Saturday Caps Clips: Power Surge
by J.P. on Dec 10, 2011 7:48 AM EST
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Your savory breakfast links:
- Recaps and other assorted musings on last night's win from us, Caps365 video (Hunter, Caps players, Wilson, Leafs players), Vogs, Capitals Voice (audio), NHL.com, WaPo (gamer), WashTimes (gamer), National Post, CSN Washington (blog, blog), 106.7 The Fan, Puck Daddy, PHT, Frankovic, Peerless, SB Nation DC, KOL, OFB, RLS, Puckhead, RMNB and clydeorama (pics).
- When is a hat trick not a hat trick? Stay tuned. [WashTimes, WaPo, CSNW, Capitals Outsider]
- A look at the games-within-the-game, featuring Alex Ovechkin and Dion Phaneuf. [PHT]
- David Steckel... u mad. [RMNB]
- Some good news on the Jay Beagle front. [WaPo]
- More ice time makes The Cap'n happy... [WashTimes]
- ... as he seeks to build on a couple of strong performances. [WaPo]
- Karl Alzner and John Carlson are playing tough minutes and playing 'em well. [CSNW]
- Related: what new assistant coach Jim Johnson might mean to this team... [CSNW (video)]
- ... and to Jeff Schultz. Le sigh. [WashTimes]
- Down a level, the Bears beat the Whale last night. (Admit it - you just envisioned an actual bear fighting an actual whale.) [Patriot-News]
- If the Caps knew that Evgeny Kuznetsov's favorite actor was Steven Seagal, would they still have drafted him where they did? [RMNB]
- Pre-Cap est mort! Vive le Pre-Cap! [Dump 'n Chase]
- Finally, some awwww-worthy Caps and their pooches. [Capital Games]
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That’s the catch-22 – not wanting Schultz to be a liability while also trying to get him to improve what the coaching staff wants.
"It’s just giving him that opportunity, letting him get out and do it and work with him in practice and get him believing," Johnson said. "I don’t have a problem with him. I’ve always liked him as a player. I think he’s got good skill, good ability, and i’d like to see him – as I’ve told him – just be a little bit more aggressive, close on guys quicker and be a little bit more stronger to play against down in the corners and in front of the net."
What I’m gathering from this and prior (post-BB) developements with regards to how Jeff fits in DH’s system and expectations is that they want ro see more nastiness from Big Nasty —more “snarl” is another way of putting it, quicker pasing and transition plays, and aggressiveness. While the former doesn’t necessarily seem to much to ask, I do wonder if Schultz’s fundamentally sound approach to playing D (within his limits as the MO we’re all familiar with) is something DH sees as a liability more so than am asset. The question is what kind of “leash” Schultz has under the Hunter regime? The surrounding chorus from the Legion of Schultz-haters, grows louder and louder.
Hamrlik, IMHO is more a liability issue. What does he bring that Sarge doesn’t?
Hi. My name is Christoph J. I'm a Caps fan.
Shot blocking? Puck movement? The ability to speak to his goalie in his native tongue?
A danger to myself and others on the ice
by can't skate on Dec 10, 2011 8:38 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
At the end of practice yesterday Johnson started working one-on-one with Schultz. I only stayed for five to ten minutes of it but the drill had to do with mobility and transitioning backwards then retrieving the puck of the wall. Johnson set up two cones and had Schultz skate up hard between them, transition sharply into backwards skating then turn and retrieve the puck off the half wall.
My interpretation is that it’s not as much about nastiness per say (although clearly Hunter likes the guys to play with an edge) but more about how quickly and sharply Schultz can stay with his guy in the defensive system and beat him to the puck.
I’m not ready to assume his days are numbered. Johnson is a pretty impressive teacher and we all know Schultz is a good defender positionally. If Johnson can improve his game, so much the better.
Knuble: "I am what I am. I play well with good players."
by capsyoungguns on Dec 10, 2011 8:48 AM EST up reply actions
I wasn’t aware of this — that’s encouraging. I’m thinking I’ll head to Kettler today.
Hi. My name is Christoph J. I'm a Caps fan.
Do go. And give an update because I can’t. Plus you will understand more quickly what the drills are about. I’ve only been to a few practices but I am already enamored of Hunter and Johnson’s approach. It’s disciplined and repetitious and precise and thorough. Things that the Caps have lacked.
Knuble: "I am what I am. I play well with good players."
by capsyoungguns on Dec 10, 2011 9:10 AM EST up reply actions
This is a great approach, and I really appreciate the insight into the practice!
If Schultz wasn’t playing well in the new system, it’s not like there just going to go and trade the guy after a few games. I feel like what a lot of the Anti-Schultz lobby fails to realize, is that players can still learn the game at the professional level; even change their game.
