Monday Caps Clips: No Offense, But...
by J.P. on Dec 19, 2011 6:47 AM EST
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Your savory breakfast links:
- If the coaching change was meant to shake the team out of its doldrums, it hasn't seemed to do it. (And if that wasn't the intent, uh, carry on.) [WashTimes]
- Seriously, though, where's the offense? [WaPo]
- Stop me if you've heard this one: the Caps need to simplify things. [CSNW, with something about Chip Caray or something at PHT]
- The Caps sent Cody Eakin back to Hershey yesterday, to the surprise of no one. [DCEx, SB Nation DC]
- Speaking of roster moves, today's the last shopping day 'til after Christmas for NHL GMs, so if you're looking to give the perfect holiday gift to another team, today would be the day, GMGM. [DCEx]
- Worthwhile reads about Mike Knuble on the eve of his 1,000th career game. [Dump 'n Chase, DCEx]
- Nicklas Backstrom speaks. [FanPost]
- A look back at the week that was. [Peerless]
- Breaking: there are some positives coming out of Capsland these days. [RMNB]
- Though it would seem a bit premature, some precincts are already reporting their vote totals on the new boss. [CRtC]
- Finally, happy 38th birthday to Andreas Salomonsson and happy 41st to Robert Lang.
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Got a laugh out of your “Chip Caray” pun (on the “chip and carry” choice at Pro Hockey talk). Granted, Harry Carabina III (real name of Chip Caray) has nothing to do with hockey but that’s beside the point. But that article in PHT was a rebuttal to some degree of Gormley. Definitely worth a read.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Loosely translated, I hear this: [Alex] Ovechkin and [Alex] Semin have exceptional talent, but if opposing defenses are standing them up at the blue line, they need to dump the puck in and retrieve it instead of trying to make plays at the blue line and running the risk of turning the puck over.
And this is why one wonders why Ovechkin and Semin are on the same line. Which one of those two is going to go all hedgehog in the corner fishing out pucks and dishing them back or to the front of the net? Although Ovechkin will try it from time to time, it really is not their game.
If you've read this far...seek help.
So much in agreement. The experiment has failed. Not a bad option for a shift or two against the right matchup, but thats about it. Not only arent’t they not the dig it out of the corner types, I think they get so enamored with each others skill they try and make the extra pass or move instead of pumping on net looking for loose change.
Knoobs, Brouwer, hell put Ward up there and see what happens.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Dec 19, 2011 7:48 AM EST up reply actions
Usually it’s Backstrom. Ovi acts as playmaker on the half-wall and Semin is the net crasher. This line is all sorts of messed up.
You tried your best and failed miserably. The lesson is "Never Try."
Here you go, per Katie:
We’ve got an interesting first line here at practice: Marcus Johansson, Nicklas Backstrom and Alex Ovechkin.
Certainly not what I expected.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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That combo has delivered 100% of Ovechkin’s goals over the last four games! Can’t miss!
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by J.P. on Dec 19, 2011 10:31 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
If you told me before the season that I would be living in a world where Halpern was the second line center I wouldn’t have believed you.
Were you around in 2003-2004?
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Dec 19, 2011 10:51 AM EST up reply actions
The Capitals were around in 03-04?
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 19, 2011 11:08 AM EST up reply actions 5 recs
It does appear that MarJo is Hunter’s “go to” right winger for the 1st line in critical situations.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Sorry, based on what? One shift and one practice? I haven’t noticed 8-19-90 assembled an awful lot. (don’t mean to call you out, maybe I’m just paying too much attention looking at spreadsheets and not enough following the game)
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I believe in next year.
by red army line on Dec 19, 2011 6:40 PM EST up reply actions
I am basing it on what I saw during the 3rd period of the last two games. During the Jets game, Johansson was on that line in a shift during the last two minutes when Ovi scored his goal. And then in the Avs game, that group was assembled during the third period near the end.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
IIRC during the Jets game Mackan on the ice at that time due to an incomplete line shift You could check the shift charts to verify, but I don’t think Hunter was line juggling then.
Knuble: "I am what I am. I play well with good players."
by capsyoungguns on Dec 19, 2011 8:53 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, that’s what I think, too. Mackan’s line was out just prior to that.
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I believe in next year.
by red army line on Dec 19, 2011 9:43 PM EST up reply actions
Will admit my memories a little faint on whether Mackan’s line was out before Ovi came out. But would not surprise me in the least.
I’ll have to check it.
I remember a game last year (I think it was in a loss vs Vancouver when Eric Fehr was hurt). In that game, Ovi, Mackan, and Backstrom were on the ice at the same time and a goal was scored. I recalled after that game, some people were calling for Mackan to assume the role of winger.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Trying to carry the puck in may not be a bad thing
Especially for skilled players like Ovechkin and Semin.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
I have $50 to Olie's autism charity or So Kids Can and a beer on the under for 50/57/107 as AO's final stat line for 2011-'12
And on Pekka Rinne's PK SV% dropping under .920 by the end of the '12 season
by Knee high to a duck on Dec 19, 2011 12:34 PM EST up reply actions
at a glance
I first read your charity line as “…so kids can have a beer…”
Gave me a chuckle.
"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
My piece
Hey Y’all.
Just wanted to say that my piece on Hunter is not that he’s done a poor job…because it’s too early to say that he’s done a good job or not. I just don’t think he was the right choice in the first place. Hope that’s clear, if it’s not, well, then, that’s why I’m here doing this. Happy holiday to all.
