Tuesday Caps Clips: Flyers @ Caps Game Day
by J.P. on Dec 13, 2011 6:39 AM EST
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PrintYour savory breakfast links:
- Previews of tonight's festivities with Philly from Vogs, NHL.com, DCEx, CSN Philly, Peerless, CRtC and RMNB, and be sure to check out our SB Nation partner Broad Street Hockey for more coverage from the other side of tonight's match-up.
- Notes and assorted whatnot from yesterday's practice:
- In general. [caps365 video (Hunter, Ovechkin, Laich), 106.7 The Fan, WashTimes, WaPo, DCEx]
- Mike Green is off to see the wizard, The Wonderful Wizard of Groins (we assume). [WashTimes, WaPo, CSNW, DCEx, and check at about the 3:20 mark in Alan May's interview on The Sports Reporters (audio)]
- In general. [caps365 video (Hunter, Ovechkin, Laich), 106.7 The Fan, WashTimes, WaPo, DCEx]
- In case you missed it, John Carlson was named the League's Third Star of the week for his efforts over the past three games... [WaPo and DCEx, Fantasy Hockey Scouts with the poolie's take, and Power Scout Hockey with an interesting look at Carlson's last ten games]
- ... and gave a call in to NHL Live. [RMNB]
- Dennis Wideman has had his ups and downs this year, but the Caps would be in a spot without him. [WashTimes]
- Speaking of Wideman, let's keep that power play a-rollin', shall we? [WaPo]
- There's been no bigger surprise (well, "good" surprise, at least) for the Caps so far this year than Jason Chimera. [WaPo]
- Brooks Laich has nothing but kind words for Bruce Boudreau... but sure sounds excited about what Dale Hunter brings to the table. [Elliot in the Morning, via DC Sports Bog and RMNB]
- And speaking of Laich, here's your chance to sleep with him, ladies (or men... whatever). [DC Sports Bog]
- Sometimes a team just needs to hear it - whatever "it" is - from someone new. [Dump 'n Chase]
- Confident Caps are better Caps. [Sick, Unbelievable]
- Welcome back, Jaromir Jagr. [WashTimes, CSNW, RMNB]
- Eric Brewer having a better season than Karl Alzner from a purely defensive perspective? Time to tweak the formula. [Hockey Independent]
- Alex Ovechkin may not be inspiring hockey pundits the way he once was, but it's important to remember that he's still an inspiration to some people who matter even more. [KBOI]
- Mike Knuble, like so many of us, is looking forward to watching 24/7. [CSNW]
- Mr. Irrelevant Night for Caps/Sabres later this month? Sounds like a blast. [Mr. Irrelevant]
- Rawr! Lions r scary. But little kids (including those in the familiar red sweaters) skating at the National Zoo r always cute. [Capitals]
- Finally, happy 26th birthday to Andrew Gordon, happy 36th to Bates Battaglia, happy 42nd to Sergei Fedorov, and happy 78th to Doug Mohns. (P.S. Happy birthday to our pal Paul Rovnak.)
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Hope he sucks tonight. Big time. (I’m usually not like this: honestly).
/Blames the excellent RMNB piece for firing him up.
Ambiance and vanity.
by Acer Jonesy's Laughker on Dec 13, 2011 7:45 AM EST reply actions
It’s not just you. I’ve prayed to God/Allah/Buddha that he eats a cat turd sprinkled with smallpox jimmies regardless of whether he was here tonight or not.
"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 13, 2011 7:54 AM EST up reply actions
Speaking of RMNB, they’ve got an epic banner up today. BOOM!
"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 inspired myself)
Mike Green is off to see the wizard, The Wonderful Wizard of GroinsI could average thirty minutes
The game, I would be in it
Earning next year’s coin
With the points I’d be scorin’
I could be another Orr-in
If I only had a groin
I could make a run at Norris
And help a D that’s pourous
The blueline I’d rejoin
I’d put Hunter in a pickle
As I saved ol’ Double-Nickel
If I only had a groin
Oh, I would help the team
Bring the puck on up the ice
With Wideman it’s a roll of the dice
But with me, it’s oh so nice
The fans could stop their wishin’
As I forced the opposition
To surrender like Burgoyne
We could be a Cup contender
Instead of one eternal bender
If I only had a groin
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 13, 2011 7:51 AM EST reply actions 38 recs
To surrender like Burgoyne
I took AP American History back in the day, and I had to look that one up. What a pull.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
_________
(credit KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE)
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
by EmilyB on Dec 13, 2011 8:05 AM EST up reply actions 15 recs
Thanks Ms. E
But it is the Internet’s now.
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Dec 13, 2011 11:19 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Somewhat related, the Caps once iced a line of Dmitri Khristich, Michal Pivonka and Peter Bondra that some referred to as the “Wizard of Oz” line… because Khristich had no brains (Scarecrow), Pivonka no heart (Tin Man) and Bondra no courage (Cowardly Lion). Amazing nickname (that I’m sure has been around hockey as long as The Wizard of Oz itself has existed in pop culture).
Maybe we should just start calling Alex Semin “The Wizard,” as the narratives would have you believe he’s all three rolled into one.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 13, 2011 8:24 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain!
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Dec 13, 2011 8:33 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
..if ever a wiz there was…
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 13, 2011 9:50 AM EST up reply actions
If SBNation had a “Blog Comment of the Year,” this would be its leader.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Whew! Just got it in before the 31st, like my flex spending claims and charitable donations.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I’ve been humming “Begin the Burgoyne” all the way to work.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
by EmilyB on Dec 13, 2011 8:57 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Tom Poti and Chris Clark say “Mike Green inspired this? Really? What are we, chopped liver?”
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Dec 13, 2011 3:36 PM EST up reply actions
To which I’d respond, “Yeah, pretty much.”
Also, not for nothing, but my constant thought when typing that out was, “Is it Gouldie-worthy?”
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 13, 2011 3:39 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
More than…
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Dec 13, 2011 3:50 PM EST up reply actions
*rips one…
FTFY
"I couldn't bring myself to cheer for Pittsburgh. But since they won, I may as well use it."
--BB, 2009
by nogoodtrying on Dec 13, 2011 9:30 AM EST up reply actions
Awesome old advert…. nicely done.
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 13, 2011 9:50 AM EST up reply actions
When I first moved to DC, after getting a place to live and getting my first paycheck, I put down some money on a Caps 10 game plan for two seats, center ice, middle of the 200’s section. Total cost for 10 games, 2 seats: $160. That was for the 1985-86 season.
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 13, 2011 3:26 PM EST up reply actions
Now that was over 25 years ago…
I’m getting old.
