Friday Caps Clips: O Yeah
by EmilyB on Dec 16, 2011 6:36 AM EST
in Caps Clips
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PrintYour savory breakfast links:
- Recaps and other assorted musings on last night's win from us, Caps365 video (Hunter, Caps players), Vogs, Capitals Voice (audio), NHL.com, WaPo (gamer, blog), WashTimes (blog), DCEx, CSNW (Beninati, video highlights), Puck Daddy, Frankovic, Peerless, SB Nation DC, KOL, Alex Ovetjkin, The Checking Line, CB, DSP, RLS, RMNB, and from the Jets' hangar, Arctic Ice Hockey, chrisd.ca and jsportsblogger.
- Angry Claude Noel is angry. [Winnipeg Free Press]
- Neuvy hard hat! (And NHL First Star o' the Night!) [Caps Overtime]
- Did the Vancouver Olympics break the Russian Machine? [Peerless wraps up his phenomenal series with Part Three but make sure you've read Part One and Part Two first]
- Today in "What's Wrong With The Caps?"
- It's getting late early. [CSNW]
- Related: Stone cold roadies. [Dump 'n Chase]
- But hey - progress! [WashTimes]
- A modest proposal for improving Neuvy's game: get him in more of them. [WashTimes]
- Braden Holtby gets all no-comment-y. [WashTimes]
- Puck talk with Brooks Laich. [DCEx, and again]
- Coach Hunter is in a tough spot already... [DSP]
- ...but acquaint yourself with the 1-2-2 before you judge. [CSNW]
- From a week ago, here's a pretty epic article/interview with Dale Hunter, player and coach. And bonus interview with Jeff Halpern's dad. You'll be sorry if you don't read this. [National Post]
- Speaking of Halpy, here's ten things you maybe didn't know about him. [NBC Washington]
- Mike Green is the Caps' groin. Alrighty then. [Sick, Unbelievable]
- Olie Kolzig takes a look back at his time in the ECHL. Hampton Roads Admirals, represent. [Post & Courier]
- Goalie prospect Philipp Grubauer has a fan-freaking-tastic new bucket. [South Carolina Stingrays (story, pics)]
- Looky here. Caps forward prospect Garrett Mitchell practicing on the top line down in Hershey. [Patriot-News]
- Finally, happy 34th birthday to Eric Belanger.
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How can a guy named Claude “Noel” be angry at this time of year? It’d be like Frosty the Snowman being, well, frosty. Or Bob Cratchit being crotchety. Or George Bailey muttering “some life THIS is” at the end of the movie.
If you've read this far...seek help.
“We deserve what we got — I’m extremely mad right now,” said Jets head coach Claude Noel. "I didn’t think we played to win the game. We played not to lose in the third. That was the disappointing part for me. We knew what we needed to do and didn’t do it.
“We played poor, we played the way Washington wanted us to play. That’s the sad part. They lulled us into this game where we thought we could be cute. We thought we could play a sideways game instead of a north-south game. Then you end up losing the game and thinking you lost the game because of one play, but it had nothing to do with one play.”
The Caps tricked the Jets by playing lousy team defense. Huzzah.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
"We played poor, we played the wayWashingtonTampa/Montreal wanted us to play. That’s the sad part. They lulled us into this game where we thought we could be cute. We thought we could play a sideways game instead of a north-south game. Then you end up losing the game and thinking you lost the game because of one play, but it had nothing to do with one play."
doesn’t that sound like something that would have been said here the past two post seasons? I know there will be growing pains but I’m hoping they are learning to win these kind of games and we will not be hearing this type of thing this post season.
doesn’t that sound like something that would have been said here the past two post seasons?
Nah. Shows too much self-awareness and acceptance of accountability.
But change it from “would” to “could” and I’m with you.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 16, 2011 8:14 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I thought by “here” you meant here, as in the Rink. In which case I completely agree with you.
Also agree that the Caps pulled out Montreal’s 2010 playoff routine. The Jets completely obliged and fell into the role of the 2010 Caps, looking for stretch passes and rushes through neutral.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
In the first they were lousy. Extremely lucky not to be down a goal or two after the first.
They were better after that. Much stronger in neutral, much better gaps from the D, which allowed them to stand up at the defensive blue line.
A better start would have been nice.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
That’s when Neuvy really stood tall. Bless his detestable little heart
That'll make your weagle wink!
"You're the boss, apple sauce" - @GreenLife52
Sometimes you need your goalie to steal the game for you. (And a little help from Dennis Wideman, I guess. That was a nice save.)
"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."
..
Neuvy had a few nice saves of his own last night (as captured by Reuters)
"You can want to get to April but when you get to April you may not like the answers you get, so you might as well enjoy the ride while it's going on." - Brian McNally on JRR, 8/29/2011
by bagace on Dec 16, 2011 11:08 AM EST up reply actions 6 recs
Thanks for the link to the National Post article on Hunter. Great read! I’d heard Halpern’s comment on face-offs “If you don’t cheat, you’re not trying” but had no idea he got that from Dale himself as a rookie!
Here’s an article about Hunters, from the SI vault, that you might like:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1122920/index.htm
“You take a fiery kid in the mold of Dale, say,” [Dale’s dad] Dick says, pointing to the image of Dale as a not-so-angelic nine-year-old. “They don’t want them kind of kids in youth hockey no more. Fired-up kids. They cause trouble. Nowadays they want you to play for fun. Where do they get them kind of ideas?”
....when the truth is if they knew anything about the game, they'd be in it.
--GMGM
Finally, happy 34th birthday to Eric Belanger.
Good job making sure to get that b-day wish in writing, Em…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 16, 2011 7:17 AM EST reply actions 7 recs
Happy Birthday
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“Let’s see…one, two, three, four, five… hmmm… looks like you lost a few there…”
“Gnnngnnngggnnnnh”
“Yeah, we can get you stitched up for the second….”
“Gnnnndnnndnn”
“Just try not to eat anything sturdier than oatmeal until… oh… 2011…”
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 16, 2011 11:41 AM EST up reply actions
Mike Green, Eric Belanger, Tom Poti. All in uniform. At the same time. Holy schnike.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Season Pledge total--$718.07!
by RedBirdie on Dec 16, 2011 2:22 PM EST up reply actions 5 recs
Winnipeg Jets? More like the Loserpeg Nyets, amirite?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Meet the new Jets…. same as the old Jets….
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 16, 2011 7:54 AM EST up reply actions
Last night’s shutout broke a tie with Varly and moved Neuvy into a tie with Clint Malarchuk for 8th in franchise history with five white-washings.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Five Goose-eggs.
Ambiance and vanity.
by Acer Jonesy's Laughker on Dec 16, 2011 7:32 AM EST up reply actions
Singing…
“FIVE Golden Geese!”
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 16, 2011 11:41 AM EST up reply actions
Sorry-I could have sworn he was referred to as “Goose” but apparently I’m misremembering and it was the moniker “Mallard” that was hung on him at times. (Imagine how your sides would have split with laughter if he had been called “Goose” and you read my quip about goose-eggs and shutouts).
/Don’t take me hunting.
Ambiance and vanity.
by Acer Jonesy's Laughker on Dec 16, 2011 5:21 PM EST up reply actions
One more and Neuvy will tie Rick Tabaracci and Pat Riggin.
Two more and it’s Pete Peeters.
Three more and it’s Al Jensen.
