.
by Bman21212 on Dec 1, 2011 9:52 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
When I was in AmSam I had a joke going with one of my Samoan co-workers that we needed to build an ice rink on the island. Assuming we can get them to skate, Samoans would be scary, scary hockey players.
"Neuvy was eating pucks for breakfast, lunch, and dinner."
by SeattleCapsFan on Dec 1, 2011 1:57 PM EST up reply actions
I think there’s an artificial ice in development. The National Zoo will have Perrault and Johansonn skating on a rink with during Zoo Lights. I think it’s a kids skate on Sunday the 11th.
I’m hoping I’ll get a chance to test it out myself. I’ve taken adult classes at Kettler for a couple of years, so I can spin and jump well enough to be a danger to ice, others and myself.
There's no bigger burden than a great potential - Linus Van Pelt
And it keeps getting cheaper!
"You do that, you go to the box, you know. Two minutes, by yourself, you know and you feel shame" -Denis Lemieux
I hope it’s cheap enough for me to afford by the time I have a yard that can accommodate it.
Does anyone know how the resurfacing works?
Please, call me F&B.
My understanding is that you basically run a squeegee over it to clear off plastic shavings every once in a while.
There are also sprays that you can lay down that give it a more realistic feel.
"You do that, you go to the box, you know. Two minutes, by yourself, you know and you feel shame" -Denis Lemieux
Hindsight is 20/20, but why was Crosby playing against the Lightning after Steckel rung his bell?
You may be able to rewind it a little further and ask why he’d still be out there in the 3rd after the Steckel hit, no?
If whatever stories about him (and now Beagle) are true, experiencing symptoms when there was an increased effort level during their respective rehabs, then he should have been shut down after that last 20 minutes at Heinz.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Keep United in DC. A Fair Deal at RFK, and a Pathway to a Stadium for a team loyal to the city.
I agree completely. He was obviously shaken up. Again, I don’t know what happens behind the scense, but c’mon….
Yep, for sure. I think Halpern taking that knock in Game 7 vs. the B’s last year kind of made me get jaded about any intentions of the quiet room and post-concussion protocol.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Keep United in DC. A Fair Deal at RFK, and a Pathway to a Stadium for a team loyal to the city.
I don’t think Murshawursha likes the Penguins.
Honestly I have a good deal of respect for the team itself; it’s well-built, competitive, and unlike our own (former?) superstar here in DC, Malkin and Crosby (much as I can’t stand to watch him in an interview) are both maintaining a high level of play. And damn, does that make me jealous. And of course we all had wet dreams about Bylsma during 24/7
I do, however, harbor a rather seething hatred towards Mario Lemieux. I think he shoots his mouth off too much, and I think he’s a hypocrite for the reasons stated above. In the past said hatred has also extended to Matt Cooke, though so far this season I have to concede he seems to be making good on his promise to play a more honest game.
if by periods you mean shit ton then ok…
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Malkin can disappear for sure, but a lot of skilled players who play that brand of hockey do. He has also been battling injuries for two straight years.
When he is on, he is one of the best. People love to forget that he was lights out when Crosby was hurt in 2008, and he carried the team in 2009.
Rob Parker cares not for Malkin.
Malkin is a good player. And when he’s on he’s a beast. But let’s not put him in Crosby’s class in terms of consistency, or use him as a counter-example to what AO has done.
And FWIW, there are loud whispers and signs that AO has been playing through injuries over the last season-plus.
Please, call me F&B.
Mario may have come off as a hypocrite, but how often does he shoot his mouth off?
He also sat Matt Cooke down and told him, basically, to shape up or ship out. I guess some pretty stern words were given behind the scenes.
Him be a recluse I think is what makes it worse actually. If he was like Ted Leonsis and just said shit all the time, it would probably seem more acceptable. It’s the fact he went out of his way to talk about that particular topic while ignore others that rubs me the wrong way.
Proud member of the Popsicle Division of the Cupcake Conference.
I get that. But I would like to make two points:
1) When Mario spoke out against the headshots, he brought up fining the owners for the cheap shots…basically indicating that he be held responsible.
2) Getting into an argument with me about Mario Lemieux will be extremely frustrating for you, because I am 100% biased and Mario does no wrong. He’s Mario.
Mario was such a good hockey player. So good in so many ways.
I hate him so thoroughly I have to avoid thinking about him.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
I recall he had really good elbows…
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
He was a handful from a physical sense, which was part of what made him great.
Bleh, now I gotta go youtube Bobby Gould punching his lights out until I feel better.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
by fat_daddyo on Dec 1, 2011 10:28 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
___
Recluse Mario threatening Cookie to play better:
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Keep United in DC. A Fair Deal at RFK, and a Pathway to a Stadium for a team loyal to the city.
by Bald Pollack on Dec 1, 2011 9:58 AM EST up reply actions 7 recs
FREEMASONS RUN THE COUNTRY!
Now where's my hat? I'm going to the outhouse.
We don't have an outhouse
.....My tool shed!!!
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 1, 2011 10:03 AM EST up reply actions
I said. . . HOP IN.
Unleash the Apathy.
by D'ohboy on Dec 1, 2011 10:10 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Hmm, not seeing it on my end (I think you have to select a reason for flagging it for it to be visible to mods & authors), so I think you’re cool.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Keep United in DC. A Fair Deal at RFK, and a Pathway to a Stadium for a team loyal to the city.
by Bald Pollack on Dec 1, 2011 10:13 AM EST up reply actions
Its a bug in SBN. When you hit rec, the 1 count goes next to the flag link.
↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → b a (select) start
There’s a weird bug on this site though, because whenever you try to type something like “Sidney Crosby is awesome!” or “Tyler Kennedy rules!!” it immediately runs up the flag counter to the number “66”.
Now where's my hat? I'm going to the outhouse.
We don't have an outhouse
.....My tool shed!!!
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 1, 2011 10:24 AM EST up reply actions 4 recs
If you accidentally press “Flag,” you get a red window that asks for more information. If you just close that window, you haven’t flagged anything — you need to submit that extra information to actually flag a post.
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Dec 1, 2011 10:23 AM EST up reply actions
It shows up in pink, like a rec’d post is green or a new post is yellow.
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Dec 1, 2011 10:32 AM EST up reply actions
So you’re saying that I’m invincible?
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 1, 2011 10:58 AM EST up reply actions
Yes, Despres expected to make NHL debut tonight. Second game in a row Caps will be playing a team with a rookie dman making his NHL debut.
As a Caps fan, I’d like to see them take advantage of rookie nerves, but new d coach, second game for head coach, etc., plenty to work on in this game.
Note, tried to watch for some of this taking advantage of, pressuring rookie dman side, etc., against Blues/Fairchild but between new coaching/systems and as some have pointed out to me, Hitchcock’s system, didn’t see it happening.
Systems as structured as Hitchcock’s can hide a lot of ills. Bylsma can hide his with his mantra of getting the puck out of the defensive zone in “x” seconds. One thing to watch for in this game…watch how Pittsburgh defends low. They exhibit man-to-man tendencies at times with their defensemen and center. Whether they can do this with a rookie defenseman? They’ll have to try and hide him a bit in matchups, tough to do on the road.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Thanks, I understand a lot of that, but definitely will be watching. While I understand Hitchcock’s system can hide a lot, I also think there’s the issue of the Caps learning their new systems/roles and not being able to take as much advantage of a rookie dman as they might otherwise be able to in a game.
Ha…yeah, because they really used that to their advantage against that rookie defenseman of St. Louis’ the other night ;)
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
Yeah, no doubt.
The Caps are lower than whale shit right now and the Pens are cruising. As Peerless noted, if the Pens don’t put up 10 there ought to be an investigation.
This one is most likely going to be uglier than a busted rest stop toilet.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Ha! The Caps can be in the middle of a 10 game losing streak, have 7 players out with the plague, and Ovechkin can lose an eye right before the game starts…..
But the Caps will still get up for this game, win, and Ovie will have two goals. Both high glove.
4-3 Caps after the Pens skate out to an early 3-1 lead.
But at least you know he’ll score a point.
by Murshawursha on Dec 1, 2011 11:06 AM EST up reply actions
Fairchild.
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We don't have an outhouse
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 1, 2011 11:21 AM EST up reply actions
Huh…their head coach in Peoria was the guy who used to coach the Stingrays.
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We don't have an outhouse
.....My tool shed!!!