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 13, 2011 3:42 PM EST up reply actions
This seems appropriate to revisit today in a way it hasn’t prior to recent Caps/Flyers games.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I remember that 294 PIM game… gads that was ugly.. led to a bunch of suspensions, including one for our current coach…
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 13, 2011 9:52 AM EST up reply actions
While this game didn’t make your hit parade, it still falls into line with classic Caps-Flyers matchups, and was the last professional hockey game I saw in person until this season. I honestly didn’t even remember a lot of things about it, other than that we scored 6 goals and the Flyers scored none, there was a lot of fighting, both on the ice (check the 3rd period PIMs) and in the stands (a Flyer fan in our section was escorted out by the police, to great applause by the crowd), and I was mesmerized by the decibel meter at the Cap Centre.
Also, back then, Pizza Hut gave personal pan pizzas to every fan if the Caps scored 6 goals or got a shutout. The crowd was ridiculously rowdy, and very upset that a 6-0 win did not entitle them to TWO pizzas. :)
He says, ‘hit everything that moves. Dump it, get on the forecheck, and be tough to play against.’ The one thing that he’s said since he’s come here is, ‘we’re not going to score a lot of rush goals. Against good teams in the playoffs, you don’t score those easy, rush goals. You have to work for your goals, you have to be physical. You have to forecheck. Score your goals off the cycle. If you watch playoff hockey, that’s how the goals are scored.’ And I think he’s trying to mold our team that way.
I know Brooksie has a bit of the Eddie Haskell in him, but if this is what he is hearing from Hunter, then I’m swooning from excitement. So while the rest of the league and all of the pundits mourn ad nauseum the loss of the Caps’ old run n’ gun style under BB, the team will be quietly refashioning themselves into something that should do much better in the post season.
Knuble: "I am what I am. I play well with good players."
Am I having Deja Vu or did something change in the Matrix?
"I couldn't bring myself to cheer for Pittsburgh. But since they won, I may as well use it."
--BB, 2009
by nogoodtrying on Dec 13, 2011 9:26 AM EST up reply actions
I think Semin can still thrive in the cycle game. He just needs to win battles down there, which we’ve seen he can.
Look at me, Dustin! I'm a F%^king Icon!
“Can” is almost never the start of a question about Semin. It’s always “will”.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 13, 2011 9:48 AM EST up reply actions
I think the SOB line will start to click again. Ovi and Nicky down low and Semin playing the high guy when he’s not working low, could be lethal again.
Look at me, Dustin! I'm a F%^king Icon!
i like this…a lot. let’s see if they get outmuscled, though.
If you want to survive out here, you've got to know where your towel is.
66% of that line won’t. That other 34% on the other hand is a coin toss.
Look at me, Dustin! I'm a F%^king Icon!
66% of the time, it works every time.
Tu ne cede malis
by _Skullduggery_ on Dec 13, 2011 10:50 AM EST up reply actions
I hate to be a cynic here but I am not impressed by Brooks’ words. Do you think BB didn’t want to forecheck? Do you think BB doesn’t understand playoff hockey with his record? Do you think BB didn’t understand the importance of cycling? Of course, players have to say something to distinguish between coaches, but what it really comes down to, is that the players did NOT do it under Boudreau and we hope they do it under Dale. Scoring goals is not as complex as looking for the Higgs boson. I wish Laich, instead, would first be looking inward at himself and his under-performing teammates.
by Wilderthing on Dec 13, 2011 12:13 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Do you think BB didn’t want to forecheck? Do you think BB doesn’t understand playoff hockey with his record? Do you think BB didn’t understand the importance of cycling?
It would be ridiculous to say that absolutely BB didn’t want/understand any of these things, but I think the differences go beyond just the players playing harder for Hunter. I think BB clearly emphasized an offense based more on scoring on the rush than on dumping it in and grinding out goals. Or at the very least he let the top-6 loose on offense, which meant less of an emphasis on forechecking and more on the rush.
And given his playoff record I think it is reasonable to question BB’s understanding of playoff hockey.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 13, 2011 12:18 PM EST up reply actions 5 recs
I agree with K-C. Of course BB wanted them to forecheck and cycle and crash the net. But he also wanted them to score on the rush. He didn’t insist that his top goal scorers play that way, but rather his grinders and someone like Knuble to pick up the rebounds off of a good rush.
Sure the fundamentals of hockey are pretty straightforward. But like any general in a battle, it’s all about which aspects of those fundamental principles get emphasized. And which strategies to employ. Personally I don’t think BB adapted his system quickly enough to withstand the rigors of the playoffs. Hell, he didn’t even fall back on using the trap until last season, yet he had no solution for how the guys should transition effectively into offense in the TB series. When Knuble says in bafflement that TB just scored at will and that they had no answer, I place that type of failure on BB’s shoulders. It wasn’t just the injuries. That’s a failure with BB’s system.
What Laich’s words suggested to me (taken with a grain of salt because he’s such a rah, rah brownnoser kind of guy) is that Hunter’s system emphasizes different fundamental aspects of the game. The key difference for me is that Hunter wants them to generate goals off of the cycle and not rely on the rush. All of them. That’s a big change for this club.
And to be frank the guys are are still looking for that “forechecking/cycling to generate goals” breakthrough. The goals in the Sens game were mostly scored off of the rush.
Knuble: "I am what I am. I play well with good players."
by capsyoungguns on Dec 13, 2011 3:14 PM EST up reply actions
You could look at it from another point of view, namely that the Caps’ top offensive threats are all more dangerous, as it stands now, off the rush than off the cycle, more than other players. So the issue becomes how to create rushes, since teams hold back against the Caps to prevent the rush.
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I believe in next year.
by red army line on Dec 13, 2011 4:27 PM EST up reply actions
That’s a good point. Ovi seems to have been sprung free more easily in the last two games.
Knuble: "I am what I am. I play well with good players."
by capsyoungguns on Dec 13, 2011 4:32 PM EST up reply actions
OTT is horrible in team D. They just appear to have zero interest in slowing anyone down in neutral or in preventing them from getting to the slot.
TOR played a bad defensive game, too. I haven’t seen them much this year so I can’t tell if they’re just porous (“pourous”?) or if the memory of the 7-1 blowout was enough to make them want to run and gun.
This game ought to be more of a test, although still not to the level of the elite stopper teams.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
I get so frustrated when I see how easily teams like Philly or Pittsburgh get odd-man chances. Hopefully this Hunter thing works out like the 1-3-1 in Tampa in terms of generating quick counterattacks.
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 13, 2011 5:46 PM EST up reply actions
Such as the Leaf’s dismal PK. So has the Caps’ PP really turned the corner in effectiveness? Tonight should be interesting.
Knuble: "I am what I am. I play well with good players."
by capsyoungguns on Dec 13, 2011 5:48 PM EST up reply actions
I think BB wanted them to do those things. I’m also not sure that he forced his players to do them day in and day out.
Yes, I agree with you and, also, with Killer’s comments. But, to reinforce your point, it was not Boudreau who folded in Montreal and flat-out quit in Tampa: it was the players. As you correctly suggest, Dale might be pushing a bit harder and the players might respond better to him, but please, ‘more forechecking’ and ‘cycling’ is not exactly a revelation.
by Wilderthing on Dec 13, 2011 12:26 PM EST up reply actions
Yea, but against the Habs it was non-stop trying to score off the rush, which wasn’t working and the same old same old on the PP. That speaks of coaching imo.