Seven more and it’s Don Beaupre.
Nine more and it’s Jim Carey.
Thirty more and it’s Olie Kolzig.
Thirty-one more and it’s… immortality!
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Love me them zeroes.
Ambiance and vanity.
by Acer Jonesy's Laughker on Dec 16, 2011 7:36 AM EST up reply actions
By the time Jim Carey was the age Michal Neuvirth is now, he’d already essentially washed out of the NHL – he’d play four more games (for St. Louis) before retiring with a Vezina, 16 shutouts and a 79-65-16 record.
Man, that candle burned bright and went out fast.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Should Elton John compose a new version of the song “Candle in the Wind” in his honor since his career was like “A Candle In the Wind”?
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Rocket man…. orderin’ a pizza on the phone
…takin’ a penalty in the zone
…goin’ to the box, the call was blown
…gettin’ past the D, he’s in alone
…he doesn’t shoot the puck, he makes me moan
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Dec 16, 2011 8:34 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
…hopin’ George McPhee trades him for Doan
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Oops. Heh. Wrong candle in the wind…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 16, 2011 8:49 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
___
And since we’re talking Carey and there’s a chance someone doesn’t know this story, I’ll mention it again (since it is one of my faves), as told by Brother Vogs:
There’s an old saying in sports that goes, "Sometimes the best trades are the ones you don’t make." For the Washington Capitals, one of the best trades has proven to be one that they did make, but one which did not include heart and soul goaltender Olie Kolzig.
More than a decade ago, the 1996-97 edition of the Capitals was struggling. The team was on the periphery of the playoff chase and looking for a spark to put it over the top and into the playoffs for a 15th consecutive season. Washington called the USAir Arena home in those days, and David Poile was the team’s general manager at the time. As the end of February drew near, Poile began discussing the parameters of a blockbuster deal with Boston Bruins general manager Harry Sinden. The Bruins were in the midst of a poor season and had a few unhappy vets hoping to find their way out of town while the B’s were looking to set themselves up for the future.
On Mar. 1, 1997, Poile pulled the trigger. He sent goaltender Jim Carey and promising young forwards Jason Allison and Anson Carter to the Bruins in exchange for goaltender Bill Ranford and veteran forwards Adam Oates and Rick Tocchet.
The deal was made a few days too late to get the Caps into the playoffs that year, and Poile was dismissed at season’s end. But the swap ended up helping both teams, as Washington made it all the way to the Stanley Cup finals in 1998, and got several productive seasons out of Oates. Allison and Carter both blossomed into above average players in Boston.
That six-player swap might have turned out much differently, and so might have the fortunes of both teams and the players involved had Sinden made a different choice. When Poile requested Ranford in the deal, Sinden told him he would need a goaltender in return. Poile gave Sinden a choice: Kolzig or Carey. Sinden did what most GMs in the league would have done at that time; he took Carey. Less than a year earlier, Carey had won the Vezina Trophy.
The rest, as they say, is history.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 16, 2011 7:56 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
And I know we’ve posted ’em before, but the quotes here are amazing in their rapid change in tone and substance.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
When Poile requested Ranford in the deal, Sinden told him he would need a goaltender in return. Poile gave Sinden a choice: Kolzig or Carey.
THIS part is what’s amazing to me. Poile obviously knew something no one else did, and new how Sinden would respond. You don’t say “take your pick” unless you know who they’ll pick. And that’s a hell of a way to get what you want without showing your hand.
Time has proven Poile to be a damn fine GM, and I love this story.
The keyboard is mightier.
Jim Carey… 14 career shutouts with the Caps… 9 in one season. Man, what might have been…
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 16, 2011 7:55 AM EST up reply actions
I would have thought Peeters had more shutouts than seven while here.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 16, 2011 8:54 AM EST up reply actions
Peters was good, but when he was here it was the run-and-gun era, where a .900 save percentage made you an all-star, and teams routinely scored 5 goals and lost…
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 16, 2011 11:42 AM EST up reply actions
PetersTheodore was good, but when he was here it was the run-and-gun era, where a .900 save percentage made youan all-star,the #1 goalie andteamsthe team routinely scored 5 goals and lost…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
okay, now I want to go back and see how true “scored 5 goals and still lost” was in the Theo seasons.
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08-09: none. Caps did lose several in which they scored four, though. Never five or more.
09-10: Flyers 6, Caps 5 (OT)—Theo + Varly. Habs 6, Caps 5 (OT)—Theo + Neuvy. Sens 6, Caps 5—Varly.
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 16, 2011 3:12 PM EST up reply actions
The last two games were the streak ender and the game after it if I recall correctly.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 16, 2011 3:18 PM EST up reply actions
Yep.
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 16, 2011 3:21 PM EST up reply actions
That Flyers-Caps game was far more on Varly than on Theo, IIRC.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 17, 2011 3:58 PM EST up reply actions
You’re in a fun mood this morning, JP!
"Neuvy was eating pucks for breakfast, lunch, and dinner."
by SeattleCapsFan on Dec 16, 2011 11:48 AM EST up reply actions
It’s Friday. I ain’t got no job, I ain’t got shit to do.
Note: The only true part of the above is that it’s Friday.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 16, 2011 11:50 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
At the moment, Semyon Varlamov and Michal Neuvirth have a combined 36 appearances in which they are 14-18-2, 3.21, .893 and two shutouts.
If you've read this far...seek help.
the Caps slid back into their 1-2-2 defensive scheme and got just what they were looking for — an opponent trying to make too cute a play in the neutral zone.
Wait… wha? Complaints about cuteness and not grinding and not coming from the Caps?
You tried your best and failed miserably. The lesson is "Never Try."
If it makes you feel better, I thought the Caps were way too cute at times last night, especially the top line.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
The top line is like a lemon meringue pie without the tart lemon or the crust. It’s all fluffy meringue.
If you've read this far...seek help.
#needsmoregrandpaslippers
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True. That’s why they need a grinder with Backs and Ovie – someone who will do the hard work along the boards.
Failure is always an option.
Semin and Schultz to San Jose for Ryane Clowe and Douglas Murray.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 16, 2011 9:23 AM EST up reply actions
Is that an attractive deal if you are Doug Wilson? He has a great track record on sell-low players, but how often does he give up a lot of value in those?
Please, call me F&B.
That is true. Wilson is one of the savvier GMs in the league no doubt. And I don’t really see it happening. Mainly because the one year salary of Semin would push the Sharks to the cap for this year and give them limited options.
The Sharks and Caps don’t have much of a trading history with each other either from what I can recall.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 16, 2011 3:17 PM EST up reply actions
He just defines working low on the cycle differently than we do.
He definitely repeatedly streaks directly to the corner (which shows he understands the importance of going there even though it is not the front of the net), then when he’s about 10 feet away he will lightly pass the puck into the corner for no apparent reason, then position himself so the puck is sort of beneath him, and let the opposition player hit him and jam his stick down in there as 28 shifts around, and eventually he will fall down and lay there wondering why there is no tripping call, but not really be upset about it as he’s used to not getting calls anyway (not that one would be appropriate there).
No, I don't think I'll ever get over Macho Grande
by Icebat on Dec 16, 2011 12:00 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
You know...
maybe Alex Semin is an NPC
It would explain a lot.
by FredMilbury on Dec 16, 2011 6:38 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Rec’d x1000
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Dec 16, 2011 6:51 PM EST up reply actions
Arctic Ice Hockey’s recap is grumpy that their top line had as many SOG combined as … Eric Fehr.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
the “loathed” Alex Ovechkin. Did I miss it when Ovechkin pissed on Manitoba?