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by hankthetank5503 on Dec 19, 2011 8:43 AM EST reply actions
I tended to agree with you when he was first hired. At this point, I’ve seen enough potential positive signs that I’m really hoping the team can be successful under him and I’m trying to reserve judgement. I agree though, when it happened I was stymied by the choice.
by Murshawursha on Dec 19, 2011 1:19 PM EST up reply actions
My own reservation to the hiring of Hunter was the lack of any professional coaching experience. Granted, he has pro playing experience. Plus, he also has experience in acquiring personnel. But it is an awfully big step to transition from coaching juniors to coaching in the NHL. That was one of the knocks on Boudreau — the fact that he only had coached at the AHL level and not the NHL level
I still have an open mind on Hunter as coach. There are some good signs.
I think the main attraction for hiring Hunter (besides the connection with the team as a player) is the fact that he’s likely the exact opposite brain type as Boudreau since the team needed someone different than Boudreau. I figure Hunter is the ISTP (BEIR) type, the intense type who would “kill their grandmother” to win. Boudreau is probably an ENFJ (FCAL) type. Although ENFP (FCAR) for Boudreau would not surprise me either. In any case, the Caps wanted to compensate for Boudreau’s weaknesses by hiring someone very different
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
I’m pleased with Eakin’s stint up here, but he will benefit from top 6 and heavier special teams minutes in Hershey. Assuming he stays down there for a while, what are some thoughts on the next forward to get called up?
Cross check and all call.
Bourque. God forbid it’s King.
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by hankthetank5503 on Dec 19, 2011 8:46 AM EST up reply actions
God forbid it’s King.
Why do you say that?
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because he’s not very good. He’s barely scratched the lineup on this team in 14 months now. And I’m not a fan of recalling someone just to have 13 forwards. If something was still wrong with Perreault, they probably wouldn’t have sent Eakin down. The Caps have 12 health forwards, no need to bring up a 13th. If someone gets hurt, then you make the call.
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by hankthetank5503 on Dec 19, 2011 9:02 AM EST up reply actions
I think he was bad at the role they wanted him to serve under BB. Might be different under Hunter, especially if he is given only very limited minutes (like Eakin was getting).
Agreed. I’d be totally fine with King coming up and playing 5 minutes a game and being there in case he needs to bring down the hammer on somebody. Least then Erskine wouldn’t have to do all the heavyweight fighting.
King wasn’t a great option when BB was rolling 4 lines, but I think he’d be worth having on the bench given the way Hunter uses his lines.
by Murshawursha on Dec 19, 2011 1:21 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t think anyone was implying that he’d be brought up to be the 13th (that, after all, will be Beagle/Perreault’s role). But only having 12 healthy Fs on hand is dicey, especially on the road. What if someone turns an ankle in warm-ups? Or gets sick pre-game? It’s poor roster management.
If a fourth liner is going to get 6 minutes, I wouldn’t mind that guy being King at this point.
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If Beagle is healthy, then no call ups are needed.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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Of course, the big question is ….. when will Beagle be healthy enough to actually play? He’s at least been cleared for practice, which is a major step. But still not cleared for in game action.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Late to the party on this one, but the fact that Hunter tends to shorten his bench means that those six minutes are much more in line with the game plan anyway. King is a much better fit with Hunter than under BB
"You do that, you go to the box, you know. Two minutes, by yourself, you know and you feel shame" -Denis Lemieux
I’d rather it be someone who can play hockey and not get continually pinned in his own end for all six of those minutes. I haven’t seen King take anyone to task for running any of the stars and if he isn’t a deterrent, why not dress someone that’s more likely to not hurt the team with awful hockey play?
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
I have $50 to Olie's autism charity or So Kids Can and a beer on the under for 50/57/107 as AO's final stat line for 2011-'12
And on Pekka Rinne's PK SV% dropping under .920 by the end of the '12 season
by Knee high to a duck on Dec 19, 2011 12:36 PM EST up reply actions
How many games has King actually been in the lineup and therefore in a position to act as a deterrent/take someone to task for a questionable hit?
by Murshawursha on Dec 19, 2011 1:22 PM EST up reply actions
I’ve been wondering about Potulny or Micflikier.
That'll make your weagle wink!
"You're the boss, apple sauce" - @GreenLife52
I am for Potulny. NHL experience. Fairly serviceable. Good in the dot. Can score a little.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 19, 2011 9:06 AM EST up reply actions
what are some thoughts on the next forward to get called up?
Depends largely on who he’s replacing. Assuming it’s not a scoring-line forward, I think you’re looking at King (if healthy), or maybe a Potulny.
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would he get claimed? doubtful.
if he was claimed though would that be good or bad? I’d say good for King but undecided for the team
Yeah, I doubt he’d be claimed. And if he did, it would be bad for the team, as they’d be saddled with half his cap hit and no player (not that taking a cap hit and having no player to show for it is something this team has taken all measures to avoid).
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I haven’t looked but I’m assuming that 1/2 his cap hit wouldn’t allow us to start banking anything moving forward either.
The Caps are using Poti on LTIR to exceed the cap already, so there will be no banking of cap space for the forseeable future.
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right I knew that but didn’t know how far over we were. IE If we were 500K over so using the LTIR and King’s contract would put us under a bit or are we 2mil over and it’s moot. I figured it was moot but thought I’d throw it out there.
by Beakers Lab on Dec 19, 2011 10:21 AM EST up reply actions
They are using a good portion of Poti’s cap space with the current roster configuration, esp. if the reports were accurate (no reason to think they weren’t) that they went over last season due to the bonus cushion and had that hit this season’s cap, too, plus Sloan’s buyout.