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 1, 2011 11:22 AM EST up reply actions
Oh good point, it’s actually the third game in a row the Caps are playing against a rookie dman playing in his first NHL game:
Buffalo: Brayden McNabb (it was Brennan’s third game)
St. Louis: Fairchild
Bortuzzi is currently suspended for his incident with Steve Meere.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 1, 2011 11:39 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
They’re all sold out of Bort license plates
Comrades, leave me here a little, while as yet 't is early morn:
Leave me here, and when you want me, sound upon the bugle-horn
by sydtron on Dec 1, 2011 11:41 AM EST up reply actions 4 recs
I don’t know why, especially since they are in 14th in the conference, but i have this feeling that Bruce is going to win a Cup this year with the Ducks. They do have the best top line in hockey after all, until they trade Ryan.
except for the “foir” part….might want to spell that right.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Dec 1, 2011 7:24 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Next acrostix should be BRYANCARES
"A picture is worth a thousand words. For moving pictures we manage to shorten it to one or two."
Yeah…except that he actually does care. It’s just a matter of who would be able to afford his salary. Sasha…salary aside…is not on too many team’s wish list.
I think Semin cares, and it was good of Bruce to stick up for him in the press. I don’t think he can coach Semin though (in the same way he couldn’t coach other Caps, not in that Semin is uncoachable).
by jopierce on Dec 1, 2011 7:45 AM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
“Anaheim trades Bobby Ryan to Capitals for Alex Semin. New Coach Boudreau immediately quits.”
by SA-Town on Dec 1, 2011 7:39 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Ryan for Semin?
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 1, 2011 11:08 AM EST up reply actions 9 recs
A 1:1 like that would never happen.
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.
Bruce a Mighty.
Ambiance and vanity.
by Acer Jonesy's Laughker on Dec 1, 2011 7:36 AM EST reply actions 4 recs
Is there a press conference soon when Jay Beagle will sit down surrounded by a phalanx of doctors and talk about his recovery progress and the fact that there’s no timetable for his return?
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
Why? I was never told he had a concussion and thus should take things at their word.*
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Keep United in DC. A Fair Deal at RFK, and a Pathway to a Stadium for a team loyal to the city.
Technically BB did use the word C word when talking about Beagle. Right after Beagle said he didn’t think he had one.
by capsyoungguns on Dec 1, 2011 8:05 AM EST up reply actions
Sure will. It’s right after the NHL sends a video crew to record his next skating session for their web page.
"Hockey is my life, wine is my passion." -- Igor Larionov
by Scott in Shaw on Dec 1, 2011 3:40 PM EST up reply actions
“Day to day” in sports is dort of like the old Steven Wright joke about 24-hour convenience stores…“I went down the street to the 24-hour grocery. When I got there, the guy was locking the front door. I said, ‘Hey, the sign says you’re open 24 hours.’ He
said, ‘Yes, but not in a row.’”
Day-to-day…yeah, but no one said anything about which day to which day.
If you've read this far...seek help.
I once saw an ad for a movie theater offer that said “Valid 7 Days a Week, Except Mondays”
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
“No dogs allowed…except seeing-eye dogs.”
Ambiance and vanity.
by Acer Jonesy's Laughker on Dec 1, 2011 8:35 AM EST up reply actions
Remember when Bruce described the injury as “day to day, and not one of those three month day to day things either”?
Hah.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
…actually I think it was “not one of those three week…”, which is even funnier.
Having said that, I think we should remember that Bruce is not a doctor, and from all accounts this injury – at first – didn’t seem to be as bad as it’s become.
But yeah.
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
That was talking about Green’s injury:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capitals-insider/post/mike-green-injured-in-capitals-win-over-devils/2011/11/11/gIQAnS4sDN_blog.html
Geeks of All Nations, Compile!
I was trying to recall a time when a manager got rehired so quickly after being hired. There are certainly examples in all sports of coaches being fired at the end of season and rehired by another before the start of the next. I think Peter DeBoer is the most recent in the NHL.
Can anyone recall a time mid-season when a coach changed teams so quickly?
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
Saw a tweet that per Elias Sports Bureau, this is the quickest in NHL history.
That'll make your weagle wink!
The pants that bind us should be left behind us.
Tweet me. If you dare. @nicraymond
by boutros23 on Dec 1, 2011 7:57 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I do wonder a bit about due diligence. Was there any? Certainly Bob Murray didn’t decide yesterday to fire Carlyle, just as GMGM was working on it for a while. When Murray started his “search,” Boudreau was probably still employed.
Boudreau had a great record and led the Caps right away to a great rebound. A guess that’s all Murray needed to know.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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Ted Starkey tweeted:
“Interesting dynamic that Ducks made call after Sunday night’s game – which was played before Boudreau was fired.”
by jopierce on Dec 1, 2011 8:08 AM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
Tampering! Demand Ryan as compensation, GMGM! :)
You tried your best and failed miserably. The lesson is "Never Try."
by apk3000 on Dec 1, 2011 8:12 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I think they would have had to call GMGM first, actually. I think the decision had been made by then, but at least he knew his friend had an offer already waiting in the wings.
by jopierce on Dec 1, 2011 8:16 AM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
Tampering? Agreed. We send them Poti and call it about even?
Everything sounds smarter in Tikkanesse....
by Bonzai!!! on Dec 1, 2011 8:24 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
Aww BB getting a reputation of being the quickest at my things, wins, rehiring , getting eliminated from the playoff… I hope the wife cannt throw another one to the list
What doesnt kill you makes you stronger.
by BetterOffWith28 on Dec 1, 2011 8:45 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Roger Neilson
He didn’t change teams but the Roger Neilson saga with Harold Ballard on the Leafs is always fun to bring up in times like this. From Wikipedia:
In 1979, Neilson was actually fired as head coach of the Maple Leafs by then-owner Harold Ballard. There was outrage throughout the players, media, and general public. Ballard then relented. Ballard wanted Neilson to enter the next game with a paper bag over his head (to be “the mystery coach”) but Neilson refused and coached the next game as if nothing had happened.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 1, 2011 10:52 AM EST up reply actions
Ballard could have been the best professional wrestling villain of all time.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 1, 2011 11:11 AM EST up reply actions
Something about the last name. Just ask the Caps starting goalie tonight.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
Math in the morning is dangerous. . .but play-off drama is worth it
The 07-08 Caps, after going 6-14-1 (13 points in 21 games), went .606%, earning a 37-17-7 record over 61 games. They earned 81 points over the remaining 61 games.
The Ducks, who are now 7-13-4 (18 points in 24 games), are 79 points behind last year’s 8th spot in the WC, 97 points, with 58 games left. So the question is, do you think the Ducks could pull off something like a 34-13-11 in 58 games? (Earning 2 less points in 3 less games then the 07-08 Caps)
I think my math is right.
Soon the Championship with be ours, all ours!
I think the 2011-12 Pacific Division is a hell of a lot tougher than the 2007-08 Southeast division was.
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Dec 1, 2011 8:12 AM EST up reply actions
Definitely a valid point.
One thing I forgot to add in, also, is that the 8th place point total for the Western Conference will probably be lower than last year’s by a good amount. That being said, the high divisional competition of the Pacific will probably end up being more significant than that of the conference.
Soon the Championship with be ours, all ours!
Yeah, I don’t see SJ and LA collapsing the way that CAR did in 2008.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 1, 2011 12:36 PM EST up reply actions
On the day Boudreau was hired by the Caps, they were 6-13-1 and in 15th place, nine points behind eighth place Boston (10-7-2) for eighth place in the East and 14 points behind Carolina (12-7-3) for first in the Southeast Division.
Anaheim is currently 10 points out of eighth in the West and 11 out of first in the Pacific Division.
If you've read this far...seek help.
I guess I didn’t take into account the fact that the Capitals wouldn’t have been in the play-offs if it hadn’t been for the divisional leader top seed. Nonetheless, Boudreau will have to guide the Ducks down a very similar path to achieve the same ends as the 07/08 Caps.
Soon the Championship with be ours, all ours!
Is that true? I thought they would have had the 8th seed even if they didn’t win the Division? As I recall they had to beat FLA and CAR had to lose in order to win the Division. But if maybe OTT lost and the Caps won, which I think happened, they would have been the 8 seed?
Could be wrong.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
The Caps, Sens and Bruins all had 94 points – which puts them 6th-8th in terms of points in the East that season.
Failure is always an option.
This has been popping up several times lately. Pretty sure that you are correct. If Carolina had won the division by beating Florida the night before, Caps could still have gotten the 8th seed by beating Florida in the last game. And I think it’s Ottawa that would have lost the tiebreakers.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
If CAR won another game they would have won the division (they would have had more Ws than the Caps) and the Caps and OTT would be the 7 and 8 seeds with identical records. BOS had the fewest wins, so they would have been 9th. The Caps were a perfect 4-0-0 against OTT (with no OT/SO games) so they would have won the tiebreaker with OTT and been the 7th seed.