If you've read this far...seek help.
He did something that pissed off the Winnipeg fans during the November game and they booed him the rest of that game.
I forget what it was exactly – I think I was too busy booing him myself for other reasons.
Didn’t I read or hear somewhere that the ‘Peg fans boo all opposing team’s captains?
by DonnieKnutts on Dec 16, 2011 2:24 PM EST up reply actions
They also booed Semin a couple of times.
You tried your best and failed miserably. The lesson is "Never Try."
Must’ve confused him with someone who might actually do damage to their team.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 16, 2011 2:39 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Peerless, Ovi, and the Vancouver Olympics
Whatever player he was before those Games, he has not been that player since.
Can Auric Goldfinger and Ernst Blofeld account for there whereabouts during this time?
Ambiance and vanity.
by Acer Jonesy's Laughker on Dec 16, 2011 7:50 AM EST reply actions
Knows where Blofeld was...
Isn’t talking….
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 16, 2011 7:58 AM EST up reply actions
Wow, my wife have an identical cat!
What doesnt kill you makes you stronger.
by BetterOffWith28 on Dec 16, 2011 11:56 AM EST up reply actions
has
What doesnt kill you makes you stronger.
by BetterOffWith28 on Dec 16, 2011 11:56 AM EST up reply actions
My wife had a white persian cat for 17 1/2 years, and my wife knew I was right guy for her when her cat, who hated other people, jumped up and sat in my lap.
Gads I miss that kitty, she was so sweet….
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 16, 2011 1:52 PM EST up reply actions
Bad coding? Links you’ve followed vs. those you haven’t? Who cares?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
That’s it.
Weird, seeing as how I clear my browser history a couple times a week.
Meh. Sorry. Just thought maybe the Caps were doing something cryptically significant with some color coding.
Weird, seeing as how I clear my browser history a couple times a week.
Hiding porn links form the wife, eh?
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Sk8 mentioned it in the GDT last night, but our Captain had another collision with his linemate, this time Nicky. TSN isolates it on their video recap (around the 40 sec mark).
"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 player, you can go out there and show aggression and anger," Hunter replies. "But as a coach, you have to be more in control. I think I’ve learned that, with the juniors, if I get angry it just gets them riled up and they can’t concentrate."
This explains a lot about his demeanor behind the bench, and his level headed approach to press conferences
There's no bigger burden than a great potential - Linus Van Pelt
I said to my husband that maybe BB getting angry all the time behind the bench was part of the problem with the overly emotional Caps. His reply: “Hunter mad is a whole lot scarier than Boudreau.”
Knuble: "I am what I am. I play well with good players."
by capsyoungguns on Dec 16, 2011 8:37 AM EST up reply actions
It’s the ones quietly simmering in anger you have to worry about.
by jopierce on Dec 16, 2011 8:41 AM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
as someone who does just this, yes…yes you do.
If you want to survive out here, you've got to know where your towel is.
by ns on Dec 16, 2011 8:42 AM EST up reply actions
It’s the rollercoaster of BB’s emotions on full display that is his undoing as a top flight coach, his record in the regs be damned.
Cross check and all call.
by bigonetimer on Dec 16, 2011 8:44 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
i think this is a good assessment. But I think he’s learned from the past. I think.
by DonnieKnutts on Dec 16, 2011 2:15 PM EST up reply actions
Great 60 minute effort by our boys last night I thought. Cant remember the last time i said that.
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45 minute effort, perhaps.
Not sure it was “great” in a lot of ways, either.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Yeah, I think Neuvirth was great. I’ll take it though, this team badly needed that first period bailout by their G.
Eh, the Jets were on a roll and are the 2nd highest scoring team in the first period. They came out flying and the Caps weathered the storm and grinded out a win. Great is that they stuck to the game plan and didn’t break down.
by Gin and Tonic on Dec 16, 2011 10:13 AM EST up reply actions
This. They played the system for 60 minutes. ’Peg has some talent, were we dominant for 60 mins, no. But Neuvy came up big and you need that some times. It was nice in my eyes to see heart and discipline from our boys for a full 60 min game, and get rewarded for it.
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Agree that they showed poise and stuck to the system in the second and third, which is something new for this team.
Just don’t overlook the fact that it was a healthy dose of luck that allowed them to stay tied and thus be in a position to stick to suck a passive system.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Hockey OT for today:
- Scott Niedermayer’s jersey being retired tonight before Dallas at New Jersey
Follow @tgfirendice on twitter for Niedermayer stories and coverage in advance
- Rumors started earlier this week and continue with some more specific reports that Charlie Coyle, the prospect that was central to MIN sending Brent Burns to SJS over the summer, is leaving BU due to academic issues. Coyle is heading to the WJCs USA camp this weekend. If he does leave, it’s likely that he will join the Saint John Sea Dogs in the Q (same team as Galiev); same BU team which recently dismissed Trivino
Type in that twitter address! apologies, need caffeine. This is the correct one…
http://twitter.com/#!/tgfireandice
Kudos to Scott Niedermayer...
Well done!
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 16, 2011 11:47 AM EST up reply actions
…and without that ppppledge ppppppin!!!
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Dec 16, 2011 12:51 PM EST up reply actions
@DarrenDreger Things are heating up on the Kyle Turris trade front. Sources indicate a deal could come down today.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Do you think the Caps may be in on this?
by Gin and Tonic on Dec 16, 2011 10:07 AM EST up reply actions
I would normally say, “yeah, if it is a deal to swap out a big salary for a smaller one.” Then I realize that there is another year at $1.6M on Turris’ deal ($1.4M cap hit). So, I hope not.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Dec 16, 2011 12:53 PM EST up reply actions
...
“It’s hard to win with one goal.” — Tomas Vokoun
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Dec 16, 2011 9:59 AM EST reply actions 34 recs
For Vokoun that statement is true…Neuvy laughed at that last night :)
by OvechkinGR8 on Dec 16, 2011 10:50 AM EST up reply actions
(Btw, that’d make for a sweet FanShot. Just sayin’.)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
late to the party…..but that is awesome.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Season Pledge total--$718.07!
You’re not late – the party’s never gonna end.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 16, 2011 1:53 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
ain’t no party like a Japers’ party ‘cause a Japers’ party don’t stop
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Season Pledge total--$718.07!
Tonight we’re gonna party like Neuvy’s SV% is .999.
by bigeugene on Dec 16, 2011 2:17 PM EST up reply actions 7 recs
Too bad it’s actually better than that.
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Dec 16, 2011 2:37 PM EST up reply actions
Obviously, I’m throwing out all other games aside from last night. Doesn’t support the narrative.
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Dec 16, 2011 2:46 PM EST up reply actions
Orlov
Thought overall Orlov looked pretty good, but he did have one real rookie-ish sequence early in the first. Whiffed on a clearing pass and ended up pushing a soft puck to no one on the half wall, where WIN pounced and started zone pressure. Orlov then broke the pressure but instead of going up and out of the zone, he passed to someone in the slot with a Jet right on them, which created a turnover and more zone pressure.
I would also like to see him actually get a shot on the net for once.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
I would also like to see him actually get a shot on the net for once.