I can’t do the detailed math right now, but should be approx. 800,000-900,000 space left for a recall with Eakin’s demotion. If Green isn’t ready and they do put him on LTIR obviously there would be some additional roster flexibility in terms of recall cap space in the short-term.
Are any group of fans more sensitive about perceived “slights” of their team than Jets fans? I mean, for the love of Mary, you JUST got a team back there. Enjoy it for a while. Everyone is not out to get you.
They’ve only been around since what…the summer? And they’re already giving Detroit fans a run on the “everyone hates us” bandwagon. Give it a rest already.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 19, 2011 9:40 AM EST reply actions
What happened?
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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Bunch of them are/were roasting Wyshyski on Twitter for including a “new” Teemu Selanne Jets jersey in his jersey fouls. He was never a part of that franchise. Would be like me getting a Frank Howard Nationals jersey.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 19, 2011 9:49 AM EST up reply actions
Got it. I completely agree with Wyshynski.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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Hell, same franchise or not, getting a historical player’s name and number on a sweater he never wore is a foul in my book. A Langway or Bondra on the current sweater? Foul.
But yeah, Wysh is obviously right here.
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Unless it’s an alumni game-worn jersey.
You tried your best and failed miserably. The lesson is "Never Try."
Fair enough. Still awkward, though.
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I’ve been a little conflicted on the team giving the likes of Bondra, Langway, Labre, and the rest the new red jerseys for events, such as the WC alumni game. On the one hand, I think it’s a fantastic gesture to say “you are part of our family, and you’ll always be part of our family.” On the other hand….it’s just kind of weird to see Bondra in red.
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He did wear the old red jerseys, though.
You tried your best and failed miserably. The lesson is "Never Try."
yeah, but the new red? It just looks…….odd. When I think Bondra (or Langway, or Locker…….) it’s not in the current jersey.
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Before and After...
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by ThePeerless on Dec 19, 2011 10:15 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I had to look twice to make sure that wasn’t photoshopped.
Pete still looks like he could go out there tomorrow and play 20.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 19, 2011 10:17 AM EST up reply actions
he played that WC game at half speed so as not to embarrass anyone. and then we he needed to turn on the rockets to give the Caps the moral victory, he did.
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He’s an angel.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 19, 2011 11:08 AM EST up reply actions
Scoring goals always seemed to make him happier than anyone I saw until Ovi came to the Caps.
by kingbonehead on Dec 19, 2011 3:23 PM EST up reply actions
If the jersey came with a WC Alumni Game path, I don’t believe it would be a jersey foul.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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The classic jersey with the patch is fine with me since I’m not even sure they make the one without the patch any more (which is why I’ll always treasure my Kelly Miller patch-less classic).
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 19, 2011 10:01 AM EST up reply actions
You should see my awesome Patrik Stefan jersey. I look great missing empty nets with it.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 19, 2011 9:53 AM EST up reply actions
I’m going to break out the Hnat Domenichelli just to be a troll.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 19, 2011 9:55 AM EST up reply actions
Detroit fans are really upset someone is trying to push them out of the #1 spot in the “EVERYONE HATES US! WAHHHHHHHHHHHH!” rankings.
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Now, I don’t know much about Quebecois pride or much about the whole French nationalist issue in Canada, but they’ve got to be kidding around with this whole “we want Cunneyworth gone because he can’t speak French” thing right?
Right?
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 19, 2011 9:51 AM EST reply actions
Ask Saku Koivu and Mike Keane.
"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 19, 2011 9:55 AM EST up reply actions
it’s always an issue. Ever watch a Habs presser? Ouch. Everything has to be done in both languages. My French is far from fantastic, but listening to some of these guys butcher it is painful.
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I’m drawing an extremely tenuous line here, I know, but they seem to me to be a lot like those in the Southern United States in terms of their overt regional pride. Would that be a good comparison?
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 19, 2011 10:02 AM EST up reply actions
RB (North) can give a better explanation than I can. It goes back centuries and extends to language, religion, culture, the British takeover of north america….
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I am a tad busy with work to get into a long involved conversation about French/English relations in Quebec and I know it is OT so I will just send along this link on the Quebec Sovereignty movement for the time being.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 19, 2011 10:10 AM EST up reply actions
I don’t know enough about regional pride in the South, but French nationalism is a political and cultural force that defines most of life in Montreal. East of there it is pretty much all of life. It’s an interesting novelty but having lived there for many years my opinion is that it gets a bit tiresome.
French nationalism is a political and cultural force that defines most of life in Montreal.
Very similar to life down South as I’ve seen. But this is trending towards OT.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 19, 2011 12:13 PM EST up reply actions
I learned some about it from “Acadian Driftwood” by The Band. LOL.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 19, 2011 10:09 AM EST up reply actions
lol Good song. More Nova Scotia than Quebec though.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 19, 2011 10:11 AM EST up reply actions
HA HA HA HA
Some fans suggested they wouldn’t be so upset if the Habs had brought in a highly-regarded Stanley Cup winner, such as the Detroit Red Wings’ Mike Babcock, a McGill alumnus, instead of an assistant without NHL head coaching experience.
Oh that’s the funniest thing I’ve read all morning!!!
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 19, 2011 10:10 AM EST up reply actions
It’ll blow over, especially if Cunneyworth learns French (which he absolutely should do).