"When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro"
by Steve-R on Dec 13, 2011 12:30 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
It’s pretty hard to expect that you’ll let your guys play one way all year round – rush, freelance, look for the stretch pass, etc – and then hope that they change it up when the opposition stiffens up their resistance. At least not without something more than lip service.
In other words, it makes sense to practice in the reg season what you’re going to have to do anyway in the playoffs.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
by fat_daddyo on Dec 13, 2011 12:31 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Actually I think it was exactly BB who folded against Montreal. The players didn’t stop trying, they just kept bashing their head into Montreal’s wall, and part of the reason for that is because BB failed to make any adjustments to Montreal’s passive system.
The same thing happened in TB. The players didn’t fall apart until that series was already lost. But one of the reasons why the team was in a 3-0 hole in the first place was because BB again failed to adjust to a system, in this case one that he had played against 6 times during the regular season.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 13, 2011 3:20 PM EST up reply actions 7 recs
Rec’d. Dead-on playoff analysis.
Knuble: "I am what I am. I play well with good players."
by capsyoungguns on Dec 13, 2011 3:34 PM EST up reply actions
Couldn’t disagree more on the Montreal narrative. The Caps massively out-chanced the Habs. They ran into a hot goalie and their power play was historically unlucky. But at even strength, they killed Montreal. Boudreau’s biggest failing was listening to the pundits who demanded a massive overhaul of the system because the team didn’t "play the right way." Never mind that the wrong way led to the Caps crushing the league all year and outplaying its opponent in the playoffs.
Ehhh, I do think some of the blame goes on Boudreau, because I do think the team could have been even better (in the extremely small score-tied sample, I believe the Caps were only slight outchancers, the big outchancing came when the Habs went into a shell).
I also disagree that Boudreau actually even listened to the “pundits.” When the team wasn’t scoring, he wanted to play better D instead, and according to that shot quality site which apparently doesn’t exist anymore or something, they did do exactly that.
I find it funny, though, that analysts would say “the GF went down in a big way, but they reduced GA” when we’re looking at +1 G/gm to +.25 G/gm. Somehow the latter team is more prepared for the playoffs than the former.
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 13, 2011 5:49 PM EST up reply actions
I also disagree that Boudreau actually even listened to the "pundits." When the team wasn’t scoring, he wanted to play better D instead, and according to that shot quality site which apparently doesn’t exist anymore or something, they did do exactly that.
Completely agree with this. While the Caps may have been unlucky against MTL, their 2009-10 regular season offense was incredibly lucky and unsustainable. It was natural that scoring would drop off the next year. Also, and I was a broken record about this last season, I think people overestimate the extent of the system changes. Did AO have his worst season of his career last year because of the system, or because he became too predictable? The scoring didn’t just drop off at 5 on 5, it fell off a cliff on the PP where BB’s system changes should have had no effect. But that’s where BB really should have overhauled the system.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 13, 2011 5:56 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t really feel like getting into this debate over whether the Caps were unlucky or just not doing enough against MTL, but I think both are involved. They outchanced Montreal in part because Montreal sat back and played a passive system clogging the neutral zone and collapsing around the net. The team kept rushing right into them instead of taking advantage of the slow MTL D and small forwards by dumping it in and forechecking aggressively (the proven way to beat passive, trapping teams).
The PP has sucked ever since the end of 2009-10, and teams have been doing exactly what MTL did. I’m much more inclined to think that teams figured out BB’s “stand still and feed AO one timers” system than I am to believe that the PP has just been really unlucky for a year and a half.
Yeah, the Caps were unlucky against MTL. But that doesn’t absolve BB for not making any mid-series adjustments – something he was never good at with the Caps, and something that is needed to win in the playoffs.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 13, 2011 5:50 PM EST up reply actions
I just think someone put a microphone is his face, he said what they are trying to do (cycle, forecheck, win), and that’s that.
"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
OK; I am probably making too big a deal about this. But, coincidentally, I just found the following comment later on today, but not on this topic, “Good ’ol Brooksie, always saying the right things and nothing else.” That was basically my point. He was essentially saying nothing other than, perhaps, oh-so-slightly suggesting there were some coaching issues. Fay_daddyo’s previous post emphasized an important subtle point and, perhaps, this will make a difference this year. I still, however, emphasize my basic point: these are grown men who have played thousands and thousands of games among themselves, and they can’t figure it out that if an opposing team is shutting down their previous strategy of ‘freelancing’, they can’t figure out to then forecheck a little harder and toughen up? Instead, they should wait around for the coach to tell them so he can take the blame when they don’t do it? I simply don’t want the spotlight to go exclusively to Dale on the CAPS performance; the players need to step up and assume the majority of the responsibility,
by Wilderthing on Dec 13, 2011 12:58 PM EST up reply actions
I thought they did. Wasn’t it Laich that said he wished they played harder for them? Anyway, Bruce is gone. Hunter is here and Laich has to give a comment in some form. I am sure there is blame to go around on a team.
"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 hateto be a cynic here but I am not impressed by Brooks’ words. Do you think BB didn’t want to forecheck? Do you think BB doesn’t understand playoff hockey with his record? Do you think BB didn’t understand the importance of cycling? Of course, players have to say something to distinguish between coaches, but what it really comes down to, is that the players did NOT do it under Boudreau and we hope they do it under Dale. Scoring goals is not as complex as looking for the Higgs boson. I wish Laich, instead, would first be looking inward at himself and his under-performing teammates.Laich and won’t pass up a single opportunity to remind everyone on this site about it, even thought it’s impossible that they could forget. Also, screw Ward.
FTFY
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 13, 2011 1:15 PM EST up reply actions 9 recs
J.P. — Wilderthing likes almost no Caps, none at all. IIRC, he’s on the trade Ovechkin bandwagon as well and the Schultz sucks bandwagon.
Not worth engaging, IMO.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
You certainly have a right not to ‘engage’ me. But, for the record, I think it would be premature to trade Ovechkin and, ironically, I am actually a huge Schultz supporter….I have no idea where you got the impression I wasn’t. Finally, I take great exception to I like “no Caps.” As anyone who knows me will freely attest, I like ALL the CAPS and have been a ardent and devoted fan for over 30 years. Admittedly, as JP called me out, I have been critical (too repetitively) of some of GMGM’s fat contracts (Laich, Ward, Hammer) the past year, but that has nothing to do with my affection for the CAPS.