This. It’s actually a team-wide problem, perhaps because everyone is hesitating and second-guessing.
The second-guessing was no more obvious than when Knuble waited too long to a)shoot then b)pass to Nicky on the breakaway. Not good.
"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
Though on the other hand, Knuble did have an opening between Byfuglien’s legs and missed it. It’d have been a great play if he makes that pass, a spectacular fail if he missed, and he missed.
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 16, 2011 11:24 AM EST up reply actions
It’s actually a team-wide problem
Operative word being wide, like so many of their shots. I know shooting the puck can be an inexact science, but these guys should be able to put the puck on net more times than they are. So tired of hearing Joe B. yell “FIRES” only to be following up “off the glass” or “wide” or “deflected into the safety netting”.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Dec 16, 2011 10:16 AM EST up reply actions
High/wide/deflected is a pet peeve of mine as well, especially when it comes to the forwards (AHEM Sasha). But I will say that a lot of the Caps’ defensemen – and Alzner is a master at this – seem to be intentionally shooting wide. I can’t remember when but at some point last season (?) there was talk about how the coaches were instructing them to do that on purpose at times.
I still see them doing this, and it actually makes a lot of sense (to me, at least). Wideman’s got a shot that can be more precise, so you want that on net; Green, too. But for a guy like Alzner, who has a hard shot but maybe not a great scoring shot, his shot from the point is probably not going to beat the goalie. More likely it’ll get swallowed up or ricochet out so fast that no one can do anything with it. So the idea is/was to shoot it wide and you maybe get a favorable bounce off the backboard, get your forwards near the net and they can take a shot from closer in or tap in the rebound.
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
I’m sure the defending player would agree. But yes, definitely better – you give yourself at least another half-second in the offensive zone before ultimately turning it over and having the puck cleared, right? BABY STEPS.
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
“forwards near the net” being the often missing key here…
by kingbonehead on Dec 16, 2011 4:07 PM EST up reply actions
Kinda liking Orlov more and more. In a corps of slow defensemen he brings some speed and skating ability that is lacking in the others.
Rather than tailing off he seems to be getting better and better. Plus I’ve noticed that he may not be tall but he’s pretty damn strong for a 20 year old kid.
Physicality too. He has a bit of Kasper in him.
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
Last night’s game, especially in the first period, hammered home how difficult a man-to-man defense is to play. The smallest mental lapse can lead to disaster (or near disaster). Two plays stuck out in my mind:
1) Carlson got caught up ice a bit, so Laich had to pick up his man (Kane), whom he then left to pick up his initial man, who was the puck carrier, leaving Kane open at the side of the net for a great chance. Granted, odd-man rushes are going to happen and players have to make choices as to whom they cover, but there seemed to be some confusion on Laich’s part as to where or with whom he was supposed to be.
2) Ovechkin fell asleep when his man went for a change (I guess), and the guy coming off the bench got a good feed and a great scoring chance. Again, I’ll grant that Ovechkin falling asleep in any defense is going to result in a scoring chance, but in a zone scheme, there would’ve been some backside help from a defenseman there, but in the man-scheme, there wasn’t.
Neuvy made both saves, obviously, but it shows how tenuous the system can be (think back also to Perreault’s and MoJo’s lapses vs. PHI). Blink and you’re effed (on the plus side, it makes it easy to pinpoint who’s to blame).
Does this team have the skillset and/or the discipline/focus to play a man-to-man defense effectively? I have my doubts.
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Yeah, most play something more zonal. It’s just easier.
In today’s NHL, where interference is (supposedly) called tightly, which is an easier way to keep opposing players from getting to the net – standing between him and the net in a region of the ice or chasing him around and hoping to stay between him and the goal?
Maybe I just don’t see it yet.
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Incidentally, I think Hamrlik has had his best games as a Cap in the new system. As you mentioned, I think it’s more about mental discipline than footspeed.
I think footspeed matters. I also think Hamrlik isn’t as bad as he was for the first ~25 games or whatever.
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Maybe he was injured and sitting those games helped.
by Gin and Tonic on Dec 16, 2011 10:46 AM EST up reply actions
Certainly a possible (if not likely) contributor.
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Well, considering how many open guys there were when they were playing under BB’s zone system, I can’t say that was working so well either.
I haven’t quite broken down the tape from all of Hunter’s games just yet. But when a guy is carrying the puck into the zone, hasn’t it always been a bit of a man-to-man play anyway, even with a zone type of defensive system? Also, when they talk about man-to-man in hockey, is it “hey, you take the right wing wherever he goes” or is it “hey, you’ve got this guy for as long as he’s in this particular area and then we switch”?
For example, if Alzner is responsible for the left wing carrying the puck, he’s not going to follow the guy if he loops behind the net or rotates out the point, is he? So while it could be considered a more man-to-man defensive system, isn’t there is an element of zone play, unlike say a cornerback playing man coverage on a receiver whereever he goes?
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Dec 16, 2011 10:50 AM EST up reply actions
Well, considering how many open guys there were when they were playing under BB’s zone system, I can’t say that was working so well either.
Worked pretty fantastically from mid-December on last year. I think it’s easy to say that guys were getting open with more frequency this year, but the reality is probably that it was pretty similar, just the goalies weren’t making stops.
As to the rest, no, not necessarily, which is why every bloody time they go to four-on-four, Joe B. and Locker mention “now it’s man-to-man – forwards have the D and the D have the forwards.”
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I’ve been skeptical of the man-to-man from day 1. It strikes me as one of those things that worked in London but won’t work in the NHL. Generally at lower levels the athleticism is more dispersed, and undoubtedly Hunter had the horses to dominate most other teams. Everyone is fast in the NHL, and you won’t find athletically dominant D, or not enough on a roster to justify this system.
Think of great college coaches who fail in the NBA or NFL, and it turns out they just were better recruiters. I get the sense London was the equivalent of a BCS school, and it wasn’t the system that worked, it was just the players. Hope I’m wrong.
The keyboard is mightier.
They still have to draft the kids out of Bantam. They can sign two overseas players, and assuredly teams like London get the cream of the crop there, but there’s still a system in place to assist competitive balance, unlike NCAA sports.
Unleash the Apathy.
Yes, there’s the draft, yes, there’s the import draft, yes, some teams have more ability to sign drafted players than other teams.
The parallel between Dale and successful college coaches is not “good recruiter.” The parallel is benefitting from better players, and more to the point playing a D system that’s only possible when you have more athletic players. I’m suggesting that, perhaps, his system only worked because of his roster’s superior athleticism, an edge he won’t have as a coach at the NHL level.
The keyboard is mightier.
Great points, but isn’t it going to take more than 8-10 games to get them used to this system? I’m willing to give them some more time.
What are other NHL teams that play a man-to-man defense?
St Louis under Hitch comes to mind and they did it masterfully against the Caps a couple weeks ago.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 16, 2011 10:21 AM EST up reply actions
Mostly in the neutral zone, though. When the Jets did manage to establish a zone presence, they generated their share of chances.
WIN just never stopped trying the stretch-y sorts of passes and rushes through neutral that had worked so well in the first. Once the Caps tightened up their gaps after P1, they were able to disrupt those plays pretty regularly.
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A look at Varly's stats...
So after last night’s 5-goal debacle, Varly’s year has taken a turn for the worse and he now sports a line of 10-13-1, .895 save percentage, 3.14 GAA.