Soon the Championship with be ours, all ours!
Shot blocking? Puck movement? The ability to speak to his goalie in his native tongue?
Shotblocking? Hmmmmm … Anyone have the tale of the tape between Schultz and Hamrlik? You’d be surprised at Schultz’s ability to dish out great lead passes to a wide open OV or Semin when opposing D-men are caughy pinching too deep in the Caps’ end. Hamrlik and Vokoun speaking to each other in native tongue seems to be resulting communication breakdown. Last night, I observed Hamrlik having issues communicating in general with his D-partner (e.g. he took out Wideman in the 1st period IIRC) resulting in a missed assignment.
Hi. My name is Christoph J. I'm a Caps fan.
Going out on a limb here and making all sorts of assumptions and perhaps (or even probably) projecting my own biases here, but I think DH has diagnosed an institutional or cultural problem with teh Caps. They’re too easy to play against. Teams never look at the Caps on the schedule and think, oh, boy, that’s gonna be a painful game.
55 might be his whipping boy on this issue, but I think he’s trying to get everyone to buy in to being more nasty.
Witness AO’s spear of Neil, Carlson’s elbow to Cooke (indebted to EmilyB for that last observation) and Chimera’s little wrestling match with Schenn last night. The nasty factor appears to be ramping up.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Schultz’s days are number much to the delight of his haters, including my brother. Lengthly and frequent arguments calling for Schultz’s departure .
Hi. My name is Christoph J. I'm a Caps fan.
I read those comments, as well as other features describing Jim Johnson’s coaching style, as encouraging for Schultz. It sounds like they are specifically working with him to play the new system. He has such advantages – his size, reach, hockey sense. It sounds like they want to use those strengths. It sounds like Jim Johnson is a great teaching coach and all of the Dmen will benefit.
If this is true, I’d like to know whether if a similar approach to OV (and perhaps Sasha minor) would be beneficial. I guess it’s a catch-22 to do this with the Captain and how open he would be to work on drills, exercises to expand his offensive repertoire along with his defensive game.
Hi. My name is Christoph J. I'm a Caps fan.
BTW, that sounds extremely encouraging. I could also see it as a shrewd way of “fattening up the pig for slaughter” … Work with Schultz to see if it pays dividends with this team; increase his tradability value through added skillset. Just musing aloud.
Hi. My name is Christoph J. I'm a Caps fan.
although I think it could work both ways — Schultz learns as much as he can from the individual coaching, and increases his value no matter where he ends up.
There's no bigger burden than a great potential - Linus Van Pelt
I don’t think you invest this kind of time in a player who is on the trading block. You wait to see if he incorporates these traits in his game. Only if you are convinced he does not or cannot, then you try to move him. For the moment, he is staying put. Come back after the first of the year, and it might be a different story.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Agreed. Just wasn’t sure how to read those comments from Hunter and Johnson. Why play Hamrlik instead of Schultz. Everytime there’s a 5-3 PK the Caps have to weather, Schultz is a go to guy in my book.
Hi. My name is Christoph J. I'm a Caps fan.
Could not agree more. I really like Johnson and think he might be able to get Sarge back into shape. He is clearly better than Hammr or Erskine at this point. I would be very pleased if he re-entered the top 5/6 rotation again. I think he will be an asset again after Johnson’s teaching.
I think it’d be easier to put Schultz back in regularly if he got many more defensive zone starts. I mean, he’s much better on D than on O, and starting him in the D zone means he doesn’t have to skate up and back on the rush. He’s over 50% zone start (second among Caps D) which I think tries to use his nonexistent offensive talent (at least in the O zone—I think he can make that first pass) and not use his defensive talent as much.
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I believe in next year.
by red army line on Dec 10, 2011 4:29 PM EST up reply actions
On the other hand, does Schultz have the passing ability to make great breakout passes?
Proud member of the Popsicle Division of the Cupcake Conference.
I think so. More a matter of giving him the puck with time rather than asking him to make the pass.
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 11, 2011 1:40 AM EST up reply actions
Quote FAIL. Why am I even up this early commenting without my morning espresso?
Hi. My name is Christoph J. I'm a Caps fan.
A vicious addiction to The Rink.
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Dec 10, 2011 10:52 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
As a coach, it’s your job to make the players better and more prepared, just as (and I hate comparing athletes to us normals, but) a boss at a company would be expected to teach/help/lead/work with his employees even if he knows they’re being laid off down the line.
I don’t buy that Schultz isn’t on the trading block, even if they are investing lots of 1 on 1 time with him. DH/JJ are doing their jobs, but if GMGM isn’t exploring all possible avenues with him, then he’s not doing his.
You can’t tell me McPhee hasn’t phoned Calgary and dangled his name out there.