The language stuff sounds silly to American ears, but it’s common when teams represent linguistic/ethnic minorities within bigger countries, particularly when those minorities have a history of being – um – put upon to varying degrees. For instance, Barca’s leadership is overwhelmingly Catalan, and previous coaches who weren’t (i.e. Cruyff) have had to learn the language, give their kids Catalan names, etc.
Did Scotty Bowman speak French? I mean, he won 5 (6?) Cups with the Canadians, and I don’t think anyone was complaining.
He was born in Montreal. I’m guessing he speaks French.
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by ThePeerless on Dec 19, 2011 11:00 AM EST up reply actions
and he’s fluent in stoopid
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by ThePeerless on Dec 19, 2011 11:19 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
000
I’ve heard Bruce Boudreau speaks a different kind of French.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 19, 2011 11:10 AM EST up reply actions
If Pierre Gauthier was the most awesome person in the world, he would go and hire Mark French from Hershey. Ultimate troll move.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 19, 2011 11:27 AM EST up reply actions
kcarrera Katie Carrera
Mike Green is in full gear and just stepped out on to the ice at KCI ahead of #Caps practice, which is sked to start at 10:30.
You and me both. Let’s see how long he stays out and what he does before we get excited.
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Nice of him to do this a couple days before Festivus.
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by Bald Pollack on Dec 19, 2011 9:57 AM EST up reply actions
Festivus. Hanukkah is tomorrow night. Maybe Green is channeling his inner Macabee?
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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HUZZAH! throws weagle shaped confetti.
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Regarding the lack of offense and whether the current level of production can be expected moving forward, I think we’re seeing everyone at their worst right now. I see a team that’s getting opportunities with the puck in high percentage scoring areas and hesitating. The Jets game comes to mind as an example where the Caps had multiple odd man rushes that didn’t even result in an SOG.
Is that a product of the talent level on the ice or more indicative of a team still struggling with its confidence? I’m still holding out hope that, in a better state of mind, the offense can return to production levels that mirror last year’s squad post-Arnott trade. I’d settle for that, at this point.
Can’t believe that people are already jumping off the Dale Hunter bandwagon. Way way too early to know anything. I do know the defense is better though and I think the offense will show up eventually. The two goals Saturday were very fluky goals. It happens, it’s hockey.
I don’t think it helps that he gives fans little to no insight regarding his decision making processes. We don’t really know Dale Hunter, and it makes evaluating his performance very difficult other than what we see on the ice.
Can’t believe that people are already jumping off the Dale Hunter bandwagon
To be fair, some people were never on it. There were some always serious questions about his lack of experience with modern NHL systems and with coaching professionals. It’s too early to say he’s a flop, but these questions have obviously not been answered yet.
The thing is, Caps fans (well, long-time fans) have so much respect for the player that Hunter was, it’s difficult to separate these feelings from what he is and will be like as the head coach.
He obviously has had a lot of success as a coach in the OHL, but it’s a crapshoot whether or not that will translate into similar successes in the NHL.
I give Hunter a pass on this. This was on the players before Boudreau got fired, and it’s on them now. A lot of these guys have had four or more years to figure it out. They haven’t. And frankly, that window looks to be closing pretty quickly on whether or not they will in terms of winning a Stanley Cup.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Dec 19, 2011 11:53 AM EST up reply actions
New content on the front page on everyone’s favorite topic of discussion…
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Attempt to summarize some roster info. from a few discussions:
Holiday roster freeze: 12/19 (midnight tonight) through 12/27 midnight; recalls are allowed during the freeze.
Caps current active roster status: 22 players; max allowed is 23
12F, 8D, 2G; this includes Mike Green who is still on active roster
IR: Jay Beagle
LTIR: Tom Poti
King requires re-entry waivers.
Excerpt of CBA 13.15: Holiday Roster Freeze.
For all Players on an NHL Active Roster, Injured Reserve, or Players with Non-Roster and Injured Non-Roster status as of midnight local time December 19, a roster freeze shall apply through midnight local time December 27, with respect to Waivers, Trades and Loans; provided, however, that Players may be Recalled to NHL Clubs during this period and, provided further, that if a Player is placed on Regular Waivers or Re-Entry Waivers prior to the roster freeze period and is claimed during such roster freeze period, the roster freeze period shall not apply and the Player shall immediately report to the claiming Club. However, during the roster freeze period a Club can make any Player transactions necessary for the Club to come into compliance with Article 50 as a result of a Player being removed from the Bona Fide Long-Term Injury/Illness Exception.
(hopefully no typos)
So as I understand things related to King and re-entry waivers:
If that is the decision the Caps make, King would need to be on re-entry waivers by noon today, and either clears or is claimed, but cannot be placed on re-entry waivers until 12/28 if it doesn’t happen today.
note: In December, King has played 1 game (Saturday) with Hershey and played limited minutes in that game. He had been out with an injury since late November.
Wasn’t 100% clear on this point, which is why I went and looked at the detailed wording and posted the wording and my thoughts.
FWIW, McNally just tweeted this: bmcnally14 Brian McNally
Some clarification on NHL roster “freeze”: Even AHL vets needing to clear re-entry waivers to be recalled can do so bw midnight and Dec. 27
Per AdamKOL:
Lines today: 90/19/8, 20/15/28, 25/21/42, 26-85-22/83
Interesting with 15 on the 2nd line. But, if the other option is 85, then I’m supportive. Yes – I don’t like 22 on the 4th line, but I’m not sure who would get shifted back, if the centers are kept the same.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
There’s an old saying out west that you can’t out-puke a buzzard.