However, it’s a tale of home vs. road, and unfortunate Varly is pretty damn good at home: .920%, 2.28 GAA.
Also, check out this guy’s shootout totals:
5-0, 16 saves, 2 (!!) goals allowed, .875 save percentage. Goddamn. Let’s hope this game gets settled in regulation or overtime.
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Dec 16, 2011 10:22 AM EST reply actions
Related: he’s 4.39/.865 on the road. Ewww…
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Re. the shootout, I’ll put that down to small sample size results. I don’t think .875 is sustainable over the long haul.
I saw the first two periods of that game, by the way. COL seemed congenitally unable to get a backchecking F below the top of the circle…
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Varly has .754 sv% for his career in shootouts, 14 goals on 57 shots. He’s ranked 10th in sv% among active goalies.
I would say that Varly has been very inconsistent this season, I’ve watched all his games. He’s had games where he’s great and games where he is very shaky. I watched their whole game last night and I wouldn’t blame him that much for the goals in the 3rd, his defense wasn’t exactly helping him out. I didn’t think there was anything he could have done on the GWG to prevent it, a San Jose player was left alone in front of the net and tipped the goal in. The path of the puck changed dramatically from the tip in. Goalie Guild also thought there was nothing Varly could have done on that goal. I think Varly has had games where he played much worse than last night. Watching him this season has reinforced the value of a full time goalie coach.
None of the goals I saw last night were soft, imo. I’ll take your word on the ones in the third. Sounds right given what the Avs were doing on D in the first two periods.
I think League average in the SO is about a .670 save pct? I’d assume Varly will get closer to that number as he gets more chances. 57 shots-against is still a real small sample.
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They just collapsed in the 3rd period. San Jose really took control and they left Varly out to dry. I didn’t think any of the 3 goals in the 3rd were soft. I’ve seen him let in some bad goals before in other games this season and he wasn’t doing that last night in my opinion. He actually told a reporter after the game that he wasn’t sure if he would be playing against the Caps after what happened. Here’s what he said after the game (his English has improved):
"So frustrated about the third," Varly said. "I think we played great in the first and second period. Don’t know what happened in the third. San Jose started playing harder in the third. Shoot more, go to the net much harder and go for rebounds."
I don’t know that I’d assume that Varly is only average at the shootout and will regress to that. I think his skills (quickness and flexibility) could lead him to being better at it than other goalies. Goalie Guild has commented on that before about Varly and the shootout. Not sure that he would be statistically significantly higher than average though. Couldn’t tell you want the league average shootout sv % is.
Interesting point raised about Flyers w/o Pronger
From Puck Daddy’s article this morning:
GM Paul Holmgren will have a Pronger injury exception of about $4.9 million against the cap on a team that’s capped out at the moment. With pro-rated cap hits deeper in the season, they could add a multitude of quality defensemen in that range. One immediately wonders if Holmgren’s old dance partner David Poile of the Nashville Predators is keeping one eye on this situation and another on Ryan Suter’s salary demands
Wouldn’t be the first time he hooked Philly up.
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Right. He got something for two guys he was going to lose. Good on him.
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The problem seemed to be that Poile allowed Hartnell and Timmonen to negotiate before the deal. I mean, the trade was announced and immediately the extensions were as well.
Who’s that a problem for? It got Poile his pick, got the players their coin and the Flyers their players.
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would the rest of the owners revolt on Bettman and make him deny the trade like Stern did to the CP3 to the Lakers trade?
by Beakers Lab on Dec 16, 2011 10:33 AM EST up reply actions
Not to worry…David Stern would nix the deal.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Dec 16, 2011 10:48 AM EST up reply actions
Two questions:
1) If NSH is still in the playoff picture at the deadline, is it realistic for them to trade away one of their top Dmen?
2) How will the injury exception for Tom Poti help the Caps at deadline time/How much can they spend based on his LTIR?
by Gin and Tonic on Dec 16, 2011 11:16 AM EST up reply actions
1) We’ll see. Probably not.
2) It doesn’t help them at all. They’re not banking cap space and are up against it, so they’ll have very little wiggle room (unless, of course, they shed, say, $6.7m between now and then).
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I didn’t think they were banking cap space. But I thought the Flyers were in the same position relative to the cap. So I’m confused at how Pronger’s injury exception helps them.
by Gin and Tonic on Dec 16, 2011 11:45 AM EST up reply actions
Because they can LTIR Pronger and use the amount by which his salary exceeds the cap to get a replacement player; the Caps are already using the amount by which Poti exceeds the cap.
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Isn’t that a flagrant misunderstanding of how LTIR works? Pro-rating means banking, and you don’t bank on LTIR. So without further LTIR exemptions, PHI isn’t going to be able to bring in Suter.
Please, call me F&B.
Aww shit, Suter makes less than Pronger, so they could afford Suter, but not because of pro-rating or banking. Still don’t think NSH will do it.
Please, call me F&B.
Would have to be closer to the deadline and NSH would have to be out of the playoff mix.
It would take quite a bounty to bring back Suter, I have to imagine.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Pronger brought back, what, Lupul, Sbisa and two firsts? So start there.
Say, Voracek, Schenn and a couple of firsts? Not sure Poile does it for that, to be honest. He’d probably want Couturier in place of Schenn.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Pronger also had an entire year left, and Philly thought they could sign him to an extension without 35+. Don’t think it would cost as much as that to nab Suter.
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by red army line on Dec 16, 2011 3:14 PM EST up reply actions
Suter has a RFA year left, though, doesn’t he? And he’s younger.
Pronger had more laurels, though, so maybe that plays into it.
Not sure.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Suter is UFA, Weber is the RFA.
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I believe in next year.
by red army line on Dec 16, 2011 3:22 PM EST up reply actions
I bet Couturier is a non-starter. He should be. Briere is getting old and he has no D. Couturier would be a great complement to Giroux. Schenn is still a nice player, I think Poile would take him. I doubt he’d have much interest in Voracek, though.
Please, call me F&B.
I assumed his adult teeth hadn’t fully grown in yet.
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Dec 16, 2011 3:55 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
worth noting
Ovie’s last 3 goals, by my count, have all been more ‘Ovie-like’ goals. He sniped a rocket past Lundqvist, had that beauty against the Sens, and his one last night. All from distance, all booming shots.
Perhaps this suggests that his shot location is improving, and that he’s taking solid steps back towards dominance.
Ovie-like goals? Yes. Ovie-like droughts in between them? Not so much.
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He had seven goals in his first 14 games, then…
- six games, no goals one game, one goal
-
- five games, no goals one game, one goal
-
— two games, no goals
—one game, one goal
16 games, three goals.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Dec 16, 2011 10:51 AM EST up reply actions
dad gum formatting…
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Dec 16, 2011 10:51 AM EST up reply actions
I thought you were going for selective data analysis. pay no attention to the 6 and 5 game droughts type thing.
by Beakers Lab on Dec 16, 2011 10:57 AM EST up reply actions
Ha.
Winnipeg’s partnering with an animal shelter for pet adoptions and they have puppies named after players.
This is Fehr.
That'll make your weagle wink!