And you can’t tell me that he has….that is, unless you’re George McPhee
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Dec 10, 2011 2:37 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I meant to post something yesterday before the game but then hesitated—didn’t want to jinx it. But I stopped by Kettler yesterday to catch the practice and was fascinated by their work on the PP.
Two units but other guys were participating. Hunter broke it down and had the guys do tons of repetitions. He emphasized the back door passing and to the high slot as well as rotating down from the point. If they handled the puck too much he had them start the rotation again—wanted crisp and confident one-time passes. He was very precise on where wanted them to be positioned on the ice. And wanted a lot of constant movement.
The 20 minutes or so that they worked on it was disciplined, intense, and repetitious. I came away hoping that they got a power play that night so I could see if the promise panned out. Sure did.
Knuble: "I am what I am. I play well with good players."
by capsyoungguns on Dec 10, 2011 8:37 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Were the PP units used the ones that showed up in the game; i.e. the first unit of Ovi, Backstrom, Wideman, Laich, and Knuble and the second unit that includes Chimmer, Carlson, Brouwer and Orlov?
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
yes
Knuble: "I am what I am. I play well with good players."
by capsyoungguns on Dec 10, 2011 10:44 AM EST up reply actions
Am I the only one that noticed a lack of Semin on either unit? He got some pp time, but not much.
A danger to myself and others on the ice
by can't skate on Dec 10, 2011 12:31 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I certainly noticed it, as well. The only time he showed up on the PP was on the 5 on 3 where they did score. Has Hunter concluded that Semin is no longer a scoring threat or less of a scoring threat than the other people on the PP units?
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Who?
"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
Second unit also had Mackan.
Knuble: "I am what I am. I play well with good players."
by capsyoungguns on Dec 10, 2011 3:35 PM EST up reply actions
Ron Wilson said Toronto “Controlled and sometimes dominated 5 on 5.” I didn’t see the whole game, so I was wondering if that was indeed true. I know the Caps get caught in their zone a lot still and so that may cause a problem.
What d’ya think?
"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
I thought the Leafs outplayed the Caps 5 on 5, but with the exception of one stretch in the third period I think it’s a bit of a reach to say they controlled the whole game. Caps got their chances (although fewer than I would have liked)
"You do that, you go to the box, you know. Two minutes, by yourself, you know and you feel shame" -Denis Lemieux
by leacha on Dec 10, 2011 9:29 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Ovechkin definitely had several not just good but great 5-5 chances.
Aim for the head baby Jesus
by Doncosmic on Dec 10, 2011 9:55 AM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
The caps certainly weren’t an offensive juggernaut 5v5 in the first period. I think their first shot on net was about 10min into the game. But at the same time the Leafs didn’t have very many opportunities either, at least none I would consider all that threatening. I thought the Leafs carried the play in the first, the main reason being we were completely unable to establish a forecheck. The positive I took, besides the Wideman goal, was our top line looked sharp.
In the second the game definitely opened up as the Caps started playing more aggressive. The boys finally started testing Reimer a bit, but it still wasn’t enough. The powerplays really swung that period in our favor considering we scored on the 5v3, still had some time left with a 5v4 till the end of the period, and got some great chances on that, but were unable to capitalize.
Since the Leafs were down 3-1 heading into the third they were forced to hem the Caps into their own zone if they wanted a chance to win this game. They did this for several shifts in a row, but they still had a tough time generating quality scoring chances IMO. The Caps D was clearing the crease all night long. I would certainly say through stretches they dominated the flow of the game in this period. Franson flipped a puck from the blueline and it deflected in . That was with somewhere around 6:30 left in the game, making it 3-2.
I would say overall the Leafs controlled the flow of the game, and in the third dominated possession. But Ovi himself had 3 or 4 scoring chances that were better than anything Kessel or Lupul had all night long besides that bouncing biscuit Phil poked in behind Vokes.
Thanks all. I’d love the Caps to control more, but if they win I don’t much care.
BTW, How cool would it have been if Ovi got that goal instead of post and crossbar? Damn.
"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
Damn right. Thought he had it from my seat. But if he keeps on driving to the net like that the goals will come. I love how he has his gallop back.
Knuble: "I am what I am. I play well with good players."
by capsyoungguns on Dec 10, 2011 10:48 AM EST up reply actions
It seemed pretty balanced to me, but the results are what matters. When it was five on five, the Leafs won the scoreboard 2-0, in special teams situations, the Caps won 4-0.
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 10, 2011 2:42 PM EST up reply actions
It will be interesting to see how the review of Wideman’s hat trick goes. But in any event, it was his first career two goal game, and his first career 4 point game, so there would still be plenty to be excited about. (disclosure – I kept my hat. I’m not throwing my Matt Hendricks signed courage cap on the ice for anything short of an Ovechtrick).