But if Halpern sticks as 2C for more than a handful of shifts or periods, I may test that.
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by J.P. on Dec 19, 2011 10:36 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
8-19-22
20-90-28
25-21-42
26-15-83
For god sake’s man, can’t we just get it right?
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
by STLSpidey on Dec 19, 2011 10:44 AM EST up reply actions 14 recs
Seems pretty straightforward to me.
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I don’t have any problem moving guys around, but when your top three centers are significantly better than Halpern, putting him there just seems to counterproductive. This isn’t a matter of Brouwer vs Knuble as a first-line winger. This is Halpern over Laich and Johannson. I don’t get it.
Look at it this way:
O zone draw. 60% of the time 90 loses the draw and the puck is heading the other direction. 60% of the time 15 wins the draw allowing for continued time in the O zone and hopefully some shots.
Personally I’d rather see Halpy take every D zone draw that he can (when rested enough to be effective) ala Manny M, but it is what it is.
"When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro"
Yeah, I liked the little I saw of the 90-15 combo because of that, and also because 15 helps out at the ends of the ice better than some of the other linemates 90 has had (best scoring chance% on the team, even, despite team-worst zone starts).
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by red army line on Dec 19, 2011 2:36 PM EST up reply actions
So that’s the difference of, what, 1 faceoff win per game? And, frankly, Backstrom’s line should be taking 90% of the offensive zone faceoffs. That’s not enough to put Halpern on that line.
It was an exaggeration on my part.
But really, how many faceoffs happen every game? 50 or so? If you think that 30% are in each of the offensive zones respectively and the other 40% is in the neutral zone. So that’s 8 in the Caps’ offensive zone. Backstrom should be taking 5 or 6. That leaves 2 more for the other centers. Is that enough to put Halpern up on the second line?
Maybe with increaded minutes because of being on the second line vs the 4th, Halpy gets more face off chances regardless of zone? 60% beats the hell out of 40%?
I know I’m grasping, but I really don’t have a good answer why he’s on the 2nd.
Your math is a litte off. 15 draws in the O zone if it’s 30% of 50, I think.
"When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro"
Ah, yes. Math.
Right, so 15. Backstrom should take 9. That leaves 6 to split up between lines 2-4. Hopefully, the fourth line takes no offensive zone faceoffs. So that’s probably 4 and 2.
Sorry as this I am sure has been asked & discussed ad nausem and I missed it:
This next statement is a stretch (and not talking about our old friend up in NY) but is there any slight possibility that the coaching staff is keeping 22 on 4th line in an effort to save his minutes come spring time? I know that is a reach, just trying to come up with some idea why he is not being given an opportunity where he can succeed (and possibly help others succeed as well (i.e. Ovi).
Also, has there been an explanation by any of the beat reporters on this?
hmmm, very interesting.
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My thoughts on Laich as poster boy for assumption of risk here are well-documented. Just absurd, IMO, and wholly under-cutting of the union of which he’s a member.
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Laich said, paraphrasing, that he thinks the players are being treated like children and they all know the risks of hockey and if they want to play through concussions they should be allowed to play through concussions, dammit.
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Didn’t he have a near eye injury? And he still won’t wear a visor.
You tried your best and failed miserably. The lesson is "Never Try."
Yep. Carlson fired a puck in practice, hit off the crossbar and right into Laich’s face. I don’t know if it was ever confirmed that he had to have a plate put in.
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Now that’s an assumption of risk argument I can buy. Don’t get me wrong, I think the League should mandate visors and grandfather it in, and I couldn’t imagine playing in the League without one. But until they do, I’m fine with letting the players decide whether or not they’re going to wear one under the premise that a) it doesn’t incentivize playing injured (as would be the case with letting players play while concussed or symptomatic), and b) players presumably are of sound mind when making the decision (as opposed to the concussed or symptomatic player, potentially).
Granted, there are exceptions to those two points, cases in which they don’t stand up, but by and large it works.
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My thoughts have been typed before as well. As to this, I thought it was interesting/scary that a retired player was pointing to him as a ‘spokesperson’ on this topic.
I understand assuming risk, but that doesn’t mean a possibly concussed player understands what risk they are assuming.
Of course. Or that a fringe player is really in any position to make a well-reasoned decision regarding assuming risk.
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My thoughts on Laich as poster boy for assumption of risk here are well-documented. Just absurd, IMO, and wholly under-cutting of the union of which he’s a member.
it just occurred to me: Laich is not just a union member, but he’s also the Caps player rep, is he not?
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Yep, and up until this year, Halpern was on the Union’s Competition Committee.
"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 19, 2011 1:51 PM EST up reply actions
Hey, more new content! It’s like the 12 posts of Xmas!
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From Vog’s excellent piece on Mike Knuble:
"I’ve just been kind of waiting for it," says Knuble of reaching the grand milestone. "It’s like a Christmas present almost, you just wait to unwrap it. It’s not going to be a big deal really to anybody else.
No, Grandpa, it’s a huge deal. I’m so excited to be there tomorrow to scream and yell and cheer you on and give you that standing ovation you deserve. I hope the coaching staff starts you tomorrow night. On the top line.
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by RedBirdie on Dec 19, 2011 11:19 AM EST reply actions 2 recs
and TEB just tweeted this. HUZZAH!
I’m hearing #Caps veteran Mike Knuble will be honored before tomorrow’s #Preds game, his 1000th. Will receive gifts from NHL, Caps.