"You're the boss, apple sauce" - @GreenLife52
by boutros23 on Dec 16, 2011 11:01 AM EST reply actions 3 recs
Fehr is sweet, but too many trips to the vet.
by kingbonehead on Dec 16, 2011 11:04 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Well at least Fehr is used to being in the doghouse.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 16, 2011 11:06 AM EST up reply actions 17 recs
why so snarky …. if that happened here in Washington – How long do you think a dog named Ovie would go without a home?
Be Utterly Facinating @ http://www.thirstdc.com
by TheFuryUnleashed on Dec 16, 2011 12:34 PM EST up reply actions
If it was that adorable? Not very long.
by Murshawursha on Dec 16, 2011 12:38 PM EST up reply actions
The DC Shelter should do something like that… and they have more athletes to choose from…
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 16, 2011 1:54 PM EST up reply actions
Silver lining
Here is the 5v5 cumulative scoring chance differential this year compared to last year.
Red dots are Bourdreau, green dots Hunter.
Trending up.
"Shots aren't the important thing. Scoring chances are way more important than shots." - Bruce Boudreau
See my work in the Washington Post and on ESPN Insider.
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by NGreenberg on Dec 16, 2011 11:26 AM EST reply actions 5 recs
Neat. But sure does show how far they have to go to get back to where they were at the end of last year. Cripes.
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So it looked like there was improvement in the games leading up to Boudreau’s firing and Hunter has continued with it.
I still want to see Hunter’s Caps beat a team that is better than they are (not standings-wise, but talent-wise).
Who is this?
"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 mean, what teams do you have in mind?
"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’d settle for one from a country outside of Canada.
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I was interested in which teams he thought had more talent.
"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
What teams in general have more talent or what teams that the Caps have played?
The Flyers are a more talented team. When both teams are healthy, I think the Pens are a more talented team.
Other teams that Hunter hasn’t coached against yet include the Bruins in the East and the Blackhawks and Canucks in the West. They’ve beat the Senators twice, Toronto once and Winnipeg once. The Capitals should win those games, no?
I believe they should win those games, yes. I don’t know too much about the rosters of most teams, so where the Caps stand is of interest to me. Caps have beat the Pens the past few years even when all of the stars were in and ready to go, so as to who is more talented is up to some debate I guess.
Before this season took a nose dive, many weren’t pundits calling the Capitals as one of, if not the most talented team?
Oh, how the mighty have fallen.
"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’d think a team with lots of talent and a mediocre record would be considered a bad team
No, I don't think I'll ever get over Macho Grande
I believe you had chances 8 – 4 in favor of the jets after the first last night, although some of that differential would have been attribuable to the PP opportunities for the Jets…what did the final numbers look like?
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what did the final numbers look like?
16-14 Caps. 13-12 at even-str.
"Shots aren't the important thing. Scoring chances are way more important than shots." - Bruce Boudreau
See my work in the Washington Post and on ESPN Insider.
Follow me on Twitter @ngreenberg
Baby steps, +1 per game = +82 over 82.
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I believe in next year.
by red army line on Dec 16, 2011 12:06 PM EST up reply actions
Pronger
Now we know why they shut him down for the year. Via BSH:
Chris Pronger is, simply put, a mess right now. For most of the past month he’s been stumbling around, regularly forgetting very simple things and constantly feeling severe nausea.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Oh my, that’s terrible.
"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."
The nausea part explains the virus thing, I guess.
BSH comment section currently consumed with the question of whether to replace him with Weber or Suter, and what it might take to get each of them.
But, yeah, it sucks. Forget hockey, the big question now is whether he’s going to be able to navigate the remaining years of his life in any sort of reasonable comfort.
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Awful. You knew what they were willing to rule him out for May in mid-December that things were fucked. Just terrible.
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Is the NHL going to start investigating and/or punishing teams for putting guys with concussions back out on the ice? This is starting to get ridiculous.
by Murshawursha on Dec 16, 2011 12:23 PM EST up reply actions
Well, it can be a tough diagnosis. The Pronger situation is instructive. As culled from the Hockey News article.
He got a stick in the forehead on the follow-through of a shot. It cut him, but it didn’t look awful. He then felt lethargic after that, but put it down to lack of game shape.
Some time after that, against CAR he went into the boards and his head whiplashed around. Nothing that doesn’t routinely happen in a hockey game, I’ll note.
Then against PHO he absorbed a hard check, which I assume caused another whiplash incident.
In passing, whiplash can cause bad concussions, as the brain bounces off the inside of the skull.
He himself reported in there that he passed a baseline test somewhere in there.
No smoking guns that I personally see there, although obviously the team was much, much closer to the situation.
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If guys with concussions are passing the baseline tests (and I seem to remember Pronger is the second guy I’ve heard that’s happened to this season, though I can’t recall the first… Letang maybe?), then perhaps the baseline tests need to change?
by Murshawursha on Dec 16, 2011 12:33 PM EST up reply actions
seems particularly odd that he passed the baseline test this case if Pronger is forgetting simple things.
by kingbonehead on Dec 16, 2011 12:35 PM EST up reply actions
I’m gonna guess at that point he had a relatively minor concussion, and that going out and getting his bell rung a couple more times in games is what really fucked him up. Kinda like how Crosby got worse after Hedman nailed him a week after Steckel.
Regardless, given all the crap that’s happened on the concussion front recently, I’m still not convinced that team doctors are taking them seriously enough.
by Murshawursha on Dec 16, 2011 12:40 PM EST up reply actions
If I had to guess, I would say he was groggy after the stick to the face, and they gave him a baseline test, which he passed. Maybe legitimately, but maybe an incorrect result.
Then the whiplash, then the hard hit.
Maybe the whiplash was the one that pushed him over the edge. Maybe not. I feel sure he’s had others before this, as hard a physical game as he’s played.
You would have to think the deterioration chronicled above has to more recent.
But anyway, yes, it would seem some fine tuning of the baseline test would be in order.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
The problem is — and I’m sure I’m not saying anything that you don’t already know — isn’t the same as other injuries. You break a bone, sprain a ligament, etc, you see evidence of the injury. With head injuries, you may just test someone when they are feeling their best, and they can pass with flying colors, and then two hours later, they’re puking and walking into walls.
So make them take (and pass) the test more than once at different intervals before clearing them? I dunno.
by Murshawursha on Dec 16, 2011 12:49 PM EST up reply actions
He has been playing in the NHL since he was 18 and plays long, hard minutes, not to mention a number of long playoff runs that take a toll on your body. And really, how many undiagnosed concussions do you think Pronger has suffered before now?
It might be those previous instances that are catching up with him, given the cumulative effects of concussions. If more players are held out more frequently earlier in their careers, maybe more players will be spared this fate down the road. But it still seems as if league management is taking the whole population of concussions or extended absences for suspected concussions less seriously than it should.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Dec 16, 2011 12:59 PM EST up reply actions
Crosby also said he passed the baseline but doesn’t feel 100%, so he’s sitting out.
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by red army line on Dec 16, 2011 3:16 PM EST up reply actions
This blows. Whatever your opinion on Pronger may be, he’s one of the best D of his generation.Let’s hope he can make a full recovery and live a normal life.
by Kolzilla on Dec 16, 2011 1:07 PM EST up reply actions 4 recs
I always kinda liked the big fella, although the stickwork away from the play would arouse my ire when he played the Caps. I liked his toughness – still remember watching him lie on the ice in St Lou completely motionless and was impressed when he came back so soon – and I found his, um, irrepressible bad boy nature to be endearing.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
I’ve always “liked” Pronger in that he played the asshole/villain role so well. And he was a hell of a defender.