There's no bigger burden than a great potential - Linus Van Pelt
(and from 405, I’m not sure my hat would get anywhere near the ice anyway….)
There's no bigger burden than a great potential - Linus Van Pelt
So, can folks go pick up their hats if the scoring is changed? Never know when it might happen again when a Cap gets a hat trick
If you've read this far...seek help.
Verizon Center lets fans go down and reclaim their hats after the game. Think it is at Guest Services.
"A picture is worth a thousand words. For moving pictures we manage to shorten it to one or two."
But I doubt that a hat that lands in the 200’s or 100’s would make it to Guest Services. Unless there’s someone very generous…
There's no bigger burden than a great potential - Linus Van Pelt
hat trick etiquette states that fans closer to the ice should help hats from the far reaches of the arena make it tot he ice to join their little hat friends in the celebration of awesomeness.
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This is certainly what happened when Ovie had the hat trick in Game 2 against the Pens couple years ago. That’s why hats kept getting thrown on the ice for so long people kept moving along the hats that were coming down from the 400’s
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Dec 10, 2011 12:13 PM EST up reply actions
After watching it time after time on the small replays, I saw no change in direction or other indication of a tip in. I think Wideman should get the goal. If it was tipped by Laich, great to give him credit. But if it went in off of a pad? I think Brooks should let Wides keep it. He was great on the point and deserves the hat trick.
I don’t think it’s a matter of Brooks keeping the goal or not – he’s been non-committal. It’s Wideman’s comments that have even opened the discussion. He clearly doesn’t want the credit unless he clearly scored the goal. (with Brooks setting a good screen).
But if Toronto sees the same thing you have, Dennis will keep the hattie.
There's no bigger burden than a great potential - Linus Van Pelt
At best it grazed Laich’s pad and had no significant direction change, meaning that it would be a goal either way.
The problem is video evidence to show it. The shot was so hard that the behind-the-net angle couldn’t pick it up frame by frame, and the isolation cam was focused solely on Wideman taking the shot and didn’t follow the puck. So unless they have a spectacular angle that neither channel decided to show there isn’t any video evidence. Can’t even call it inconclusive, there’s nothing to suggest it did.
"A picture is worth a thousand words. For moving pictures we manage to shorten it to one or two."
I tweeted this, but figured we could talk about it here. Cody Eakin needs more minutes so he should probably be in Hershey. But six minutes a night would suit DJ King fine.
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Yeah, assuming Hendy and Beags are injured, I’d much rather call up King and keep Eakin down in Hershey. You know who might also not be a bad call up, Mattias Sjogren, but……oh nevermind.
I had been thinking that Christian Hanson plays a bit of a Dale Hunter-style game.
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Does he mmmbop opposing players?
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by J.P. on Dec 10, 2011 10:37 AM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
Isn't he related...
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 10, 2011 2:44 PM EST up reply actions
Um, yes he is.
"You can want to get to April but when you get to April you may not like the answers you get, so you might as well enjoy the ride while it's going on." - Brian McNally on JRR, 8/29/2011
I hadn’t been paying attention, but apparently King is injured at present.
Also, obviously there’s the re-entry issue (and the potential for a team to try to stick it to the Caps there). And it’s all moot if/when Beagle’s back, in all likelihood. Still, I think the move would make sense.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Yes, the biggest issue at this point is the injury, he is skating per Leone, and re-entry being the second issue. I doubt anyone would claim King, but re-entry and last year on contract makes it possible. Also, I don’t think mgmt would be upset if he was claimed, although obviously it would be an issue as it relates to additional ‘dead’ cap space.
As to Eakin, as others have noted, I agree it’s not about his future as an NHL’r but rather what makes most sense now and I think he does need more time in Hershey. One thing to pay attention to with Eakin is the upcoming short-term roster freeze, 12/19 midnight to 12/27 midnight and if they send him back down before that roster freeze kicks in. Recalls from the AHL are allowed during that time, as needed.
Interesting. Would King be more of a liability than Eakin?
Probably, 50 gets muscled off the puck, but when he has it in space he knows what to do with it and his wheels get him places King can’t get.
But the presence of a heavyweight would definitely free up the other guys to agitate more freely, I assume.
Anyway, you advance the best argument I can think of for switching King and Eakin.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
King is not as good a hockey player as Eakin is. But Eakin needs more minutes, and Dale has shown he’s much more likely to shorten his bench than Bruce was. Plus, he clearly likes the truculence. So for a number of reasons I think it makes sense.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Plus having one of our blueliners, albeit he’s on limited minutes, as an enforcer isn’t necessarily the best course of action.