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my love for Dale Hunter is directly related to how much ice time he gives Mike Knuble.
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by RedBirdie on Dec 19, 2011 11:28 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
New slippers!
That'll make your weagle wink!
"You're the boss, apple sauce" - @GreenLife52
by boutros23 on Dec 19, 2011 11:33 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
It’s interesting that they are doing it pregame of his 1000th game instead of the next home game, which happens to be against one of his former teams.
Not a big deal and possibly even due to personal reasons (family being there or other reasons,) just wasn’t expecting it before the 1000th game was played.
OT: Also, game against Nashville is Johansson’s 100th game, kid has a few more games to go.
Will receive gifts from NHL, Caps.
uh…first line minutes?
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Dec 19, 2011 11:54 AM EST up reply actions
I think the standard Caps gift for 1000 games is a sliver stick…
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Dec 19, 2011 2:19 PM EST up reply actions
If you haven’t watched the long interview with Knuble up on the Caps website, you should. It’s great! What a quality player and person!
thanks for the heads up! I’ll watch it tonight, as I can’t in the office :(
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Me too. Nice lunchtime treat. I always make time for Knuble.
Knuble: "I am what I am. I play well with good players."
by capsyoungguns on Dec 19, 2011 12:44 PM EST up reply actions
Preds will have some additional fans at Verizon Center tomorrow night:
The dads of the #Preds players take in practice Mon morning! It’s the start of the Father’s Trip to D.C. pic.twitter.com/gUguxCXN
source: PredsNHL Nashville Predators
Preds (and dads) have arrived in DC -
Assume that means a 1980 Gold medalist will be watching the game at VC tomorrow :)
Some twitter accounts to follow for the next 24+ hours regarding the Preds and the trip. Sounds like Klein didn’t make the trip; Blum and Geoffrion were recalled and traveled with the team.
http://twitter.com/#!/sk84fun_dc/caps-next-opponents
I didn’t know one of the Miracle on Ice guys had a son in the NHL.
Without looking it up, I’m going to guess…Ken Morrow? Is Brendan Morrow on the Preds now and is he Ken Morrow’s son?
My only other guess would be maybe Mike Johnson, as he’s got a common surname. And besides Eruzione, Broten and Lafontaine, I can’t really remember many more player names.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
It’s Ryan Suter’s dad – I know that much.
Reporter: "What’s your Mom’s birthday?"
Tortorella: "I have no idea."
Bob.
If wishes were horses, we'd all be eating steak.
by Hang a Laingtern on Your Problems on Dec 19, 2011 3:28 PM EST up reply actions
Yes, Bob. Gary is Ryan’s uncle/Bob’s brother.
Also, in terms of the dad’s trip, Blake Geoffrion’s dad, Dan, played in the NHL (and WHA), but not quite the same pro career as the careers that Blake’s grandfather and great-grandfather had.
I figured the Geoffrion kid had to be some relation to Boom-Boom.
Thanks for clarifying and the extra info. Interesting.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Speaking of which, they actually had some of the rookies do some art over the summer, which included Blake Geoffrion and our own Cody Eakin. Geoffrion’s art included a Habs logo and the words “Boom Boom”
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
I mentioned this in an OT thread one night but Marc Crawford had a funny story about Boom-Boom on the TSN Panel recently:
“Boom-Boom Geoffrion. He was the Boomer – second guy to score 50 goals. But I liked him more as a coach and I had two players that played for him in Atlanta and they told me the story about Boom-Boom and they said in his best French accent he said, “I want you guys to go out there and do three things tonight: skate and shoot.”
by Rather Bengt on Dec 19, 2011 4:00 PM EST up reply actions
So Perreault had a migraine. Ugh.
Which reminds me that Backstrom suffers from them, too.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
You gotta be careful about those changes in latitudes along with those changes in altitudes. Nothing remains quite the same in that situation.
Now where's my hat? I'm going to the outhouse.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 19, 2011 1:01 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Me, too, but if Eakin was still with the team and there was still time to change the roster before submission, Perreault stating he felt it during pregame makes it sound like he should have pulled himself; yes, I know about fighting for a roster spot, playing time, etc.
I said something to that effect over the weekend, without knowing anything more than he got sick during the game.
"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 am saying this in the context of what reporters are stating he told them today about when he started not feeling well.
Right. At the time, we had no idea what was wrong, but I suggested that he was probably feeling not quite okay before the game and kept quiet. By admitting that he wasn’t 100% at the start of the game, he could find himself a semi-permanent fixture in the press box. If you’re Hunter, aren’t you fuming?
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
Speaking of Perreault…
3-2-5, plus-6 in his first five games this season…
…0-1-1, minus-5 in his last 15 games.
Familiar pattern?
If you've read this far...seek help.
Another agent venting on twitter:
“Dear Jay Feaster, another client put on waivers because you have signed the max amount of players. I’m not happy. Merry xmas”
shawngreenagent shawn green
Who did the Flames put on waivers today? All my usual Canadian media types are talking World Juniors today and none are paying attention to the waiver wire.
Reporter: "What’s your Mom’s birthday?"
Tortorella: "I have no idea."
I was just looking and I haven’t seen the info. as of now, either.
FWIW, I am not sure how signing max amount of players impacts waivers unless this is someone expected to be claimed or released.
It’s too late to place someone on waivers for the purpose of having him claimed and opening up a roster spot to make a trade pre-roster freeze and no guarantee a player would be claimed. Could be so trade could happen post-roster freeze if the player is claimed???