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Holmgren should steal Sarge from GMGM if only because the irony of Schultz being tough enough for the Flyers but not for the Caps would make the Internet explode.
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by J.P. on Dec 16, 2011 1:28 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
Gotta think at some point Schultz get’s back in the lineup and does ok. Seems that the new staff really likes Orlov though.
If you look at Erskine’s minutes he’s been slowly trending down…what was he last night? 9?
Gotta think at some point Schultz get’s back in the lineup
I’m still waiting for any sign that this is the case.
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That hasn’t wavered much, though – they’re fine with his play when they want to use him, but they go to a short bench pretty quickly.
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Hunter has a rep for leaning on his top guys. So basically he’s going with 5-and-a-half defensemen for a game.
Seems odd that Orlov and Erskine are in the mix and Schultz is not, but I don’t see any indications that Hunter is changing his mind.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
I don’t see any indications that Hunter is changing his mind.
On this (Schultz) or on Knuble on the 4th line. Is it possible we went from a coach about whom we would complain because he changed things up too much to a coach about whom we will complain because he is sticking with things too long?
"Hockey is my life, wine is my passion." -- Igor Larionov
by Scott in Shaw on Dec 16, 2011 3:27 PM EST up reply actions
And if that was from the stick to the eye, that’s really scary. I don’t know if there was another hit, but a stick to the eye causing that kind of damage is an… eye opener.
Please, call me F&B.
I thought the stick whacked him on the forehead and not the eye, and there was no damage to the eye? Could be wrong, but I recall thinking that Pronger got off lighter than he might have, considering he took a stick to the face.
Which was evidently wrong, as it turns out.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
RE: The DSP Article
Being outplayed on the ice is one thing, but being out-coached is another. Hunter’s has struggled occasionally so far creating the best matchups in game situations for the Caps.
McPhee probably deserves some blame but at this point it falls on Hunter’s shoulders to win this year. If he can’t fix it now, there is a chance no one will ever be able to fix the Caps.
I’m sorry, but is this guy even watching Caps games? While admittedly Hunter’s games have been far from perfect, is there any doubt that (with perhaps the Philly game being an exception) the Caps have been playing significantly better under him than Boudreau? And as far as being out-coached, has he not been getting his matchups for the most part? Did he not make a couple of tweaks to the neutral zone coverage between the first and second periods last night?
Also, how is any failure with regards to the season squarely on Hunter’s shoulders? The dude was brought in to try and re-rail (is that a word?) an absolute train wreck before it crashed into a building. And while I’m admittedly am not the most hockey-knowledgeable guy around here by a long shot, I feel fairly comfortable saying that there’s been incremental improvement and positive takeaways from every game under Hunter so far (again, with the exception of Philly).
FFS, I’m as doomy-and-gloomy as any Caps fan, but as much as I think this team still has some problems, I’m nowhere near ready to condemn Hunter. I’m actually rather pleased with his more disciplined system and actual, you know, in-game tactical adjustments. Honestly seems to me like this writer is just trying to create drama. As if there isn’t already enough in other aspects of the team.
by Murshawursha on Dec 16, 2011 12:22 PM EST reply actions 5 recs
When I checked the DSP archives, I didn’t see anything by Tomlinson from before this season. I was interested in what he might have had to say about either the Montreal or the Tampa Bay playoff series.
There's no bigger burden than a great potential - Linus Van Pelt
He used to write for OFB, if I’m not mistaken.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Well, here’s a way to get Milbury off of the television.
SWhynoStephen Whyno
Analyst charged with assaulting 12-year-old RT @ScottIsaacs More on developing Milbury story: article now posted http://bit.ly/vM7bb7
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
by gfcaps fan on Dec 16, 2011 12:32 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
That was my first reaction too.
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 16, 2011 1:59 PM EST up reply actions
Did he hit the kid with his shoe?
"Neuvy was eating pucks for breakfast, lunch, and dinner."
by SeattleCapsFan on Dec 16, 2011 12:34 PM EST up reply actions
I initially thought we were talking about pedophilia, but it appears to be something along the lines of what you suggested.
That’s still awful, but the other would be worse.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
I checked before I said anything about the shoe…but yea, that was my initial thought too.
"Neuvy was eating pucks for breakfast, lunch, and dinner."
by SeattleCapsFan on Dec 16, 2011 12:39 PM EST up reply actions
I assume he probably just smacked a kid on the cheek or something. It was clear it was related to coaching hockey.
"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."
From PD:
The Herald reports that Milbury’s son got into a tussle during a game and afterwards the former NHL player and general manager went onto the ice and “verbally berated and grabbed and shook” the alleged victim.
Dumb, dumb, dumb. I didn’t think even Milbury could be that stupid.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Then you give Milbury too much credit, obviously.
Completely related, I wonder what kind of parent he is.
"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 absolutely did.
I assume that like everything else, he’s bad at being a parent.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
It never occurred to me that he might have a twelve year old, either.
"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."
Accidents happen.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
by STLSpidey on Dec 16, 2011 2:01 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I suppose the real question is supposed to be how did he find a woman who would bear him children?
"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."
And sometimes those accidents lead to grandchildren.
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Dec 16, 2011 2:18 PM EST up reply actions
If true, then he’s got an incredible anger management problem. As a coach and a sports parent, I understand the frustration. I can remember one time that I yelled at an opposing player as a coach and the other two coaches on the bench appropriately told me I crossed the line. Milbury should have talked to the other coach and allowed the player’s coach to handle it.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
by STLSpidey on Dec 16, 2011 1:59 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I agree, I knew he was an idiot when it came to running a hockey team and telling people what he thinks, but this is whole new low for stupid on Milbury’s part.
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 16, 2011 2:11 PM EST up reply actions
Couldnt happen to a nicer guy…fry the bastard
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by Cap-O-Vens on Dec 16, 2011 12:39 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Now, now. Let’s not rush to judgement until we know what actually happened. For all we know this could be some dirtbag parent trying to get their 15 minutes or cash in on a bogus claim.
Milbury is a jerk and a buffoon, but serious criminal charges are a whole different ball of wax.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Mike Milbury is guilty. Not guilty in a court of law, just in my mind. Sorry.
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Dec 16, 2011 12:45 PM EST up reply actions 8 recs
Heh. So glad to get your input, Mr Steigerwald.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
by fat_daddyo on Dec 16, 2011 12:52 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Not a subject line, just an image
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 16, 2011 1:24 PM EST up reply actions 7 recs
I hope the kid shits in Millbury’s Glove.
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by Cap-O-Vens on Dec 16, 2011 12:46 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Also, he does have history…
Check out a new social network, Hockey Connect, a place for coaches, players, family and fans to share strategies and experiences.
Fuck that. Fry the bastard.
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Dec 16, 2011 1:17 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Bet the kid was wearing an Ovechkin jersey.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Dec 16, 2011 12:59 PM EST up reply actions 12 recs
There’s some absolute gold in the Puck Daddy comments on this one.
Mike Milbury, why you heff shake kid? You cause so humongous big problem!
You know what they do to kid shakers in China? Death penalty.
Milbury will probably just hire a team of the best lawyers around, and then trade them for a legal intern
The poor kid must have mentioned Yashin’s Islanders contract.
And my favorite…
He was just teaching the boy how to shower…wait, wrong story.