Right, that’s another great point that I forgot to note – can’t have Erskine fighting too much because of a) his shoulder and b) how it leaves the blueline shorthanded (though he’s essentially been relegated to the bench for five-minute stretches with frequency lately).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
And let’s not forget c) his concussion history.
"You do that, you go to the box, you know. Two minutes, by yourself, you know and you feel shame" -Denis Lemieux
I’m a huge Eakin fangirl, and I agree with you. I’ve chalked it up to Hunter still getting a read on the personnel that he has — but if Eakin’s barely playing, then what’s the point?
Campaign Promises fantasy team: Hamrlik To Fall
by CapitalCentre on Dec 10, 2011 1:55 PM EST up reply actions
Was there practice today?
"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
There was. But it didn’t seem to be a typical practice. Halpern and Brooksie were out — maintenance day. And instead of giving the guys color coded jerseys by forward lines and defensemen, they gave then either red or white jerseys. Many of our current “top line” forwards got white jerseys. The third and 4th line forwards got red jerseys. The defensemen got red or white jerseys on a random basis, or at least no pattern that I could discern. (They had the two groups do a shoot out contest at the end and the red group won.)
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
(They had the two groups do a shoot out contest at the end and the red group won.)
White group disputes this, still.
Hi. My name is Christoph J. I'm a Caps fan.
I wasn’t really keeping track of the score but the red team had one pretty memorable celebration when Eakin (i think) scored and later Perreault)
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
That was the dispute. Eakin didn’t score, at least not what I saw from the glass.
by jopierce on Dec 10, 2011 10:44 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
DiPha’s spear on Carlson – http://t.co/yHmpfWN1
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Waiting for outrage from the Canadian media . . . still waiting.
by Gin and Tonic on Dec 10, 2011 2:11 PM EST up reply actions
Here it comes the silence.
No. Wait. It’s the silence from the lack of praise for Ovechkin’s eight shots last night, for blocking two shots on one shift, and for his hustle both backchecking and forechecking.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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The spear was just a hockey play. Just ask Sid.
AO’s efforts last night just throw into starker relief that which everyone knows, he’s a no-good bum. And that experience is a vitally important skill and the reason 6 is the MVP of the team, but that’s beside the point.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
The snakiness of that comment is so thick that it’s oozing into my monitor.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
I’ve resigned to the fact that no matter what Ovi does the hockey press will neither give him credit or a break.
by Gin and Tonic on Dec 10, 2011 4:33 PM EST up reply actions
Until he wins a Cup and the Conn Smythe to go with it, probably not.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Dec 10, 2011 4:54 PM EST up reply actions
Maybe not even then, but I’ll be able to stop caring about it if that happens.
Campaign Promises fantasy team: Hamrlik To Fall
by CapitalCentre on Dec 10, 2011 5:56 PM EST up reply actions
If that happens…their argument wouldn’t have a leg to stand on.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Dec 10, 2011 6:37 PM EST up reply actions
GreenLife52 Mike Green
Bull nuggets for Dennis I thought he had the hat trick.. #stealinggoals
GreenLife52 Mike Green
Atta boy Dennissssss! if your going to chuck cheese better throw it top cheese. #newpresident
I don’t know how to interpret his twitter page. On one hand its mildly intriguing, but on the other hand a little creepy.
Was there a reversal and the goal given to Laich? Were would this be posted?
"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
Oh. Twitter. The official news source of the new millinium.
"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
At least he’s not going into more details about the VW bus he wants to buy….
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 10, 2011 2:46 PM EST up reply actions
Regarding OT rules in the recap threads
I’d like ask for some relaxation of the normal OT rules in the recap threads, particularly when it’s late and there are just a handful of people in the thread.
I understand that when the threads are full of poster, OT tangents clutter things up and make it hard to focus on the subject of hockey.
When it gets late, though, I think that rationale goes away, and it’s much more convenient to park in one thread and I don’t see the downside to discussions of TV shows, out of town scores, potential draft strategy, trades, and the like; some of it hockey-related, some of it not, but none of it relating directly to the subject of the game that is the primary focus of the recap.
I say primary because last night’s explicitly involved a particular television drama, which naturally leads to the discussion of that and similar shows in the recap.
At any rate, if it’s possible I believe it makes sense to use a commonsensical approach to this issue, and relax the restrictions on OT discussion as the numbers thin out and the chance of creating a real encumbrance diminishes.
If not, then that’s the way it is.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Request… denied.
I understand and respect your points, but to me it’s about respecting the author’s work more than anything. Those recaps don’t write themselves, and it would be great if we could keep the discussions in the comments on-topic relative to the game and the conversation the author has provided the springboard for.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 10, 2011 11:41 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Should we judge the conversation based on the author? There were moments in this particular situation when the author was getting into those side conversations as well.