I am sorry to be so repetitive. I know you have reprimanded me earlier and I have tried to tone it back based on your posts. You are correct that I am gone over board on occasion. For the record, though, I said nothing about Ward here and, more important, I actually like Laich (but not his contract). The immediate topic here though (and I thought what I was addressing) was coaching strategy. I was simply trying to suggest that it was not fair to be placing so much pressure on Hunter to turn it around immediately. The basic fundamentals of hockey are not that complicated, and the CAPS success will ultimately be determined by execution and heart which are equally – if not more so – the responsibility of the players. No body wishes more than I that the CAPS do well.
just out of curiosity, why do you insist on writing Caps in all caps? Caps is not an acronym.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Season Pledge total--$718.07!
Reminds me of that FlyerRob guy or whatever his name was
"I wear tinted visor not to trick other players, but so hot girls in stands don't see me looking at them" - Alex Ovechkin
FLYERBOB (and his mile long signature). he just popped up over in the noon number!
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Season Pledge total--$718.07!
So you don’t like Ward irrespective of the contract then?
Knuble: "I am what I am. I play well with good players."
by capsyoungguns on Dec 13, 2011 3:36 PM EST up reply actions
Well, I am kind of gun-shy at this point to offer any opinions. But, I do like him….his story is very moving and I very much admire his work ethic and he seems like a great teammate from all reports. In that respect, he is a great Cap. And, to be fair, he has – as advertised – seems to be hustling and shutting down some of the opposing scorers. It just comes back to that contract; that’s all. I think that defensive contributions notwithstanding, we should expect more from a top 9 forward. I could very well be wrong; I hope I am. Now I am going back to my corner; please don’t yell at me.
Honest question on my part. You just seemed to be very critical of him the other day and I thought at the time that your expectations for Ward were very different from mine. It also seemed to me that much of your criticism for Ward was colored by his salary. You seem to be a “salary for points” person" whereas I’m a “are they performing their role well/playing well” person. I view the salaries/contracts as a separate issue. Different philosophies.
I am also pleasantly pleased by what a great guy he seems to be off the ice. That’s icing on the cake.
Knuble: "I am what I am. I play well with good players."
by capsyoungguns on Dec 13, 2011 5:21 PM EST up reply actions
Your distinction is a good – and worthwhile – one. According to your distinction, then, I do not think we are getting our money’s worth now for a top 9 forward who has not scored a point in 15 games. Of course, in terms of ‘roles’, he has other positive contributions such as defense that we both agree are important. Interestingly, though, I think this distinction blurs a bit when other players aren’t performing according to their ‘roles.’ For example, our beloved young guns are not scoring per their roles so it hurts the team when we have committed to four years to someone who may not be able to pick up on that slack occasionally. I guess when that happens the ‘roles’ and ‘salaries’ distinction can become mixed up a bit. Anyway, I need to do a better job of expressing my point of view, and I will try to do a better job of keeping your distinction in mind. I certainly do not mean to keep inflaming my fellow posters and Cap lovers.
Hey Ward at least got an assist (or at least I think he did). Game still sucked.
Knuble: "I am what I am. I play well with good players."
by capsyoungguns on Dec 13, 2011 10:01 PM EST up reply actions
Also...
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 13, 2011 1:34 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I don’t believe it’s been discovered yet, just theorized.
"Everything in excess... moderation is for monks"--Robert A. Heinlein
"Facts are meaningless, they can be used to prove anything"--Homer Simpson
Also how good he is at utilizing the resources at his disposal.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
A Nobel Prize winner on the team would be pretty cool.
"Everything in excess... moderation is for monks"--Robert A. Heinlein
"Facts are meaningless, they can be used to prove anything"--Homer Simpson
I miss Joé Juneau.
Campaign Promises fantasy team: Hamrlik To Fall
by CapitalCentre on Dec 13, 2011 3:11 PM EST up reply actions
Oh, my gosh. You are right. He was an aeronautical engineer, if my memory serves me correctly. And, a wonderful player. I wonder if from a strictly academic perspective, whether he was the highest educated Cap.
He did get that aeronautical engr degree in three years, despite not knowing english when he got to RPI.
Amusing bit of trivia: Juneau got his degree before Oates got his (though only by a year or so)
Geeks of All Nations, Compile!
Thanks, that is impressive indeed. Oatesey is now coaching and, presumably, is not using his degree professionally, although he might in the future, of course. Do you know if Juneau is using his degree or what he is doing?
I last knew he was working with kids, specifically disadvantaged kids from First Nation communities, in the remote reaches of Quebec.
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thank you, fellow RB! You are awesome.
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No worries, my fellow RB. You’re pretty fab yourself.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 13, 2011 4:12 PM EST up reply actions
I’ve also seen instances in the past where Semin won the puck in the offensive zone and couldn’t be knocked off. He’s actually pretty strong on the puck. The problem is that he won’t go below the circles.
Semin in fact, Schultz in theory.
Semin could play that type of game and play it well. Not that he’d be a punishing hitter, but he has good enough wheels and balance to create turnovers down low in tight quarters. He just won’t do it.
Schultz probably has the worst skill set to play that kind of game. High center of gravity, awkard on his skates. But I anticipate he’ll make the adjustments he needs to in order to play.
Related: I think Schultz got benched after failing to hit and pressure on a couple of PK’s against OTT. It sticks in my head that that’s what happened, anyway. If I get a moment I’ll see if I can get back to the game tape and idiot-check myself.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
That would be interesting, if you got a time stamp (even ballpark) I can check it.
I’d rather see them move either guy before letting their value erode (even further).
Please, call me F&B.
I’ll try to do it at lunch and then I’ll email you the general findings and perhaps some screen caps.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
/OT/ @fat_daddyo … check OTOT
Hi. My name is Christoph J. I'm a Caps fan.
by Christoph J on Dec 13, 2011 10:03 AM EST up reply actions
Thanks. It’s a bit time sensitive.
Hi. My name is Christoph J. I'm a Caps fan.
by Christoph J on Dec 13, 2011 10:33 AM EST up reply actions
Agree 100%. He was weak in the corners, and panicking with the puck. It wasn’t the worst thing I’ve ever seen (Schultz was keeping the puck to the outside), but he was still turning the puck over on the PK.
Tu ne cede malis
by _Skullduggery_ on Dec 13, 2011 9:54 AM EST up reply actions
I actually think Semin (if he wanted) would be an amazing Puck cycler. It’s so hard to get the Puck away from him. The problem is his choice of shot or pass. That selection process would need to change to fit the cycle game.
A danger to myself and others on the ice
by can't skate on Dec 13, 2011 9:52 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
One thing about Semin’s shot selection that Hunter would not approve of is the # of times he misses the net because he’s trying to pick a corner. He has such a hard short that if he just hit the goalie he would get rebounds that others could cash in on.
Usually interesting to read about how and where a player finds out he’s traded, this one about Spacek being traded by Montreal to Carolina is worth a read.
Good read. Thanks.
Knuble: "I am what I am. I play well with good players."
by capsyoungguns on Dec 13, 2011 9:31 AM EST up reply actions
Geez.