Which means it would have been Caps-Pens in the first round, instead of Caps-Flyers.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 1, 2011 12:42 PM EST up reply actions
I followed your “must-read” guidance this morning to Bruce Arthur’s article about Ovechkin and recommend others do so as well.
The article is fairly written, IMO, and is straightforward:
1. Ovechkin was arguably better than Crosby in their epic round two battle, but things have diverged since there.
2. Admittedly, however, he’s not the only star in decline (mentions R. Miller, Luongo, E. Staal, C. Perry).
3. Even so, no one really knows what’s wrong – and he enumerates the various theories.
4. But even against the Blues there were flashes of the Ovechkin we know and love.
5. Now, someone needs to figure out how to crack the “enigma” that is Ovechkin.
No hyperbole. The phrase “coach-killer” is nowhere to be found.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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His Queen us dragging him down
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bleh *is
Check out a new social network, Hockey Connect, a place for coaches, players, family and fans to share strategies and experiences.
I was being snarky, but I would think a steady relationship would settle him down a bit, and honestly if emotional stress i.e. his queen, the olympics, his playoff failures are dragging him down he needs a sports psychologist. He needs to change his game up, evolve, and stop relying on his pure physical gifts.
Check out a new social network, Hockey Connect, a place for coaches, players, family and fans to share strategies and experiences.
Thought it was, within the context of daily sports writing, extremely well written. Good piece.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Who didn’t think C. Perry was a one-year wonder who got hot as balls for a couple months? Really? Star in decline? There was never a time when C. Perry was going to be a perennial Hart nominee.
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Dec 1, 2011 9:56 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Neil Greenberg, for one.
Reporter: "What’s your Mom’s birthday?"
Tortorella: "I have no idea."
by Wheeler on Dec 1, 2011 10:02 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
For some reason, the link didn’t pop up. The reason being that I didn’t put it in there.
Reporter: "What’s your Mom’s birthday?"
Tortorella: "I have no idea."
article written on oct. 4th, so no comparison available. short piece on why he would keep it up. conclusion:
Traditionally, NHL forwards score on one out of every nine shots (10.6 percent), but shots taken from the scoring chance area, loosely defined as the top of the circles and inside the faceoff dots, convert at a rate of about one in seven (14.5 percent) — over three times more dangerous than any other location on the ice.
According to NHL shot location data, almost two-thirds of Perry’s shots and 92 percent of his goals were from the scoring chance location.
Perry is shooting pretty much exactly his career average, and is on pace for around 38 goals. For Perry, that’s a good season. I don’t think anyone (rational) thought he’d replicate last year – he shot almost 18%.
Unleash the Apathy.
Right, which is very good. I just don’t see how it qualifies for “star in decline.”
Please, call me F&B.
Canadian media was desperate for a star last year. So, he became one. I wonder if they’d have done the same for Cheechoo.
Comrades, leave me here a little, while as yet 't is early morn:
Leave me here, and when you want me, sound upon the bugle-horn
Corey Perry does not generate the headlines in Canada you seem to think.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 1, 2011 10:54 AM EST up reply actions
In his last 16 games last season he had 19 goals on 78 shots (24.4 percent). If you look at the rest of his career, he is an 11.9 percent shooter (including this season). Further, his shooting percentages went from 14.5 percent in 2007-2008 to 11.3 to 10.0 to 17.2 (fueled by that big finish — 14.6 outside of that) to 12.8 percent this season. And given his shot totals (283, 270, 290, on a pace for 294 this season) he is about a 290-shot player. Even if you give him the benefit of the doubt and say that his 12.8 percent this season is his happy place, it makes him 38-goal scorer. I think that’s the outer boundary of his potential.
We’ve seen his last 50-goal season, too. Maybe his last 40-goal one. It doesn’t make him a bad player (wish the Caps had him), but he isn’t necessarily in that upmost tier of goal scorers.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Dec 1, 2011 11:59 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
But I don’t think anyone ever said that he was that. His season last year was recognized as being an aberration, but one that was so good, his winning the Hart wasn’t that much of a reach.
He’s not a top ten player overall, but his point totals for the last three years are 72, 76, and 98. For a 6’3", 212 lb guy who plays in all three settings, he’s a very valuable guy.
So apparently Pensburgh refuses to admit that this game exists tonight. Went over there to check out their preview…and all they have up is about their epic 2nd period collapse against the Rags.
What would the reason be for Pens fans to pretend this game doesn’t exist?
Oh, I know….so when the Caps show up to play a 60 minute game tonight, and Ovechkin scores two goals high glove on Fleury, maybe we’ll be a little less pissy tomorrow.
So Carlyle was fired after a win, although many thought the clock was ticking; first high profile NHL firing after a win since Denis Savard and the early season Blackhawks move in ’08-09?
But sounds like the result was irrelevant. The decision was made prior to the game.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
Any thought on the lines for tonight, I guess we will find out during the morning skate. I am very curious to see if Schultz is scratched again. Plus, will 50 stay up here, or are people expecting him to be sent down? Finally, what is with 85, are they trying to shop him around or is he just not good enough to play. I am curious to what people think about all of this.
I believe Eakin will be sent back down, and as long as Green is out, Orlov must stay. The kid has the same tool belt as Green’s.
I think we will see Ovie/Lars/Semin or Knubs, Knubs or Semin/Mojo/Brouwer, Chimera/Laich/Ward, and Hendy/Perreault/Halps.
The D line combos worry me some – but I think Alzner/Carlson, Wides/Erskine, Hammer/Orlov with Schultz backfilling. Greenie’s return will be huge, in any amount of games.
The best part about GreenLife’s return is Hammer can work on his NCC/60 stats. And I pray Eakin gets sent down soon.
Check out a new social network, Hockey Connect, a place for coaches, players, family and fans to share strategies and experiences.
The team will likely deploy a more rigid 1-2-2 look to defend the neutral zone with Hunter in charge.
For the folks who know tactics well — is this website a good description of the 1-2-2 neutral zone strategy?
“There are a few big differences — pretty much all in the d-zone,” Alzner said. “We’re a team that used to switch a lot and certain people were always doing the coverage down low, and now everybody is. We’re sticking with the guy more, which I think in the end will make it less confusing because you have your guy and you stick with him and you cover him. It is up to you to win that battle, which I like.”
Anyone have strong opinions one way or the other on a change to more man-on-man type coverage in the defensive zone?
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
Considering how many goals this year have been due to a player getting left open, I think it might be a good thing. I could see Schultz, Hamrlik, and Erskine struggling with it though.
Failure is always an option.
J.P. eluded to same concern yesterday.
I’m wondering if this may mean Orlov stays up even after Green returns. Along the same line, I have a funny feeling the Sarge’s days in D.C. may be numbered.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
I take no meaning from the scratch of Schultz in the last game. And I don’t think anyone is actually in trouble yet. Everyone gets a chance to work with Hunter and Johnson. Team’s got to find out if the man or the system was the problem.
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Dec 1, 2011 9:43 AM EST up reply actions
MY comment had nothing to do with his scratch the other night. I expect lots of lineup changes over the next 4-6 weeks. My comment has to do with the possible system change.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
I actually think changing the system (applying more neutral zone pressure, going man-v-man in the D-zone) will help Schultz and Hamrlik most of all.
Unleash the Apathy.
From a forward support standpoint I think it certainly will help, but it doesn’t take care of speed issues and I think Shutlz’s skill set works better in a zone situation.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
It doesn’t take care of one-on-one speed, but the extra neutral zone pressure should slow the forwards down a bit, which should help Schultz and Hamrlik.
↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → b a (select) start
No doubt it helps on the rush, but inside the zone against certain players those two along with Erskine could still get abused.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
If the F are getting down below the dots to muck it up, those guys probably end up in netting a benefit from the change due to less stop and start?
Speculating here, of course.
As an aside, fuck, do I hate trap hockey. Do I hate it less than losing hockey? Probably.
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Obviously, everyone runs systems differently, but if the D men are being use to clog up the neutral zone I fear slow guys like those 3 will get stuck in skating battles retreating back into their own zone when pucks get dumped in. Probably evens out though, since there would likely be less time spent in D zone due to puck pressure. Have to think about it more.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
Gonna be worth a discussion when we have 2-3 games worth of evidence to consider.
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Yes, it certainly will be. I’m willing to wait even longer than a handful of games if everyone isn’t picking up their responsibilities right away.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
Honestly, I’m more worried about those guys trying to switch off and on. If you watch Schultz go man-v-man against guys like Malkin and Jagr, it’s clear that he can handle them. He’s always going to have problems with little fuckers, regardless of the system.
Unleash the Apathy.