Not to throw Rob under the bus – there came to a point where I thought it was too off topic and Rob wasn’t involved, but where is the barometer? The Author, or no OT at all?
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Dec 10, 2011 11:43 AM EST up reply actions
It doesn’t vary by author – we’re all prone to slipping off-topic at times.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Which is what I thought (And expected). I’m just curious, because it’s always been “Stay on topic to respect the author’s work,” but it’s a weird gray area.
In any case, I’m not out to tell you guys how to run this. Thanks for the answers.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Dec 10, 2011 11:47 AM EST up reply actions
It’s definitely something we all (writers and mods) need to think about a bit more – it’s not an easy one. We’ll figure something out.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 10, 2011 1:17 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
FWIW, I was a little confused when the acrostic referenced a TV show I’ve never seen. That set up an inside joke for those who were familiar with the show. Since I wasn’t among them, I appreciated the explanation – although I was wondering what it had to do with hockey.
There's no bigger burden than a great potential - Linus Van Pelt
Oh, and I absolutely don’t mean to imply that any veering off-topic was meant as intentional disrespect or anything – I know the intent is perfectly benign.
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20 years ago, if Dion Phaneuf had the temerity to spear a top young player in front of that player’s bench, he would have absorbed a vicious beating.
He still deserves to be reminded that there’s a price to pay for that kind of thing. What a jerk.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
That’s pretty bad…but I don’t think it’s a good time to complain about other team’s captain’s spearing our guys. This one was far more intense and definitely more blatant, though.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Dec 10, 2011 11:50 AM EST up reply actions
First comment on the video on YouTube claims it was a sucker punch by Carlson and not a spear by Phaneuf.
Please, call me F&B.
Hey I apologize for all the OT comments in your recap thread last night – no disrespect intended.
YouTube commenters make CI threads look like a MENSA chapter meeting.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
No need, none taken.
I fully realize that and I never would have read it but I get email alerts for comments on videos I post.
Please, call me F&B.
__________
The Long Arm of the Law David Steckel
(via Clydeorama)
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
he’s an Ogre… David Steckel is like an Onion
RAMPAGE
by JediChewbacca on Dec 10, 2011 11:59 AM EST up reply actions
That’s amazing. I can barely tell if his skates are on the ice or two feet in the air.
"You do that, you go to the box, you know. Two minutes, by yourself, you know and you feel shame" -Denis Lemieux
maybe dive bombing a Crosby Aircraft carrier at Guadacanal
RAMPAGE
by JediChewbacca on Dec 10, 2011 12:04 PM EST up reply actions
In all it's MS-Paint glory
RAMPAGE
by JediChewbacca on Dec 10, 2011 12:37 PM EST up reply actions 5 recs
Steckel saves kittens, is solid on the dot, and fights vampires?! Kinda makes me want him back.
#capsneedmoreBuffy
....when the truth is if they knew anything about the game, they'd be in it.
--GMGM
by redlineblue on Dec 10, 2011 2:32 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
so you’re saying that in order to succeed and win the cup, the Caps need to take a “She’s the Man” approach and have a female player pretending to be a guy?
RAMPAGE
by JediChewbacca on Dec 10, 2011 3:52 PM EST up reply actions
This pic would make an amazing Fathead if they could remove Mojo’s skate from behind the stick.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
It would, but who would buy a Dave Steckel Fathead? Nothing against our former Vampire Slayer, but there are probably about 300 players who folks would buy ahead of him…
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 10, 2011 2:50 PM EST up reply actions
I’m still waiting on a Backstrom fathead. (I check that site because of my son—honest—or I’m secretly a teenage boy).
Knuble: "I am what I am. I play well with good players."
by capsyoungguns on Dec 10, 2011 3:41 PM EST up reply actions
When I saw this, I thought the photo had been doctored. Then I went to the link.
I don’t usually check out the pictures when they are in the clips, but these are absolutely fantastic photos! Composed, crisp, each with its own narrative. What a wonderful way to see the game. Video is necessary, but these moments are jewels. Thanks for the link!
Agreed. Clyde’s pics were fantastic. Especially liked the series of shots he took showing Ovi’s shot-blocking skills.
"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
As a self-designated #fancystats reporter, I thought I would share that Wideman is now up to #7 in the league-wide MVP rankings at PowerScout hockey. He is just behind Kris Letang and just ahead of Jonas Hiller and David Backes.
I will admit a bit of a fascination, given the fact that the list doesn’t pass a sniff test, except perhaps a sniff of a baby’s diaper that’s been on for a while.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
How is Hiller up there? He’s been one of the biggest disappointments on the season so far.
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Dec 10, 2011 12:59 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
#fancystats.
No other explanation.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
SWhyno Stephen Whyno
Karl Alzner wearing a Carlzner shirt. Yep.