Reporter: "What’s your Mom’s birthday?"
Tortorella: "I have no idea."
by Wheeler on Dec 16, 2011 1:38 PM EST up reply actions 5 recs
The winner from their radio show
“as an Islander fan, I can say that Milbury abused me as a 12 year old too”
It's not that I don't like people, I'm just happier when they're not around - Hank Chinaski
by Edanger6 on Dec 16, 2011 3:33 PM EST up reply actions 6 recs
It’s too bad this didn’t happen before the little spat with Alan May. If he keeps his job on NBC/Versus (God, I hope not), I can’t wait for the first time Roenick brings this up.
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Dec 16, 2011 1:47 PM EST up reply actions
They have to at least suspend him, even with pay, don’t they? Kind of awkward to put him in that possible situation.
"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."
Your move, Costas.
"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 16, 2011 1:54 PM EST up reply actions 5 recs
I coached little league baseball and basketball for a couple of years back in the early 1990s. The kids were there to have fun and learn some things about competition, sportsmanship, etc. And occasionally, there would be differences of opinion between players of opposing teams, and in fact once there was an altercation (a couple of shoves) between one of the players on my hoops team and on another team. My instinct was to get in between them and keep them apart. The other coach had the same reaction and we each got in front of our player and took them out of the game, sending in a sub for both and letting them think about what was going on.
Milbury here is acting as a coach of his kid’s team. Noble in and of itself, but when there is a conflict, rather than dealing with his own team’s player (in this case his son) he went after the opponent. Even if the opposing player is in the wrong, it’s not up to him to deal with it, it’s up to the opposing coaches. In youth sports, conduct and behavior of the players is the responsibility of the coaches. And if the coaches don’t accept that responsibility, then it’s up to the other coaches to let the league know so that they can take action (either telling the coach to get his act together, or removing that person as coach.)
Admittedly, this in no way falls to the level of what happened at Penn St., Syracuse and Swift Current, but it is still horrible.
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 16, 2011 2:08 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Sorry if this was posted already but
I find it hard to believe that last night was Ovi’s first GWG of the season.
A couple MarJo comments. 1) That was a dandy soft pass to Ovi; wanted to provide a little more love for that. 2) Several posters indicated he wasn’t too effective in dot, but Peerless pointed out he won the majority of them. Finally, any thoughts on what could make that 2nd line pot a few more goals? They have some tantalizing close rushes but don’t seem to be able to ‘finish.’ Now that 28 is off the line, is there any other combination that could complement MarJo burgeoning skills? The organization should be complimented, by the way, for letting him get plenty of ice time to develop. I am excited to see that 2nd line take shape.
I’m excited to see it take shape with 22 on the right and 20 on the left.
Cross check and all call.
by bigonetimer on Dec 16, 2011 2:07 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Interesting. Has that ever been tried? I can’t remember seeing it…. but why not? 20 can play both wings.
Your new Capitals goaltender:
SergeyKocharov: @ovi8 in net during end of practice http://t.co/02ryInKf
Reporter: "What’s your Mom’s birthday?"
Tortorella: "I have no idea."
by Wheeler on Dec 16, 2011 2:06 PM EST reply actions 6 recs
Oh dear…
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 16, 2011 2:09 PM EST up reply actions
Love it. Perhaps the biggest thing that’s been missing on this team for weeks has been fun.
And Mike Green.
More Green than fun, really.
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by J.P. on Dec 16, 2011 2:13 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
This is ringing all sorts of bells, it’s a movie reference…but I can’t place it.
Which pains me.
Someone help me out here?
Patron saint of quality footwear.
I hadn’t intended it as one, but now that you mention it, I could’ve crammed it into the “Pool and a pond” scene from Caddyshack.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Oh, yeah. That would work.
I’m thinking upon further reflection it might be Pirates of the Caribbean…but I definitely can’t dredge up the dialogue.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Not the right movie.
This is going to bother me until the middle of the night tonight, when I remember.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
They mostly come at night,
mostly.
It's not that I don't like people, I'm just happier when they're not around - Hank Chinaski
Novy.
That'll make your weagle wink!
"You're the boss, apple sauce" - @GreenLife52
by boutros23 on Dec 16, 2011 2:13 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Easily. And when standing on his head, the greatest “99” in NHL history, too.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 16, 2011 2:17 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Neuvy was taking shots on him (payback?). I’d love to see that.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Season Pledge total--$718.07!
Neuvirth….“five hole”
Ovechkin….fock
Neuvirth….“five hole”
Ovechkin…. fock!
Neuvirth… “five hole”
Ovechkin… FOCK!!!
Neuvirth… “hat trick hat trick hat trick”
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Dec 16, 2011 2:18 PM EST up reply actions 7 recs
Neuvechtrick
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by RedBirdie on Dec 16, 2011 2:19 PM EST up reply actions 4 recs
I’m all for a little fun, but I’d hope he’d be wearing full goalie padding and not just a mask when messing around like this. Don’t want a puck to the knee to cause damage.
I’m sure they were floating high wristers at him.
I’m also sure that one out of every four of ’em would beat Vokoun.
Zing!
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 16, 2011 3:33 PM EST up reply actions 6 recs
The writer of that Winnipeg wrap-up called it “one of the dullest nights of the new NHL season”… Strange. I was quite entertained
someone is bittah. I saw the first period at the bar, so no sound, and the third at home (the second I listened to on the radio), and that was a heart attack inducing goalie duel for the ages.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Season Pledge total--$718.07!
Petchesky/Deadspin with some sordids on the whole Milbury thing.
"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.
my favorite comment so far
Milbury will probably get a team of the best lawyers to defend them on this, but then he’ll just trade them all away for Joe Amendola.
Joe Tacopina might be available.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
by EmilyB on Dec 16, 2011 3:25 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
And encouraging to see that he’s apparently passed that down too.
"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 16, 2011 2:59 PM EST up reply actions
Absolutely unacceptable behavior. Especially if he laid hands on the child although I’m just as against verbal abuse. If it can be proved that he did in fact lift the 12 year old off the ground by holding onto his mask, then Milbury is in some serious legal shit.
Knuble: "I am what I am. I play well with good players."
by capsyoungguns on Dec 16, 2011 5:34 PM EST up reply actions
Dude
please start putting a subject line in image posts? It helps for the rest of us to collapse it if we need to.
"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 17, 2011 8:56 AM EST up reply actions
Now watch as I reach into this young man’s chest and PULL OUT HIS STILL BEATING HEART!!!
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Dec 17, 2011 11:25 AM EST up reply actions
NHL Network is showing last night’s game (with JoeB and Locker). I love getting to rewatch a game like this without all the stress to see what, exactly, the Caps were doing on defense.
for several years, this was the only way I could watch games against the Penguins. I’d tape them and watch them stress free the next day.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Season Pledge total--$718.07!
It makes sense to me. I felt like every muscle in my body was tensed throughout the game last night, and then got even tenser as time ticked down.
and here I thought I was all alone in this matter
"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
You are not alone.
Knuble: "I am what I am. I play well with good players."
by capsyoungguns on Dec 16, 2011 5:28 PM EST up reply actions
I was tense as well until half way through the second, when I finally came to my senses and decided to start pouring beer down my throat.
I’m tense every time the Caps take the ice these days.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
by EmilyB on Dec 16, 2011 6:47 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
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