No argument there. Maybe I overreacted to my concerns about them being able to stay with guys with no hope of them being picked up by someone else. Like I said above I likely need to think about it more and see what system Hunter actually puts in place.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
Not a Bruce Boudreau zone, which I think leaves slow D stranded a lot more often than any kind of man-to-man would. I think shifting from Boudreau’s plan to just an ordinary plan will help the slow defensemen most of all.
The real test is Hamrlik. He was very good last year. If he regains that, then the problem truly was the system.
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Dec 1, 2011 10:12 AM EST up reply actions
… And if the problem was the system, what does that say about the front office’s pro scouting ability?
…Or does the Hamrlik acquisition tell you that GMGM foresaw the possibility that BB wouldn’t be the coach as early as this summer?
Unleash the Apathy.
Or maybe McPhee expected Boudreau to be a good enough coach that he can handle changing his system to fit the personnel, and then was unpleasantly surprised come training camp…
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Dec 1, 2011 10:21 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
For all this team’s talk about being like Detroit, that’s pretty much the opposite of how Detroit does it.
You don’t pick up ancillary players and change the system to fit them, you only do that for core guys.
Unleash the Apathy.
by D'ohboy on Dec 1, 2011 10:23 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
IIRC, slow skating d-men in Bruce’s systems have always had to have great gap control to keep from either getting burned or giving the man too much space (like most defensive strategies). I think what’s happened this year is a bit of lazy back checking combined with the ineffectiveness in other elements of the game.
Most of what has been discussed about the “system” is what the team does in the neutral zone. Although Hamrlik has definitely struggled between the bluelines, he’s also been exposed in his own zone on a few occasions.
Soon the Championship with be ours, all ours!
Anything that Alzner likes is good in my book.
Proud member of the Popsicle Division of the Cupcake Conference.
by Bman21212 on Dec 1, 2011 9:47 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Even gluten-free tofu steaks?
J.P.: You might be the king of all geeks here…
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Dec 1, 2011 10:39 AM EST up reply actions
Im thinkin this article’s 1-2-2 is more of a zone defensive strategy for the neutral zone. Center tries to cut off the initial breakout pass, two wingers cut off passing lanes and try to force turnovers. The defensive assignments are zone because the “box” created by the 2-2 configuration usually swarms the puck, pressuring the puck carrier and quickly cutting off passing lanes.
Perhaps the defense marks up man to man with the offense moving through the neutral zone and sticks to that assignment if they get forced back into their defensive end?
Soon the Championship with be ours, all ours!
For the folks who know tactics well — is this website a good description of the 1-2-2 neutral zone strategy?
My understanding is that there are a lot of different 1-2-2 neutral zone formations, many of which are distinguished by the behavior of the lead forechecker, i.e., the “1.” If the forechecker actively pressures the puck carrier in an attempt to force him to one side or another, then it’s more like the “left-wing lock” system that Detroit implemented in the late 90s. If the lead forechecker is passive and attempts to take away passing lanes or collapse on the puck carrier once he’s committed to going to one side or another, it’s more like Lemaire’s “trap.”
To my eyes, the Caps were doing the second on Tuesday night, which would account for why they gave up so few odd-man rushes.
Reporter: "What’s your Mom’s birthday?"
Tortorella: "I have no idea."
My understanding is while certainly the lead forward role is key its also about being active versus passive. IIRC in the lock the forwards play a more active role is pressuring the puck and passing option than they do in a retreating system where all 5 guys clog up the neutral zone.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
That’s my take on it as well. The lock is just a more rigidly defined forecheck, IMO. You know for a fact that the LW is going to stay high so the other two Fs know their roles. Instead of “first man on the puck, second man does X, third man high” it’s set outright which position does what.
Please, call me F&B.
related, but not: Is there any particular reason that it is the left wing that goes high? Is the right-wing lock even a thing that is considered?
↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → b a (select) start
I’d bet some coaches considered using the RW high. It’s commonly the LW just because that’s how it was popularized. I honestly don’t know what was behind the original decision to make it the LW (first by the Czechs, and then the Bowman Red Wings adopted it).
Please, call me F&B.
Probably because, in general, left wings are worse offensive hockey players.
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Dec 1, 2011 10:24 AM EST up reply actions
So send them high to forecheck, and let the professionals actually stop the play.
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Dec 1, 2011 10:26 AM EST up reply actions
“Left wing lock” has a better ring to it than “wing lock”. This is clearly the most likely explanation.
↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → b a (select) start
levice křídlo zamykat
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Dec 1, 2011 10:31 AM EST up reply actions
I don’t know the answer either, but would it because because more player’s (people) are right side dominant and therefore breakouts tend to start along the left wing’s side?
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
Great point about there being different 1-2-2 systems.
Added Hunter: "You play the 1-2-2, and I believe in the 1-2-2 where we’ve got to get better is when they turn the puck over. You’ve got to counter. We’ve got to move the puck up quickly when they’re caught and we’ll get the odd-man rushes. Then we have speed through the neutral zone when they turn it over. When the chance is there, we have to forecheck. We have to play in their zone.
Sounds like Hunter’s is more of a predatory 1-2-2 than a passive 1-2-2. More forecheck than trap.
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Dec 1, 2011 1:06 PM EST up reply actions
Love the use of the word “predatory” here. I don’t know why, just sums up the way I want this team to play.
…also Hunter, predatory, ha.
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
It was always a great adjective to use when describing Ovie at his best.
"Oh, so that's what you're gonna do."
by Rainbow, Kitty, Beer on Dec 1, 2011 1:17 PM EST up reply actions
My fear with man on man is that it can lead to some horrific breakdowns. One guy loses their mark and there is no zone to cover for it. There could potentially be nobody home in front of the net if one of the wings loses their guy and the D are covering men on the perimeter.
I do like the emphasis on winning battles… if Hunter can get them to win some. I also like the simplicity of it.
A quick perusal of the site and it looks like it’s a pretty decent representation, though there is a bit of variation, potentially.
Also interesting that site uses the Mohammed and the mountain quote.
Please, call me F&B.
I’m apparently not very creative :)
I don’t think anyone is talking about shifting to a true man-to-man, at least that’s not how I read that article. It’s a shift more in the man-to-man spectrum, but I doubt Hunter and Johnson are implementing a zero-support system.
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Dec 1, 2011 10:15 AM EST up reply actions
What happens when the mountain comes to Mohammed?
Unleash the Apathy.
by D'ohboy on Dec 1, 2011 10:20 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Every system has it’s holes. Man to man depends on your man being better than theirs at a very basic level.
In a situation like that, it kinda becomes PK mode. Defenders have to push the puck to the perimeter and out while still being mindful of passing lanes. Tough situation, but works out a good amount of the time.
Soon the Championship with be ours, all ours!
Changes gears with the 1-2-2 talk from the defensemen to the forwards. The opportunistic turnovers created in such a system seem perfect for a guy like Semin, no?
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
Around the NHL: Along with the Caps, Ducks, and Pens news…
- Finley called up by Buffalo
- Canes name John MacLean asst coach to Muller
- Krejci gets 3 year extension
The #LegendOfJoeFinley tweets that several Sabres fans generated last night were a hoot. For example:
@Curtimus C.R. Pasisz
Joe Finley was once a +12 in a 2-1 hockey game in which he was scratched. #legendofjoefinley #Sabres
"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 Dec 1, 2011 9:37 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Market. I don’t think that’s high or low.
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Dec 1, 2011 9:42 AM EST up reply actions
My reaction is that it was a little high, but I’ve lost track of market at this point for these guys and you are probably correct; pretty sure it puts him in top 50 forward cap hits in the NHL, but a lower term than a lot of those conrtacts; Gives up 1 UFA year under the current rules if I’m doing my math correctly this morning.
All my fantasy sports luck seems to have fled from football to hockey. Picked him up yesterday off waivers before the game.
Now where's my hat? I'm going to the outhouse.
We don't have an outhouse
.....My tool shed!!!
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 1, 2011 10:11 AM EST up reply actions
The good news is that Joe Finley is the Baddest Defenseman in town.
The bad news is that he’s not the “Baddest” in the Leroy Brown way.
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Dec 1, 2011 9:41 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
He mows down opponents like a Toro Super Bagger with an attitude.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Dec 1, 2011 9:48 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
Finley has formed a shutdown pairing in the AHL with…you guessed it…Shaone Morrisonn.
by Philaster on Dec 1, 2011 9:58 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
That would be the most introspective and sensitive defensive pairing ever.
by Philaster on Dec 1, 2011 12:27 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
The more you ignore them, the closer they get.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 1, 2011 12:34 PM EST up reply actions
I am the son and heir, of a draft class that is criminarilly vulgar.