I don’t quite know how to respond to that. Yay? Who sells Carlzner shirts? Did he have it made himself? Did a fan give it to him, and he actually wore it?
by Aliceanna on Dec 10, 2011 12:06 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
____
It’s most likely this shirt. @nazarcruce posted it on his Twitter a couple weeks ago, and Karl tweeted back asking where he could get one.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
by EmilyB on Dec 10, 2011 12:14 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I wonder if they’ve talked about which one is Captain America and which one is Bucky Barnes. That could get awkward.
If wishes were horses, we'd all be eating steak.
by Hang a Laingtern on Your Problems on Dec 10, 2011 12:30 PM EST up reply actions
As awesome as Alzner is, Carlson is undoubtedly Steve Rogers.
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Dec 10, 2011 12:43 PM EST up reply actions
Cool. But I wish the creator went with different colors in the background instead. It has too much of a Winnipeg Jets feel to 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
so good. holiday shopping done.
Cross check and all call.
by bigonetimer on Dec 10, 2011 12:50 PM EST up reply actions
So had to watch the game at the bar last night…but had a good view. Safe to say Ovechkin was looking as much of a force as the glimpses I was seeing? Felt like he was a threat all night and looks like if he keeps getting chances like he has been the goals are going to start coming in bunches again.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Dec 10, 2011 12:10 PM EST reply actions
According to Sergei Kocharov, Wideman’s hat trick is officially gone.
NHL now credits goal to Laich, from Wideman and Carlson.
Bummer, but still a four-point night and Wideman’s first multi-goal game ever.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
Katie posted the news on CI
Since Dennis said as much during his post game comments, not much of a surprise
There's no bigger burden than a great potential - Linus Van Pelt
Would like to see the camera angle they used to make the decision…
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Wideman said that the puck hit Laich’s shinpad, so maybe a view could be paused right when the puck is getting to Laich to see if that was the case?
Failure is always an option.
The shot was too hard / too fast. They have two high speed cameras one at each end, but the closer was on “isolation view” which only follows Wideman and not the puck.
"A picture is worth a thousand words. For moving pictures we manage to shorten it to one or two."
Laich not denying it pretty much sealed my opinion on it. Also, that Laich is on my fantasy team made that pill pretty easy to swallow.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Dec 10, 2011 12:48 PM EST up reply actions
Would have been nice to see him get the hat trick, but it was an incredible game nonetheless. Plus, huge props to Wideman for publicly stating, in an interview with On The Fly, that it should go to Laich.
Failure is always an option.
@ChrisBottaNHL
No Crosby, Staal, Letang and Michalek tonight for Penguins vs Isles at Coliseum.
Dang.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Ouch. Although I’m guessing this is last game Crosby sits out.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Dec 10, 2011 12:48 PM EST up reply actions
I heard that the two game estimate was going to be extended. Not sure how reliable it is.
Please, call me F&B.
What a shock.
Cross check and all call.
by bigonetimer on Dec 10, 2011 12:56 PM EST up reply actions
I hope the Isles run it down their throats. No love lost there.
Cross check and all call.
by bigonetimer on Dec 10, 2011 12:52 PM EST up reply actions
And they’ll still win.
"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."
Sorry but they aren’t Starship Troopers and they don’t have NPH. Islanders will crush them.
"A picture is worth a thousand words. For moving pictures we manage to shorten it to one or two."
Not rooting for them, of course, but the story just seems to keep writing itself. I hope they get blown out.
"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 think they’re a better team than NYI, even with those four out, but the Isles have stayed competitive (even by the #fancystats) against Chicago recently, so I’m optimistic.
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 10, 2011 4:32 PM EST up reply actions
Who, this guy?
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Dec 10, 2011 1:14 PM EST up reply actions
I know what you mean on that one as the Pens are great for winning against all odds. But last February, the Pens got shellacked by the Islanders in a fight marred game. And then lost to the Rangers that same weekend in a game where they initially had a 2 goal lead and blew it and lost be a fairly sizable score.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
So. A question I’ve been asking myself. Did Bruce go back to coaching too soon?
It was nice to get hired right away, but Imma thinking that he might have been better off doing teevee for the balance of the season and evaluating multiple offers/teams in the summer.
This article tries to pretend that things are Ducky at the Pond, but I’m not so sure.
I think he would have benefitted from some time off the hot seat while he gossiped with his hockey buddies at TSN and watched a bunch of games.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
I tend to agree. I thought it at the time but figured it would be churlish to give voice to that opinion.