"Pierre told me I was traded, but the strange thing was, he didn’t tell me where because it hadn’t been approved by the league. He told me: ‘It’s not fair to the other team if I tell you where you’re going,’ and I said: ‘What the hell are you talking about? You’ve just traded me.’
That'll make your weagle wink!
"You're the boss, apple sauce" - @GreenLife52
That was a good read. Thanks sk8. I thought the end quote endeared me to Spacek some,
"I want to be somewhere that I can show I can still play hockey, and get the chance to sign another contract. The fans in Montreal were the greatest," he said. "I had lots of fun. Maybe they didn’t think of me as the greatest hockey player, but I gave them all that I had. And on my way out of town, I had lots of nice greetings at the airport, so I was pretty happy about that
by Rather Bengt on Dec 13, 2011 1:39 PM EST up reply actions
Doug "Diesel" Mohns
Young ‘uns, Mr Mohns scored his first professional goal 50 years ago. 50!!! And there is no badder ass nickname than Diesel. It’s the truth!!!
Here are some fun facts about him: (per Wiki)
Mohns played 1390 career NHL games, scoring 248 goals and 462 assists for 710 points, as well as compiling 1250 penalty minutes (only 2400 less than Huntsy). He played left wing on one of the greatest lines in NHL history, the “Scooter Line”, with centre Stan Mikita and right wing Kenny Wharram.
Mohns was also known as an enforcer for Bobby Hull.
Mohns finished his 22 season long career as the captain of the expansion Washington Capitals.
He was one of the first players to wear a helmet, covering up an expansive bald spot.
(I love that.)
Bates Battaglia
Here’s a fun fact about him:
His high school nickname was Master.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 13, 2011 9:35 AM EST up reply actions
Other fun facts about Bates:
1) His family has numerous mob connections, and his grandfather ran the Chicago Mob in the 1960s: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sam_Battaglia (More: http://www2.canada.com/topics/sports/hockey/leafsstory.html?id=d0d70eb7-7bcf-4acb-b3b4-e1f591d98f13&k=68395)
2) He’s still playing professionally in the CHL for the Tulsa Oilers!
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 13, 2011 9:58 AM EST up reply actions
The local cable station in Toronto actually carries the odd AHL Marlies game. I watched one briefly a couple seasons back and Bates was still plugging away on their third line. Good on him.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 13, 2011 10:02 AM EST up reply actions
Eric Brewer having a better season than Karl Alzner from a purely defensive perspective? Time to tweak the formula.
Filip Kuba too. Looking at the formula used it seems heavily weighted based on SH TOI and CorsiRelQC, which means that the rankings are heavily weighted towards how a player is used, not what they actually do on the ice. How a coach uses a player is relevant information, but it is also dependent on who else the coach has to throw out there. Kuba may be getting a ton of tough assignments because he and Philips are the best defensive options (OTT’s not gonna throw Gonchar and Karlsson out there against top lines or on the PP), but that doesn’t make Kuba a stud defensive player.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 13, 2011 9:33 AM EST reply actions 2 recs
Yeah, you actually have to be good with your tough minutes. Getting murdered by tough minutes isn’t exactly impressive. Plus, Alzner has tougher QComp than those guys. So is TBL just taking a lot more PIM, forcing up Hedman’s and Brewer’s PKTOI? Or is TBL that weak in the back end that they have to play those guys :90 per PK?
And Erik Karlsson has pretty tough QComp scores, FWIW.
Please, call me F&B.
Getting murdered by tough minutes isn’t exactly impressive.
I don’t know, playing mediocre hockey with tough minutes is good enough to carry a team in the playoffs.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 13, 2011 9:45 AM EST up reply actions 4 recs
I guess they try to using plus-minus, but that’s a little on the noisy side.
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by red army line on Dec 13, 2011 11:19 AM EST up reply actions
And Brewer and Hedman are healthy minuses while there are only two players on that list with better plus/minus than Alzner, both of which rocking lower QComp.
Please, call me F&B.
It also seems odd to give the same weight to plus/minus as blocks or takeaways. So if one guy is on the ice for zero goals and has a giveaway, he’s had a worse night than a guy who was on for five goals against, but had three blocks and two takeaways?
Also, for measuring defensive contribution of SOH D’men, isn’t the GF aspect of +/- a lot less important than the GA aspect? Seems like you might want to include GAON/60 in your calculation.
by Twenty Seven Ninety on Dec 13, 2011 11:33 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
How important are blocked shots, really? I understand that, obviously, they are shots that don’t make it on net, but they also don’t always mean a change in possession and can often leave a defenseman out of position.
I’ve tried for a few minutes to find it but I’m coming up short.
Sometime last season, someone posted a chart that correlated a number of metrics against wins. Blocked shots actually correlate negatively with winning. In other words, the more shots a team blocks in a game, the more likely they are to have lost that game.
It would probably be better to somehow incorporate blocks as a percentage of corsi events so that we’re measuring how good a defender is at limiting pucks on net rather than how much of a shooting gallery is enjoying.
"You do that, you go to the box, you know. Two minutes, by yourself, you know and you feel shame" -Denis Lemieux
Yeah, the formula is basically just very basic stats (which have never been great at measuring defensive contributions) weighted by coaching decisions. It’s not all that surprising that you get results that don’t pass the smell test. Forget Alzner, anyone think that Schlemko, Kuba, and Brewer are all better defensively than Lidstrom, Suter and Weber? Didn’t think so.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 13, 2011 11:58 AM EST up reply actions
Can you please cancel all my appointments, so I can sit here and watch this all day?
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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by STLSpidey on Dec 13, 2011 9:44 AM EST up reply actions 7 recs
the greatest playoff moment in the past 10 years. i hated typing that.
by Ginga on Dec 13, 2011 9:45 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
agreed on both accounts
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The beginning of the end for Wade Redden?
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
I was kind of hoping it was his last game ever as a Ranger, but he played 75 games in 2009-2010.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
The beginning of the end of Redden was when he signed that contract with the Rangers. By the time of that goal he was already a pariah among Rags fans.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 13, 2011 9:53 AM EST up reply actions
Does anyone remember all the Caps who were on the ice when Feds scored that goal?
Feds, Ovie, Brads, Varly…..
by Rather Bengt on Dec 13, 2011 9:49 AM EST up reply actions
Juice?
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Poti?
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But who is the wing that circles thru the bottom of the gif with his hands up after the goal….thats not Brads….VK25?
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Yeah, Ovi was on it back then, obviously.
/Steigerwall’d
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by J.P. on Dec 13, 2011 10:06 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
I’ll never forget the roar that went up when that goal was scored. Ten years of frustration unleashed at all once.
and I still can’t believe that Sergei Freakin’ Fedorov retired from the NHL as a Capital.
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by RedBirdie on Dec 13, 2011 9:59 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
The roar that continued for the last 5 minutes of the game…loudest building I have ever been in … 2nd was a Duke MD bball game at Cole
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So per BSH it looks like Cooter is going to take Giroux’s spot on the top line. I wonder if PHI continues to go power v. power against the AO line. If they do, and AO’s line gets schooled by an 18 year old rookie, I will not be pleased.