We're Hüsker Dü and we're on MTV. Who are you, and what are you on?
by bilspacecadet on Dec 1, 2011 1:39 PM EST up reply actions
Joe Finley once threw a lawnmower from his garage into the street. A riding lawnmower. A golf course riding lawnmower. #LegendOfJoeFinley
Reporter: "What’s your Mom’s birthday?"
Tortorella: "I have no idea."
by Wheeler on Dec 1, 2011 10:00 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
And in honor of World Aids Day, we of course will be rocking the (red). Pens, what’re you doing? Oh, what’s that? Nothing? Go to hell.
"I wear tinted visor not to trick other players, but so hot girls in stands don't see me looking at them" - Alex Ovechkin
OK…..
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Keep United in DC. A Fair Deal at RFK, and a Pathway to a Stadium for a team loyal to the city.
It was mostly snark, for what it’s worth
"I wear tinted visor not to trick other players, but so hot girls in stands don't see me looking at them" - Alex Ovechkin
What do the Caps ever do for skin cancer awareness? Not a damn thing. We at least wear black.
by Link_Gaetz on Dec 1, 2011 9:54 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Psh, we rock the retro
Of course we’ve cared a bit less recently.
Proud member of the Popsicle Division of the Cupcake Conference.
by Bman21212 on Dec 1, 2011 10:00 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Now This Is Commitment:
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Dec 1, 2011 10:18 AM EST up reply actions
000
I see that and raise you Valentine’s Day
Now where's my hat? I'm going to the outhouse.
We don't have an outhouse
.....My tool shed!!!
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 1, 2011 10:25 AM EST up reply actions
Hey, anything to get up for Pens games brother, no worries.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Keep United in DC. A Fair Deal at RFK, and a Pathway to a Stadium for a team loyal to the city.
Mentioned in another post, but I’d highly recommend all listen to Jim Johnson’s interview with Vogs/Walton on the Capitals Report podcast. I’m more and more excited about this hire.
Also… Ovie’s new GF… the Yoko Ono of the Caps?
I’m a bit disappointed OV didn’t go for Paulina Gretzky. I dread to think the reaction the Canadian Media would have.
Soon the Championship with be ours, all ours!
I, um, posted a fanshot about it {blushes}
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Dec 1, 2011 10:19 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Pretty full practice. Olie is out there with the team
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Season Pledge total--$592.66!
by RedBirdie on Dec 1, 2011 10:01 AM EST via mobile reply actions
This is a #BlameWhyno type tweet just waiting to happen:
@Russostrib
Michael Russo As I sit in steerage on my overstuffed regional jet, I’m being taunted by them towing the Wild’s snazzy Air Bus into next gate. I may key it
Thanks to Peerless for retweeting.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
Need a new sign for tonight: FREE MIKE KNUBLE!!!
kcarrera
#Caps on the ice for the morning skate and the lines are the same: 8-19-20; 50-90-28; 25-21-42; 26-15-22-85.
"You can want to get to April but when you get to April you may not like the answers you get, so you might as well enjoy the ride while it's going on." - Brian McNally on JRR, 8/29/2011
Can't just forget the other guys. Hail to the 3rd and 4th liners.
"A picture is worth a thousand words. For moving pictures we manage to shorten it to one or two."
Dale Hunter take the measure of his new forward lines...
…if only
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Dec 1, 2011 12:03 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Jim Brown on skates would have been…formidable. And that big hick from Arkansas, what was his name, Posey? He would be a nice BCCD. And Franco could give Kaleta a run for his money.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Jim Brown also played lacrosse in college at Syracuse. His football coach watched one of the games, looked around and was like, “There’s a sport where he can carry a STICK???”
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 1, 2011 1:21 PM EST up reply actions
Hopefully not this.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
by EmilyB on Dec 1, 2011 12:09 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Tomas, is that you?
"Oh, so that's what you're gonna do."
by Rainbow, Kitty, Beer on Dec 1, 2011 1:18 PM EST up reply actions
The chap on the left facing forward has hair that looks a little like Mike Green…
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 1, 2011 1:22 PM EST up reply actions
One! Back to the neutral zone, we’ve just begun.
Two! Forechecker’s through!
Three! The red line men are on a spree.
Four! The defensemen are watching the backdoor.
Five! Forechecker’s into overdrive.
Six! The red line men have got a fix.
Seven! Bad guys thread a pass to heaven.
Eight! The pass-side forward has got a date.
Nine! The other forwards form a line.
Ten! Catch the bad guys in a pen.
Eleven! The defensemen guard our 5 and 7
Twelve! Bad guys forced to dump and delve
And where is Vokoun?
Vokoun’s in the crease with a machine gun.
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Dec 1, 2011 1:35 PM EST up reply actions 7 recs
Ovi: I don’t want to hurt you coach.
DH32: You’re not gonna hurt me, I’m gonna hurt you.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
Their refusal to change lines is becoming frustrating.
by Kolzilla on Dec 1, 2011 10:30 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Seriously. I’ve been watching all our games too and it’s pretty obvious that Knuble shouldn’t be on the 4th line.
So long as he remembers who Mike Knuble is when there’s a chance to win the game against the Pens tonight.
"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
After all this time of griping that Bruce changes lines too much, we’re on Hunter about not changing lines enough? (although actually, I’m with you on thinking Knuble doesn’t fit on the fourth line)
There's no bigger burden than a great potential - Linus Van Pelt
On the one hand – Even though I’ve preached patience, I’m a little surprised there’s no tweak at all.
On the other hand — Stability!! Stability!! I love it.
On the other hand — Why isn’t 22 on a higher line?
On the other hand — Can Eakin live up to the 2nd line?
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
One: yeah, me too.
Two: That’s a fair point.
Three: He needs to be.
Four: No chance in hell.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Might be incremental changes up until the 3 day break on December 10, 11, and 12.
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Dec 1, 2011 10:36 AM EST up reply actions
That’s what I’ve been telling myself. Get the system installed first, then turn to personnel distribution.
I was also pleased that Peerless reminded me that, even after the uplifting win in Game 1, Boudreau was 3 – 3 – 1 in his first 7. I had forgotten that.
Gonna take some time before we have a finished product to evaluate fairly. I hate being patient.
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Got shellacked by some crappy team in his first outing, or something…
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
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I believe in next year.
by red army line on Dec 1, 2011 1:03 PM EST up reply actions
And wasn’t that team missing one of it’s better players?
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 1, 2011 1:23 PM EST up reply actions
I agree that the big changes will probably come after the break.
I also think this gives us a glimpse into something I was wondering about when Hunter was hiring, and that’s how frequently he mixes up his lines – obviously it’s only been one game but despite a brief down-by-one window when we got the SOB line, the lines in-game stayed pretty consistent. And despite the loss it looks like he’s going with the same lines to work on the little stuff first, the system changes, then toss the new lines into the mix.
Can’t say I find too much fault with that approach overall (although I’d love to see Eakin back in Hershey and Knuble back in the top 6 – haven’t been shy about that, though, so you guys know :P)
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
Somewhat related (and this was posted a few days ago so forgive me if someone else has linked it in another Clips post), interesting breakdown and illustration here of coaching changes since the lockout.
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
I’m so anxious & impatient right now, I don’t even want to go to the game tonight. I just hope the Caps don’t embarrass themselves.
I’m really enjoying these transition days. I love thinking about the game, and there’s so much in the air right now. It’s fascinating to watch.
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Dec 1, 2011 1:39 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
The upcoming schedule…
DEC 1, 2011 PENGUINS CAPITALS
DEC 3, 2011 SENATORS CAPITALS
DEC 5, 2011 CAPITALS PANTHERS
DEC 7, 2011 CAPITALS SENATORS
DEC 9, 2011 MAPLE LEAFS CAPITALS
DEC 13, 2011 FLYERS CAPITALS
DEC 15, 2011 CAPITALS JETS
DEC 17, 2011 CAPITALS AVALANCHE
then 3 games during the holiday roster freeze: Dec 19 midnight to Dec 27 midnight.
DEC 20, 2011 PREDATORS CAPITALS
DEC 23, 2011 CAPITALS DEVILS
DEC 26, 2011 CAPITALS SABRES
I’d be fine with Brouw and Knuble trading lines. And putting Brouwer back on the side he’s more comfortable playing.
Cross check and all call.
I’d be really fine with Brouwer being back on the 1st PP in front of the net. Only thing 20 would bring to the 2nd is hitting. IMO he does a lot more on the first.
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 was unclear: I think Brouw would work well on the 4th line, Knubs on line 1…
Cross check and all call.
That’s about the same level of gross skill misplacement as Knuble on the 4rth. I suppose it would be fine while Beags continues to be out, however.