Unless this somehow references dollars and not contracts, but I think Calgary has a small amount of cap space, too.
Wow, pretty sure that if I were to hire a sports agent I would ban him from tweeting on my behalf. Just can’t be a good long term strategy to tweek GM’s in public.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Dec 19, 2011 2:17 PM EST up reply actions
Not sure what it’s actually about, as I just looked to see who this group represents, looks like younger players and some minor leaguers, plus none of the three listed reps (all young) are listed on the NHLPA site.
On this day in 2010
The Caps won against Ottawa to break their 8 game losing streak. Their record was 19-12-4 in 35 games, good for 42 points and the lead in the SE division despite the horrendous slide.
Today, they have played 31 games and their record is 16-4-1, 33 points. If they win their next 4 games, they will have 41 points, nearly at the same place they were in the season last year after 35 games.
In looking for positives in this wretchedly inconsistent season, I think it is pointless to compare to last year, as much has changed obviously. But I am drawing a little solace from the fact that necessary personnel changes will come soon from GMGM, that Hunter is a good coach and seems to know how to adapt to playoff hockey, and that these players simply can’t all suck at the same time all season. They have battled adversity with mixed results over the last year: obviously overcoming the losing streak to dominate the conference but failing in crunch time.
It ain’t over yet folks, although it’s hard to feel good about this team now.
Is the 2C position still the biggest concern with this team? Should they use the Avs 1st RD pick to draft one if they aren’t going to trade for one? I’m not sure MJ is the answer there and Kuznetsov seems better suited to play RW. How long has this been an issue with the Caps and are they ever going to have any playoff success without a legit 2C? Ideally, I think it would be even better if they had a 2C with 1C potential that could replace Backstrom there when needed. Below I’ve listed some of the ones available for next year’s draft and how they compare to some other recent first round picks at the center position.
Mikhail Grigorenko: (2011 -2012 season in QMJHL) – 58 pts (25G, 33A) – 36GP
Alex Galchenyuk (2010-2011 season in OHL as 16 yr old) – 37 pts (11G, 26A) – 36GP (injured, hasn’t played this season)
Zemgus Girgensons (2011-2012 season in USHL) – 26 pts (12G, 14A) – 22GP
Recent first round picks at the center position for comparison:
Tyler Seguin (2009-2010 season in OHL) – 61 pts (28G, 33A) – 36GP
John Tavares: (2007 – 2008 season in OHL) – 82 pts (30G, 52A) – 36GP
Steven Stamkos: (2007-2008 season in OH) – 58 pts (32G, 26A) – 36GP
These guys are also available if the Caps end up with late first round picks:
Radek Faksa: (2011-2012 season in OHL) – 33pts (16G, 17A) – 31 GP
Brendan Gaunce: (2011-2012 season in OHL) – 36 pts (19G, 17A) – 36 GP
Jarrod Maidens: (2011-2012 season in OHL) -23 pts (12G, 11A) – 29GP
Andreas Athanasiou: (2011-2012 season in OHL) – 21 pts (12G, 9A), – 33GP
Lobbies: Green, Carlson, Orlov
Brooks Laich should be 2C. I’ve been saying it for a year now…
by David C. Rothman on Dec 19, 2011 3:39 PM EST up reply actions
How many players have been used at the 2C position since the departure of Fedorov?
Brendan Morrison
Mathieu Perreault
Eric Belanger
Brooks Laich
Tomas Fleischmann
Jason Arnott
MJ
Am I missing anyone? If the team thought Laich were a reliable 2C, I don’t think they would have traded all those 2nd RD picks for guys like Arnott, Belanger, etc. Laich doesn’t have the playmaking skills needed for that position. I think he’s being used pretty effectively where he is right now.
Lobbies: Green, Carlson, Orlov
Right, but Fedorov wasn’t the long-term option for that position. It’s not like the Caps not signing him meant that there was a hole a 2C. They knew there would be one and haven’t been able to fix the issue.
That’s what I’m saying. This issue has gone on for three years now and GMGM hasn’t done enough to find a solution. I know he drafted MJ and Kuznetsov recently but as I said before, I feel neither one of those players is the answer. I’d rather see the team give up whatever 1st round picks, prospects or players are needed to trade for a legit 2C now or draft one next year if they can than continue to throw away 2nd rd picks every year on guys like Belanger and Arnott.
Lobbies: Green, Carlson, Orlov
Ah… I get it.
But where the Caps draft, you can’t expect a 2C to come from there within 2 or 3 years of selecting the player. For them, it’s going to have to come via FA or trade.
I think it will depend on what happens this year and where this team is headed. Are they a legitimate Cup contending team right now? I don’t see it. If they want to go on a different direction with a new coach and system, then I think they can afford to wait a few years and draft a new core of players. The one thing on their favor is that most of the defensemen and the goalies are still young. Backstrom is only 24 and Ovi 26. I’m not sure what the team plans to do with Green. He’s great when healthy but he hasn’t been for almost two years now and he always gets injured in the playoffs so if you can’t count of your best defenseman to be there when it matters most then why keep him around? Finally, I’ll be shocked if Semin is still around next year. If they are going to try a mini-rebuild, then I think now is the right time to do it.
Lobbies: Green, Carlson, Orlov
Exactly. What if they Caps can trade Green for a 1st round pick to a team like ANA and have three first rd picks next year? That would definitely speed things up.
Lobbies: Green, Carlson, Orlov
But then we’d have to replace Green.