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Dec 13, 2011 9:51 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Wow. This will be interesting. Can’t think who else they’d toss out there against AO. I also think that Hunter will like that matchup and go to it when he can.
AO and Co better produce if that’s the case.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Indeed. And no Pronger means he’ll see a ton of Timmonen (and Carle, I assume).
Please, call me F&B.
Both of whom a truly refurbished Ovie will destroy in those match-ups. OR a good night for Nicky and Sasha will ensue. Otherwise, we’re FUCT.
"I couldn't bring myself to cheer for Pittsburgh. But since they won, I may as well use it."
--BB, 2009
by nogoodtrying on Dec 13, 2011 10:05 AM EST up reply actions
Timmonen has handled AO well for years now, including the years when AO was a legit game changer.
Please, call me F&B.
I agree, ever since [the dawn of time] the 2008 playoff series, Timmonen has taught the class how to cover Ovie. However, the refurbished Ovie doesn’t do the signature moves to the slot, right? Will Timmonen adjust to such an Ovie? If he does, will Carle be able to handle Backstrom and Semin by himself (or will he even need to)?
"I couldn't bring myself to cheer for Pittsburgh. But since they won, I may as well use it."
--BB, 2009
by nogoodtrying on Dec 13, 2011 10:16 AM EST up reply actions
Timmonen didn’t stop AO by cutting off the move to the slot, he did it by denying AO the puck. He anticipates the play so well and skates so well that he’s always in AO’s face before the puck gets there so AO never really has a chance to get going.
Please, call me F&B.
Ok, so then back to the original point posited by fat_daddyo, what does no Pronger mean?
"I couldn't bring myself to cheer for Pittsburgh. But since they won, I may as well use it."
--BB, 2009
by nogoodtrying on Dec 13, 2011 10:22 AM EST up reply actions
No Pronger generally means bad things for PHI, but they’ve been playing well lately.
Please, call me F&B.
oddly enough, the Flyers have a slightly higher win percentage without Pronger in the line-up.
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Kimmo Timonen—near the top of my list for players who I wish didn’t play for such abhorrent teams. Awesomely underrated.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 13, 2011 10:06 AM EST up reply actions
Not a trade, but interestingly Flyers drafted Giroux #22 in the first round. Not a bad pick, I would say.
by Wilderthing on Dec 13, 2011 12:21 PM EST up reply actions
If Briere, man will I be happy.
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by red army line on Dec 13, 2011 11:25 AM EST up reply actions
Show the proper respect, Congressman Cooter.
by Aliceanna on Dec 13, 2011 10:09 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Sperryville, on the way into Shenandoah National Park.
Tu ne cede malis
by _Skullduggery_ on Dec 13, 2011 3:27 PM EST up reply actions
Antti Miettinen
Will another team put a claim in for him off waivers and scuttle the Bolts’s attempt at signing him as it happened last year with Wellwood and Svatos?
If yes, what is your guess for which team?
I say yes and either Anaheim or Calgary.
I hope BB talks ANA into doing it. For old time’s sake. But Stevie Y gave Mittens a 2 year deal, I assume in an attempt to ward off potential waiver offers. We’ll see if he pays off.
Please, call me F&B.
I wonder how quickly they will work him into the line-up, that is once the paperwork clears, and whether he’d make his debut against the Caps on Thursday if he’s available.
Interesting part of the waiver claim is any advance paperwork done on a visa will change a bit now with a claim by a Canadian team.
Also, has anyone seen a recent update on Fehr? Is he ok? I know he’s been out again for a couple of weeks.
There was a chance he’d be in tonight but apparently has been ruled out (Thursday maybe?)
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
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by Bald Pollack on Dec 13, 2011 1:56 PM EST up reply actions
Sheldon Kennedy getting ready to testify on the Hill right now in a hearing on child abuse.
That'll make your weagle wink!
"You're the boss, apple sauce" - @GreenLife52
Is there a reason Knuble is still on the 4th line and not the 2nd? Or is it just one of those mysteries we’ll forever ponder?
"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 suspect they want to limit his minutes now so that if need be in March/April/May/June he’s not as worn down. He’s going to be 40 soon, he ain’t as young as he used to be.
Plus he’s getting plenty of time on the power play…
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 13, 2011 3:29 PM EST up reply actions
Ryder’s 2011 NHL review is available! Rejoice, rejoice.
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by RedBirdie on Dec 13, 2011 11:15 AM EST reply actions 3 recs
Some great stuff in there. Caps have the third best forward in the league last season. Have a player tied for the top Dman in the league last year. 2 Calder nominees, including the best skater. And 3 of the best defensive D in the league (including 2 of the top 8).
And Carolina fucking dives.
Please, call me F&B.
This seems to be the first game under Hunter that will really show you what the team is going to be like going forward. Wins against the Senators and Maple Leafs are nice, but I don’t think they proved much of anything (other than the Caps have much more talent). This is the first really good team they’ve faced since the change (other than Pittsburgh, and that was just Hunter’s second game).
Good ’ol Brooksie, always saying the right things and nothing else.
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Dec 13, 2011 11:22 AM EST reply actions
obligatory and shockingly not posted yet
"I wear tinted visor not to trick other players, but so hot girls in stands don't see me looking at them" - Alex Ovechkin
by sami426 on Dec 13, 2011 11:32 AM EST reply actions 12 recs
Watch Jagr’s head snap back and tell me this isn’t 5, a game, and a three-game suspension in today’s NHL.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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ehhh. Principal point of contact is Jagr’s shoulder, not head.
by DonnieKnutts on Dec 13, 2011 11:34 AM EST up reply actions
Ovi wouldn’t have hit his head at all if Jagr was standing/looking up.
by hockeyman33 on Dec 13, 2011 11:36 AM EST up reply actions
Full speed in a game, that doesn’t get called? I think it does, given the protection afforded players.
The way the head snaps back, it could easily be perceived that contact was on the head.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
It would seem that with Ovi’s strength & speed if principal contact was at the head Jagr never would have gotten up from that hit.
Agreed. With the kinda speed Ovi had when he nailed him, a hit right to the top of the head and Jagr wouldn’t know what day it was.
I don’t have much tolerance for stupid. Or cheese on food that doesn’t need it. -duck
by twistedlogic on Dec 13, 2011 11:41 AM EST up reply actions
Doesn’t the fact that he left his feet warrant some consideration?
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Dec 13, 2011 11:42 AM EST up reply actions
Looked after impact to me
"When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro"
by Steve-R on Dec 13, 2011 11:44 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
Cor’REC’t
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I’m trying to determine if he was off the ground before the hit. Looks more like he just got knocked off balance after he walloped Jagr.