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 was going to say the same thing. Brouwer — while not a top-line guy, probably — isn’t a fourth-liner. You need him to play with more skilled forwards for him to do something.
If it were me, I’d go 8-19-22 and 20-90-28. Eakin to the 4th line or Hershey, don’t really care which… But I don’t think he’s a better second-line option than Knuble or Brouwer. Bruce’s tendency to crush on gingers explained why he put him there, but I’m not sure why DH has continued that trend.
by Murshawursha on Dec 1, 2011 11:58 AM EST up reply actions
Gonna guess that DH is leaving the lines and pairs mostly or entirely intact from the last game of the BB era while he gets the system in place. Then he’ll turn his attention to the lines.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Maybe, but there are issues that he could have addressed right away, like Knuble’s abilities. It’s obvious he belongs on a line with more skilled and experienced players. I don’t think putting him on the second line with Semin is that drastic of a move that it would stifle his new system. Unless his new system is that the fourth line takes up permanent residence in Knuble’s office, which I don’t see happening without more offensively gifted linemates.
by jopierce on Dec 1, 2011 12:23 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
Does anyone think there could be a Mike Green time of growth for Fowler under Boudreau?
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Dec 1, 2011 10:21 AM EST reply actions
All I know is there’s going to be a Fowler/Foster pairing — righty/lefty, one an O D man the other slower than a carpet factory.
Comrades, leave me here a little, while as yet 't is early morn:
Leave me here, and when you want me, sound upon the bugle-horn
I like Foster. Am I the only one? Or am I just more impressed that he’s been able to play at all after that horrible injury?
Foster’s a decent second-third pair defenseman, although his slapshot from the point is very hard (mid 90s).
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 1, 2011 1:24 PM EST up reply actions
And you don’t?
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Dec 1, 2011 10:26 AM EST up reply actions
A pox on both your houses.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
Unless he’s talking about literal houses and living spaces.
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Dec 1, 2011 11:34 AM EST up reply actions
Fowler’s a Wingahhh ?!
Check out a new social network, Hockey Connect, a place for coaches, players, family and fans to share strategies and experiences.
WTF … Fire Hunter!
Check out a new social network, Hockey Connect, a place for coaches, players, family and fans to share strategies and experiences.
Followed by…
@SWhyno
Stephen Whyno
Actually let’s hold up on scratches… not clear
"I wear tinted visor not to trick other players, but so hot girls in stands don't see me looking at them" - Alex Ovechkin
Schultz has negated Crosby in the past so that makes sense.
Comrades, leave me here a little, while as yet 't is early morn:
Leave me here, and when you want me, sound upon the bugle-horn
I haven’t seen any player the Sarge likes to play more than Geno.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
I had a feeling, but, I don’t remember how well he had fared recently against Malkin. I’m actually going to miss Steckel for this game too. For such explosive skaters, our slowest skaters always dominated those two.
Comrades, leave me here a little, while as yet 't is early morn:
Leave me here, and when you want me, sound upon the bugle-horn
I have a feeling we’re going to see Cros+Malkin a bunch tonight. Hope Brooksy ate his wheaties this morning.
Cross check and all call.
Karl’s on it.
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Dec 1, 2011 11:02 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
He’s going for experience, i dig that.
What doesnt kill you makes you stronger.
by BetterOffWith28 on Dec 1, 2011 10:46 AM EST up reply actions
Now if he wants to go with performance, Hamr should be sitting.
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.
4th line damage?
Check out a new social network, Hockey Connect, a place for coaches, players, family and fans to share strategies and experiences.
by Cap-O-Vens on Dec 1, 2011 10:52 AM EST reply actions 5 recs
Kind of funny…
bmcnally14 Brian McNally
#Caps room was bedlam just now as players literally sprinted out of room to get to a team meeting on time. Haven’t seen that…uh…ever
Are they that scared of Hunter?
Failure is always an option.
by timmyv38 on Dec 1, 2011 10:55 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
somebody dropped ass
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by Cap-O-Vens on Dec 1, 2011 10:55 AM EST up reply actions 7 recs
Fart jokes – always rec’d.
Now where's my hat? I'm going to the outhouse.
We don't have an outhouse
.....My tool shed!!!
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 1, 2011 11:11 AM EST up reply actions
we are so juvenile…but that is literally the first thing that came to mind when I pictured the team running out of a meeting room:
DH: Shultzie youre intonight
Sarge: I am (as he sharts in his pants)
Team: Damnit shultzie you stink (everybody runs)
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Must have been an incentive. Last guy buys lunch or last guy has to stand or last guy skates laps, etc.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
I’ve read this tweet like 15 times in the last ten minutes and it’s made me giggle every damn time. I keep picturing them dropping everything and bolting out of the room, leaving one of those cartoon dust clouds behind them.
Aside from the hilarity in my mind, though, I love it – sounds like Huntsy’s already cracking the whip. I really wonder what the punishment is for arriving late to a meeting, even by a few minutes…
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
BTW, just need to say – following you on Twitter the last few days is cracking me up. Please continue with the Roloson jokes lol.
Failure is always an option.
by timmyv38 on Dec 1, 2011 11:11 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Ha, I don’t think there’s a risk of me stopping anytime soon…glad they make someone (besides me) laugh ;)
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
by Becca H on Dec 1, 2011 11:15 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
?
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Keep United in DC. A Fair Deal at RFK, and a Pathway to a Stadium for a team loyal to the city.
by Bald Pollack on Dec 1, 2011 11:02 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
?
Soon the Championship with be ours, all ours!
by kingzman264 on Dec 1, 2011 11:06 AM EST up reply actions 5 recs
this is an automatic rec for me.
What doesnt kill you makes you stronger.
by BetterOffWith28 on Dec 1, 2011 11:17 AM EST up reply actions
Someone please tell this guy that Pluto should be a planet….
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 1, 2011 1:26 PM EST up reply actions
!
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Its a classic
http://gif.mocksession.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/KELLENMOORE.gif
Check out a new social network, Hockey Connect, a place for coaches, players, family and fans to share strategies and experiences.
Did anyone catch the Greenberg ESPN Insider ($) article introducing the Clutch Performance Indicator?
Really interesting stuff. Vanek leads the pack so far this year, and Ovechkin absolutely blew away the competition from 2007-2011. By an insanely wide margin.
Roman Hamrlik is so bad that I've forgotten how bad Jeff Schultz is.
I’m guessing goals, timing, score, at some special sauce.
Red Line Station and @RedArmyLine, featuring coverage of the most frustrating team in the NHL
I believe in next year.
by red army line on Dec 1, 2011 1:05 PM EST up reply actions
Looks at the game situation – period, score, time remaining – and by what percentage that goal increases the team’s probability of winning. Goals/primary/secondary assists are weighted 55/30/15.
It’s similar to WPA (win probability added) in baseball but in my opinion, and like most hockey metrics, more difficult to apply than in baseball since individual production is harder to separate from team team production.
Roman Hamrlik is so bad that I've forgotten how bad Jeff Schultz is.
Vokoun in net tonight, per Katie.
I’m a bit surprised, but I did think he was solid on Tuesday.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
Like someone said above, it’s the right move for a new coach.
What doesnt kill you makes you stronger.
by BetterOffWith28 on Dec 1, 2011 11:18 AM EST up reply actions
CSN, I’m pretty sure. I think they always have precedence around DC unless, maybe, it’s on Vs.
Failure is always an option.
Yeah, normally. It’s listed in the NHL.com and Caps.nhl.com previews (and on the GDT when that shows up). If VS is exclusive, then VS, otherwise CSN (or NBC).
Red Line Station and @RedArmyLine, featuring coverage of the most frustrating team in the NHL
I believe in next year.
by red army line on Dec 1, 2011 1:06 PM EST up reply actions
Although once the NBA gets going, do we have to keep straight which games are on so-called CSN+?
There's no bigger burden than a great potential - Linus Van Pelt
Forgot about the NBA. You’re probably right.
Red Line Station and @RedArmyLine, featuring coverage of the most frustrating team in the NHL
I believe in next year.
by red army line on Dec 2, 2011 12:58 AM EST up reply actions
0000
Don’t mean to keep clogging the stream with GIFs, but I figured this one was obligatory
Now where's my hat? I'm going to the outhouse.
We don't have an outhouse
.....My tool shed!!!
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 1, 2011 11:44 AM EST reply actions 8 recs
Yeah, but the really good part (if you’re a Caps fan, and yes, we know concussions are serious from personal experience), is watching Lemieux draped, quite literally, between two teammates as he is being helped off the ice… which opens this video of Lemieux going all crackers on Todd Krygier in a playoff game that got him tossed" (or this better one)
If you've read this far...seek help.