Wideman’s only here for another year and puck moving offensive defensemen of Green’s caliber are extraordinarily rare.
Why would you need to replace him right away in a mini-rebuild? Also, like you said offensive defenseman like him are rare. You’re not going to replace his 60-70 pts with just one player but if guys like Carlson and Orlov get lots of PP minutes , their production could add up or come close to that and we already know that they can play D. In addition, in this scenario, the Caps would have three first round draft picks next year so they could draft another solid D-man if they wanted to and without Green’s contract, I think they could afford to keep Wideman. The bottom line is that Green has become too fragile and I’m not sure he can survive more than one or two playoff rounds without getting injured so again what’s the point of keeping him if that’s the case?
Lobbies: Green, Carlson, Orlov
we already know that they can play D
Not completely sold on Orlov. He’s been playing with strong teammates (even if underperforming, they’d still be facing checkers) against a variety of opponents (which, I bet, are, on the whole, not that good; in other words, sheltered). Green is still much, much better than he is.
For what it’s worth, this is Orlov’s third season after his draft. Green was in his first season as a regular (70 GP in DC, 12 in Hershey) his same season, 06-07.
Orlov’s start looks promising, but he still has a long way to go before even getting close to Green.
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I believe in next year.
by red army line on Dec 19, 2011 7:36 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t think Orlov is close to Green either but he could provide some additional offense along with Carlson and Wideman for the next two or three years while the team rebuilds with a new core of players if that’s what they decide to do. The main issue is the lack of a legit 2C. If the team decides to draft one instead of trading for one, then the Caps won’t be a Cup contender immediately and can afford to wait for Orlov, the 2C, and other first round draft picks to develop also.
Green’s first full season in NHL as 21 yr old: 70GP (2G, 10A)
Carlson’s first full season in NHL as 20/21 yr old: 82GP (7G, 30A) not bad…
Orlov’s first year in NHL as 20 yr old: 13GP (0G,5A)
Green’s health issues need to be taken into consideration at this point right? I mean, if I were GMGM I wouldn’t offer him another long-term contract if he gets injured again this season.
Lobbies: Green, Carlson, Orlov
Every team has holes, and I guess if you have a hole in terms of a scorer, you need to win games with strong D…
If I had to bet, Yakupov, Grigorenko, and Murray are the only players from the 2012 draft who can be impact contributors (think Nugent-Hopkins, Duchene, or Larsson) in 2012-13. (not my draft knowledge speaking, but more like only the very best 18 year olds can hang with veteran top-6 forwards and top-4 D in the NHL). So unless either DC or Colorado finishes top-3 (or McPhee trades for/signs a 2C), it’ll be at least another year or two with this patchwork deal.
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 19, 2011 4:43 PM EST up reply actions
I could be wrong but I think Grigorenko may fall a little bit in the draft. I keep hearing about some consistency/work ethic issues with him and he’s Russian so some GMs may not be willing to take the risk. However, if he has a great WJC, then forget it, he’ll probably go first ahead of Yakupov.
Lobbies: Green, Carlson, Orlov
The Onion has such brilliant writers … amazing
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by TheFuryUnleashed on Dec 19, 2011 4:29 PM EST up reply actions
Question about faceoffs...
During the first intermission interview on Saturday night, Halpern (I think – I’ve slept since then and been downright exhausted the last few days) indicated that it was very difficult to win faceoffs on the road, and made mention of how the referee dropped the puck as part of the issue.
I know that the visiting team has to set position first, but isn’t the ref supposed to drop the puck flat into the middle of the dot?
After as much practice as these guys should have had, I’d think that dropping the puck where you want it to drop should be pretty second-nature, right?
So how does the puck drop itself affect how easy or hard it is for the visiting team to win a faceoff?
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Because the linesmen will often drop the puck right when the home player is in position. If they hold the puck too long then the players start jousting too early and you never get a drop. So the visiting player has to set his stick, then the home player gets to “set” his stick. But if you watch closely there are a lot of draws where the home player never even brings his stick to a full stop. When he gets his stick into the basic area where it’s supposed to be the linesman will drop the puck, so the home player frequently has an advantage there. I didn’t read the direct quote, but I doubt he’s referring to the exact placement of where the puck falls.
Please, call me F&B.
He wasn’t real clear on what he was referencing, so what you’re saying makes sense. It’s a timing thing rather than a placement thing.
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So it’s kind of like rolling up to a red light and having it turn green before ever actually coming to a full stop?
Thanks, I was always curious about that.
"You do that, you go to the box, you know. Two minutes, by yourself, you know and you feel shame" -Denis Lemieux
Halpern … indicated that it was very difficult to win faceoffs on the road
FWIW, I just ran the numbers and am pretty sure Halpern has won 58% of his draws at home and 63% on the road.
Of course, this is where one of my dream stats – faceoffs thrown out of – would come in handy. My gut tells me he gets tossed more on the road, but I can’t be sure.
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He was answering a direct question about how tough it is to win draws on the road – not necessarily how tough it is for him personally, just in general… I’d love to see statistics on which referees or linesmen were on the ice when the away team had a particularly brutal night in the dot, just for amusement value…
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by IRockTheRed on Dec 19, 2011 11:43 PM EST up reply actions
Yes, I know he gets tossed plenty at home. But I have intellectual curiosity on this point that is not satiated by your pointing out the obvious.
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Ha. From Knubs himself
Thanks for all of the congrats tweets. Never thought I’d get there. Didn’t even know about the jerseys. My wife is keeping things from me
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