I don’t have much tolerance for stupid. Or cheese on food that doesn’t need it. -duck
by twistedlogic on Dec 13, 2011 11:45 AM EST up reply actions
Yea…but I’m pushing off with one skate to get any sorta force into my hit.
I don’t have much tolerance for stupid. Or cheese on food that doesn’t need it. -duck
by twistedlogic on Dec 13, 2011 12:00 PM EST up reply actions
This is a clean hit. End of story. The day this hit is illegal in the NHL is a day I stop caring about the NHL.
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Dec 13, 2011 11:47 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
And all refs let it go? Of that I’m not so sure. I agree it’s clean, but I think it gets called in the heat of the moment.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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Not disagreeing with you, just wondering if today’s pussified NHL might have called it on that basis.
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Dec 13, 2011 11:53 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah, maybe. Can’t ever assume an NHL ref won’t botch a call. I just think if that happens 5 times at least 4 of them aren’t called.
Please, call me F&B.
Yup. What a ref might or might not call is not the test of whether something is legal in the NHL…
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Dec 13, 2011 3:47 PM EST up reply actions
Agree, totally clean. It’s just violent because both Ovechkin and Jagr are tanks. That’s nearly 300lbs of people colliding at a pretty decent speed.
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 think you mean 400lbs…
Tu ne cede malis
by _Skullduggery_ on Dec 13, 2011 11:50 AM EST up reply actions
Far more than 300 lbs. That’s over 400lbs of people.
I don’t have much tolerance for stupid. Or cheese on food that doesn’t need it. -duck
by twistedlogic on Dec 13, 2011 11:54 AM EST up reply actions
This is a full body hit, and Jagr himself remarked that it was his fault for not being aware of Ovechkin being there. Jagr also said that Ovechkin barely hit his head, and that he wished had got a concussion so he could forget being hit like that.
It cost his team badly, as that hit lead directly to a goal for Russia.
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 13, 2011 3:32 PM EST up reply actions
If it wasn’t a clean hit, maybe.
I don’t have much tolerance for stupid. Or cheese on food that doesn’t need it. -duck
by twistedlogic on Dec 13, 2011 11:36 AM EST up reply actions
That hit is cleaner then skeeters peter
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That’s not my point. I think it gets called in today’s environment. Hamonic’s recent hit on Orpik was clean, but he got called anyway.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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The pure violence that the impact caused at game speed has at least a 50% chance of getting called…glad they got it right in this case tho…it is a thing of beauty
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The only misconduct goes to the instigator on the ensuing fight.
Cross check and all call.
by bigonetimer on Dec 13, 2011 11:54 AM EST up reply actions
I brought that up last time this was posted, before the last Flyers game… I was nearly universally shot down.
But FWIW, I agree that this probably results in a suspension today. At the very least, I’d consider it questionable enough that I’d prefer to not take the chance.
by Murshawursha on Dec 13, 2011 2:10 PM EST up reply actions
This is JP’s observation originally, so credit where it’s due, but I think he’s dead on: these things are Rorschach blots for hockey fans. So having a bunch of Caps fans say it’s a 100% good hit shouldn’t really tell you anything. I can guarantee you that if the same hit were to happen tonight, the vast majority of posters at BSH would be howling for a suspension.
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Interesting read from BSH. General points, at least about the Flyers:
Dumping it in leads to the most odd-man rushes against and most frequently leads to the next zone entry being the opponent’s. Carry-ins lead to opponent zone entry the least frequently.
There may be elements of line changes in there, but Geoff tries to avoid counting dump-ins and such for the sole purpose of a line change.
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On the Kings coaching situation
from Pierre LeBrun
Source confirms to me as well that Kings have officially sought permission from Flames to speak with Darryl Sutter
Sutter is still under contract with the Flames. Lebrun thinks that unless any unforeseen complications arise, Sutter will be the next LAK coach.
sorry reply fail. Meant to post under F&B.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 13, 2011 12:00 PM EST up reply actions
Actually I think he’s pretty good behind the bench, as colourless a personality he seems to come off in the media and as godawful a GM he is. Whether he can get a good team beyond the first or second round is another question (the 2003-2004 Stanley Cup Final notwithstanding).
by Rather Bengt on Dec 13, 2011 12:11 PM EST up reply actions
Erik Erlendsson (TB beat reporter) saying that it looks like Miettinen was claimed off waivers, but unsure by whom…
That'll make your weagle wink!
"You're the boss, apple sauce" - @GreenLife52
it’ll be announced soon, right? 1pm-ish?
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Oh good scoop. I am still guessing Flames or Ducks.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 13, 2011 12:13 PM EST up reply actions
Custance RT’ed @LightningTimes who wrote that Boucher walked by and said: “We ain’t getting him.”
That'll make your weagle wink!
"You're the boss, apple sauce" - @GreenLife52
I wonder where today rates on the Guy Boucher Scar-o-meter™?
That'll make your weagle wink!
"You're the boss, apple sauce" - @GreenLife52
::SHUDDER::
"I couldn't bring myself to cheer for Pittsburgh. But since they won, I may as well use it."
--BB, 2009
by nogoodtrying on Dec 13, 2011 1:38 PM EST up reply actions
Makes Steve Konowalchuk look positively Perry Como-like
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Dec 13, 2011 1:52 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Kono always had “that look”. My wife says that Kono has the look of “You know he’s thinking about something, but you can’t be sure what it is, and you’re not going to like it.”
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 13, 2011 3:34 PM EST up reply actions
Miettinen claimed by Jets
From Pierre LeBrun:
Winnipeg Jets claim forward Antti Miettinen off NHL waivers from Tampa today
by Rather Bengt on Dec 13, 2011 12:36 PM EST up reply actions
Well, he’s a better player than Tanner Glass or Chris Thorburn or Tim Stapleton. Just getting one better player in there moves all the other bad guys drop down a spot.
oooh, in-division waiver pick-up!
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Drink up, everyone!
It’s gonna be a hairy night.
by joshwilcox on Dec 13, 2011 12:34 PM EST reply actions 6 recs
it needs to be wearing a dress for the full effect
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Erik Karlsson, Ottawa – Despite a youthful appearance, is not actually a rookie and is in fact a multi-year veteran who has already appeared in an all-star game, he says while stomping his wittle feet adorably.
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Dec 13, 2011 12:38 PM EST reply actions
no relation in 3..2...1
It runs in the family I see.
"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
Personally, I just can’t believe EDM didn’t send RNH back to Juniors where he belongs.
Please, call me F&B.
All the people who were saying that EDM should have sent him to the WHL to preserve a year of his ELC because they’re really gonna need that money 3 years from now and he’s not going to produce enough to justify an NHL roster spot.
Please, call me F&B.
Yeah, well, apparently it was a pretty common conclusion. And by several people that many generally hold in some esteem. I don’t think EDM will need that money, not as much as they will benefit from having RNH learn and grow faster with Hall. If they aren’t going to be a capped team and Cup-contender in 3 years then it doesn’t matter. I don’t think they’ll be either. And if a guy can hover at around a point per game in the NHL he has no business being sent to the WHL over some ELC concerns. It’s different for Cooter since he’s not getting top line ice time or racking up numbers. But RNH is proving why it was a no-brainer to keep him up.