2nd clip was on my 12th birthday. nice.
"One of the most difficult things everyone has to learn is that for your entire life you must keep fighting and adjusting if you hope to survive." -George Allen
That “punch” to the head was the biggest embellishment I’ve ever seen.
Tu ne cede malis
by _Skullduggery_ on Dec 1, 2011 1:44 PM EST up reply actions
Love the clip and seeing Gould get at Mario, but still a touch of sadness seeing Gaetan Duschense…
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 1, 2011 1:28 PM EST up reply actions
I’ve seen some good lines this morning, I liked this one:
Ducks “…going from Grumpy to Gabby…”
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2011/12/ducks-fire-randy-carlyle.html
NHL.com had “Duck, Duck, Bruce” as the headline. Pretty great.
Reporter: "What’s your Mom’s birthday?"
Tortorella: "I have no idea."
Whoever writes the headlines for NHL.com deserves a pulitzer. The puns are genius.
by Murshawursha on Dec 1, 2011 12:17 PM EST up reply actions
Interesting piece. Thanks. It’s astounding how many parallels there are between two situations.
by capsyoungguns on Dec 1, 2011 2:27 PM EST up reply actions
Although he was no Ulf Dahlen (few were in my eyes), Grier did an adequate job filling his skates on the revised version of the Kono-Halpern-Dahlen line in the early oughts for the Caps.
A good, solid vet and, from what I hear, a solid guy. Best wishes Mike.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 1, 2011 12:53 PM EST up reply actions
No better guy in the locker room
The Sabres miss a guy with his character, although his skills had clearly departed him, as evidenced by the fact that when he got a breakaway, it was less a breakaway than a “cruiseaway.”
Kudos to a great player and better person! Shame he never got to skate in the Finals or win the Cup.
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 1, 2011 1:29 PM EST up reply actions
z
Keeping track of the Flyers’ roster moves is a full-time job for someone…
renhockey Renaud P Lavoie
Waivers: Laakso, Teemu (NSH)- Walker, Matt (PHI) on Re-Entry Waivers- Plante, Tyler (FLA) $125 buy out
Do the Flyers have the worst-run front office in the NHL? Not for collecting talent — they’re good with that — but the paperwork aspect of it. It’s an embarrassment.
Still can’t believe they lost Nodl for nada.
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
I think someone will claim him. Possibly ANH — they need D-man depth.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 1, 2011 12:48 PM EST up reply actions
Seems likely he’d get claimed at half-price, but who knows because it’s not just this year left on his contract and his salary is slightly higher than his cap hit.
Reports (I think it was Friedman) were that a few teams put in claims for Comeau; I believe Nashville was one of them.
This looks interesting:
http://www.theallstarevent.com/
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
One of these things is not like the other. One of these things doesn’t belong.
Ovechkin, Tretiak, and … Max Paccioretty?
Really seems odd. But you never know about these things. I’m sure someone will find the connection.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
Speaking of Max, anyone find it ironic/hypocritical that he’d be the victim in the Chara (criminal?!) turnbuckling incident then turn around and clock somebody and earn himself a suspension for a hit to the head?
Refers to this:
cmasisak22Кори Масисак
So @ESPN_Burnside asks #Pens Bylsma about record vs #Caps. He says “Thank you.” Bob Errey coughs “Cup” and Bylsma says “Thank you.”
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
Yeah, agree. Errey’s an irritating squint but he’s a former player and now the color guy, so he’s paid to be a homer of sorts. This raises my blood pressure much less than his color commentary.
“Aw, yeah, Steggy, he totally turns into that hit and, yeah, it’s like he blindsided himself. Cooke doesn’t have, you don’t have any responsibility to get out of another guy’s way! No way the League looks at that one…”
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Eh, it’s all part of one package. He put in his two cents where it wasn’t asked. That’s probably what’s most annoying about it, not what he said.
Speaking of which, is it normal for Laughlin to be at the post-practice scrum?
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
A credentialed member of the press in a media scrum pulling that kind of crap. Unreal. And yet, it’s Errey, so…par for the course.
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
You forgot the part about being the television color analyst for the team, so…still not caring.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Keep United in DC. A Fair Deal at RFK, and a Pathway to a Stadium for a team loyal to the city.
Eh, I don’t think that absolves him. Obviously he’s got a bias, they all do, but he tends to wield it more frequently than most (and in really unprofessional ways). I couldn’t see Locker doing that, for example. Jack Edwards, maybe.
(And mind you, I don’t care THAT much…just using it as one more example of what a douchenozzle that guy is.)
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
Good on you then. I don’t think that folks really need another excuse to get amped for it (and frankly I’d rather focus exclusively on the east end of the ice excusively), but that’s just me.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Keep United in DC. A Fair Deal at RFK, and a Pathway to a Stadium for a team loyal to the city.
Exclusively indeed.
And while I’d love to focus just on the Caps, there’s no real way to do it with these match-ups – especially considering the “incident” in question was mentioned by a national reporter.
Also I don’t think there’s anything wrong with saying things that are factual about the other side, like Bob Errey is a big, homerish boob. Not like Pens fans ever keep quiet with their thoughts on anyone on this side – that’s not to say we should stoop to their level, either, but it’s all part of the rivalry.
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
Yep, and folks are eating the Errey quote up like it was the red meat that was thrown to them.
Exclusively!
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Keep United in DC. A Fair Deal at RFK, and a Pathway to a Stadium for a team loyal to the city.
Bob Errey is a scum infested rat-hole and everything that spews forth from his gaping maw is filth that would turn even the most desperate of vultures sick.
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Dec 1, 2011 1:35 PM EST up reply actions 11 recs
You need to quit sugar coating things, it’s bad for your stress level to retain stuff so hard.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Well, I’ve always been told that if you can’t say anything nice, then don’t say anything at all. So I have to try and sugar coat things.
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Dec 1, 2011 1:41 PM EST up reply actions
I think you’ve come up with a Japers’ nick-name for Errey. I doubt there are many other folks who are qualified to be called “Scum Infested Rat-Hole”
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 1, 2011 4:06 PM EST up reply actions
Really, really, don’t like Hammer saying he would hesitate to hit Crosby. That’s absurd – if he’s in your sights and it’s the right play – there should be no hesitation whatsoever. It was Crosby’s decision to return and play again. That quote really just rubs me the wrong way.
by aaw6848 on Dec 1, 2011 1:21 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
I’m puking all over myself. This is fucking terrible.
Tu ne cede malis
by _Skullduggery_ on Dec 1, 2011 1:50 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, I didn’t care for it either. It’s not like Hamrlik is one to light guys up, but I hope that nobody else in the room is thinking that way. Of course nobody wants to re-injure him, but I’d hope nobody on the ice is ever playing to injure another guy (yes, I know Cooke is going to dress tonight). Every Caps player should be wanting to play hard and physically against everyone on the other side, because the Pens sure as hell will.
Hell, I hope someone cross checks him in the mouth. Them’s the breaks.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Hamrlik or Crosby? Either is fine by me. I’d prefer both. But seriously, I don’t think anyone needs to worry about Hamrlik throwing down the hammer. I don’t think any of his customary back massages in the corners are going to knock anyone out of the game.
Tu ne cede malis
by _Skullduggery_ on Dec 1, 2011 2:05 PM EST up reply actions
Heh. Hamr couldn’t catch Crosby if they were locked in a phone booth. No worries here.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Neither could Steckel….
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
by gfcaps fan on Dec 1, 2011 1:29 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
What’d you think of Alzner’s response:
Capitals defenseman Karl Alzner was asked if he might shy away from hitting Crosby when the Capitals and Penguins went head-to-head.
“I wouldn’t want all of Canada to hate me,” Alzner said with a chuckle.
"Oh, so that's what you're gonna do."
by Rainbow, Kitty, Beer on Dec 1, 2011 1:29 PM EST up reply actions
It’s OK to hurt Crosby, Alzner. Everyone knows his tears cure cancer.
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Dec 1, 2011 1:31 PM EST up reply actions
I think that’s a great answer…it’s like " haha – yea everyone would hate me…." while avoiding saying, " Yea, I’d still smash him if I had the chance."
The only saving grace for Alzner is he said it with a chuckle. Which I infer to mean he doesn’t really mean it. I hope.
Tu ne cede malis
by _Skullduggery_ on Dec 1, 2011 2:09 PM EST up reply actions
Ugh… that’s terrible. Almost waiver worthy.
Tu ne cede malis
by _Skullduggery_ on Dec 1, 2011 1:48 PM EST up reply actions
In all fairness Hamrlik is slow enough to think more than twice before he reaches Crosby even at full speed.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 1, 2011 3:39 PM EST up reply actions 6 recs
Ward is tweeting – sounds like his buddies are in town; show off in a good way for them tonight Mr. Ward.