I also think that when you’ve waited all your life for a pro job and finally get one, then lose it, it’s hard to resist the opportunity to take one when it’s offered. particularly so close to an emotional firing.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
I also have to question the wisdom in the Ducks hiring him so soon after he was fired. Just trying to put myself in the players’ shoes, but if I were them, I’m not entirely sure I could respect a guy knowing he got fired literally two days ago for “losing his team.” Not to mention that it’s basically management saying, “Hey, Carlye’s not cutting it, but the best we can do replacement-wise is this cast-off from another team. Good luck!”
Now, I understand that basically every coach gets fired at some point, but I feel like he should have waited till the offseason before seeking a new job. Right now, with the media still talking about how he lost the Caps, etc etc, it just seems like “too soon” to me.
by Murshawursha on Dec 10, 2011 8:30 PM EST up reply actions
I think it’s a great move by the Ducks. Sure he “lost the room” and got fired, but that’s when coaches always get fired. With that logic, no one should coach more than once.
It seems more management saying “Carlye’s not cutting it, but we thought he was better than someone unproven. But Bruce is great, so we’ll get him.”
BB had a significant role in making Green a Norris Candidate and had 100+ points in each full campaign he coached. I think any NHL player worth his salary is going to respect that.
Proud member of the Popsicle Division of the Cupcake Conference.
Right, which is why I stipulated that I realize all coaches get fired. It’s just the timing I question, since all the negativity is still floating out there in the media. Give it some time to blow over.
by Murshawursha on Dec 11, 2011 12:45 AM EST up reply actions
He “lost the room” after nearly four years on the job, a tremendous turnaround from worst to first, a Jack Adams award, and a Presidents’ Trophy. I think those indicate that the problem was new and small, and not a function of his overall abilities as a hockey coach.
Campaign Promises fantasy team: Hamrlik To Fall
by CapitalCentre on Dec 10, 2011 10:41 PM EST up reply actions
I. . . don’t think I agree with this. I think the problems that caused him to lose the room had been around for years and were deeply rooted and systemic.
If wishes were horses, we'd all be eating steak.
by Hang a Laingtern on Your Problems on Dec 10, 2011 11:14 PM EST up reply actions
I highly doubt a coach can “lose the room” when the team is making clear progress.
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 11, 2011 1:41 AM EST up reply actions
Ooof. Sarge shoot out FAIL.
Schultz eagerly jumped in with enthusiam during the Team OV vs Team Ward shoot out … Was half expecting to pull off some kinda gimmick move no one thought he was capable of. Sarge got stoned by Neuvy, tripped and awkwardly slammed into the boards full speed. Thankfully full speed for Schultz is .5mph … Everyone was doubled over, laughing and whooping. Hunter was incredibly amused.
Hi. My name is Christoph J. I'm a Caps fan.
............
The photo I took at practice after it happened.
by jopierce on Dec 10, 2011 1:44 PM EST up reply actions 6 recs
I guess there’s one way to attract fans in Dallas and to generate page views on SI.com.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
Have to admit I giggled at the Halloween costume photos…
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 10, 2011 2:55 PM EST up reply actions
That’s precisely when it seemed interesting to post. That’s when it got ridiculous.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
I am so excited about our Captain getting back on track. A lot of good comments about his increased hustle and SOG’s. But, did anyone else notice that he also seems to be adding new ‘moves’? Case in point was the move around (yes, around AND behind) Phaneuf. He didn’t score but the point was that Phaneuf was playing him as if he were going to move to the right and the middle….but he didn’t. Also, he went wide on several offensive zone rushes. And there was the stop on a dime and double clutch on his goal in the Ottawa game. What a treat to see him back in form again!
pics from last night's game
So for those at practice, is it correct that Ovechkin practiced today? I assume this was post-practice.
SWhyno Stephen Whyno
Alex Ovechkin had ice pack on right forearm but insisted everything was OK. #Caps
Glad there are a few days before the next game, hopefully, he’s just sore and that’s all.
Also, here’s a picture I posted last night of Ovechkin on the ice after that crazy shift, plus one more.
and
by sk84fun_dc on Dec 10, 2011 3:05 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Ovi did practice. The only ones missing among last night’s players were Halpern and Laich as they were given “maintenance days”. Green did not skate. Someone reported that Beagle was skating at some point but don’t recall seeing him.
(I later saw Perreault as he was walking towards the elevator when the public skating session. I was on the ice but we waved to one another. Before that, I think I saw Orlov walking over to the elevator, as well.)
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
There’s Sasha, not caring. Again. Heartless bastard.
If wishes were horses, we'd all be eating steak.
by Hang a Laingtern on Your Problems on Dec 10, 2011 6:02 PM EST up reply actions
There was just a feature on the video-review room in Toronto on Around the Rink on NHLNetwork, and as they were wrapping up the piece, they were showing lots of different shots of the room with various people in front of the monitors, including our old buddy, and erstwhile backup goalie, Stretch! Hi, Stretch!
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