Please, call me F&B.
http://www.ballhogsradio.com/2011/12/13/karl-azner-pregamepost-practice-music-may-surprise-you/
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
He also just gave away his two tickets to the game tonight to the first person to tweeted him. Damn, boy.
"Neuvy was eating pucks for breakfast, lunch, and dinner."
by SeattleCapsFan on Dec 13, 2011 4:30 PM EST up reply actions
Did I miss discussion of the latest 30 Thoughts? As you might have guessed, this was my personal fave:
Claude Julien told NESN’s Joe Haggerty that the Bruins were working hard to keep Joe Corvo’s confidence up. In Ottawa, Bryan Murray basically banned Corvo from watching video because he used to beat himself up so badly.
On the plus side, at least it was himself he was beating up…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 13, 2011 2:02 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
Dammit, screwed up the joke. Pretend I wrote “at least it was himself he was beating up this time…”
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Dammit x2.
Also, I misspelled “porous” way above – a hat trick of dammit.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
The poem was so good I didn’t want to say anything.
That'll make your weagle wink!
"You're the boss, apple sauce" - @GreenLife52
I noticed it the second I posted it. Pre-coffee. Blech.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Canadians probably spell it with the extra “u”, so you were probably just channeling your inner Don Cherry, or something like that.I always assumed that writers and mods had the ability to edit comments, btw. Not true, I now take it.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
It was posted in the evening, delayed by the Kings coaching change from the sounds and looks of it; it was discussed briefly last night in OT, but haven’t seen too much discussion.
And yes, can’t read that name and not think of your fondness for the player…
And Corvo’s absence has made J.P.’s heart grow fonder.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 13, 2011 2:11 PM EST up reply actions
Can’t you see people are busy with the important business of addressing the never-before-discussed topic of whether Ovi’s several-years-old hit on Jagr would result in a suspension in the NHL? Riveting.
by bigeugene on Dec 13, 2011 2:21 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Is Claude Julien now ending all of his tweets with the hashtag “#Corvofluffer”?
by Rather Bengt on Dec 13, 2011 3:10 PM EST up reply actions
More from 30 Thoughts
Something new I learned this week: other teams really like dealing with Paul Holmgren. “No B.S.,” one GM said. “He asks what you want, he tells you what he wants and if there’s a match it gets done quick.”
Hahaha, you don’t say?
“Hey, Steve, what do you want?”
“Gagne. What do you want?”
“A 7th rounder.”
…
…
“Steve, you there?”
“Uh, yeah. Sorry. Absolutely. I’ll fax you the paperwork. You’re a real joy to deal with, Paul.”
Patron saint of quality footwear.
by fat_daddyo on Dec 13, 2011 3:09 PM EST reply actions 5 recs
http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/opinion/2011/12/carlyles-vaction-is-over-30-thoughts.html
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Meanwhile, in another city…
rrrrrring…rrrrrrrrrring….
“Mr. Holmgren’s office…”
Hello, Is he in?
“Yes…may I ask who is calling?”
Uh…Glen Sather…yeah, that’s it…Glen Sather.
“One moment, Mr. Sather…”
“Hello, Glen?”
It’s George, Paul…
“damn…I gotta get a new secretary….what is it, George?”
I was wondering if you wanted to talk deal.
“Not another one of your lawyer negotiations, George, where we go on forever. Let’s make this quick.”
OK, well…I was thinking. I have a certain Russian left winger I might like to move."
“I can’t fit Ovechkin under my cap, George.”
Not that one…
“Stop making this sound like another episode of ‘Law and Order,’ George. Who do you want for Semin.”
Well, just hypothetically…
“George, I have a lunch appointment. Can we speed this along?”
You have a winger I might be interested in…
“Didn’t you already do the Jagr thing, George?”
Not that one…
“You can’t have Giroux, George…”
Oh no, of course not…but if we were talking about Giroux, would you be interested in Semin?
“Are you nuts? Giroux leads my team in scoring, Semin leads yours in benchings by you new coach.”
But still, you have to admit he has upside.
“Up yours, George…I gotta go…”
Wait, wait. What if I was to sweeten the pot, with, say…a goaltender?
“You sour on Neuvirth?”
Well, not exactly… we have any number of goalies in our system. Good ones, too.
“George…tick tock tick tock.”
OK OK…so let’s just suppose…Giroux and, say, Van Riems…
“Now hold it, George. Snider would fry me on the griddle at Geno’s if I sent you those two.”
You a Geno’s guy, Paul? Me too!
“Yeah, yeah…whatever. George, I’m hungry, and I’m late for my lunch appointment, can we…”
OK… so let’s see. Giroux and Van Riemsdyk for Semin and a goalie…
“You have to do better than that…a lot better”
Well, Paul, you haven’t exactly been forthcoming here. I’ve made all the proposals.
“Next you’ll want Giroux, Van Riemsdyk, and our first for Grubauer.”
DEAL! I’ll fax the paperwork to the league, forthwith!
…click…
“damn…”
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Dec 13, 2011 3:29 PM EST up reply actions 9 recs
Sir, you are rec’d. Now I’m waiting for your finished tome. Or perhaps a play. Now that you’ve written such a brilliant character study.
Knuble: "I am what I am. I play well with good players."
by capsyoungguns on Dec 13, 2011 4:02 PM EST up reply actions
Knuble’s take on being part of 24/7 is pretty amusing, if you haven’t read it.
they’ll talk to you for a long time and they’ll only show three seconds of your clip. Then you’re mad you’re not on there. You go in thinking I’m going to be on here all the time! Then you’re like, I can’t get on that show.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Season Pledge total--$718.07!
Loved 24/7 overall but I hated how the Caps looked like they were all bachelors with no family—except for Ovi. After reading WaPo’s piece on Knuble being just another hockey dad I wondered how much of that was taped for 24/7 but left out because it didn’t fit with the larger thematic arc.
Knuble: "I am what I am. I play well with good players."
by capsyoungguns on Dec 13, 2011 4:20 PM EST up reply actions
They had some good scenes of Fehrsie and his partner in it.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 13, 2011 4:30 PM EST up reply actions
Rachel. She’s a sweetie. And a saint.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Season Pledge total--$718.07!
Very true. I loved that segment. And there was a shot of Hannan with his baby and wife (I miss both players this year). Caps doing good works and a tale of a new player trying to find a home during a god-awful time to join the team. But the other children doing normal stuff like jumping on beds and eating didn’t show up until New Year’s eve and Knuble finally got to say more than “this is not going to another one of those fuckin’ 7 goal laughers.”
Knuble: "I am what I am. I play well with good players."
by capsyoungguns on Dec 13, 2011 4:41 PM EST up reply actions
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