Anyone want to guess who said this?
"But let’s just say this: it’s ALL on Ovechkin now. All of it. All of it. You know what, win. Win something. Win something. Because right now, you haven’t done jack. You’ve got a lot of hardware, you’re a great player, you’ve got charisma, oozing charisma. Yes, I will put down money to see you play. But you better win. You got a guy fired, you didn’t want him, all of this is ALL on Ovechkin, and that’s fair."
You all get one guess, and NO cheating.
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
Wise is my guess.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
Wilbon, gotta be. I recognize the stream of conscience rant and the reflexive need to insert himself into the analysis.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Whoever it is doesn’t understand the impact of the rest of the team. Lemieux scored 199 points one year and the Pens didn’t win squat. Ridiculous.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
I have $50 to Olie's autism charity or So Kids Can and a beer on the under for 50/57/107 as AO's final stat line for 2011-'12
And on Pekka Rinne's PK SV% dropping under .920 by the end of the '12 season
by Knee high to a duck on Dec 1, 2011 1:36 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions 2 recs
Jeremy Roenick?
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 1, 2011 1:32 PM EST up reply actions
That it does. And from the supreme confidence in a shallow opinion with no substantiating detail.
"Oh, so that's what you're gonna do."
by Rainbow, Kitty, Beer on Dec 1, 2011 1:36 PM EST up reply actions
fat_daddyo, bigonetimer and twistedlogic are all correct. Nice work.
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Dec 1, 2011 1:39 PM EST up reply actions
Because right now, you haven’t done jack. You’ve got a lot of hardware
That sure makes sense…
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 1, 2011 3:41 PM EST up reply actions
Just took a look at the east standings. We’re in 9th. How long has it been since that’s happened?
Downer :(
Prob about 11 months?
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Dec 1, 2011 1:40 PM EST up reply actions
Interestingly, I noticed we have the same number of regulation/overtime wins as the #1 seed and tonight’s opponent.
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Dec 1, 2011 1:41 PM EST up reply actions
Who…in theory…if we won our games in hand we’d only be 3 points behind. Early season standings checking is early season standings checking.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Dec 1, 2011 2:03 PM EST up reply actions
Exactly.
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Dec 1, 2011 2:05 PM EST up reply actions
Given Hedman’s contract, along with Schenn’s from the summer, I have absolutely no clue how Alzner signed for so little. Obviously his isn’t a long term contract, but compare with other contracts, he should be making at least $2 million. And that’s just based on contracts and his performance last season.
Hopefully, GMGM can use that as the basis for Carlson’s next contract, but I’m not counting on it.
Neil dropped some scoring chance numbers on Twitter, and this one stuck out to me.
@ngreenberg: Not surprisingly, #Caps Alzner is plus-18 in 5v5 scoring chance differential. Joel Ward is minus-15 so far.
But on all of the behindthenet metrics, these two are nearly identical. Literally, if I look at the list of all caps skaters, all GP, 5v5, and sort by each metric, these two are within two spots of each other on all of these metrics:
QUALCOMP, QUALTEAM, Corsi Rel QoC, Corsi Rel QoT, +-ON/60, CORSI REL, CORSI ON.
The only slight differences are:
OZone% – Ward 48.6 Alzner 45.5
PDO – Ward 999 Alzner 1026
Any ideas on what could be driving the huge scoring chances differential?
Ward played with Ovechkin for a game or two?
Red Line Station and @RedArmyLine, featuring coverage of the most frustrating team in the NHL
I believe in next year.
by red army line on Dec 2, 2011 1:01 AM EST up reply actions
000
Now where's my hat? I'm going to the outhouse.
We don't have an outhouse
.....My tool shed!!!
Box Seats Blog
Twitter
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 1, 2011 2:17 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
Lookin’ good! Black is much more slimming than red
by Link_Gaetz on Dec 1, 2011 2:18 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Ha. That’s the first thing that popped into my head: BB will look so much better in black.
by capsyoungguns on Dec 1, 2011 2:22 PM EST up reply actions
That is so surreal… Although, not as surreal as seeing Dale Hunter behind the bench.
by Joran on Dec 1, 2011 2:21 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
My thoughts exactly.
Now where's my hat? I'm going to the outhouse.
We don't have an outhouse
.....My tool shed!!!
Box Seats Blog
Twitter
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 1, 2011 2:27 PM EST up reply actions
But the orange?
Cue the Elmer Fudd hunting jokes….
"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
Those joke have been made were about Carlye often.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
This will no doubt be quite a jolt to Caps fans who are not used to seeing a dismissed coach going to another team immediately. Neither Glen Hanlon nor Bruce Cassidy has had an NHL head coaching job since they were here. Have to go back to Ron Wilson — dismissed after 2001-2002 season, went to San Jose following season.
If you've read this far...seek help.
67 hours later ….. but who’s counting
Be Utterly Facinating @ http://www.thirstdc.com
by TheFuryUnleashed on Dec 1, 2011 2:44 PM EST up reply actions
I wonder…. How many people would quit their job if they new they were going to get a new one (doing the same thing) in 67 hours?
Be Utterly Facinating @ http://www.thirstdc.com
by TheFuryUnleashed on Dec 1, 2011 2:45 PM EST up reply actions
Not faster than selling a house if they knew itll get some equity.
What doesnt kill you makes you stronger.
by BetterOffWith28 on Dec 1, 2011 3:24 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
*knew …. post fail
Be Utterly Facinating @ http://www.thirstdc.com
by TheFuryUnleashed on Dec 1, 2011 2:45 PM EST reply actions
Steffen Soberg update, well sort of an update:
I was checking to see if there was anything new after discussing the upcoming WJCs yesterday. On the Norwegian hockey site, there’s information about the upcoming U20 tourney, as well as a 4 Nations Tourney (if I’m reading correctly that recently took place in Slovakia.) As indicated and based on some CHL reporting I have seen, at least 1 junior player playing in Canada will join the team for the U20 Group Champ. tourney, who didn’t play in this recent tourney.
Soberg’s name is on the 4 nations roster, but sounds like he was listed and replaced if I am reading/extrapolating from this google translation correctly.
“NIHF has previously taken the following squad for 4-nations tournament in Slovakia.
No players for everyday play in Canadian junior leagues taken out this time.
Due from Steffen Søberg allows Espen Johansen from Fresh Asker be called.”
Makes sense since we haven’t seen any information indicating he’s been playing hockey this fall since returning home, but I figured now was the time to look again with the Group A tourney in Germany starting soon for Team Norway. Or maybe this is about still having his rights held by Swift Current? Either way, haven’t seen any evidence that he’s been playing in hockey games back in Norway.
by sk84fun_dc on Dec 1, 2011 3:13 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
I thought he was in Swift Current this year? Last I heard he was drafted by them in the CHL import draft and was at their training camp.
Drafted by Caps.
Drafted by Swift Current in import draft.
Attended Caps development camp in July.
Attended Swift Current training camp in September.
Was supposed to depart SC training camp to attend Caps rookie training camp in September, but chose to go back home to Norway. Didn’t attend Caps rookie camp or main training camp.
Rabies Malin has a good summary through that time here; and there’s some coverage here in a Swift Current blog if you want a different perspective.
I have seen nothing to indicate that he has been playing anywhere. Were some early rumors that he was practicing with his old team or might join a team in Sweden, but nothing much for a few months.
Very odd that SC owning his rights means he can’t play in Europe. At the end of the day, he’s an NHL draft pick, and you’ve got to imagine he’d be an upgrade in goal for a lot of European teams.
Just being an NHL draft pick doesn’t make him an upgrade. I know there was paperwork at a minimum which needed to be done if he found a place to play in Europe; no indication that SC would stand in his way. Even in that roster I linked to he is listed as being with Swift Current, which I thought was interesting so that is technically where he’s associated with for now even though he is not there.
I don’t know all the rules, but there are transfers even at the junior level. Between IIHF rules and agreements and NHL transfer agreements, etc., it gets complicated, but usually gets worked out if there is a team wanting a player on the roster.
SWhyno Stephen Whyno
Boudreau: “I was making plans to go to Toronto and do some work with TSN or something. But this was much better.”
And the NHL is missing out….
Failure is always an option.
Damn…
Can’t he do both?
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Dec 1, 2011 3:57 PM EST up reply actions
Hamrlik is a healthy scratch tonight, per Whyno. I wonder if it’s for the Crosby comment, his overall shittiness, or both?
"Oh, so that's what you're gonna do."
by Rainbow, Kitty, Beer on Dec 1, 2011 5:27 PM EST reply actions
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